Phoenix Blooded

A Father is the best thing you could wish for. Along with a mother, however, neither have much time when one is always away, and the other is gone. I wish that one day, I may spread my wings and fly, so my Father will not worry. [Independant Dynasty Warriors OC.]

[jxhua]

fledglingphoenixflight

    “Sneaking out again, Princess Linfen?  While I will pretend I did not see you, I would be cautious that your father is currently wandering the halls.”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“You make it sound like I’m always sneaking out, which... I admit I do often, so you’re kinda justified to think that... But I actually have permission this time around. You don’t have to pretend you didn’t see me. In fact, I actually came to find you. I wanted to ask you something. Do you have any strategies that you prefer to use, or just like?”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

Shoes and Smooth

From here:

Diplomacy, Diplomacy… She was glad that she was able to come and see Shu finally, after the repeated battles with Zhuge Liang, since they seemed to have a more neutral agreement at the current moment. A ceasefire, so to speak, so now was the time for the Strategists, and Chancellors, and Emperors to butt heads before the whole cycle started up again. She knew how this worked.

Though, really, it wasn’t that hard to slip away from the guards assigned to protect her. Sure, they were guarding the door to the room she was given, but so long as she returned before they noticed she was gone, everything would be fine. After all, why wouldn’t it be fine? It wasn’t like she was going to run into anybody important that immediately knew who she was, or where she was from. What was the likeliness of that happening?

…… Apparently quite high as the door to her left crashed open and someone slid out. If she could describe what it looked like, it would’ve been akin to the saying way off into the future of a ‘train wreck’ situation, though for now, she just tried to cover her mouth and stifle any giggles that may or may not have started after the initial surprise had come, and passed.

“Alright.”

She didn’t know who this person was, but judging by the appearance, and how fine his clothes were, this was either a prince, or the emperor. She couldn’t seem to decide as to which as she crouched down, and tried helping with the shoe the best she could, and even offering to help him with getting up to his feet.

“Are you alright, though? You look to be in quite a rush.”

She tried to help straighten everything out so it was presentable, much like an older sister would have done to their younger sibling before a big event, she didn’t even bother to ask who he was, or why he was in a rush. If it was important, it was important. It wasn’t her place either.

“Ah, your hair’s a mess… You can’t go anywhere looking like you just got out of bed.”

It probably didn’t help that with his tumble, the Mianguan came loose, and slid across the floor just a little bit. She wasn’t able to see it clearly. She knew he was wearing some sort of hat, but not what hat it was.

“Just… hold still for a little bit. I’ll fix this.”

[silencedoblivion]

"You look.... odd."

“You look..confused..”

[silencedoblivion]

Zhou Tai did keep his optics upon her, watching her every move. No one in this course has ever drowned since he would always save them. For failures, that’s what people on board already saw them as. It took hard work and dedication to be a pirate. It is not as easy as people think it is. Like strategies on a battlefield there are certain tasks that need to be done at a certain time. Another aspect of it was teamwork. Everyone on deck should be working together to get things done. Even the ones that fail get help and tips from other crew members. Everyone assumes pirates are nothing but thieves, murderers, con artists, vile and disgusting. But they will never know the truth unless they actually try it for once, but not everyone wishes to try it. 

“Very interesting..” he mumbled as he watched Mei walk along the side of the ship. Now that was using your head. Although it would be a challenge to walk on the slippery, mossy bottom of the boat. Not to mention the waves crashing at her feet could make her slip and fall. “This girl isn’t distracted by me watching her..she keeps focused on her task..an excellent trait..perhaps her family did raise her well..” He turned for a few moments to watch his crew who were working really hard and really quick. Zhou Tai sighed and turned to speak to his crew. “Men..you don’t have to work your asses off in my presence.. I know you will get the job done..” Each crewman cheered as they started to slow down. 

