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Post by Echo on Aug 4, 2021 0:07:10 GMT -8
屍を越えてゆけAfter Juniper severed the connection from the near fatal experience of having Melody’s ki completely stolen by her unborn twins, the Duchess rested for about a month after going into labor, and Cress was away the entire time hunting down his own demonic mother for placing the demonic blood spell that linked them to Zeranna. Upon his return, the demoness escaped capture, and the half saiyan resorted to drinking again confining himself into the master bedroom now that his wife was no longer occupying it. The Truffle villagers rejoiced that two nobles were born from their Duchess, as the twin heirs were destined to protect their own lineages and the territory in the future, in honor of their guardians, the entire village was decorated in red and white as a symbol of good luck. With the news spread throughout the Western Lands, Baron Zinfandel of the Wine Clan had informed Portobello that he planned on visiting by bringing along his own heirs for a celebratory visit, and preparations were made to receive him at the massive estate on top of a hill. The maidenhair trees that surrounded the village were turning a golden hue from its green fan shaped leaves as fall was drawing near, soon the truffles that grew under its ancient roots, would be ready for harvest, and the zeni made from selling the mushrooms online or to their clients meant they will be able to grow rice in the paddies to the north of the hilltop. The melting ice from Tundra village supplied the ample purified water into the paddies which were currently growing lotus plants, farmers took advantage of growing everything in the paddies to feed the locals, and every inch of land was used to grow food while ten thousand villagers lived compactly in small houses contained in two acres of land. Several temple western style watch towers were strategically placed on the rock hill to keep an eye out for any dangers lurking beyond their highland borders. At the courtyard of the grand estate, Melody was holding her first born, Echo was left with the blood curse birthmark on his right cheek, which was caused by Zeranna’s demonic blood curse. Cress was concerned that the twins would fall victim to their grandmother, since they absorbed nearly all of their own mother’s power, it seemed unlikely now that they were strong enough to resist anything she was capable of, yet he was living with self pity after becoming a father. The Duchess wished to be understanding of his situation, his whole life changed the fateful day they met, and the last thing she wanted was for her husband to feel regret. The twins wore white traditional robes, with red hakama pants, and were already attempting to walk. Due to their demonic heritage the boys were growing at a faster rate than most earthlings, it was common for a mixed child to develop differently based on their parentage, and Melody was more than eager to raise the twins properly regardless of their exponential growth. For religious reasons Chanterelle commissioned wooden kitsune masks as a symbol of luck as gifts for the heirs of all the nobles that were visiting today. [537] Starting PL: 55,410 25% Recruitment bonus with Chardonnay Attachments:
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Post by Chardonnay on Aug 6, 2021 0:30:18 GMT -8
The news that Melody had given birth to twins reached Grape Vine Village, as allies of Bossa Nova Village, Baron Zinfandel wished to pay a visit as soon as possible, however political affairs prevented him from doing as soon as he intended to. One month had passed, he somehow managed to slip this celebratory visit into his busy schedule. He would be coming along with his children, Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as his wife and their vassal, Sakuya. He put on his plain orange haori over his kimono, and stored some bottles of fine wine in a Dyno Capsule, while the kids played in the courtyard as they waited for their parents to get ready. Meanwhile, Baroness Carmenere prepared the fresh grapes, along with other fruits in a bamboo-woven basket. “Taaag! Sakuya, you’re it!” Chardonnay exclaimed as she ran fast away from the demon. The vassal, on the other hand, got confused for a moment, before