Rukia Kuchiki (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
damn_juicebox) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
melodiesoflife2016-11-17 06:46 am
damn_juicebox) wrote in melodiesoflife2016-11-17 06:46 am
Entry tags:
Sky Colonel
WHO: Rukia, OTA
WHAT: After over a year of military service, Rukia is promoted to the rank of Colonel. She's super proud about it and drags along anyone who wants to attend the ceremony.
WHEN: November 19th - 21st
WHERE: Esdham
NOTES: Feel free to mingle with each other too! I'll set up some extra links for it below. In the meantime, have some prompts.
The Journey
The special airline that carried passengers to Esdham departed early in the day on the 19th. The skies were clear and the air was crisp, tinged with the scent of woodsmoke from hundreds of piping chimneys. Rukia had packed a small suitcase, staying up late the night before to iron her uniform, polish her boots, and go over everything three times to ensure that she was prepared for this trip. She'd been promoted in the military before, but to achieve a rank of this caliber was truly something special to her. It was reminiscent of the pride she'd felt when she'd been assigned to the 13th Division under Captain Ukitake. The only difference was that she'd made it here on her own merits this time, rather than being accepted simply because of her adoption into a noble family.
Both of her chocobos were neatly groomed, but left at the stables for the time being. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to bring them to Esdham with her, but if she did need either one, her Beastmaster job would allow her to summon one of them to her side.
At the docks, Rukia waited patiently as the gangplank was lowered, then climbed aboard the ship and surrendered her luggage before moving to the side and grasping the railing. She took a deep breath of the cool morning air and smiled. Once everyone was aboard, they could depart. Her heart was already pounding with excitement in her chest. She'd seen Sephiroth's ceremony previously so she knew a little about what to expect, but that did little to quiet her nervous anticipation. Once she arrived in Esdham, she'd have to pay a visit to the salon to make sure her nails and hair looked their absolute best if she was going to be any kind of representative.
* * * * *
The Ceremony
Though the other Heroes likely weren't permitted on the stage unless they were in the military themselves, they'd at least get a good seat. It was a brisk and formal affair, with a brass band to play the Esdham anthem when the ceremony began. Rukia stood off to the side with her hands clasped neatly behind her back, her posture straight, her chin held high. Though she schooled her expression to be serious, every now and then a little grin would sneak onto her face.
The promotion of the lower ranked officers took place first, and she applauded them with her gloved hands. When at least they called her name, she stepped forward, ascending the short trio of steps that led up the dais to approach the podium. She was radiating pride, her countenance aglow when they pinned the new insignia to her pristine uniform. Humbly she accepted the ceremonial sword of Durendal in both hands, bowing low to signify her gratitude.
Then she turned to bow to the stands, and her eyes briefly sought out the section where her friends were seated. Catching their gaze she smiled before she dipped forward and straightened with a salute. Once the applause started, she couldn't help herself from smiling brightly.
Turning to shake the hands of her superiors, and General Varaha's as well, she realized that the president was conspicuously absent. "He" had been there for Sephiroth's orientation, hadn't he? It was unusual, but Rukia decided to wait until after the ceremony to ask. There was likely a good reason for it. For now she accepted a scroll neatly bound with a red ribbon that assigned a ship to her name, a small contingent of soldiers, and her own private military quarters. She was simply too happy right now to be worried about much else.
* * * * *
Afterwards
Once Rukia had time to settle into her new quarters and change her clothes into something less formal, she was eager to meet with her friends. The news she'd received about the president's condition concerned her greatly, as did the refusal to allow her to visit in person. They'd said the information was confidential and only on a need-to-know basis, and she meant to uphold those orders for now.
But it still seemed as if something more should be done.
For now, she would have to push the matter aside and focus on tonight's celebrations before the airship departed on the morrow. It was much warmer in Esdham this time of year than it was in Aqures Ixen, so she might as well enjoy the good weather and better company while she could. Fretting could wait just one day.
WHAT: After over a year of military service, Rukia is promoted to the rank of Colonel. She's super proud about it and drags along anyone who wants to attend the ceremony.
WHEN: November 19th - 21st
WHERE: Esdham
NOTES: Feel free to mingle with each other too! I'll set up some extra links for it below. In the meantime, have some prompts.
The Journey
The special airline that carried passengers to Esdham departed early in the day on the 19th. The skies were clear and the air was crisp, tinged with the scent of woodsmoke from hundreds of piping chimneys. Rukia had packed a small suitcase, staying up late the night before to iron her uniform, polish her boots, and go over everything three times to ensure that she was prepared for this trip. She'd been promoted in the military before, but to achieve a rank of this caliber was truly something special to her. It was reminiscent of the pride she'd felt when she'd been assigned to the 13th Division under Captain Ukitake. The only difference was that she'd made it here on her own merits this time, rather than being accepted simply because of her adoption into a noble family.
