But this had served as a curse as well. While Chishiotono would never seem any older than twenty years, Shanijin, as she was named after her transformation, would always remain a little girl. Though her mind was as sharp as any, Shanijin's heart was shockingly cold. Save for when she was play-acting for guests who didn't know better, his sister never revealed the slightest sign of emotion.
"Chishio," Shanijin began impassively. That was how she began nearly every statement.
"Lord Kantanshi of the Viridian Talon clan has arrived at the gates." She concluded without any hint of a facial expression.
"Thank you for informing me, Shanijin." Chishiotono said with a sigh, walking over to his large, ebony wardrobe, opening it, and beginning to search for his best formal kimono.
"And Chishio?" Shanijin made the statement almost a question, though still calm and impassive.
"Yes, sister?" He inquired, dropping the crimson satin cloth from his shoulder and pulling his black silk kimono from the wardrobe, careful that it didn't snag on any of the wooden corners, while beginning to dress himself. He did it quickly but delicately, and when he was done he examined himself in a long silver mirror that was hooked on the wall, smoothing out the silk material that seemed to match his hair.
Gazing into the mirror, Chishiotono could not help but chuckle. Everything in his room was black or Crimson. The walls were made of solid onyx, as was the floor, though it had a red rug laid down over most of it. His overly large bed was made of ebony, the satin sheets a deep crimson, the thick but yet silk-lined comforter as black as night. The canopy and bed-curtains were a beautifully pale scarlet, though translucent, and the bed-curtains were drawn at the moment, revealing the crimson tide like a sea of blood.
"Lord Irootoko, it seems, got in a duel with Lord Kugutsu and was wounded. He is healing, of course, but Lord Kugutsu's Poison Whip will leave Lord Irootoko bedridden for days. Of course, that means that Lord Irootoko is feeding on an entire mortal a day. We can continue this with an ample supply for a while, but the livestock will run out after too long. But of course, the Valley of Twilight, Lord Irootoko's clan, will be shipping more livestock here. Of course, considering that we are doing this with so many people here, they will be shipping twice the number of mortals that Lord Irootoko consumes. That means new blood among the livestock, too, so we should have a better crop next year. And, as custom dictates, Lord Kugutsu's clan, the Nightstalkers, will be matching Lord Irootoko's donation. How . . . fortunate . . . for us, that we can profit from this terrible occurrence."
Chishiotono didn't bother looking at her face to know that it was plain and expressionless, but he could almost hear the smirk behind her words. She said it in a complete monotone, devoid of all emotions, but she was too clever to say such a thing and not to realize the significance.
"Was I not supposed to be informed of any duels, sister?" Chishiotono queried, not really expecting and answer as he used some powdered rock mixed with oil to highlight his eyelids with a faint red color to match the scarlet sash that he was about to wind around his slim waist.
When Shanijin did not respond, he continued, almost casually, though they both knew the answer to the question that he was about to ask.
"Out of curiosity, what was the duel over?" He questioned, feigning innocence.
"Oh, apparently Lord Irootoko and Lord Kugutsu's lover, Lady Dashi, had something of a fling after Lord Kugutsu and his lady had sealed themselves to each other with a Blood Bond. The Courts are still buzzing about how Lord Kugutsu may have found out, it seems that no one knows. Odd, that he should find out now, wouldn't you say, Chishio? Now, in the middle of this meeting of the Council, on our premises? But, at least it worked out so that we shall gain from it."
Chishiotono managed not to respond with anything more than a "humph," but he had to try very hard not to clench his fists. Shanijin almost seemed as though she were going to laugh at him. To his dismay, she continued, apparently not satisfied with what little bit of subtlety she had used.
"Yes, well, rumors are spreading that Lord Kugutsu discovered a note in his lover's hand to Lord Irootoko. Very interesting, but no one is certain of course. Still, it seems odd, I've never known Irootoko to bother with letters. Perhaps I've lost my touch with reading people . . ."
Chishiotono slammed his fist into the stone pedestal next to him, causing the black marble to shatter like fragile glass, and the black glazed pot filled with dried roses on top to fall. Reflexively, Chishiotono caught it and placed it gently on the floor, keeping his eyes locked on Shanijin's still blank expression.
"Get . . . out." He growled through gritted teeth. He took a few deep breaths; not