realizing what she needed to do, and she chased after the baronette and Merlot in their playtime. The game was interrupted when their mother called them and prepared to leave. The kids were the first to ride the minivan, followed by the vassal and the couple followed suit. Chardonnay and Merlot were particularly excited now thinking they would have new playmates. “Now, you two, you know the drill when we get there,” the baron spoke in a code, although the siblings would understand what it meant. It was the parent’s responsibility, after all, to teach their children proper manners and etiquette as nobles as young as possible. While he understood the enthusiasm of the two to meet the twins specifically, it would be rude for the children to forget to pay their respects to the older nobles. As soon as they arrived at the estate, Baron Zinfandel met with the Duchess’ attendants who were expecting the family at the estate entrance. “Greetings, we have come to offer our congratulations to the Duchess for giving birth to the twins,” the baron bowed first, and the rest of the group followed suit. [349/349] Starting PL: 6,300
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Post by Echo on Aug 6, 2021 7:52:19 GMT -8
“Welcome to Truffle Estate, honorable members of the Wine Clan.” Morel announced, bowing before the Wine Family in sync with her brother Portobello, and the housekeeper Chanterelle. “The Wine Clan are the first to arrive, our neighboring village leaders will also be joining us, please follow me.”The Viscountess gestured for the Wine Clan family to follow her into the front entrance, at the stone step, she removed her okobo sandals, and stepped up to the raised platform of the traditional western style home. Portobello and Chanterelle remained at the rear of the group, following suit of removing their sandals before walking over to the polished wooden floorboards, and proceeded to assist with sliding all the screen doors until reaching the banquet room. Melody was seated with the twin boys walking around, just hours before they were crawling, and were confident to walk around, often supporting each other to remain in the vertical position. The Duchess stood up at the arrival of her guests, she folded her hands neatly in front of her, and bowed to the nobles in greeting. “Welcome, thank you for visiting, and meeting the heirs to Truffle village. I must apologize in advance, my husband is unwell, and will not be joining us in this celebration but he sends his kind regards.”As soon as everyone settled in, she would take a seat on the tatami floor, and gestured for Chanterelle to exchange the gifts she planned in honor of their alliance. The braided raven haired teenager gave all three of the Wine clan children gift boxes, wrapped in silk brocade fabric, and dismissed herself by bowing and took a seat by the wall in case the Duchess needed anything before the remaining guests arrived. “Kitsune masks, in celebration for good fortune upon our children, as a sign of their friendship.” Melody assured the Baron and the Baroness. [306] [843] Chardonnay
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Post by Chardonnay on Aug 8, 2021 3:20:32 GMT -8
The family obediently followed their host as they were lured into the banquet room. Chardonnay carefully watched the adults as they gently removed their sandals and neatly placed them at the genkan before stepping on the raised platform as they made their way inside. The baronet looked over to her brother and with a nod, they both did the same. As they strolled down the hallway, the little girl couldn’t help but wander her eyes around as she marveled at the simplicity and elegance of the home of the Duchess while Merlot quietly walked beside her, placing his hands over her sister’s shoulder to make sure she wouldn’t get lost in her sight-seeing. “Watch your step, baronet,” Merlot warned his sister, as the baronet was carrying the basket of fruits they were about to give to their host. Once they arrived at the banquet hall, Baron Zinfandel and Baroness Carmenere smiled at the sight of the two boys who at such a young age were now trying to walk. Of course, the Baron was aware of their nature as demons, but as a father himself, he couldn’t help but be amused. The couple then met the gaze of the