“It won’t be long now..till we reach home..”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

Just a little bit farther. That’s all she had left, a little bit. She could see the tip of the ship, but it was more dangerous, as this was also where it cut the waves. The spray was the worst, here, but she still had to do it. She had to make it. Little by little, step by step, careful to keep hold of the rope, and not slip. She refused to slip,not until she got to the very front of the boat, and stayed on the very edge of it for a few moments to realise where exactly she was. She made it. Everything else was easier in just being carried back by the waves. She couldn’t help the light laughter fall from just the sheer success. If he could see this... if her Father could see this, that she made it to this point without getting hurt... Would he be proud?

“HULL!”

The word was almost cheered out, until she moved to the side, and slowly lowered herself back into the water, and just let the momentum of the ship carry her down the other side, back to the waves as she just enjoyed the ride for a little bit until she got to the middle of the ship again.

“AMIDSHIPS”

And she just kept drifting all the way back to the back of the boat, seeing it as ‘complete’ as she pulled on the rope again to climb it the best she could back up and onto the ship.

“.... Stern... and no need for Brig.”

No, she was done, and just sat on the back of the ship, dripping wet. Sure, she was happy, but she was exhausted too. She didn’t even make a move to get the water out of her hair, nor to wring out her clothes, nor what her clothes even looked like now that they were soaked. Her entire body wanted her to just stop, and not move again.

“How’d I do? What was the time?”

[ladydiaochan-archive]

⊰ 🌸 ⊱: — Ah, family; a full family at that. Granted Diaochan had just one blood-bind sister. That was more than enough for her. Knowing her kin existed and the backstory behind it all. The Dancer’s parents truly loved their children, unfortunately.. darkness shrouded their name. Her Father did everything he could to protect their family, which sadly resulting in breaking their family apart and sending their daughter away. Just the mere thought of everything she was told replaced her once radiant smile, with a solemn frown. “You hold much pride in yourself, my Lady. And for that I truly admire you.” she spoke, in hopes to cast aside the thoughts of her family disbanding. Portraying a ghost of a smile on her slender lips. “With that, you hold the world in your hands.” The little gesture Meiyu had done did not bother the woman; nor her words. With both her hands placed gently onto her thighs, she had remained silent. 

Until the Princess had spoke again. An innocent question caused the Dancer to blush very softly. Heavens above, please grant her plead. Do not allow the young Princess to witness this blush. — “Y-Your Father chose me, my Lady.” she replied; short and sweet ( with very light stuttering to express her sheepish ways. ) Oh Goodness, now she was asking even more questions! Diaochan could feel her visage heating up. Because of Cao Pi’s status? His accomplishments? How well-off he is?? Heavens No! – Dare she say; she was actually in love with the Prince. Of course, she would never tell him, at least.. not just yet. But now, how was she to answer her curious inquires..? This would be a difficult dance to perform. 

“I-It is not like that a-at all, my Lady!” the words came springing out. A hand was raised to her lips, then her forehead. Oh how she hope to somehow get out of this mess. “Your Father, – my Lord.. I–..” she began; biting a little bit of her bottom lip. “He is…. different. I suppose….” Please let this be sufficient enough for the curious Princess – please. 

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

Pride... in herself? No, it really wasn’t like that. She would say things, and knew to say certain things, or play the part, when in actuality, she just felt like a small child that could do nothing but run away or hide when it came down to it. Big words,but nothing to back it. It was just empty pride. “Don’t admire me.” That was a double edged sword, and she turned her head away for just a moment. “The world may be in my hands, but it’s too heavy for me to move at all. I don’t have enough yet.” She frowned and gripped tightly to the fabric of her dress, keeping her gaze down on her lap for a little bit.

