♥ chateau coco

[daisy]

elegance is refusal.

The Tsuchikage's luxurious quarters have been renovated, having been largely ignored since her disappearance. Housed in a small, elegant building nestled into the mountains, away from the noise and distraction of the city. A stately hallway leads onto the lounge, where guests will await an audience with the Kage herself. Any citizen of Iwagakure, be they shinobi or civilian is welcome to visit, to express grievances or merely for counsel and guidance.

Many secrets are kept within the glamorous confines of Coco's residence, some important to the entire village, and some merely trademark makeup tricks. The entire building was decorated by the woman herself, and although the outside defers to the standard style of Iwagakure, upon stepping in, it's as if a whole other world has been painted. Dainty chandeliers and sweeping window hangings, all picked in dark reds and purples.

Within the guest room, which is the destination for almost all visitors, there are luxurious lounging couches, and large chairs draped with silks. An assortment of complimenting cushions dot the room, and a large pile of glossy magazines can be found always within easy reach. The sole member of staff working there spends her time reading or sewing, when not performing paperwork, in front of a desk, adorned with all sorts of personal ornaments and pictures, and she will deal with any requests for the Tsuchikage.

♥ Anybody may enter the Chateau to seek audience with the Tsuchikage.

♥ Please do not RP the NPCs in this thread, that will be done by me.

♥ Don't spill anything on the couches, they were imported.

Chateau Staff ;

Boudoir Aide
Candy

[daisy]

diplomacy
we should totally just stab caesar

konohagakure; neutral

[-] defeated a leaf shinobi at the village gates



kirigakure; friendly

[-] ancient grudges
[-] mist's murder of the sandaime tsuchikage
[+] bonding with the yondaime mizukage
[+] yondaime mizukage saves yondaime tsuchikage



sunagakure; hostile

[-] ancient grudges
[-] lord kazekage revealed as sacker of bakudon gai
[-] capture of sunagakure spy
[-] murder of sunagakure shinobi
[-] the iwa-suna war



kumogakure; friendly

[-] cloud's attack on the village gates
[+] cloud's defence of the sandaime tsuchikage
[+] envoy meets with the raikage



kusagakure; allies

[+] meeting with shodaime kusakage
[+] follow up meeting with shodaime kusakage

[King]

Continued from here.

---

Ashura was pleasantly surprised by the luxurious, albeit seemingly humble (in size aloe), abode that the Tsuchikage considered her private quarters. Expensive furniture, wonderful scents -- it was even better than how he imagined it to be. "Lady Tsuchikage definitely has taste, doesn't she Kirino?"

Pressing further into the establishment, the young boy spoke. "Hello? Anyone home?" he inquired smoothly, just loud enough for any staff nearby to hear and hopefully address him. Of course, he'd wait - but what he needed to discuss with the ruler of Iwagakure was important, even if only to him.

[vetti vedi vicious]

It had been a long time since she had ever seen the place, and she had never been inside before, but it was clear that they had done things with the place. Kirino's eyes turned upwards as they passed through the door, observing the intricate designs that decorated the ceiling. With her head cocked back, she nearly ran into a great deal of valuables, but managed to miss them with nothing but sheer, dumb luck. Eventually, she focused ahead, stopping just before knocking over Ashura.

"Taste?"

She looked around for whatever food item it was that the boy was referencing, unable to find anything. Oh, right, decor, not food. Bold reds and thick golds easily derailed any train of thought she managed to board, her head rotating about. It seemed as if she was trying to take it in all at once, so that when they actually met the kage she could remain composed. It was a noble strategy, but in the moment she just looked completely clueless.

"Oh, yes, it's very nice!"

Ashura began asking for some sort of service, while Kirino took a seat on a nearby couch. As she hit the fabric, her mouth became agape in a yawn. Too comfortable. Resisting wasn't worth the effort, she was done for. Thoughts such as "you need to save your energy for when you meet the kage," allowed her to justify these actions. Now to avoid falling asleep completely, that was the tricky part. She finished her yawn, then spoke.

