Private A Royal Encounter

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata smiled to herself, feeling Junko's hands encircle her waist from behind. The Jade Screamer looked down as she and Sun were surrounded by the Princess' entourage of handmaidens and heavily armored Yovshin and even a few tanks. Such a dignitary required the best in protection. Iwata was ready to lay her life down to protect the Princess, as all Jade Screamers were.

As the all began to move forward, Iwata glanced over to her comrade. Corporal Sun offered a quick, cheeky grin, seeing how the princess clung to her sergeant as both Iwata and the Princess swayed rhythmically with the movement of the longma. Iwata only spared Sun a quick glance. The fighters screamed overhead and the Jade Screamers looked up to see them pass over. They all moved across the lands between the walls.

The Junko's harmonious voice spoke into Iwata's ear. The Jade Screamer turned her head a bit, so that the Princess could better hear her. "We occasionally make longer patrols outside the walls. We just returned from one yesterday. Mounted soldiers can reach hidden places in the landscape, where aerial vehicles can't see, or motorized one's can't get reach." She answered, very pleased to have her special guest riding with her. Iwata's nerves were not nearly as jittery as when Junko had first approached her, though she still felt the flutter of butterflies in her belly, having the lovely Jedi Princess right behind her, holding her. But she sat straight and proud, as a Jade Screamer should.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko had a grin on her face as they were moving and she turned to look at the other jade screamer who was there with them... well next to them the longma still had plenty of space but her eyebrow came up. "Was there something of interest?" A moment for it as they were going and the gates opened to reveal more rice patties for the farmers and roadways that went through. The droids used to maintain them and overhead everything could be seen from the skies with the anshin and even could see stations in the right light as they had created the tachibana massive semi Ai controlled stations that could move around.

Junko though was looking at the roads and the hills around them. Massive and lined with some buildings thaat were a mixture of ther modern high capacity living modules and the classical with wooden panels... workers outside clearing space or harvesting select crops. The strong scent of fresh air and a syummer breeze was there as the caravan moved through getting some looks and bows as well as cheers. Junko motioned and spoke as her handmaidens went out and were sharing food or drinks or they were giving some credits. Junko was looking and pointing out a few things mostly the people as from here she could see who needed the help or was coming... the others followed her directions.

 

[Iwata Kin]

Sun was caught off guard by the Princess's question, her cheeks blushing. "Just... its a lovely day... your Highness." The armored girl answered in a demure voice. She quickly turned her attention ahead. Iwata grinning at how Sun's cheeky smile was caught by the astute Princess. Being at the center with Junko Ike made Iwata feel a little self-consicous. Of course, everyone was looking at the Princess, but Iwtata was right up there with her on the Longma, for all to see. There were many workers and 'between-wall' villagers who came to watch the large expedition, leave, and to see their beloved Princess. The fact that Junko's handmaidens were generously handing out goodies and credits to those lining the road made the event seem less than an expedition convoy and more like a royal motorcade, at least in the area around she and the Princess.

"Your people love you, your Highness." Iwata wondered if Junko was loved even more than the emperor and empress. The Princess was the face that the people saw, the one who gave gifts and was present when great buildings and technologies were introduced. Iwata had to admit, while she loved the Princess as one of the ruling nobles on Atrisia, after the time alone with Junko, the Jade Screamer had feelings that were much more personal for the Princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko smiled and nodded. "They do, it is a welcomed time compared to dislike or hate but we have been doing more and the empress is having the sansin festival soon enough." She enjoyed those it was a different thing to many but the empress cared for Atrisia greatly and adopted bringing into the royal palace the orphans who had lost their families. THe emperor well he was always visiting villagers and aiding with their defenses... if JUnko brought the food he brought the means to defend their fod without becoming massive walls like around the cities. There was then all of the colonies being terraformed to visit and refugees to aid where they could.

Junko though looked at Sun who had moved off for a moment and she laughed to herself at that... not to be mean but more ewanting to be a little playful and have some fun. The areas between the walls were for the rich farmland they could control and form... the area outside they were more minimalistic in cultivating it letting it naturally enrich itself. Junko was looking at more of what they had Here. She had more set up though and pointed to a few of the people to direct. Since they weren't getting down for now at least she could just have handmaidens handle it but she spoke to everyone and offered bowed heads and smile. Speaking words of encouragement.

