#zenyukiweek17

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part V

Day 1 - Connected (part 5)

<<Previous

Mitsuhide cleared his throat. “Ah, Zen? Have you considered… If Shirayuki goes to help the people of Tanburun rebuild, it may be some time before… Well, who knows how long it might take?” A worry line had formed between his eyebrows. “Please think carefully before you decide.”

“Master, your timing is terrible,” Obi put in. “This is the moment you would send the miss away?”

Glancing between them, Shirayuki bent her mouth down. “That’s not… Zen, I promise I’ll hurry. I won’t keep you waiting if I can help it.”

Zen smiled at her expression. Without breaking eye contact with her, he said, “Hey, you three--would you give us a few minutes? We still haven’t finished our marriage interview.”

Shirayuki blinked. "Zen? But... the letter..." 

The three attendants smiled knowingly. 

Zen held out his hand to her. "I know, Shirayuki." 

She wrapped her fingers around his without thinking, her forehead still creased with confusion. The fit of their hands had become comfortable and familiar. To lose that would be hard. Zen wanted to savor it a bit longer.

He waited for the others to retreat out of hearing distance before bending his head to rest it against Shirayuki’s.

"Shirayuki, this may take a long time, you know. This effort for the people of Tanburun." 

Shirayuki tightened her grip for a second then started to draw her hand away, her mouth falling open a little. "Zen? What are you saying?"

He wouldn't let her go. "I'm telling that I will be here. Waiting for you." His smile was wry. "It's only right that I wait for you for a while. It's been so long and you've been so patient with me." 

The concern smoothed out of Shirayuki's face. She leaned into Zen. “I haven’t minded. I’m glad for all the things I’ve been able to do in order to stand by your side.”

He touched his forehead to hers. "Thank you, Shirayuki." He took a breath. “But I don’t want you to go to Tanburun only because you’re thinking of me. If you decide to go to Tanburun now, it should be because your path is taking you there.”

Shirayuki hesitated, pulling back a little and looking down. “Zen, I…” Her hands tightened on his. When she looked up again, resolve was firm in her eyes. 

“Zen, because of you, I changed my fate.” Shirayuki’s face was alight with her passion. She held Zen’s hand to her chest. “I want everyone in Tanburun to know what you’ve done for me. There’s this feeling…that I need to help the people there. So they can see it. I think…this is the next step in my path. It feels right.” 

In her mind’s eye, Shirayuki could see the little pharmacy she would open, the worn faces of the people lifting into hope and joy when they realized that they were not alone. She thought of the friends she had made, that she could turn to, who might be willing to help her in this effort. The pharmacists of Lilias would surely have advice. And in Tanburun, Raj might be able to do something or perhaps even the Lions of the Mountain…

She would have to get to know the people in Tanburun, discover what they truly needed. They might be suspicious of newcomers. She would have to earn their trust, show them that there were people they could truly depend on.

Already her thoughts were coming together into a list of where to start. There would be so much to do. Shirayuki could feel her back straightening to hold this new weight.  

Zen smiled as he looked at her. He loved her for the determination that suffused her, from the set of her petite shoulders to the way she held her head high when she fixed her eyes on the future. 

Shirayuki saw his smile and blushed, turning shy. “I know I’ll be gone a long time.” Her face fell a little. “Zen, are you sure? This…it could be years. What if…?”

Dropping her hands, Zen gathered her into his arms. She went eagerly, wrapping her arms tight around his neck. He bent to whisper in her ear. “Don’t worry, Shirayuki. Our fates are tied together. You can follow your path. Don’t be afraid.”

Shirayuki tightened her hold on him. “I’m not. Not with you, Zen. I trust where our paths are leading us.”

He pressed his lips to her cheek. “So do I.” 

The wind stirred their clothes as they held each other, sending the trees around them rustling. Change was coming. Not the change they had expected, but still the turning of a new leaf for the two of them.

Fin

[galacticplum]

Zenyuki Week 2017

Day 4: Secrets

(because secret gardens are beautiful and so is zenyuki)

[akagami-no-rae]

Zenyuki Week 2017

Day 7: Reunion

Chapter 88′s Tearful Reunion

[shirayuki-wisteria]

“True love removes all insecurities.” - Tony Gaskins

My policy is here.

Lol, you can totally see how bland this is because I rushed it, even though I added a few glow orbs to help take attention away from it. I might finish it eventually some day. Please ignore the swirls; I have no idea why they’re there.

[claudeng80]

When You’re Away (Part 2)

Time away from Shirayuki would always be Zen’s least favorite part of his job. For all the years they’d been married, the glow of excitement never faded. He was back. He got to see Shirayuki today.

She was in her garden, of course. He handed off his reins to one of his soldiers at the gate - they looked younger every year, he wouldn’t be hurt by attending to an extra horse for an hour. The gate labeled “teaching garden” arched above his head, and he headed for the greenhouse glittering from across the lawn like a diamond. It must be ten years ago Izana had dedicated it for Shirayuki’s birthday. He grinned, remembering the way Shirayuki had hauled Izana’s face down to kiss him on the cheek. He’d never seen his brother so out of composure, or so pleased.

