The Prince and the Priestess

[Raja kumarie]

"What you mean sparing? What weapon do you prefer?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Normally bare-handed when we practice, but swords are also traditional."

[Raja kumarie]

"Are you good?"

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Passable."

[Raja kumarie]

"Car I watch you fight? I'd love to see how you fight I'm sure it's different than how we do it."

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

"Sure." He smiles. "I will ask my brother to assist me in a demonstratoin of the art of Japanese swordfigthing tomorrow."

[Raja kumarie]

"I look forward to it." I smile bringing us back to the stables. Before dismounting "I enjoyed this."

[Ryuu Ishikawa]

And surprisingly, Ryuu finds himself agreeing: "I did as well."

[Raja kumarie]

I smile as we part ways so I might cook for my new family. My ladies are waiting for me in their home and we sing and joke as we cook.

"Ah look at this look at the mrs! Eh! Glowing already?! Is he any good?" Vashti teases kissing my cheek.

"Ah! He's handsome pale like moonlight but he could benefit from one of your books." I laugh with them we joke and sing preparing a feast together. It's like being Home again.

"Eh is everyone ready?" Vashti asks just before the doors open we all nod.

The table is laid with a bright cloth. There's bowls of dates and figs, nuts, rice, roti, Paki, curried veggie ales, cheese and a large tagine of goat curry

The plates are set. One for each cupple, two forks and spoons at each. One large cup to share from. There tea and mango juice. The candles are light and the music starts as the doors open

"Welcome father, mother, "

[GamesMaster]

Seiya gives a deep, respectful bow, and Ryuuji gives a less deep one. They enter, followed by Ryuu's brothers, Kenji and Ren. Finally, Saru and Tsukikage follow, along with Akio bringing up the rear. 

"Please forgive us for inviting more than you anticipated," says Seiya, glancing over the number of plates. "May we offer some of our own dishes?"

[Raja kumarie]

I run a quick head count and see everyone is accounted for. "No that won't be nessicary mother every one is here. In my country husbands and wives share plates and cups to grow their love, you have shown me how your people live and now it is my turn to share." I smile warmly

[GamesMaster]

Seiya hesitates, glancing at her husband, who frowns. "This was not necessary. I would hate to put you to any trouble," he says, firmly. 

[Raja kumarie]

"It was no trouble father, it was a great joy to cook for you and my new family." I smile

[GamesMaster]

"Nonsense. You should not feel made to cook like a common wife. I will speak to your husband about this transgression."

[Raja kumarie]

"There is no transgression father. A wife who does not cook for her family is not worth the price paid for her.  Besides how will I grow strong and wise children if I do not feed them? Should I leave their health to strangers? In India food is love. And love grows a family. A meal made by a loving wife and mother makes a strong and healthy family. It is simply our way. It may sound strange to you father but this is important to me. It feed the ones I love and care for. To build a new family here in Japan. We must all accept the changes of a new family, and learn to welcome change and new traditions." I say gently but firmly.