As more time went on and they progressed though the final gates opening into the large expansive region outside the path to the mountains was easier to see and most of their supply train was making a nice line. The forests and plains between were filled with cherry blossoms and flowers of different colors, some of the creatures they had rescued thanks to Shoma and Beifong from colony worlds were thriving here on the world and other hover skiffs bringing supplies to the city could be seen.. moving to the sides of them but not being forced out of the way.. they were welcomed more when JUnko took out some of the tea and was getting a drink. "Hungry or thirsty?"

 

[Iwata Kin]

The expedition caravan crawled between the walls and finally out of the last gate into the open terrain. Even though she had just spent ten days in the rural lands beyond the walls, Iwata never grew tired of it. Atrisian landscape was gorgeous, especially when the cherry blossoms came out. Like most aspects of Atrisia, even the landscape and wildlife has come to flourish after the dark times.

Iwata tried to relax upon the longma and was able to overcome some of the preoccupation she had over the Princess. The noble beauty was right behind her, slender hands at Iwata's armored waist. It was an intimate, and very wonderful experience. But she was more than a favored soldier for the moment, she was a Jade Screamer, an elite mounted warrior, loyal unto death to the empress and emperor, and yes, to the Princess.

Peering over her shoulder, Iwata noted the Princess had retreated a bit, and had managed to acquire some tea. She asked if her escort wished something to eat or drink. "No thank you, your Highness." Iwata answered politely. She would not eat nor drink until Sun and the other soldiers and guardsmen did. It was how Iwata lead her own squad, only resting or eating when they were able to. Though, the Princess's tea smelled divine.

"You are riding well, your Highness." Iwata said, turning her head a bit so Junko could hear her. "You are in perfect rhythm with Tzun-oh, she appreciates that." The sergeant offered with a smile, turning her body in the saddle enough to steal a glance at her gorgeous passenger.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko listened to her and nodded as she took a sip of the tea. "A noble mentality... I will not deny a little disappointment but alas... your squad look to you to set an example and partaking of such an indulgance while they cannot... the scandal... Though it does make me want to kiss you again as while one or two might be cute... I try not to make a habit of kissing everyone... usually." She said it with a smile and a woe is me hand on her head for dramatic effectwhile holding herself steady on the back of the longma. SHe had a smile though as she opened one eye to peak and see if there was a reaction but winked as she held it. The traveling would be some time as the mountains loomed and the sounds of conversations among some of the others as they moved.. the sounds of even some singing to make pace could be heard on the air.

 

[Iwata Kin]

Atop the Longma, none could hear the conversation between the two women, so close in the saddle. Iwata felt proud at the Princess' compliment, it was nice to be recognized as a good leader. But the mention of another kiss from the beautiful jedi noble made Iwata grin giddily. She had not forgotten the feel of those sweet, glistening lips against hers the night before on the wall. She longed for more of them, but understood that it was probably a one time experience, until Junko mentioned wanting to do it again. Iwata hoped they would, at some moment when there weren't so many eyes on them.

Iwata turned in the saddle again to flash a charming grin. "It would be your loyal escort's pleasure to oblige her Highness with a kiss at any time." The Jade Screamer replied, daring to be a bit flirty herself. She turned again, catching the Princess's wink, and grinned to herself, feeling again those butterflies that Junko so easily set to flutter with her beauty and charm.

Iwata could not have been happier. She was part of a momentous effort, to find a legendary lost stronghold, through the beautiful Atrisian countryside, with the most affluent and gorgeous woman and national hero riding with her on her mount. The sergeant had never been more proud to be Atrisian.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko waas glad that it was all well received.. she imagined that much wouldn't have changed after the previous night but she was more then happy with it. THe trip towards the mountains thouigh was less eventful but still good. The trail going up curved and wound following one of the rivers that came out. The hover skiffs could go on the water which made a train less massive as well as improved the chances for them to be able to get lost. Junko looked at Iwata. "Have you used the skiffs before on a river?" She said it with a grin on her face as this was the enjoyment of the trikp.. conversation and the sights.. They had the best view of the mountains as there were thousands of wildflowers and trees giving it a wild look.

 

[Iwata Kin]

The ride continued to be pleasant, with breathtaking landscape as they headed toward the mountains With the scouts and array of military personnel accompanying the expedition, Iwata didn't have to keep constant vigilance as she would have if on patrol. She instead allowed herself to enjoy the company of Junko Ike . As the Princess brought up the skiffs, the Jade Screamer looked over to the skiffs that had moved to glide over the survace of the river, making more room for the other vehicles in the convoy.