The greenhouse door creaked open, a burst of warm air dampening his face. He paused for a moment by their tree, admiring the way the top branches brushed the glass ceiling, when so long ago it had been merely a seed in a pot in his office window. He patted the bark affectionately. How time passed. It had been the first tree planted in here, Shirayuki directing a small army of gardeners, Obi by her side enjoying the spectacle. It thrived in the shelter, in plain view of every visitor but with secret significance.

“I saw her in the succulents not an hour ago,” came a smiling voice from behind him. Luring Yuzuri away from Lyrias had been one of Shirayuki’s greatest triumphs, and it had paid off. The gardens were their life’s work, a true jewel of the kingdom. A whole generation of scientists owed their opportunities to Shirayuki’s drive and patronage, and Clarines was becoming a renowned center for learning. Zen couldn’t be prouder.

No more stalling. “Thanks, Yuzuri,” he tossed back. The succulents were a bit of a walk, but it felt good after all day on horseback. His hip clicked and he shook it out; it wouldn’t be much longer before he’d need to start taking the carriage on long trips. He sighed.

Shirayuki might have been harder to find from a distance, the apple shade of her hair faded to a red-streaked gray, but the scarves she’d adopted to protect her head from the sun had become ever brighter in return. Obi delighted in finding her ever more garish patterns, and she loved them all. It pained Zen’s aesthetic sense at times, but her happiness was worth the sacrifice.

Today’s pattern was sunflowers. Zen saw it bobbing the moment he reached the succulent garden. Obi slipped from the border tree where he’d been keeping watch, and, with a sloppy salute, faded away into the garden. Probably to go hassle Yuzuri, if his grasp on the gossip was up to date. Shirayuki was convinced something was going on with those two, and she couldn’t be happier. Yuzuri had mourned Suzu for years, but she wasn’t happy alone. And they’d all wondered about Obi. So it might be late, but never too late. They’d catch up later, share their customary drink and card game back at the castle.

The crunch of Zen’s boots on gravel ruined his surprise. At least he told himself that, but decades of Obi’s guard had taught Shirayuki vigilance. She always heard him coming. “Zen! You’re back early!” She dropped her work gloves in the dirt, throwing her arms around his waist and leaning against his chest. He’d have streaks of soil all down his coat, but that was nothing new at this point.

“I think you’ve lost track of time, love. I am exactly on time.” He’d be late to report to Izana, but that was nothing new either. “I won’t keep you from your-” he looked down at the lumpy green something with exposed roots that she’d been in the process of transplanting. “Plant. I just wanted to see you.”

“I wanted to see you too. I’m happy you’re back.” She nuzzled under his chin, fitting so perfectly against him, then stiffened with a jerk. “We had letters!” Zen only had a moment to look confused, not even enough to ask. “Lyal and Ryuu will be here for the naming,” she said, elated. Their second son was Ryuu’s assistant at Wilant, a near-copy of his mother who’d been attached to his “Uncle Ryuu” since he was little. He’d almost managed to stop calling him that in public, much to Ryuu’s professional relief. Their attendance was good news indeed - matters were not always smooth between Lyal and his elder brother Cerris. He hadn’t been to Wistal in several years, and Shirayuki traveled so little now.

“I’m so glad! Did you hear from Raj too?” They didn’t have much hope on that front. Raj was still the First Prince of Tanbarun, technically, but in all practical senses he was ruling the country. Behind closed doors he grumbled that his father was holding on out of sheer stubbornness and spite, but Zen thought he was actually secretly pleased with the state of things.

“He can’t be away for so long.” Shirayuki’s face was long, but compassionate. “Rona will come, though.”

Zen’s eyes widened. “I’ll warn the kitchens, then.”

“I already did.” She glowed when she grinned like that, such pleasure and mischief, making his heart beat faster. “I’m glad she can make it, at least Tanbarun will have someone there.”

“He’ll be the next heir to the kingdom, they should.” Izana and Haki had named Cerris heir when he reached his majority, and Zen had breathed the longest sigh of relief of his life. He wasn’t cut out to be king, but his son was. Cerris was clever and charming, the only person Zen had ever known to beat Izana at chess. Izana was delighted with him, and the two had always been close. His first child, about to be named with all the pomp and ceremony of a royal heir, had the most doting great-uncle and great-aunt imaginable.

Speaking of whom, Izana was waiting. Shirayuki’s scarf dragged against his chin as he looked up to the towers of the castle, and she sagged against him. “You have to go, don’t you?”

He held her closer for one more second. “Your plant is drying out, anyway.” She glanced down, guilty. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight, and for at least the next month I’m refusing to go anywhere. Anyone who wants to talk to me can come to Wistal or send a bird.”

“I like the sound of that.” She rocked up on her toes as he stepped out of her embrace, and he met her for a gentle kiss. There was no rush, no hurry, just the glow of everything being right when he was close to her. “Welcome home, Zen.”

[whatthehorsedoicallthisblog]

Propose We Had a Dance?

