Nov 21, 2017, 15:03
Shinonome Family Residence in Exile, Southern LodjaA warm breeze brushed against Junko's back, her eyes locked to the ornate carpet she sat upon, jade and bright pink swirled into fantastic patterns saturated its surface, lotus flowers and the many great animals of her homeland made way for stylized depictions of the three Shishin gods: Tsurazi, Goddess of the Stars. Kogara, Goddess of the Skies. Ikoda, God of the Sun. Their blessings would be upon her this day. Hushed murmurs occasionally stirred up and then died down from behind her, as the scattered nobility of the former Principality of Himekuno had once again reunited; obliged by tradition to witness the coronation of the next heir to the Himeyan throne, Junko Shinonome. "Shall we begin?" a voice called, from above her head.
"It is time." Junko commanded, raising her head up. "May the gods be our witness." she sternly announced, silencing the prattle of the nobles behind her. She carefully slid off the ornate robe that concealed much of her figure, letting it gently land on the ground. Doing so, she revealed her arms and back to them, intricate, colourful tattoos covered her body, the collage of Shishin symbolism, Himeyan-style calligraphy and national symbols stopped only when it reached her wrists and neck, concealing them while wearing traditional clothing. The young woman standing over her laid three masks down in front of her, and took a fine knife out from a small furnace placed just off to the side. "Before we are allowed to call you the Princess of Himekuno, the Gods require you announce in whose name you shall reign in. Have you meditated this?" the young woman asked inquisitively. Junko gave a small nod, prompting the young woman to sit down in front of her.
"The Gods know my choice, and they have accepted it." Junko announced, not so much directed at the young woman positioned directly in front of her as it was at the nobles behind her. "In the name of Kogara, Goddess of the Skies, Regent of Courage, Regent of Change, Regent of Ambition, I pledge my reign to, for the hope of peace and happiness in Himekuno." she proudly continued. "Very well, please don the mask of Kogara."
Junko complied, carefully placing the silver mask over her face and then fastening it with a delicate mechanism at the back. The mask was sinister in its purpose, it had no slots for the eyes, the wearer was blind while wearing it; there was no slot of the mouth either. There was however, a small slot that ran perpendicular to the nose and then down the cheek, too fine to see in or out. "You understand that you must not show weakness here, this pain is the beginning of a lifetime as the leader of the Principality of Himekuno, to falter now is to be unfit to rule." the young woman sternly explained, to which Junko slowly nodded her head. "Then, Kogara, please bear witness!" she loudly announced. Junko could hear something metallic sliding around by her feet; she swallowed hard and grit her teeth. The small crowd behind them all shouted "Chikara!" in unison ceremonially as something burned through her skin, quickly running across her cheekbone and then down her cheek towards her jawline. Junko knew she was to keep completely still throughout the excruciatingly painful process, as failure to do so would leave the ceremonial scar crooked, and would render her unfit to lead. Instead, she managed a shallow pant through her nose until the hot blade exited her skin; at which point the young woman ripped the mask off of Junko and tipped her head back, splashing her with ice water repeatedly. "No longer shall you be known as Junko Shinonome, for you are now Princess Junko of Himekuno." the young woman announced, causing Junko to tilt her head forwards to face her.
The woman got up and disappeared into the mansion, leaving Junko to dry herself off and discretely apply some medicine to the painful cut, ensuring the audience wouldn't see. She breathed deeply as the medicine slowly took away some of the sting and the warm breeze returned to comfort her. When the young woman returned, it was with a large golden ring, far too big to wear on one's finger, or even wrist without it falling off, as well as a sky blue
traditional dress. Hastily she assisted in putting the dress on Junko, and then intricately wove her hair around the jewel-encrusted golden ring, letting it sit tight against the back of her head. "Bow before the Princess reigning and the Gods in heaven!" the young woman commanded the audience as Junko turned around the face them, by the time her body was pointed towards them, they were all in a deep bow, as if determined to never get up again. "Rise." Junko commanded them, to which they all rose to their feet; heads still pointed downwards in respect. "May the Gods keep you safe in your return." she continued, dismissing them to do whatever was necessary at the estate before returning to hiding around Mundus. The young woman dropped her stern exterior at that moment. "Your Divine Majesty, within the week we shall contact our scouts around the world, it is necessary to begin preparations to find a spouse as soon as possible."
With that, the young woman continued to brief Junko on her new duties and necessary steps to take to secure the survival of the royal family.