"Once, when I was corporal I went on a mission to supply a forward outpost. We made almost the entire trip on the river. Its a totally different view from the water." Iwata answered, nodding as she remembered how the trees lined the river banks, their branches bending to hang over the edge of the water, and the animals that came to drink at the banks.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Hmmm.... JUnko said it as she patted her shoulder. "THen we should use one... I have more experience with them so I will pilot." SHe ssaid it and motioned for one of her handmaidens. "Miyoung, have them get my skiff out... I'll go up river with a few of the scouts." THat got a small and fast look but whether it wass worry, surprise or shock couldn't be seen fast enough. "You... you are going to pilot it?" Juko nodded as she was setting the yovshin to get it down and out of their case for Junko. "Ah do we have to go?" She shook her head no and relief seemed to be on several of the handmaidens faces for a moment before recomposing themselves. Juko looked at Iwata and then at Sun. "You come with us as well Sun... this is going to be fun."

She waited until they stopped and had the skiff set up with the repulsors deactivated for the moment. The small scout droids slotted into and supplies set up. THe princess securing her hair in a tight ponytail as she changed from the Kimono into a compressed bodysuit that hugged all curves and showed she was commando to prevent unnecessary bulges. Junko slid her belt around her waist and spoke. "Alright load up, I can fit three people." She had a grin on her face as several of her yovshin didn't make the approach and handmaidens were looking nervously... eventually one of her Bugeisha went up and towards the central position that served to call out obstructions. "Alright I guess it is my turn princess... just try not to crash." JUnko looked at her and spoke.

"THat wasn't my fault someone put a wall in my way."

 

[Iwata Kin]

As was the prerogative of a royal princess, Junko Ike decided to change her mode of transportation to something with which she was more familiar. There section of the expedition train paused, the two Jade Screamer longma, handmaidens, Yovshin, private guards and the Princess' cargo. Iwata was delighted to learn that her time traveling with the Princess was not ending as she and Sun were invited to accompany her on her private skiff. Iwata dismounted after the Princess, and Sun took both of the longma to tie them to the back of a cargo vehicle.

The two Jade Screamers beamed with pleasure to continue as Princess Ike's escorts. Junko changed, and in a matter of a few moments, the kimono-clad royal became the adventuring jedi in her bodysuit. The snug bodywear accentuated the Princess' figure in a manner that was very flattering, and Iwata had trouble averting her eyes from the woman's exquisite body. There seemed to be a bit of nervousness among the Princess's entourage when Junko insisted on piloting the craft, but finally one of her personal bodyguards stepped forward to act as spotter. Iwata had great respect for the Bugeisha, strong, highly trained women warriors that were intimidating, even to a Jade Screamer. Sun and Iwata joined Junko and the Bugeisha on the skiff, excited and not a bit nervous to be in the hands of the renowned Jedi Princess. The Jade Screamers brought their weapons, not neglecting for a moment their sacred duty to protect the Princess.

"Thank you, your Highness, for allowing us to join you."

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko looked at her as the three got into the skiff and she stepped on the fin. The train kept going as she turned it on and the hum of the repulsors was low. The fin as she stood on it letting her be in profile slightly as she twisted pulling at the controls and the sail went up. Using a mixture of repulsors and the wind it would pull itself and act to let them turn on the river as they started going up it. The water making a mist when it was leveling out... her grin appearing while the Bugeisha sat ready and using the controls to map the area ahead for Junko to see with the interface. Xifang was in the train and hadn't joined them but he was moving quickly for his size following the river and able to catch up with them if needed.

"Hold tight." She said it and turned onto the river as the skiff took off.. catching the winds and using them to propel the sail high into the air and guide the skiff. She wasn't doing bad.. she preferred many things but the idea she was a bad pilot was exaggerated... she wasn't bad she just didn't ah... well as she turned they would figure it out and followed the rivers turns as the trees were lining it but more then that she turned into them hard... getting both a spray on the side seats and using the repulsors to twist and tip the skiff safely.. she wasn't endangering but she was also making sure there was a lot more speed then the other scouts who were somewhat keeping pace with her.

"Last time she was in the skiff she attracted the attention of a band of pirates... be careful." The Bugeisha was primed for combat but still scanning while she braced herself using the interface and drones to map the river. She was guessing what might happen... or at least what might be done when they encountered some fo the white waters and falls with an internal smirk. These screamers were either in for a surprise or shock as JUnko didn't really know the meaning of slow down.