My entry for Day 5 of zenyukiweek2017! I‘m soooo sorry that I have to link it again, but tumblr has decided it hates everything I write and therefore it shall never let me post any stories on here again. -_- 

A little backstory to this: this is all HC, I have no idea if this is the actual process of marrying a royal. But whatever! It’s adorable and the image is totally inspired by the opening theme to the first season, along side a couple Disney dances, oh and maybe a few songs as well. I wrote this about two years ago when I was thinking about how I want to learn to ballroom dance and then tried to write out the scene where it happened between these two characters. The rest came later, but I’m proud and embarrassed of this story, so take it as you will! 

Synopsis: Zen has proposed to Shirayuki, but now, to tell the kingdom. How do they do that? Why, they have a dance, of course! 

Propose We Had a Dance?

[rrllao]

fandom: Akagami no Shirayukihime / Snow White with the Red Hair relationship: Zen Wistalia/Shirayuki notes: 25 Lives AU written for ZenYukiWeek 2017. some of the prompts overlapped, were used multiple times, and are posted out of order; also i’m not entirely finished with this fic, so i’m sorry in advance >.< 

@thezenyukiweek 

crown shyness AO3 (all days/prompts)

[galacticplum]

our night, a zenyuki fanmix

it’s night-time. quietness envelops everything. but there are those who won’t rest. those... will be embraced by the moon, who will cast its rays to illuminate their waltz. the lovers’ waltz.

moods: (night) (romantic) (dreamy) (close)

for zenyuki week 2017, day 4 & 7: secrets and reunion.

listen: youtube  (rec-ed for everyone) ✤ 8tracks (mostly rec-ed for US/Canada)  ✤ playmoss (some important tracks may not play)

(tracklist under the cut)

tracklist: Oh say can you see - Lana del Rey // Come away with me – cover by Sarah Joy // Harvest Moon – cover by Lucy Rose // Let’s Dance – cover by Eva Abraham // Fly me to the moon/La vie en rose (mashup cover) - Jemma Johnson // Can't Help Falling In Love (Ukulele, Sax, and Cello Cover) – Sarah Joy & friends

---

little bits of the tracks:

1. Oh say can you see (night stroll)

“oh say, can you see my stars? the night time is almost ours”

2. Come away with me (invitation)

“and I want to wake up with the rain falling on a tin roof while I'm safe there in your arms so all I ask is for you to come away with me in the night come away with me”

3. Harvest Moon (old love, shared dance)

“come a little bit closer, hear what I have to say just like children sleeping we could dream this night away

but there's a full moon rising let's go dancing in the light”

4. Let’s Dance (dancing in the moonlight)

“let's dance put on your red shoes and dance the blues let's sway under the moonlight, this serious moonlight let's dance”

5. Fly me to the moon/La vie en rose (enchantment, shared dream)

“fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars [..]

hold me close and hold me fast the magic spell you cast this is la vie en rose”

6. Can’t help falling in love (meant to be)

“shall I stay? would it be a sin, if I can't help falling in love with you?”

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part IV

Day 1 - Connected (part 4)

<<Previous Next>>

...find enclosed a letter from our neighbor in Tanbarun. As I believe it concerns matters that interest you, I trust you will respond as need be.

Your attentive brother,

Izana

The five friends exchanged a glance as Zen finished reading the letter.

“Zen?” Shirayuki asked, touching his arm.

He shook his head, brow furrowed. “I can’t guess what he means, unless… Well, there’s only one way to find out.” He broke the seal on the letter from the King of Tanbarun.

Most renowned and noble king Izana of the mighty land of Clarines, we wish you the most prosperous success and happiness, and do offer you such courtesies as are worthy of our mutual and longstanding friendship.

With deep and abiding gratitude, your devoted friend the King of Tanbarun acknowledges your kindness in regarding our kingdom with offers of assistance and succor in our domestic affairs. Finding ourselves equal to the task of attending to our people’s happiness, His Majesty the King henceforth absolves you of any obligation to provide further assistance, considering such efforts unnecessary and indeed unbecoming in their frequency and fervor.

Beseeching your gracious understanding in this matter, His Royal Majesty would have it be known that further attempts to interfere under the auspices of the Crown of Clarines will be met with forceful resistance. Desiring as ever the utmost peace and friendship--

Zen broke off. His fingers flexed, crumpling the parchment. Bowing his head, Zen muttered, “I don’t believe this. He rejected our offer to send aid. Worse, he’s threatening to treat our diplomats as aggressors! How could sending medicine and teachers challenge the king’s authority? We’re only trying to help!”

“Oh, is that what all that meant? I thought maybe the king was making a marriage proposal, master.” Obi put his hands behind his head and quirked his eyebrows.

Zen gave him a flat look. “Very funny.” He balled the letter up, eyes dark.

Kiki and Mitsuhide exchanged a glance before Mitsuhide stepped forward, laying a hand on Zen’s shoulders. “You’re disappointed, Zen, but don’t give up. King Izana wouldn’t have sent you the letter if he thought it was hopeless.” His voice warmed. “He has confidence in you.”

Zen sighed, letting the tension roll off him. “You’re right, Mitsuhide.”

Squaring his shoulders, Zen turned to Shirayuki. “I’m sorry about this, Shirayuki, but I promise-- Shirayuki?”