However, it was not long enough. Her gaze turned upwards again to the dancer, as this was important information. It determined everything she needed to know about this person, and whether or not she could trust her, especially as with the dynasties before them, there was plotting and twisting of words. It was not sufficient enough for her. It probably would never be as she didn’t fully understand just how different the concept of ‘Love’ could be, nor how difficult it was. So the second Diaochan replied, so did she. It almost seemed as if she had an answer for everything. “He may have chose you, but you could’ve said no, but instead you said ‘yes’ and came here. Do you see what I mean? So there has to be a reason why you accepted.”

But still, she was ready to just listen, and gauge the meaning herself. Her father was different. To her, he was the entire world, the person she admired most and looked up to for approval,the person she wanted to please and show she could handle herself, and yet... “Different... How is he ‘different’?” So anyone that got close... they would probably get the same treatment, the same barrage of questions. After all, she only wanted to protect him in whatever ways she could. This was one of them.

[fyeahrpmemes-blog]

The 35th icon in your folder is your muse's reaction to seeing their first born child for the first time

[silencedoblivion]

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

[silencedoblivion]

"You look.... odd."

“You look..confused..”

[silencedoblivion]

Zhou Tai had his arms crossed, walking around the edge of the ship all while following the rope he threw out. This indicated to him where she might be at all times. The silent general made a small white lie to her by saying she would be timed. This test just brought endurance and agility out of the person. It also worked out any fears they might be having. Those that swim have a mindset that they might drown and you would if you kept thinking about it. Focus was also a big key here. So far she was doing everything correctly, she was quite smart. But there were still three parts to get to and it wasn’t going to be so easy with the ship sailing quickly across the waves.

One of his crewman came up to watch the action as well before whispering over towards the captain’s ear.”Captn..do you really think she has what it takes? She is just a little lass you know?” A simple scoff came from the his mouth as he continued to walk. “You should realize..I know potential when I see it..just can’t waste it and keep her locked up this whole time…This also teachers her skills..if she were to ever find herself in a terrible situation..now get back to work..” “Aye Aye Captain!” As the crewman left, sable optics continued to watch her movements. “You are doing this for your pride aren’t you..? Or is there something else you are fighting for..?” he said under his breath.

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

Agility she was good at. Endurance, though, she still needed to work on, but the exhaustion was always helped out by both sheer stubbornness, and determination. It may have been a trait in her family, but she did well to keep it hidden for when she could, or at least keep it equal to some other people so it wasn’t as apparent. Unluckily, the winds were very strong, so even if she swam and swam, it wouldn’t be at the same pace of the ship. She would get exausted at that speed, and she knew it the second that she reached the middle of the side of the ship. Wiping the salt from her eyes, She held onto the side to regain her bearings as she looked at where she was. Midway through one side. She could do this. She had to do this. She had to find a way... she made it this far already, right? At least he knew she could swim at this speed, if he were watching... but the speed and the temperature... she wouldn’t be able to do it properly. Still, she had to say where she was, right? Taking a breath, she yelled the location.

“AMIDSHIPS.”

She was getting tired, although she wanted to think on what he had said. She swam, yes. And could do well with swimming, but if this kept going, she knew she wouldn’t be able to get all the way around the ship. But the rope... He never fully said that she had to swim the entire time, right?

She wouldn’t make it if she swam the entire time, but that focus... Pirates weren’t conventional, right? She would try something unconventional, then. Wrapping her hand around the rope, she pulled on it just enough until she could get her feet on the side of the ship, ah... her shoes were lost, weren’t they? Well, she would get new ones, or just not wear any. Keep hold of the rope, and walk along the side. Sure, it was easier, and she would argue that he never said she couldn’t do something like this, but she would make it to the front of the boat a little easier as long as she didn’t get hit from too hard of a wave, and lose her footing... stay high, and walk. At least the rope was stable enough.

[itshimikochan]

“Da Jisama has always taken care of me! But heeey! I got safely here even on my own! No need to worry about something that didn’t happen ~! I am here in one piece!” the girl giggled jolly.