"Maybe we're just supposed to wait."

[daisy]

♥; Boudoir Aide, Miss Rosa

She was sewing, as per usual. Another of the kage's dresses that hadn't survived a battle quite as well as the woman herself. Rosa often wondered if she had been hired for her skills as a personal assistant, or for her expertise as a seamstress. The latter of which was far more proficient than the former. Absorbed in her airy thoughts, it wasn't until she heard a call that she was aware of company.

Looking up from the desk she saw a young woman already upon one of the couches, and a much younger boy, who appeared to have been seeking her attention.
"Oh! I'm sorry! Are you here to see the Lady Tsuchikage? Oh, i suppose you must be, huh?" The woman said, mostly to herself. They hadn't had many visitors of late, so perhaps her lack of attentiveness could be excused.

"She's here! I'll go get her! Oh, but who are you?" Rosa said, rising from her desk and almost knocking over a stack of papers, before remembering how to do her job.
"And your reason for being here! That's another question." She said, clapping her hands together and looking terribly pleased with herself. She paused there, halfway from leaving her desk, looking hopefully at the two newcomers. It was so difficult to remember procedure, after all.

[King]

Ashura smiled. He loved this part. "My name is Ashura Uchiha, and this is my best friend Kirino Goto. And I'm here to ask Lady Tsuchikage about some information she might have on the Shodaime Tsuchikage. People say that he was my father, Kouketsu Uchiha's, best friend."

Suddenly, Ashura's dull, slate grey eyes were glowing with childish charm and adoration. In fact, had the seamstress looked long enough, she might have even seen a few stars glistening in his overly exerted orbs like miniature explosions of chakra. His lips began to quiver, his face becoming super imposed upon his short body as the background seemed to fade into a mixture of fluffy, colorful clouds and thin mist.

Genjutsu? No, there wasn't a need. This was just the beauty of youth!

"And I'd really, really appreciate it if she'd just spare a few minutes to talk to me~ Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase."

[vetti vedi vicious]

Her head whipped to a side as the well endowed maid made her presence known. What kind of Kage was this? The whole situation became even more confusing for Kirino, but in a good way. Was the "Lady Tsuchikage" some sort of princess, a woman that was always well dressed, well mannered, and followed by a group of servants? This sort of royalty was unheard of in Mist, and the vibe of the place as a whole was beginning to make her head spin. She had always dreamed of being some sort of royalty, but had never put a picture to the concept. This was clearly it! This is where men on steeds in shining armor rescued their maidens, where crowns were symbols of authority- This was it!

Despite becoming more excited by the idea of royalty by the moment, her own demeanor and dress clashed. Very casually dressed, and without her hair done properly what so ever, Kirino could not have looked more out of place. Yet, here she was, with a maid talking to her! A real maid! Well, perhaps not technically, but she looked like one. That was good enough as far as Kirino was concerned. The boy introduced them both, allowing her only to wave with a cracked smile, her cheeks burning red. If she had been allowed to spoke, the drivel and incoherent thoughts that may have been spewed could have been imminently dangerous on many different levels.

Though Rosa seemed more than willing to get the Kage for both of them, Ashura put on quite the show. Kirino was tempted to clap, but resisted, just beaming instead, as if she were a mother, proud of her son's "acting." Impressive didn't begin to describe his display. She nodded to herself a few times as he spoke, enthralled and at this point overcome with joy. Things were going well, or at least in Kirino's head.

[daisy]

♥; Boudoir Aide, Miss Rosa

This was all terribly over her head. The Shodaime Tsuchikage? That Kouketsu Uchiha? This was his son? How could such an adorable child be related to someone so bloodthirsty! Rosa stepped uncertainly towards the door, but was stopped in her tracks by such a display of cuteness that she was rendered unable to continue.