 

[Iwata Kin]

The Jade Screamers settled onto the skiff, Iwata looking back as the Junko Ike took up the position of controls on the back fin. Princess Ike looked much more like an explorer in her body suit, hands on the controls of the skiff sail, but she looked no less beautiful and impressive. Then they joined the scout skiffs on the river. The craft picked up speed quickly as it zoomed just above the water. the Princess made some sharp movements, sending up mists of water that sprayed over the skiff. It was a thrilling ride for certain.

At the Bugeisha's mention of pirates and her subtle warming, Sun and Iwata opened their lightbows and had them at the ready. A glance at the bank revealed the large tiger running to keep up with its master's speed. They continued to barrel along the river, Junko doing a pretty good job at keeping on course, but seemed to be running at a risky speed. Sun looked at Iwata with a worried grin, the young corporal a bit less confident of the Princesses piloting skills. Looking back, Iwata could see nothing but confidence on the pretty face as Junko gripped the sail controls, balancing it with the repulsors to keep the speeding vessel moving up the river. The sergeant patted Sun on the shoulder. "Just enjoy the thrill of the ride, my friend!" She grinned.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko could feel the nervousness from the one and ignored it mostly because jedi senses intruding were not always a good way to go about things.. she stayed with the bends of the river aand the white water gave way to another calm before the first scout ships could be seen.. they were mapping and moving ahead after all and she tapped the controls to let them know she was coming as they moved across the river and the trail greeting her but also sending information about the area in a quick update to the map on her interfaces screen. She was looking at where the river went up and it started to enclose... mist forming as the river became like a horseshoe wrapping around and secluding the one end of the river.

"OH that looks like fun." JUnko said it into the comlink as the river continued above going towards the mountains and their main goal. She was looking towards it and spun around within getting her barring aand an idea of the size as they shot back out and her grin was only getting wider. "We are going to need more speed." Junko moved them and went around the river again gathering the speed as she turned the fin and sail. "You are not going to do what I am thinking are you?" THe Bugeisha stayed there and didn't turn just started making sure everything was secured without debate and motioned for them to do the same.

"Ah come on, think of it like an adventure." JUnko said it and as they turned she kicked the repulsors into a larger gear mostly to have it higher off the water. "Adventures usually start off easy you are thinking of skimming up a waterfall." She still didn't turn back as she finished making sure everything was secured and JUnko just held a smile on her face going towards the falls and kicking the repulsors on the sail on.. to catch the updraft as smaall as it was with the mists and to give her better control as she secured her footing and hands in place. "Trust me I am a jedi... totally know how to do this." She said it nodding and looking at Sun and Iwata there with a nod as she started.

The skiff lifted up on the side as the repulsor kicked off of the rock under the curtain of water and she positioned it witht he sail pointed up as it raised in the middle and they moved around it. Rising up at an angle almost vertically with Junko at the bottom. "HOld onto your butts... or mine." She said it as they were spinning and the rocks let them rise up move until the skiff crested at the opening of the horseshoe and she leveled it out surging forward to skim along the edge of the falls. THe sail shot forward and down to pull them the last bit as JUnko laughed coming up to view the white water as they went over it with the sounds of thunder around them.

 

[Iwata Kin]

The veteran Bugeisha didn't seem to be amused by Junko's adventurous spirit when it came to piloting the skiff. It was a quite a ride, Iwata would admit, but a thrilling one too! When the came to the rougher water and the hairpin turn in the river, and the approaching waterfall, the Princess didn't slow or divert her course, she sped up! The scout skiffs were nearby now, but the royal skiff raced on. The bodyguard hastily began to strap down anything loose on the craft, and Sun and Iwata helped. Then they held on tight. Then it became clear what Junko Ike was planning... to go straight up the waterfall.

This is a side of the Princess Iwata would never have guessed. She new she was a Jedi, a Master even, and had done many things in her life. But the Princess Ike Iwata was use to seeing was the elegant, regal princess, an emissary to the people, a role-model ofAtrisian aristocracy and benefactor to her soldiers. This wild, carefree and daring Junko was exciting!

So, when the Princess advised them to hold onto their butts, or hers, Iwata gripped the rail tight. She did, however, dare to imagine what it would be like to do exactly what Junko teasingly offered, to feel that royal butt. Water was crashing all around them, roaring white water and air filled with billowing mist. It was one of the most exciting things she had ever done, and she dared to flash a broad, happy smile to her Princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko looked at Iwata who seemed to be enjoying herself and her guard who was secured in place for the duration of the stunt but there was a look of knowing.. she didn't get scared but she also didn't need her princess giving her grey hairs because she wanted to push the limits... no instead Junko was taking them further up river and the trees grew larger with branches overhanging the river. The banks of it were clean and beautiful when they cme there and it was like a jungle cruise as she pulled down the sail and set the skiffs fin into a rudder they could use to navigate. With the branches and calmer waters going upriver needed less a sail and more guidance.