One hand covered her mouth; her eyes were downcast. At Zen’s question, she sniffed and scrubbed her face with the heel of her hand. “Oh, Zen…”

His eyes widened. Zen started towards her then hesitated, his hands hovering between them. “What… Shirayuki, what’s the matter?”

She shook her head. “I just can’t believe it. How could they think that, Zen? You and your brother have only ever wanted the best for your people. You’re good neighbors to my country. To say that about you--” Shirayuki dropped her hand and stood with her shoulders hunched. When she raised her face, her eyes were blazing. “It’s terrible!”

Zen’s mouth opened partway. He leaned back, studying her, and then a tender look entered his eyes. “Shirayuki… You would say that for me?”

“I can’t believe this from a king of Tanbarun!” she fired back. “It’s dishonest and ungrateful!”

“It may be ungrateful, but it’s not surprising,” Kiki interjected.

Mitsuhide folded his arms, looking grave. “Kiki is right. Even though our kingdoms have been friends for many years, this king of Tanbarun has always held himself apart. Until Zen came…that last time, he and King Izana had never received an invitation to visit--even though Prince Raj has been our guest many times.”

Shirayuki’s expression grew stormier as she listened. “I don’t understand why it should be that way.”

Obi laughed. “The miss has the bit between her teeth now! Watch out, master.”

She bit her lip, blushing. “I-I don’t mean to push you, Zen, just… I wish I could do something to change his mind. I would prove to him that Clarines only wanted to help.”

The corner of Kiki’s mouth curved. “If anyone could, it would be you, Shirayuki.”

Zen’s eyebrows rose. He rested his chin on his hand, considering, then nodded. “Maybe she should.”

The attendants turned to stare at him; Shirayuki tilted her head. “Eh?”

Zen grinned. “How could he object? Shirayuki, you are a Friend of the Crown of Tanbarun. Not only is Tanbarun your home, but you have made a name for yourself here in Clarines. Everyone in both countries respects and honors you.

“With everything that you have accomplished so far, who could stop you from helping the people in Tanbarun? You would be a force of nature.” He smiled down at her, his eyes bright.

Shirayuki caught her breath. She reached out and took Zen’s hand in both of hers, her expression determined. “Zen… I would go for your sake. Everyone should know that you want what’s best for both kingdoms. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Shirayuki, you…” Zen closed his eyes, his heart beating painfully. “You’re amazing,” he whispered. They’d already built so much, the two of them, doing their best to walk beside each other. 

Their friendship had been the foundation, and now he would let his faith in her be the capstone.

[galacticplum]

A stroll in the city - a zenyuki fanmix

listen: 8tracks  ✤ playmoss  ✤ youtube

For Zenyuki Week 2017, day 7: reunion. (@thezenyukiweek​)

Zen and Shirayuki take a time to freely stroll through the city, duties and titles left in the background for the moment. This time it's only about them. Catching up, taking new sights together, and, who knows, maybe risking some dancing. Above all, it's about appreciating each other's company. (mostly instrumental) (medieval ambiance vibes)

tracks: the village festival - performed by erutan // kingdom dance - alan menken (tangled ost) // song of joy - erutan // fable - adrien von ziegler // greensleves // howl’s moving castle theme - performed by sungha jung // sono koe ga chizu ni naru (acoustic) - performed by haezan villa // the wild waltz - cécile corbel (karigurashi no arriety ost) // for the dancing and the dreaming - cover by lizz robinett

(cover art by akizuki sorata; edit by me)

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part II

Day 1 - Connected (part 2)

<<First Next>>

The path to the Wilant greenhouses was well-worn by Shirayuki’s feet. She could have led the way there herself. It felt like coming home to see those glass roofs.

The sparkling walls of the greenhouse framed Zen and Mitsuhide as they stood waiting, their cloaks stirring in the breeze. Zen’s smile was brighter than the sunlit glass.

Kiki cleared her throat and Shirayuki remembered to stop a few steps away. “Prince Zen, the Lady Shirayuki has arrived.” Kiki’s face held all the proper gravity of formality, but the men’s eyes danced with amusement. Shirayuki could imagine Obi barely smothering his own laughter behind her.

Zen closed the distance between them. He held out his hand to her and she remembered that same hand held out to her all those years ago as he told her that she wasn’t poison and she didn’t have to be helpless. Now she knew all that it meant to take that hand.

“Thank you for coming, Lady Shirayuki.” Zen spoke just as formally as Kiki, bending to brush his lips over her knuckles when she placed her hand in his.

“It was my honor, Prince Zen,” Shirayuki recited. His hand tightened around hers and he lifted his head to beam at her.

Shirayuki smiled back, feeling as steady as if she were a deeply rooted tree. She followed Zen gladly into the greenhouse, gathering her long skirts into her other hand as they stepped over the threshold.

The three attendants exchanged satisfied smiles as they took up their positions guarding the door. There was no one else in sight.

Obi took the opportunity to cross his arms and lean back on his heels. “What a lot of fanfare for a little visit to the greenhouses,” he mused.

Kiki raised an eyebrow. “This time is different.”

“It’s not something to joke about, Obi,” Mitsuhide sighed. “Zen and Shirayuki have been working for years to get here, where they can have a real marriage interview. We should all be happy for them.”