What is your name?”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“But what if you leave here, and are killed by the snakemen? Or the Hydra? Sometimes numbers do help alongside ability. I just... don’t want to see someone hurt when it can be prevented.”

That was one of the few things she couldn’t stand: Preventable injuries and death.

“Ah, I never introduced myself, did I? I’m sorry. I should’ve. I am Princess Linfen of Wei.”

[sxkichi]

"Mitsunari, you have a very nice mother. I can see why she would be so proud to call you her son."

      “She’s… not actually my mother.”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“I figured that, but still, she sees you as a son, so she’s still your mother. Family isn’t only reserved to blood, you know.”

[itshimikochan]

“Whah! I don’t need an escort! I can take care of myself! Escorts would only be on Himikochan’s way!”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“But what if you get hurt and there’s nobody around? Depending on just yourself can only get you so far, which is why it’s important to also depend on others. You may get hurt and then those that look up to you, or those that care for you would feel sad because you got hurt.”

[temperedwings]

“Sure I can..well, I am a ninja and we have to be that observant in the profession. Besides! I have spent some time with Wei because of one of my son’s friend is the prince there.” 

She answered with warm big smile and then began pa her head. “Funny thing I can have the hunch you’re wei but…but who child are you exactly in that kingdom? Truly do look precious…Anyways. Good that things has been fine.” everything should’ve been fine since she’s kept her eyes on Wei kingdom too.

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“Son’s friend... Prince of Wei...?”

She seemed to question that before it seemed to click in her head who she may be talking about. The only prince of Wei that had a friend in this twisted world was-

“Ah! Is your son Lord Ishida Mitsunari?!”

She really wanted to know the answer, but she already basically figured it out. It really made her happy, especially when the elder lady, despite being a ninja, couldn’t figure out who her father was. That gave her the advantage of knowing something the elder lady didn’t... which absolutely deserved the pat to the head. Mitsunari really had a very nice mother. It explained quite a few things, too.

“Actually, my father is your son’s friend. It’s actually really a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

She smiled brightly because now... now she could possibly tease Mitsunari just a little bit about this. Just a tad. But within the plotting, she blinked a few times and bowed her head. She was being so rude!

“A-ah, sorry. I am Princess Linfen of Wei.”

[cutthroathero-blog]

“Ah, Meiyu. Tea would be good.”

The King of Wei laughed and gave his granddaughter a pat on the head. People could accuse Cao Mengde of many things, but he could never be faulted for neglecting his children and their offspring. Like many grandparents, he quite enjoyed spoiling them from time to time.

He sat down and placed his sword to the side. “Has your father been teaching you well? I expect you to be a smart girl, Meiyu.”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“Of course. I’ll make some now.”

Soon, she scurried around her room, and carefully hung the kettle over the fire for the water to boil. She always made sure to have at least one kettle filled with water, just in case sudden guests like this happened. Her room was mainly scrolls, and useful objects, nothing really extra about it. Everything was for some practical use of some sort. From the blank scrolls, to her hairpins, to the plant on the windowsill, everything had some sort of practical use in some way.

“Oh, He’s been teaching me really well. I can recite your annotated version of Sun Tsu’s Art of War by heart, and many poems as well. I can compose a little bit of my own, but nothing near as great as yours, Grandfather, or Fathers, or Uncle Zhi’s... but I’ll get to an equal footing soon, I assure you.”

She turned around fully, and just clasped her hands in front of her lap expectantly. After all, the one thing he could spoil her with that she adored more than any object that could be given was-

“So, how goes your campaigns? And political affairs? Literacy developments? Any changes? Anything interesting going on?”

                                                     -information.

[silencedoblivion]

"You look.... odd."

“You look..confused..”