Duchess and bowed in response. The kids, including the vassal, Sakuya, did the same. “It is our honor to be invited to this glorious celebration, Duchess Melody,” Zinfandel humbly replied, “Ah, I see. It is quite unfortunate but I hope he gets better soon. Please send to him our kind regards as well.”The housekeeper then opened the gifts for the children of the Wine Clan, revealing three kitsune masks, which according to the duchess were symbols of good fortune and a sign of friendship among their offsprings. “We humbly accept your kind offer, duchess,” Zinfandel bowed in gratitude, he reached for the gifts and handed it to his wife in exchange for the fine wine she was carrying. He also gestured for Chardonnay to bring forward the basket filled with fresh fruits and handed it to Melody, “In exchange, please take this wine in celebration of our alliance, as well as this basket of fruits as we wish continuous prosperity to our fiefdom.”Meanwhile, Chardonnay was watching the twins as they learned how to walk, and could hardly contain her excitement to play and get to know them more. [393/742] Echo
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Post by Echo on Aug 8, 2021 16:28:07 GMT -8
“I humbly accept your generosity Baron and Baroness. We will celebrate with our neighbors together with the fine wine known to all the Western Lands.” Melody bowed at the couple and smiled, “Please, make yourselves at home, there is still time to indulge with a few snacks until we are joined by the others.”Chanterelle bowed to the Wine family, to take the gifts they offered, and quickly placed it on a dining cart for the servants to access at the appropriate time. Each table setting had a mochi snack popular to Oolong City, as well as a small black pot of tea, the housekeeper poured tea for the heads of the Wine clan. The newly born twins eventually walked over to children of the Wine clan. The blue eyed Note hid behind is brother, while the violet eyed Echo immediately reached over to touch Chardonnay’s face, squeezing her cheeks with his chubby hands like they were mochi. [159] [1,002] Chardonnay
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Post by Chardonnay on Aug 9, 2021 20:21:25 GMT -8
The adults took delight in the tea served before them, savoring the scent of the earthy but pleasing aroma of the drink first, before sipping a small amount from the cup. “How have you adjusted so far, duchess? Perhaps my wife could be of help and give you some pointers. Raising children may be a bit challenging, but they are our joy, the extension of our very lives.” the baron stated as a matter of fact, while the baroness nodded in agreement. On the other hand, Chardonnay and Merlot enjoyed the mochi on the table. The baroness, happily snacking on the sweet treat, was surprised when the strawberry blonde baby walked over to her and squeezed her cheeks. She blinked twice, and giggled at Echo’s action, as she patted his head, “Hihi. You’re so cute.” After taking a hard look, it was only at this point that she noticed a scar on his face and she wondered what happened to him at such premature age. However, she figured it might be rude to ask the duchess or anyone in the room for that matter, so she kept it to herself, perhaps she could ask her father when they got home. Meanwhile, Merlot took particular interest in the other twin who was hiding behind the purple-eyed boy, “Hello there, why are you hiding behind your brother? Let’s be friends,” he smiled at Note, reaching out his hand to offer a handshake. [243/985] Echo
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Post by Echo on Aug 10, 2021 17:31:53 GMT -8
The adults discussed at great lengths the challenges of raising children as nobles. Since Melody was abandoned and made an orphan after her maternal grandfather passed, her childhood was different, so she held a great interest in the upbringing for a noble child.
Echo let go of Chardonnay when she spoke to him, he blinked his violet eyes, and replied, “Cute.”
It was his first word. Of course, it was easier to learn the language from someone who was reachable, and he smiled when she reached out to pat his head. The scar on his face was a birthmark, the aftermath of the blood curse from his grandmother Zeranna, who he inherited his hair color from.
