and please, believe me when I say (closed)

[ex_onslaught851]

WHO: Yukimura, Saitou, Zhao Yun
WHAT: Conversations about the aftermath + Nagashino + feelings things
WHERE: Resistance Army Camp
WARNING(S): To be determined?

[So we have a Saitou/Yukimura conversation and a Zhao Yun/Yukimura conversation happening up in here. GOOD? GOOD.]

Comments

[dragonrises]

[he's of the same mind - it's like they had never been apart at all. Now that the formalities had been taken care of, they were free to pick up where they left off, weren't they?

Well. Mostly]

I have missed your presence, my friend. Even among my countrymen, with my lord and his family safe, and our people settled, I have still thought of you often.

[ex_onslaught851]

I too have thought of you often - it has not been the same without you around. When the war started again... I found myself hoping that you would return to our side, and fight alongside us once more.

[Return to his side, specifically. But it was hard to admit quite that much right now, even if the colour in his cheeks might have given him away.]

[dragonrises]

I had wondered, how things would turn out. But my lord is allied with Lord Tokugawa, and that does not seem to be changing for any reason. [he may not completely understand the politics of Yukimura's time, but he does know that with each of them reunited with their lords, they weren't likely to be just sent off together. Did he jump at the chance to lead the troop headed for Nagashino? Maaaaybe...]

If only the peace had lasted longer. It is much easier to find time to ride and visit other holdings when there is no need to keep reserves around for battles.

[ex_onslaught851]

Lord Tokugawa...

[His face fell a little at that. There was little chance of getting him to co-operate with them directly- and besides, Yukimura himself was none too keen on the man himself. Which meant that they might not have much time left together at all, before Zhao Yun is sent off again. He can't help but frown, his gaze shifting so he can look at the floor instead. It's hard to hide his disappointment.]

I wish that the peace had lasted longer as well. But once more I will take up the spear and fight for peace- no matter what it may take.

[dragonrises]

As will I. At least we know, no matter where we may be, we are fighting for the same cause. All of us are united together in this.

[it's small comfort, but comfort nonetheless. They really are united in this, even if they may be on opposite sides of the land]

For now, at least, I am here. And if the healers have their way, I will not even be allowed to don armor until I'm back to full strength.

[ex_onslaught851]

"No matter the distance, our hearts are as one." As Lord Kanetsugu would no doubt say, were he here.

[A small comfort, yes, but it's something. Yukimura smiles a little after that.]

And do not underestimate our healers. They are rather used to dealing with stubborn warriors, so you may be stuck here for a while yet.

[dragonrises]

[he ducks his head shyly. Hearts. It's no secret that he's extremely fond of Yukimura, but what does that mean, here? In a place where a man could find himself nearly the same age as his own son, where times and places criss-crossed with no real reason...]

Lord Kanetsugu is wise. He must know how it feels, then. [a small laugh] I do not mind being stuck, in that case.

[ex_onslaught851]

[That reaction earns a curious look from Yukimura.

In a place like this, where he otherwise might not have met many of the people that he's come to regard so fondly... He's not going to pass up on any opportunities.]

Though we served in the same army at home, we knew what it was like to be separated for long periods of time on lengthy campaigns. Those are words that are important to me even now.

... do you truly not mind being stuck here?

[dragonrises]

If it means being able to spend time in your company once more? Of course I would not mind.

[take that however you will, Yukimura~]

[ex_onslaught851]

[Trying not to blush, trying not to-- oops, failing.]

I will always have time for you, Zilong. You needn't worry about that. I will make sure that we spend plenty of time together before you go.

[dragonrises]

I would like that, very much. [blushing, hm, that looks familiar. Yet, like all those times past, he's not sure how to act upon the suggestion] Not that I want to take you away from your duties, or...other friends.

[ex_onslaught851]

You needn't worry about that. I am sure that I can balance everything that I need to.

[The unspoken fear is that Zilong will be recalled far sooner than he'd like, and Yukimura doesn't want to miss out on anything.]

[dragonrises]

I trust your judgment. [Yukimura knows how much he can handle, and of course Zilong will step in and tell him to go to bed if he looks fatigued at any point. Right now, it's just good to see him alive and well, and smiling again after all he's bee through]

You are doing well, then? Beyond what just happened recently.

[ex_onslaught851]

As well as can be expected, considering the state of things. But we are making decent progress all the time, so I am not overly concerned at this point.

[Sometimes it felt as though the worst was already behind them, considering some of the things that had already happened, but...]

[dragonrises]

I am glad to hear it. I feel as though there is so much we need to catch up on, I don't even know where to start.

[that curiosity about Saitou is only one of the things he's interested in finding out about. Really!]

[ex_onslaught851]

You may start wherever you like, Zilong. I will do my best to keep up.

[dragonrises]

I... [an awkward laugh. Where does he begin? He already knows that Yukimura is generally well...]

You have weathered the storms, well enough, it seems.

[ex_onslaught851]

Aside from Nagashino, yes. It is thanks to you and Hajime-dono that I have made it this far.

[Without them, he'd either still be on the enemy side, or... worse.]

[dragonrises]

[guessing that that's Saitou's full name, since they weren't properly introduced] He has been helping you, then?

[ex_onslaught851]

Yes, he has. And I too have been trying to help him find his friends, since he has been separated from all of them.

[dragonrises]

Yes, he mentioned that. Searching them out and adding them to the ranks of the coalition might be a good idea - for all of us.

[there he goes, talking shop again when he's trying to catch up on the doings of Yukimura's life]

[ex_onslaught851]

Yes, at the moment we need all of the help that we can get. More than that, I... know how difficult it is, to be separated from one's friends.

[Speaking of a few in particular...]

[dragonrises]

He seems like a good man. We will all assist him in finding the others, as best we can. And, I am sure you have been a good friend to him in turn. You always are.

[ex_onslaught851]

You give me too much credit, Zilong. I am doing my best, but it is nothing quite that special.

[dragonrises]

And you do not value yourself nearly high enough, Yukimura.