Obi held up his hands. “No worries, sir. I couldn’t be happier.” He grinned. “But I knew the master and the miss would get here one day. You almost sound like you were worried.”

Mitsuhide’s face softened. “No,” he looked back towards the greenhouse and Kiki and Obi followed his gaze. “I always believed in them--that they could make it happen.”

With Zen’s white cloak and Shirayuki’s rosy dress, they outshone even the flowers that surrounded them. The glow of their joy was so bright that it seemed to spill out of them and illuminate the future--for all five of them.

Zen stopped after they had walked only a little way down the greenhouse path and exhaled. “Okay!” He turned to Shirayuki. “Now we can finally talk normally.”

Shirayuki tried not to laugh at him and failed. “Zen!”

“Hey! Is it really funny?” Zen laughed, too. He leaned towards her, his forehead not quite touching hers. “Even if this a formal interview and needs to meet all the requirements of propriety, I still want to spend real time with you while we’re getting this done.” He straightened again and guided her to one of the benches. “Tell me what you’ve been doing since I saw you last.”

Her heart felt warm and full as she sat beside him. “Okay. Well, Ryuu and I are still teaching the apprentices the organization system of the palace pharmacy. They’re all working hard.”

Zen smiled. “They’re probably trying to keep up with you.”

Shirayuki couldn’t help but smile back as she shook her head at him. “What about you, Zen?”

His face lit up. “I finally heard back from Kirito! He got permission to come to Wilant. If things work out with him, I want to find people all over Clarines who can give me better information to help my brother.”

“That’s great! Ryuu will be happy to see Kirito, too.” She looked up at Zen. “I’m so glad that so many people want to support you in your duties here, Zen. I know it’ll be a big help.”

Zen nodded. “How are all your friends in Lyrias? And Tanburun?”

Shirayuki smiled ruefully. “I haven’t had any letters from Lyrias lately. Last I heard, they all had new research ideas that they were looking forward to starting.”

“Do they ever have any other news?”

Shirayuki laughed. “Nope.” Her face clouded a little. “Raj did send another letter though. Things are getting worse in Aldo’s lands. The people don’t want anything to do with nobles and royal family now that their lord is gone; they say they just want to be left alone.

“There’s so much violence and theft and sickness there that it’s almost worse for them than before Raj was able to remove the lord that was mistreating them.” Shirayuki sighed and looked down. “He didn’t say anything about your offer to send people from Clarines to help with rebuilding.”

Zen put a hand on her shoulder. “He probably sent that letter before he received my message. We’ll get an official reply any day now.”

“Ah. Sorry!” Shirayuki’s head snapped up. “I shouldn’t be talking about bad news now.”

Zen chuckled at her. “You can talk to me about anything, Shirayuki. At any time. I want to share your joys and your troubles.”

Her face glowed. “I know, Zen. I will always trust you with the deepest parts of my heart. I can tell you everything on my mind.”

Zen sucked in a breath. The next moment, he was on his feet, sweeping her into his arms. He spun her around, laughing. Shirayuki gasped, startled, but then she wove her arms around his neck and laughed with him.

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part III

Day 1 - Connected (part 3)

<<Previous Next>>

A jumble of voices rose to a shout, breaking the tranquility.

Zen and Shirayuki stiffened at the noise, looking around. Just outside of the greenhouse door, they could see their friends clustered around a stranger.

“Is something happening?” Shirayuki asked. She realized that her arms were still loosely looped around Zen’s neck, and she drew back with a blush.

Zen frowned, slipping his hand into hers without thinking. “I don’t know, but someone wouldn’t interrupt a royal marriage interview over a small matter.” He turned to smile ruefully at her. “I should probably check. Sorry, Shirayuki.”

“Don’t be sorry, Zen.” She squeezed his hand. “I don’t mind.”

“Whatever message you have for the second prince, you can leave it with us.” Mitsuhide’s voice was calm, but he had placed himself between the messenger and the door, using every inch of his size advantage to bar the way. “You should know that marriage interviews can only be interrupted for emergencies. Is this an emergency?”

“I was told--”

“What Sir is asking is whether it’s a matter of life and death,” Obi interrupted, no longer lounging but upright and looming.

The messenger faltered. “I don’t...believe so...but...” Faced with such tall and stubborn guards, he looked around desperately, his eyes falling on Kiki. She looked back at him impassively for a moment, then her brows lowered into a frown.

The poor man gulped. “Perh-haps--”

“Obi, Mitsuhide, I’ll hear him.” Zen came out of the greenhouse between them, Shirayuki at his side, and they automatically gave way.

“We could have taken care of it, Master!” Obi grumbled. “You should only be thinking of the miss right now.”

“Obi!” Shirayuki objected.

Zen smiled ruefully. “I know I should.”

“Zen!” Shirayuki shifted her protest to him. Zen chuckled at her concerned expression and then turned back to the messenger.

The man bowed low. “My  apologies, but I was told this could not wait, Prince Zen. The king requests your immediate reply.”

“He sent you all the way from Wistal?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“I was not told. Only that it is a matter of high importance and sensitive material.”