Note on the other hand, was relatively quiet, he shook Merlot’s hand then proceeded to wrestle the Wine Clan noble, taking him by the hand to pin him on the ground. While neither of the twins were trained in martial arts, it seemed to come naturally, after the pair nearly depleted their mother’s power level. [171] [1,173] Chardonnay
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Post by Chardonnay on Aug 12, 2021 7:59:49 GMT -8
Chardonnay widened her eyes, delighted to hear the strawberry blonde baby’s voice for the first time, and wondered if it was his first word. It seemed they were not able to talk some two minutes ago, so it was possible. She was also happy that she witnessed the boy's first smile, and with that, she hoped that they could be good friends as it was also the well-wishing of their parents when they exchanged gifts earlier. On the other hand, Merlot smiled the moment the blue-eyed twin reached for his hand, however, the pleased expression on his face suddenly turned into a daze when he was pulled by Note, and his body naturally followed the force that he tumbled on the other side and was pinned by the baby. Still shocked and confused, the little boy just stared straight into baby Note’s innocent eyes. Everyone was equally surprised as Merlot, the adults paused in their conversation at the show of strength of the Bossa Nova heir. “Now, that is quite a sight. I’m sure your son will get stronger in no time, duchess.” the Baron chuckled in amusement as he continued to enjoy his tea. “Hihi, I can’t believe you lost to a baby, brother,” Chardonnay teased. She then crawled and drew closer to take Note by the hand to greet him as well, lifting him off her brother so he could stand up and recover from the grapple. [243/1228] Echo
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Post by Echo on Aug 19, 2021 19:52:22 GMT -8
“I agree, it’s different with the demon blood coursing through their veins, the twins are the size of a one year old despite only being a month old.” Melody tilted her head. Echo copied what Chardonnay was doing by helping her own brother up from the tatami mat but instead did the same for Note. The twins then turned to look at the screen door in unison, upon the arrival of someone they never met before, but sensed a familiarity to. Samba Bossa Nova entered the room, wearing his usual red goblin mask, followed behind him were a set of fraternal twins by the name of Cadence and Canon. All three samurai were familiar with the Baron and Baroness, simply because Samba was Baroness Carmenere’s father, and the fraternal twins were the grandchildren of the head of the Bossa Nova clan. The old masked man lowered down to greet the children, his own grandchildren first, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sakuya who was adopted but not officially given a title due to her demonic nature as it unnerved the human locals of the Wine Clan. The samurai twins lined up to bow towards the nobles in proper greeting, Cadence was carrying a large canvas, and then rushed over to the Duchess with a trembling smile. “It’s you isn’t it?” Cadence flipped the canvas, “This is you many years ago? I am your younger sister Cadence, a samurai to the Bossa Nova clan, we looked everywhere for you when our maternal grandfather passed. We never knew the farm life made you so tan so we had no idea you were the same person let alone a Duchess! Meet my twin brother Canon. As soon as we heard you had twins, we were certain then, that you were the same Melody our parents left in Orchestra Village.”Melody was stunned to discover she had a sister, in a reputable samurai clan, she looked down at the canvas painting of her as a child when she lived in Orchestra Village, the boardwalk featured palm trees from the Southern Islands, and she was a bit lighter skinned then. For a long time she was prone to being tan from being outdoors all the time, so she wondered if the reason her family never returned for her was because she looked different, and was unaware her grandfather died. However, she was old enough to remember her last name, so she was puzzled why it only sounded familiar now. A suppressed memory from a near death experience as a child. “Yes, I remember my...sporting days as a child during my martial arts training, and this is me. I must apologize, this is very enthusiastic news, I cannot find the words to describe what it feels to reconnect with family all of a sudden.”Cadence was quick to hug Melody by the neck, she was crying into her shoulder, and the Duchess trembled briefly. Violet eyes met with Canon’s dark blue ones and he grinned. “As Duchess, you outrank the samurai of the Bossa Nova clan, so we are subjected to appointing you as the new clan leader to lead us to glory.” Canon affirmed. [527] [1,700] Attachments:
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Post by Chardonnay on Aug 23, 2021 7:46:19 GMT -8
While everyone was enjoying each other’s company, the sliding door slowly opened introducing the arrival of Samba Bossa Nova along with his niece and nephew, Cadence and Canon. The baron and his wife stood up to bow and greet the newly arrived visitors, while the children lined up to Samba as soon as they were met by their grandfather. “Jii-chan!!!” Chardonnay exclaimed, hugging the old man by his neck, Sakuya and Merlot followed suit enthusiastically. The little girl would then break from the embrace and rush towards the twins, Echo and Note, pulling them gently to introduce them to her grandfather. "Lord Echo, Lord Note, this is my grandfather, Samba-ojiichan!" Meanwhile, the older twins, Canon and Cadence walked towards the duchess, the girl introduced themselves as Melody’s long-lost siblings, Canon added that she should take leadership for their clan. Hearing the conversation, the baron was surprised to know about what he just heard, he looked at his wife as if asking for confirmation but Carmenere just stared back, and was as baffled as her husband was. Zinfandel felt he was out of place to barge into the discussion, after all, this was a family matter. While his wife was a relative, he was in no position to speak his insights unless he was asked to. In the back of his mind, however, he agreed with the green-haired samurai, taking note of the duchess’ skills in leadership and probably in swordsmanship as well, he was certain that Melody would be a great clan leader. [255/1,483] Echo
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Post by Echo on Aug 25, 2021 14:58:22 GMT -8
“Samba-ojiichan.” Echo repeated.