"Y-yes! Of course! She'd love to see you!" She babbled, rushing now for the door to the Tsuchikage's quarters. The seamstress wasn't sure who the woman was, but supposed she was something of a guardian or nanny to the child. It wouldn't do for such a sweet thing to travel alone, after all! She left the room, bustling in to inform Coco of the unexpected arrivals.

[daisy]

Now just what was she prattling on about now? If the girl wasn't so good with my clothes, i wasn't sure whether she'd still have a job. Something about the Shodaime? And then... I tucked away my blusher, blew myself one last kiss in the mirror, then with a toss of my hair, i strutted out from my room, Rosa trailing behind me. I hadn't expected a child. With a bright pink smile today, i addressed the woman on the couch.

"Coco von Alexandria Valentino. Lovely to meet you both. How can i help you?" I settled myself elegantly into a purple armchair, crossing my long legs as i took in their appearances. The woman seemed rather tired, perhaps from looking after the child? I'd never really understood the appeal of children, myself. Such sticky, noisy things.

I gestured at Rosa, and in moments she had appeared with a bottle of wine and two glasses, setting them down on the table and filling both with the beverage. I pushed one towards the brown haired girl, and took the other myself, smiling indulgently as i awaited their questions or concerns. My subordinate had said something about looking for information on the Shodaime, and i hoped i could recall the man well enough to provide.

[King]

Ashura could hardly wait for the Tsuchikage's arrival, yet somehow managed to keep a calm and cool demeanor. When the woman peeled the corner of her room, his eyes went wide. She was a lot prettier than he was expecting, coming from the land of Tsuchi no Kuni. For some reason, he expected all of their women to be so-- rough and rugged. Living around rocks all their lives and such, y'know?

"You're really pretty," he cooed as the woman sat down. Rather than mirror the action, he stood, stepping closer so that he wouldn't have to speak so loudly. They were inside, afterall.

Coughing to clear his throat, he stood tall. "My name is Ashura Uchiha, jounin of the Hidden Leaf, and I'm trying to find my father-- Kouketsu Uchiha. My companion and I, Kirino," he gestured to the exhausted appearing woman with an open hand, "Have traveled a very long way to get here. A woman in Sunagakure, by the name of Beppin, informed me that my father's best friend was the Shodaime Tsuchikage.

If anyone would know where my father is, it would be him. Do you know where he - the Shodaime - is? Is he even still alive?" Despite his young age, Ashura's voice was regal and eloquent. He spoke with a wisdom well beyond his years, clearly no longer the cute, adorable child that had charmed the Tsuchikage's seamstress merely moments before.

[vetti vedi vicious]

((I don't know where you guys got the idea that Kirino appeared tired..? Sorry if there was poor communication on my part. She's very much energetic and happy to be here, if that wasn't clear. j/s. no big deal))

It seemed Ashura's verbal assault had worked, and the woman scurried. How cute! Kirino was already connecting with the Tsuchikage over her choice in employees and decor. Expectations were high. It only took another minute or so before the Kage in question made her appearance, in full dress at that. Kirino supposed this would be the case, considering the fact the two were from different villages, "dignitaries" perhaps. As soon as Kirino was actually graced by her presence, it was a bit overwhelming.

The woman spoke so directly, with such strength and resolve through a casual greeting. Her name was as long as her figure, and equally elegant. Kirino hoped the Kage would be okay with being addressed by "Coco" or something similar, as there wasn't a chance she would remember the whole thing. Well anyway-

Before she had the chance to speak, Ashura began once again, this time with a different tone entirely. A glass appeared in front of Kirino at this moment, as if to say, "here's something to do while the two "adults" in the room talk." She didn't mind. Her motivations were nothing compared to those of her companion. He had gotten them here, it was only fair that he speak. So with that, Kirino drank without hesitation, and a substantial amount at that. It wasn't a big deal, she could hold her liquor, or so she told herself. Time would be the judge of that.