Both of her chocobos were neatly groomed, but left at the stables for the time being. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to bring them to Esdham with her, but if she did need either one, her Beastmaster job would allow her to summon one of them to her side.
At the docks, Rukia waited patiently as the gangplank was lowered, then climbed aboard the ship and surrendered her luggage before moving to the side and grasping the railing. She took a deep breath of the cool morning air and smiled. Once everyone was aboard, they could depart. Her heart was already pounding with excitement in her chest. She'd seen Sephiroth's ceremony previously so she knew a little about what to expect, but that did little to quiet her nervous anticipation. Once she arrived in Esdham, she'd have to pay a visit to the salon to make sure her nails and hair looked their absolute best if she was going to be any kind of representative.
* * * * *
The Ceremony
Though the other Heroes likely weren't permitted on the stage unless they were in the military themselves, they'd at least get a good seat. It was a brisk and formal affair, with a brass band to play the Esdham anthem when the ceremony began. Rukia stood off to the side with her hands clasped neatly behind her back, her posture straight, her chin held high. Though she schooled her expression to be serious, every now and then a little grin would sneak onto her face.
The promotion of the lower ranked officers took place first, and she applauded them with her gloved hands. When at least they called her name, she stepped forward, ascending the short trio of steps that led up the dais to approach the podium. She was radiating pride, her countenance aglow when they pinned the new insignia to her pristine uniform. Humbly she accepted the ceremonial sword of Durendal in both hands, bowing low to signify her gratitude.
Then she turned to bow to the stands, and her eyes briefly sought out the section where her friends were seated. Catching their gaze she smiled before she dipped forward and straightened with a salute. Once the applause started, she couldn't help herself from smiling brightly.
Turning to shake the hands of her superiors, and General Varaha's as well, she realized that the president was conspicuously absent. "He" had been there for Sephiroth's orientation, hadn't he? It was unusual, but Rukia decided to wait until after the ceremony to ask. There was likely a good reason for it. For now she accepted a scroll neatly bound with a red ribbon that assigned a ship to her name, a small contingent of soldiers, and her own private military quarters. She was simply too happy right now to be worried about much else.
* * * * *
Afterwards
Once Rukia had time to settle into her new quarters and change her clothes into something less formal, she was eager to meet with her friends. The news she'd received about the president's condition concerned her greatly, as did the refusal to allow her to visit in person. They'd said the information was confidential and only on a need-to-know basis, and she meant to uphold those orders for now.
But it still seemed as if something more should be done.
For now, she would have to push the matter aside and focus on tonight's celebrations before the airship departed on the morrow. It was much warmer in Esdham this time of year than it was in Aqures Ixen, so she might as well enjoy the good weather and better company while she could. Fretting could wait just one day.
no subject
Thank you, Major Curtiss.
[Just because he left the army doesn't mean he's been stripped of his rank! She lowers her arm, relaxing subtly even as she maintains her proud, straight posture.]
I'm pleased you were able to make the journey. How are you feeling?
[More specifically, how is his face? She did kind of clock him in the jaw at one point, after all. Fortunately for Jade, her regret for hitting him at least prevents her from taking hold of his chin to examine him for injuries as she might normally attempt.]
no subject
Not so bad. Still a little raw from the whole experience, but I can manage. Although...
[A small smirk tugs at his lips as he reaches up to rub his jaw. The bruise isn't as visible as it was before, but it's definitely still there.]
I suppose I didn't escape quite unscathed, did I?
no subject
[She'd fold her arms if she wasn't holding the ceremonial sword. But her chiding tone and expression soften a little.]
Nonetheless, I apologize for any lingering pain. Perhaps next time you'll notify me before you intend to do anything that foolish on your own.
[She gives his chest a light bump with the back of her hand as she turns and begins to walk.]
I don't think I need to introduce you to anyone you don't already know. Care for a walk around town?
no subject
[Really, though, he did learn his lesson. No getting away with foolishness on Rukia's watch.
At her suggestion he gives a small shrug and follows her lead.]
Sure, why not? It's been a while since I last visited.
no subject
Picturing you as a 'boy' is far beyond me.
[She sighs, rubbing the back of her head, but the jest remains light and good-natured. Wearing the formal uniform, her posture is more rigid and proud than usual, and definitely a marked contrast to those she trusts enough to expose her more casual side. As a soldier, she has a certain reputation to uphold, particularly as one who is not of this world.]
[But the farther they move away from the ceremonial grounds, the easier her stride becomes, and it isn't long before her smile follows suit.]
[Or maybe that's just due to the prolonged exposure to her current companion.]
...Thank you for coming.
[It's just a promotion, but it is kind of a big deal for her. And she knows he has his reasons to avoid this city, so she appreciates his willingness to make an appearance just the same.]