[silencedoblivion]

Zhou Tai scoffed, walking to the edge of the stern and grabbing a rope along with a life saver jacket. “The back of the ship is the stern..the front is the..hull..the middle is called the amidships.. the brig is where you were going to wind up..it’s a prison..but you changed your attitude..” Tai threw the rope off the ship, letting it unravel out. It was a fairly, lengthy rope that went out against the waves. He suddenly tossed the life jacket at her and crossed his arms. “I want to test your swimming skills..go out and grab the rope..from there..move to each part of the ship I told you just now..and yell it out..”

“You will be timed..so get ready and when I say go..you go..” He trained all his crew with this method to help survival skills and to learn how a ship works. “Go..” he said in a low but loud enough tone for her to hear.

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“Stern, Hull, Amidships, Brig. Got it.” If there was one thing she was an expert at, it was memorization. Sure, she wasn’t going to say that she may be able to have gotten out of the brig, but at the same time, she just stared at the objects he was getting,and what he was doing with the rope. Once she pieced it together what was going on, she seemed to understand, and caught the life jacket, and stared down at it, then looked over the edge of the ship to think on the best way to approach this challenge, but she wanted to know something before she was to do anything.

“What’s the fastest time this has been done?”

While she was asking, she was putting on the life jacket. Sure this entire situation was terrifying, but... if she couldn’t handle something like this, it would be a disgrace to both her name, and to herself. She was confident in her swimming skills, but in open waters like this... the most she did was in a calmer setting, but it shouldn’t be that difficult. For now, she was more focused on tying the baggy sleeves of hers tighter to her arms so it wouldn’t get caught in the water and make her slower. But the entire time, she was devising a way of doing this properly that would work out the best for her... But then he said ‘go’, so she took off running towards the edge, and jumped off in such a way she would be able to grab hold of the rope when she landed.

“STERN!”

Quickly, she tied the rope around her wrist before anything, just in case, and took a deep breath before diving under the water to swim instead of against the waves in such a way that the deeper currents that helped spur the ship forward along with the wind would also help her, but she did, however, keep her eyes closed the entire time, and instead dictated the direction she should swim by both the rope, and by being sure she could brush the ship with her fingertips to know exactly where it is.

[ladydiaochan-archive]

⊰ 🌸 ⊱: — “That’s the spirit.” The Dancer chimed quite gleefully.  “If you continue to practice the movements, perhaps one day those special steps shall return to you.” She stood there with quite a radiant smile on her lips, gazing at the Princess. 

Such a admirable fire the Princess held in her soul. Much like her Father, but more.. tolerable. “I believe in you, my Lady.” Diaochan wondered if Meiyu had perhaps grew a bit of a liking to her already. – Perhaps not. The Songstress wouldn’t mind looking after her as if she was her own. — What was she thinking?! A swift shade of red colored her visage, eyes widen just a tad to wake herself up. W-Why is she thinking such things?! 

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“Perhaps, but it’s not as important now. Father is, along with my brothers, sisters, and stepmothers.”

Well that left enough to be known. She did not say anything about her own mother, which could mean two things: She didn’t like her mother, or her mother was gone. The first probably wouldn’t seem likely, but the second?

To be believed in... She felt a weird sense of pride from those words, and she knew she could do anything with something like that. Her face turned slightly more smug, and she flicked her hair behind her shoulder.

“Of course you would believe in me. After all, I am a Cao, and my father is one of the greatest people ever,alongside my grandfather, so it really isn’t surprising you would think as such.” Boastful words, but it was still more toned down. She wasn’t looking down on Diaochan at all, but rather admired her now. It was... easy to talk to her, and not feel as if she had to act her part of being the ‘princess’. It was.... nice. “But... I actually what to know... Why did you pick Father out of everyone in the world? Is it because of his status? Is it because of how well off he is? His accomplishments?”

[silencedoblivion]

"You look.... odd."

“You look..confused..”

[silencedoblivion]

Zhou Tai looked up upon her, shaking his head lightly. “It’ll have to do for now..when we get to shore..we can go to a tailor..and you can design whatever you wish..” Walking back towards the hull, he leaned against the wooden structure and looked up. “First thing you should know but you probably already do..the captain gives the orders..if the captain is not present then that goes to the first mate..you from here on out are my apprentice..you don’t listen to anyone but me..”