Kirino's legs came together, hands resting together on her lap after setting down the glass. The boy went on for a good while, clearly presenting the current situation they were in, and his own understanding of it. His formality and demeanor were a bit surprising for Kirino, having never quite seen this side of him, but it seemed Ashura was a boy full of surprises. Trying to predict his actions was a fruitless task. Well aware of this, Kirino just watched the two, silent, doing her best to at least appear formal with firm posture, despite her attire.

[daisy]

To my surprise, the woman remained silent, while the boy began his rather direct line of questioning. I couldn't deny the eloquence he possessed, and at such a young age too. But rather more shocking than his demeanour, far beyond his years, and even his jounin status, were his words. The child of Kouketsu Uchiha, here in my lounge. I was visited with a sudden urge to attack him. To murder the sweet young child, staining the expensive carpet with his underage blood. It was terribly fleeting, but such an impulse took me by surprise. Rationally, the morality of such an act was vile, and as a jounin, the sense of such an act was foolish. I sipped at my wine to settle the unease that my feral thoughts had given me, and heard him out.

"Such a sweetheart! And such grand acclamations for one so young. I know of your father, of course. Not such a welcome name around these parts, i'm afraid. As for the Shodaime, i knew him personally, though not as well as i would've liked." I said, after he'd finished speaking. Taking another sip, i considered the first Tsuchikage. I'd been a genin under his command for most of his reign, a peaceful, prosperous time, perhaps one of the few true prestigious times of the village.

"Uekyuchi Kikkawa. He was a brilliant man, both in leadership, and in battle. It's strange you refer to him as your father's closest friend, as last i know of him, is his rather dramatic showdown with Kouketsu. He fought to defend the capital, Bakudon Gai, against your father's invading forces. After that, well. He disappeared. I've had people look, of course. I've asked my countless sources. If the Shodaime is still alive, none known of his location." I explained. My knowledge was likely more than many, and yet i knew it would probably be of little help to the child. Yet the fact remained, Uekyuchi's location and status were entirely unknown.

"I'm sorry i can't be of more help. It must've been a difficult journey for you both. If you so desire, i can arrange quarters for you here in the village?" If the child hadn't been so astute, and indeed, intriguing, i would've wanted him out of my village as soon as possible. His father was someone i couldn't fathom, nor could i forgive. Along with my offer of hospitality, however, was the desire for information. My ever spreading threads reaching out to snare new knowledge in my web.

"I must ask though dear, you believe your father to be alive somewhere? Perhaps you could tell me more about him, and about your travels seeking him?" The woman was still an unknown. The headband around her arm was not of the Leaf. How did they know each other? What part in this act did she play? Was she also connected to Kouketsu? No, i needed to know more of them both. Much more.

[King]

OOC: Probably because she looks like a ruffled whore who just go gang-banged, Vedi! Take a shower, slut!

---

Ashura didn't try to mask the disappoint on his face at the Tsuchikage's words. Even though she didn't know much about the Shodaime-- namely his location or status --he could appreciate her knowledge of history.

"Yes, I remember reading about that - the Massacre of Bakudon Gai." His voice was timid now, clearly showing no appreciation for his father's crafty work. His love of the man was solely from the blood coursing through his veins; the senseless slaughter was beyond his grasping mind, as the taking of a life was something he took upon himself only in the most dire of times.

"And that's what I thought, as well. The scrolls in the library said that the Shodaime Tsuchikage did defend Bakudon Gai against Kirigakure and my father, even when the Nidaime would not." Pausing, the boy reached into his satchel and plucked one of the several scrolls from within, unrolling it with a single hand. "But here, in this scroll, there are multiple sources stating that Uekyuchi Kikkawa was at my father's side during the destruction of Konohagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakura, and Sunagakure."