Zen sighed and held out his hand for the missive. “You’ve had a hard journey then, to deliver such an urgent message over such a distance. Refresh yourself and rest. I’ll have a reply ready when you are ready to set out again.”

“Thank you, Prince Zen.” The messenger bowed again and backed away.

“That’s odd. I don’t recognize him, and I know all the royal messengers at Wistal.” Mitsuhide frowned after him.

“He’s probably one of my brother’s select messengers. They keep to themselves.” Zen turned the message and broke the king’s seal as he spoke, smiling wryly. “Their lack of sociability is the whole reason he employs them. This message is too big to send by bird, and it must have sensitive information.” Zen unwrapped the package to find two sealed letters inside.

The first one also bore Izana’s seal. The second was stamped with the signet of the king of Tanbarun.

[traditional-with-a-twist]

The Bonds Surely Connected Us - Part I

Day 1 - Connected (Part 1)

Next>>

It was another cold morning in the Wilant Castle. Even in the last month of summer, the breeze stirring Shirayuki’s curtains had a bite in it. The sun shone clear and bright in the chilly air, so that all her flowers and even her personal library sparkled.

Shirayuki couldn’t bear to close the window on the beautiful sight. She had finally come to appreciate waking up to this view, instead of feeling stunned and overwhelmed every time she opened her eyes to a place she hardly believed was hers. Besides, her hands were full of pins and strands of long, red hair.

A knock sounded on her door. “Do you need help, Shirayuki?”

Shirayuki whirled away from the mirror, relieved. “Kiki, I’m so glad you’re here. Yes, please, come in!”

Minutes later, Kiki’s efficient expertise saw them out the door with no mishaps. Obi waited for them just outside, tall and dark against the marble of the castle. He swept them a deep bow, flourishing the gold braids on his sleeves. “Lady Shirayuki, I have been sent to escort you.”

With Obi looking so formal and Kiki standing at attention behind her, reminding Shirayuki that Obi had really only bowed to her, she felt the old nervousness return.

Obi glanced up and winked.

Shirayuki put a hand up to muffle her laugh. “Thank you, sir. I’ll follow you,” she managed. She stepped into the hall, head held high, heart beating at its natural pace.

Obi fell into step beside Kiki and put his hands behind his head. “Everyone’s talking, miss. I don’t think this castle has ever had this much excitement. When I dropped by to visit the guards on watch last night, they went on for hours.” He spreads his arms for emphasis before dropping them back to their original position. “I don’t think they’ve stopped yet. And the servants have been whispering about it since dawn.”

Shirayuki surprised herself by smiling. “They’re only saying good things, though, or you wouldn’t be so happy to tell me, Obi.”

“Is that so, miss?”

Shirayuki nodded and tilted her head back to examine the vaulted ceilings of Wilant. “I didn’t expect it, though. After all this time, it feels so natural. It feels like something I can do without worrying about it now.” She looked back down. “I never would have thought that it would mean so much to everyone.”

Kiki chuckled. “That’s like you, Shirayuki.”

“They’ve all been waiting so long, it’s only to be expected. So have we,” Obi added. “And so have you, miss. This day took a long time to get here. You can be excited, too.”

Shirayuki smiled at her friends, flanking her like light and shadow, then shook her head. “Excitement is not really… It’s more like … joy.” She put her hands to her chest. “It’s quiet but strong. I’m happy that I’ve followed this path of mine; I’ll keep going on it, wherever it takes me.”

[traditional-with-a-twist]

Let’s Make a Memory

masterpost: Pauper with a Golden Crown

Day 2 - Memory

Shirayuki touched the cloth covering her basket to check on her loaves one more time. It had been a long walk to the outpost but the bread would still be warm for the outlooks.

Her fingers trembled on the handle. She tightened her grip to still them, glancing guiltily at Obi. To her relief, he kept pace at her side and didn’t look her way. Above his head, a leaf drifted free from its home. Shirayuki would miss this forest, miss the chance to watch the leaves all turn gold and bright in the autumn sun. She swallowed hard. Hearing a bird call, she tilted her head back to better take in the familiar sights. Who knew when she’d have another chance?

Obi stiffened. “My lady, that was a warning.” He put an arm out in front of her. “Someone’s around here who shouldn’t be.”

Shirayuki stopped walking, looking up at him. “Obi?”

“Come this way.” As suddenly as he’d stopped, he was in motion again, pulling her off the path. He parted the branches of the close underbrush to reveal one of their supply huts. “I’m going to help them out, but please wait here, my lady.” He smiled at her as he released her hand. “I’ll be back.”

Shirayuki watched him close the door. Soon, in as little as a few weeks perhaps, she’d be seeing that back for the last time. There would be no more waiting for Obi to surprise her by reappearing unexpectedly. Vision blurring, Shirayuki slid to the floor. The cloth covering the loaves slipped off, releasing the faint scent of baked bread. The faces of the people who had grown the grain with her, who had worked beside her at the ovens crowded her mind’s eye. All things that would never happen again. She carefully set her basket aside before she covered her face. Here, with no one else to see, she could cry for her home and everything she had to lose.