It seemed the strawberry blonde twin was able to speak easily, while Note only observed, he remained stoic as a result but it seemed possible he was capable of learning to speak as well. The pair of boys watched as Samba Bossa Nova greeted the three children before turning his attention to the rest.
“That’s right. I am your departed great grandfather’s adopted brother. We are not related by blood but I am a great great uncle to you two.” Samba Bossa Nova humbly nodded, giving each child a gentle head pat, and placed Chardonnay down back on the floor, “Excuse me, Baronette.”
Melody met Canon’s line of sight, she was baffled by the truth, but duty suppressed her emotions long enough to formulate an answer.
“It is my sworn duty among the Pig Demon Duchies to rule over the western land territories under my charge. I will assume the leadership position of the Bossa Nova Clan of Samurai in order to protect the region from our enemies.”
At this point Cadence released the Duchess who scooted over across the tatami mat, Canon knelt down next to his twin, and the pair deeply bowed in unison.
“You bring us great honor, Duchess Melody.” The twin siblings spoke at the same time.
Samba Bossa Nova then knelt down as well, deeply bowing, the nose of his red goblin mask touched the floor for a moment until he raised his head, “My name is Samba Bossa Nova, I was adopted by your family ages ago, and raised your younger siblings as if they were my own. It is an honor to pass on my leadership role with the Bossa Nova clan to the rightful heiress, a Duchess, with the highest prestige to oversee the samurai I have personally trained who will swear their loyalty to you.” [307]
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Post by Chardonnay on Sept 7, 2021 22:55:35 GMT -8
The wide grin on little Chardonnay’s face reduced to a faint smile as her grandfather put her down, she followed him with her eyes, a little bit confused of the situation. They were talking about family, and it seemed that the green-haired twins were related to the duchess? But why did Duchess Melody live far from them? Weren’t families supposed to live together, just like how they were in the Wine Clan? Was it because she had a new family now? But even her grandparents stay close to them. Obviously, these kinds of stuff were still foreign to her young mind. Perhaps she would come to understand it when the right time comes, whenever that would be. In the meantime, she resumed playing with the twins, together with her brother and Sakuya, while the adults continued to talk about reuniting and assuming leadership of some sorts. As Samba paid his respects to the Duchess along with the twins, the Wine couple would follow suit, deeply bowing to their host, recognizing her as their ally. “As the current leader of the Wine Clan, I would be honored to offer my service to the Duchess and to the Bossa Nova clan.”Before they could raise their chin again, however, Carmenere started to cough. Her face was getting pale, the mild short hacking turned longer and throaty. The baroness was already having difficulty breathing. Hands on the floor, her arms began to feel weak that she couldn’t push herself up to stand. “Baroness!!” Zinfandel grabbed his wife, and held her in his arms. The baroness continued to cough, this time, blood spilled from her mouth staining the tatami floor, “Oh..I-I'm sorry!” her voice was a bit restrained, she could hardly speak. The baron immediately lifted her up, “ I-I apologize for this emergency, Duchess Melody. But I need to take my wife to the nearest hospital,” he wasn’t aware if any of the Bossa Nova had DynoCapsules reserved for medical treatment, or if they had healing powers like the mystics, but sending her to the nearest medical provider was of highest priority that he hadn’t bothered asking. “I would appreciate it if the kids could stay here for a moment, Duchess. Merlot, watch after your sister and don’t cause any trouble for the Duchess, alright? We’ll be back soon.”[393/1,876] Echo
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