The print was easily readable, and he'd even let her hold it if she wanted. "The woman from Sunagakure only confirmed my suspicions. She said her husband, Soratsu Uchiha, was my also one of my father's closest confidants - his right hand man, more or less. She was there, as well, said that the Shodaime was present through all of that chaos."

I'm not sure what happened between them, but it doesn't matter. I can't go chasing the Shodaime and my father at the same time. >_<"

Ashura sighed. "But I know my father's alive. I can--," he paused, raising his hand to his chest. "I can feel him. He was here, in Tsuchi no Kuni. I can feel his chakra in my bones, Lady Tsuchikage. I was so close, and then it vanished. It hurts.

I know my father has done terrible things, but that's exactly why I need to meet him. I need to know why he would do such terrible things; I need to know why he and my mother left us. I have so many questions that only he can answer." Rather than overflowing with emotion, Ashura's voice remained calm and smooth. Low, but fluid and rhythmic.

"But, thank you for the offer. However, unless Kirino wants to stay another night, I intended to leave after our meeting." Ashura suddenly smiled. "More searchin' to do, y'know?"

[vetti vedi vicious]

(( suck a fart ))

She listened well, and appeared to actually like Ashura, but it seemed the Kage couldn't be of much use to the two. Kirino shared his disappointment as the woman explained her understanding and perspective on the matter, ultimately lacking the information they needed.

Upon further thought, it was interesting to think about how Kikkawa and Kouketsu were similar, in a way. Both disappeared at around the same time, according to the information Ashura had at least, and that lead Kirino to wonder if they both also had people looking for them. Did Kikkawa have any children? Were there others on the same quest as they were?

She had a hard time following everything, but tried her best. Coco seemed to have taken the information Ashura had given before without taking any issue, despite his father's notoriety, but the scroll he had could be a problem. It seemed that Miss Valentino cared for the man, as she had been searching for him, so the idea that this man was actually at the side of the man whom people though he was fighting against could prove too much.

Ashura had never told her about these gut feelings he had before, but it was understandable, and not knowledge that Kirino needed to know by any means. On the other hand, the reasons that he had for searching for this man were something she had heard many times before, and they struck her every time. With all of this swirling though her mind, Kirino nearly missed her queue.

"Oh, no, I'm fine!"

[daisy]

A conversation of revelations, it seemed. I plucked the scroll from his grasp, scanning it quickly as he continued to speak. Could it be true? Could the Shodaime have ultimately sided with Kouketsu, and indeed, aided him in his conquests? I wasn't sure what to think. I didn't have enough information. And even should it turn out that Uekyuchi was not the grand figure i held him to be, he was many years gone. Was it worth digging in the past? For the boy, Ashura, it apparently was. I handed him back the scroll as i took in the rest of his words. I was conflicted. On one hand, he truly appeared to be a child innocent of his father's wrongs, simply born of bad blood. Such a child couldn't be held responsible for anything in the past. But then again, as young as he was, i found i couldn't quite trust him. Not unconditionally.

I did understand his need to find the man, though. I would very much like to meet him myself, although i knew this was more of a hypothetical than anything i intended upon.
"Ultimately, in pursuing clues to your father's current whereabouts, you've gained nothing here. I, on the other hand, have learned a few things that are difficult to grasp. Regardless of the Shodaime's actions, the people of Iwa hold him in high esteem. I think it better if any contrary information never reach their ears." I said thoughtfully. Brushing dirt under the rug, as they said. There was no sense stirring up the past.

"I understand though. Blood is blood. As unpleasant as it may be to hear, however, i can't wish you luck in finding your father. I feel it best if he, if even his name, remain buried in time." I sighed, sipping deeply from my glass. It would prove a difficult cross to bear, i'd imagine, being Kouketsu's son.
"If i can't offer you any hospitality, then at least let me thank you for sharing what you've learned with me. It pains me that i can offer nothing in return." I supposed he had no reason to remain here, now.
"If i may ask, where will you go now?"