The silent captain would be a bit more lenient on her. His goal was to make her comfortable while she was aboard. Crossing his arms, he looked back out towards his men on the deck. “Now lass..I will teach you the things you must know..but you can decide what you want to be taught..for example..if you wish to know how to fire a cannon..or know how to properly swab a deck..I will teach you such things..you will also be put through physical tests such as swimming..fishing..combat..and whatever else comes to mind..now..what do you wish to learn first..?”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“No,this is okay. I like it being a bit more baggy. It’s more likely that a blade will just catch the fabric than my arm that way.” She pointed out and just tilted her head a bit as he moved, and tried to think on what he meant by that. “Well, it’s the same way in an army. The generals give orders to the lieutenants, so there’s always some sort of structure. ‘Captain’ and ’First Mate’ just may be the terms for this situation.” She could understand that much. But the idea of being an ‘apprentice’, she couldn’t help but salute to that. “Aye-aye, Captain.”

So she was a bit more comfortable thinking of it like that, which may have relayed a bit more of her personality than she would’ve liked. She was the daughter of someone related to the military. “Everything. I wish to learn everything. I already know how to swim, fish, and a little bit of the sword, though not much.” She admitted, and set her hands on her hips. “That’s about it, though.”

[ladydiaochan-archive]

⊰ 🌸 ⊱: — Brown hues widen from the sight. That dance was rather familiar, yet her memory was like scattered pieces of a puzzle once it came to that dance. Listening to the Princess’s tone, the Songstress gave a nod. “Very well.” she replied; studying the young lady’s features. If such a dance is truly special to her, why would she not wish to master it..? Was there perhaps a story behind these melancholy movements? Diaochan decided not to pry. Eye lids closed, arms crossed she sighed softly. Where should she even begin? What could she do? 

It was silent on the brunette’s side as she gave some thought into her lesson. “Hmmm..” was hummed. Maybe just maybe she could glue the pieces to this Dance puzzle, she could put the Princess at some sort of ease. “Worry not, my Lady. Though it has been long since you have practiced, movements are fluid. It will return to you.” 

“Remain strong, Princess.”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“You... you sure?” So even without being taught the dance again from someone else, she would remember it herself? That was something she hoped for, though maybe she didn’t want to remember at the same time. What good was being able to remember everything, if the important things were lost? She didn’t care anymore. It was a long time since she closed out the pain.

“Remain.... strong...”

Those words made her stop and think for a moment before she shook her head and slapped at her cheeks to snap out of the daze, before she was brought back to the reality before her.

“Of course I’m going to remain strong. I have to be strong to protect what I wish to protect. Maybe not physically, but mentally, I can do it. I can and will protect them.”

[sengokuelvis-deactivated2019042]

        [ ❖ ] :: “You’ve run into the right guy then.” Sakon couldn’t resist bragging a little. "I’m one of the top tacticians in my time. It’s not something you can learn overnight, but I don’t mind helping if you’d like to improve.” He liked showing off his knowledge.

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

No, this was definitely a dream come true, and her eyes practically sparkled at his offer. “Teach me then! I can handle it! I can remember an entire book just by reading through it once!” She knew it was going to be difficult, but she loved the idea of learning whatever she can, especially if it meant she would be able to better protect both her Father and Grandfather.

[temperedwings]

fledglingphoenixflight |  immaculatesnowfall 

“Oh! Two faces dressed up like Wei people. Hello there, is everything alright?”

[fledglingphoenixflight-blog]

“You could tell that we’re from Wei by how we dressed up?” Well, she now had to be mindful of the way she dressed so it was harder to tell, especially when they return home from this twisted world. “A-and everything’s okay. Why wouldn’t it be okay?”