Junko sat in a grooves that was designed for this and opened the small compartment to relax. "See it wasn't so bad..." She looked like she was wanting to get acknowledgements but mostly as a joke. Before she was checking out things and looked at Sun and Iwata grabbing some of the water to drink and one of the food packs. "We are making really good time from here... upriver shouldn't be to bad."

 

[Iwata Kin]

The little adventure Junko had lead them on left Iwata excited and happy. What a great experience, to have such a ride at the hands of Princess Ike herself! Now that it was over, Sun too relaxed, claiming it wasn't so bad, and was kind of fun. At the Princess's playful comment, Iwata smiled big. "No, not bad at all, it was fun!" With the sail down, The Princess joined them, offering water and food. Junko was always the gracious host.

"That was some piloting, your Highness." Iwata said with a grin. "Are there no end to your talents?" The Jade Screamer asked, sounding innocent, but the smirk she flashed to Junko revealed she meant how she danced and kissed as well. "When do you think we will reach the first campsite?" Iwata asked Junko, taking a more casual tone with the Princess that made Sun look at her curiously.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko looked at Iwata and thought about it with a nod of her head. "There is a clearing up aheaad, large enough for everyone that we designated. The first drones had a good view of it." She said it and they weren't near it yet but they were in a calm area of the river as the scouts who had been using the pathways to get up. THey would be able to join them later as Junko was looking at some of the trees and mountains. She pointed towards one of the larger ones. "You can't see it but there is a dam far up river coming between the mountains.... that is our destination as it is one fo the older locations that were built. The Onyx empress constructed it to secure a section of the mountains and make the fortress. We just are not certain where along the dammed river is the fortress."

 

[Iwata Kin]

The river had become calm and almost serene as they glided along the surface, the scout skiffs moving on up the river. The banks were beautiful, with trees with long hanging branches that bent to kiss the water. Beyond the bank, the noble mountains rose skyward, finally seeming closer as they drew nearer to them. Iwata looked at them, listening to the Princess as she explained their destination, a dam on the river as it passed between the mountains. There was a bit of excitement when Iwata heard that the dam was built under the rule of the Onyx empress, Up there, somewhere along the river, lay the lost fortress they all came out to find. She was so glad to be part of the adventure.

Iwata removed her helmet and set it beside her, allowing the cool river breeze to blow through her long black mane. "Will we occupy the fortress again,or will it become more of an historical site?" She asked the Princess. already sure that they would find it.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

"That depends on the state of it, if it is intact enough." She waggled her hand as it was doubtful it was perfectly preserved but intact and not damaged was a good start. "Then we can renovate parts of it to use it and occupy it. If it is damaged then likely for historical purposes like Kagamura was." The old academy was a place of learning and defense once upon a time but the last thousand years had seen it largely abandoned and in disrepair so it was mostly there for historical purposes.... and some times there are places along the way that might prove beneficial." She said it and was thinking about it here... THey would of course have waypoints and patrol areas for drones and scouts to go into.

"We will likely have something set up at the dam itself to monitor and reinforce it. As a danger for attacks it is great as it could be used to flood some of the villages if it was broken but it wouldn't get past the wall. So defending that is important." She said it and the trees gave way to a larger area of the river and there was a small island in the middle that she guided the skiff to and stopped for a moment anchoring it. The waters crystal clear while Junko stood up. "We can wait here for a few more to catch up. Don't want to rush to far ahead and get lost." She said it and stood up in her little area hopping off and touching the sand.

"Last time you swam in a river Princess we were chased across Csilla." Junko looked at her and spoke. "Nari you just have to bring that up... it wasn't my fault. I was just having a time... seeing the sights." The Bugeisha looked at her and raised an eyebrow stepping out of her seat as she shook out her hair. "If by sights you mean the local chiss family heads wife and sister skinny dipping then mission accomplished." Nari wasn't one to pull punches but she had earned it after all those years and Junko grinned looking up. "Oh yeah that was a fun time, but you have not lived until you have gotten one of those stoic chiss admirals to at least laugh."

She winked but Nari spoke quickly. "I might be the minority but I preferred my husband over frivolities."