Obi darted from tree to tree, trying to quiet his unease at leaving Shirayuki. If there was trouble at the outpost, it was best to keep his lady as far as possible from it. He heard the crack of a branch and dropped to the ground in front of two startled men carrying weapons. Obi relaxed when he recognized them.

“Obi!” Rikuto, the younger of the two, raised a hand half in greeting, half in a much-belated defensive gesture. “Good to see you here!”

“You nearly killed me, falling out of the tree right on top of us like that,” his older companion grumbled. “My heart can’t take those surprises.”

Obi cocked his head. “What are you doing on watch, then, old man?” Yoshi scowled at him. Obi snickered before allowing his playful mask to drop away. “I heard the warning call. What was that about?”

“Ah, Arata spotted someone sneaking through here.” Rikuto gestured vaguely. “Yoshi and I are trying to catch him but we called for backup to cover more ground.”

Yoshi crossed his arms. “He didn’t answer our hail, so he’s definitely not one of us.”

Obi narrowed his eyes. “Which way did he go?”

“Are you going to help us with him? Lucky that you were here!” Rikuto exclaimed.

“Last trace of him led east.” Yoshi pointed.

East? Obi stiffened. “How long ago was that?”

Rikuto shrugged. “Not long.”

“Let’s go!” Obi snarled, whirling around. “He’s headed straight for our lady!” He tore back the way he’d come, Rikuto and Yoshi scrambling after him.

Zen pushed his hood back to get a better look at the light filtering through the foliage. He still had plenty of daylight to cover more ground, but his supplies were running low and there’d been no sign of people in the Tanburun mountains. If he wanted to resupply, he’d have to head for the lowlands. He started to slide his pack off his shoulder for a quick snack, when a sound caught his ear. It jarred with the bird singing and other ordinary forest noises.

Frowning, Zen readjusted his pack and moved in that direction. It almost sounded like…crying?

Zen broke into a run. It might just be an animal but… He pushed through a dense thicket, following the sound. On the other side, he found a rough hut with a thatched roof. From inside came the unmistakable sound of a woman crying.

Zen crept closer. There were no windows but he pressed his eye to the crack between the door and the frame. At first he could see a dim light, but it snuffed out, leaving him blind. The crying fell silent. Whoever was inside had heard him. Only thing to do was rush in, before he completely lost the element of surprise.

Finding the hilt of his sword, Zen charged the door and kicked it open. “Who’s there?” he shouted.

He found the room empty, except for a smoking lantern overturned on the floor. Then the sunlight behind him vanished. He heard the thud of the draw bar coming down. Zen whirled around just as his captor lit another lamp, revealing a petite girl with a set chin. “Caught you.” She smiled as she locked eyes with Zen.

For a moment, Zen panicked. “How did you find me?!” He’d made it across the border and no one had looked twice at him in Tanburun. Thoughts whirling, Zen shifted into a fighting stance. Since she was encumbered with the lantern, he just might get past if he surprised her.

“That’s not important. Who sent you?” the girl demanded.

“Who sent me? That’s not what I expected you to ask.” Zen eyed her, still looking for an opening.

The light flickered on her face, showing him reddened eyes and drying tears. Maybe it hadn’t been a trick? She hadn’t responded to him and the lamplight’s shakiness told him that her grip was not steady.

Zen relaxed his guard. “Are you in trouble?” he asked.

The girl started. She opened her mouth to reply and hesitated, her furrowed brow betraying her confusion. “You don’t recognize me?” she asked finally, lowering the lantern. With her face shadowed, Zen realized that the brightness in her hair was not the reflection of the flame he’d taken it to be. Even without the light hitting it, it shone a brilliant red.

With hair like that, he wouldn’t be surprised if she had a reputation. Besides, she didn’t seem to have any idea who he was. That meant she was probably local, not a bounty hunter after all. She seemed too surprised at not being identified and usually people like that did their best to ensure the opposite from what Zen had read. That meant…

“No, I’ve never seen you before or heard of you.” Zen stood straighter and offered his hand to her, letting his frown fade. “I didn’t mean to surprise you. I just heard someone in trouble and thought I should find out what I could do to help.” A real prince came to the rescue of his people—any people.

The girl gripped the handle of the lantern with both hands, still tense. “I-I’m sorry! But even if what you say is true, I can’t trust you.”

Zen drew his hand back, a little stung. He cast about for some means of proof but he couldn’t begin to guess what had made her so frightened… unless it was him, bursting in like that? “I promise, I don’t mean you any harm. Why—?” A sound caught his ear as he drew a breath. Someone was coming towards the door from outside, many someones and coming fast. It could be trouble.

“Watch out!” He pulled the girl away from the entrance, dropping his pack in his haste to protect her. Zen put himself between her and the door just as it was knocked off its hinges. A pack of rough bandits stood ringed around the entrance, brandishing clubs, with the most dangerous looking man Zen had ever seen at their head.

The man lunged forward without a word. He seized Zen’s collar and drove him away from the girl, slamming him against the wall. Zen lost his breath from the speed and power of the blow. His hand opened and closed at his hip, reaching for a sword that wasn’t there. He grabbed the man’s wrists instead, trying to break his grip. His attacker twisted Zen’s collar, constricting his throat and making spots dance in front of his eyes. He could just barely see the girl’s hair glinting in the sunlight as the other bandits surrounded her. People like this only wanted to make easy money. As exotic as her hair was, there was no way she could compare with a prize like a runaway prince. She could get away if he gave himself up. It was what a prince would do, putting himself at risk for people in need. Now if he could just get enough breath to speak…

The pressure on his throat eased suddenly. Zen coughed, his vision clearing. The man fixed him with a deadly glare but he released Zen, drawing back to reveal that the girl held his arm. Zen stared at the two of them, wondering how she could restrain him so easily.

“Obi,” the girl said firmly. “I don’t think he was going to hurt me. Actually…” She turned to Zen, releasing the bandit. “I should introduce myself. My name is Shirayuki.” The atmosphere in the room grew tense, but no one moved to attack. “By any chance, are you…running away?”

Zen stiffened. This wasn’t how he’d planned to reveal himself. He looked around and found something familiar in the way the bandits stood now, their heads inclined towards the girl. They reminded him of the castle servants and guards. Startled, Zen swung his gaze back to Shirayuki. He couldn’t see any guile in her eyes. She hadn’t asked if he was the prince of Clarines.

He decided to take the plunge. “I am. I couldn’t stand to live without my freedom anymore. Are you planning to make me return?” He stared at her challengingly, but she met his gaze without flinching.

“Of course not. This is the home of the Lions of the Mountain. All runaways are safe here.” She lifted her chin, suddenly looking like much more than a simple mountain girl. “As their princess, I offer you my personal protection.”

Zen couldn’t believe his luck. A place full of runaways? No one would ever suspect his true identity there! A smile broke across his face. Here, he could escape the castle for good and have the life he wanted. Overcome with gratitude, he bowed to Shirayuki, wishing he could tell her what a gift she was offering him.

When he met her gaze again, she smiled back at him. Beside her, Obi narrowed his eyes. “My lady—”

“Obi,” Shirayuki interrupted. “The Lions will always be a safe place for runaways. We can’t let anything change that.”

Zen saw Obi’s jaw tighten before he nodded. “Yes, my lady.”

[galacticplum]

seasons away from you, a zenyuki fanmix

this is about being far away, in a new place, and missing someone dear while the seasons pass.

moods: (nostalgia) (missing) (time passing) (old soul) (calm)

for zenyukiweek 2017, day 1 & 2: connected & memories.

listen: youtube* ✤ 8tracks**  ✤ playmoss*** 

* (a few ost tracks may be different there); ** (rec-ed for US/Canada); *** (some tracks may not play)

(tracklist under the cut)

tracklist: Summer on the westhill – Kings of Convenience // Bloom -The Paper Kites // East Harlem - Beirut // Sho’s Lament version 2 – Karigurashi no Arriety OST // Longing – Inuyasha OST // Four seasons (piano) - cover by Ayakura // Waiting around again – Eliza Rickman // Autumn Leaves - cover by Sarah Joy // La la land medley (cello & piano) - Nicholas Yee & Sam Yang // The rip tide - Beirut // Our Love Is A Garden - Wilder Adkins

---

little bits of the tracks:

1. Summer on the westhill (exploring, getting to a new place, summer)

“From my seat I see the fields move by, colors strong it's been a long, long time. It's the first time I see summer on the westhill”

2. Bloom (thinking about someone. wanting to be closer to them)

“When the evening pulls the sun down, And the day is almost through, Oh, the whole world is sleeping, And my world is you” 

3. East Harlem (distance)

“Another rose wilts in East Harlem And uptown downtown a thousand miles between us”

4. Sho’s lament version 2 (instrumental; life flows)

5. Longing (instrumental; missing)

6. Four seasons (instrumental version; but the lyrics are about enduring distance from a loved one through the seasons, missing)

“As long as we share the same feelings, we'll be alright. That's right, as long as I believe, no matter how far apart, you'll stay with me

In spring, come to see me on the night flowers sleep In summer, leave me a message on the sandy beach Autumn rain and winter tears,   I want you to warm them with your sincere love Four seasons with your love... in my dreams” [translation from japanese]

7. Waiting around again (missing; although waiting gives a passive idea, different from zenyuki, who are always working with their purpose in sight, i think the song fits the mood so I opted to keep it)

“Stranded in time, you on my mind Miles from where I want to be But I laughed today, my cares away Waiting around again”

8. Autumn Leaves (nostalgia, missing, autumn)

“But I miss you most of all

My darling 

When autumn leaves 

Start to fall”

9. La la land medley (cello & piano) (instrumental, seasons pass, emotions flow)

10. The rip tide (life and its cycles, moving, finding way back)

“Soon the waves and I Found the rip tide”

11. Our love is a garden (working together, love is a reap of what you sow)

“I'll turn the earth over put my seeds in the ground Our love is a garden it's growing year round”

[akagami-no-rae]

Zenyuki Week 2017

Day 6: Insecurity 

Bloom by the Paper Kites

“Zen, is this realistic, or am I fooling myself? I love you so much. I want to be by your side someday. But can I stand next to a prince?”

“The answer to your question is simple: You can. Yes. It always has been yes.”