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Recherche	By : Eggburtshamslice Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Iruka Views: 4188 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 44
- 45
- 46
Nary eyebrow raised, nor body turned at the sound of fast approaching footfalls; neither would the old man cut short enjoyment of his tea, even as the heavy breathing servant ran up behind him and began speaking:
“Coroner… collapsed in the gardens ... can’t rouse him! What … what shall we do Master?”
The stiff set of the elder’s shoulders spoke volumes; his portentous silence shaving corners off the sense of urgency. The young man took back a step, wincing in anticipation of the chastening sure to follow. Instead, after a loud slurp and deliberate dab at his lips, the doyen cleric simply asked, “What is it I always tell you my son?”
Collecting himself with a deep breath, the acolyte muttered from rote, “A wise monk cultivates discernment through meditation, observation and ... common sense.”
“Well done. And before you ran in here, did you stop to consider possible reasons why the Coroner is worn to the quick?”
“No sir. I ... I just panicked.”
“Then shall I not lay it to your charge … this time. Come, kneel before me and listen well." He paused for another sip of tea as the young man settled in place. "Under the light of an ominous moon an indescribable horror snatched away innocent lives. Ours is not to question why for we are called to facilitate grief and perpetuate remembrance. With the gods granting him wisdom to bestow final dignities on the noble Uchiha family, the Coroner toiled throughout the night.”
“I was unaware of this sir. I now stand beholden to the gods for Mr. Shiranui’s dedication--”
“My dear boy, surely you haven't overlooked the most blessed gift imparted?"
"Sir?"
"In their infinite wisdom, the gods have granted us temporary reprieve from the Coroner’s interminable chatter. For this reason alone should we praise them from the mountaintops!”
Michio hid a smile behind the sleeve of his garment as the elder lifted his eyes from the clay tea cup in his hands to the place where Genma lay. “Perfecting that which remains undone is how we will honor the Coroner’s labor. Run along, assist your brethren, but first ... fetch bolster and coverings; attend to Mr. Shiranui’s ease, but do not his rest disturb.”
Recherché
Three hundred forty nine …
the number of seams between smooth stone slates; fifty seven times he’d counted them as he paced up and down the corridor outside Master’s place of rest. In vain, a mind simple wrests a situation complex. To rush in, offering assistance unasked, was to risk Master’s wrath, yet, daily standing idle, watching his Lord’s vigor diminish was a torment ineffable. Once more, he’d come to a brick wall and for the fifty eighth time, this stalwart champion turns about, his Master left alone to wage war unseen, with an enemy unknown.
Upstairs, in the private salon of the former Lord, another servant walks the floor; this one confident he alone held the answer to a conundrum perplexing. To a task unassigned was he energetic, determined to examine each word, each sentence, line by line in the books and scrolls littering every surface in the room. Keen of mind, wily of motive, his objective singular; the elevation of status. Back downstairs, ensconced in caliginosity, behind the oaken door of his sanctuary, Lord Hatake Kakashi tosses and turns upon his bed. Exasperated, befuddled, two things restrain him follow the prolific path of destruction forged by his ancestor; a cryptic promise from his father and an unwelcome stirring in the center of his chest.
He can stand it no longer.
Enraged, his coverings flung away as he bolts upright. The corner of a silken sheet, dragged along, lay crumpled in his lap as on the edge of the bed he does perch; one leg tucked under his thigh, the other dangling above the tread.
“Maito!
Get in here!”
In an instant, a sliver of light punctures the darkness as the bowed head of his servant pokes through a crack in the door. “You called my Lord?”
“For the love of all things unholy … what is your problem?”
“A soul distressed Master,” the faithful varlet says as he slips inside the room and falls to his knees. “The pain of your disquiet ... too onerous for me to bear--”
“So instead, you willfully disturb my rest, snorting and stomping about like an enraged bull? Is that the right of it?”
“I plead mercy; you have only to speak the word and I would travel to the ends of the earth to extinguish the source of aggro.”
An ivory hand rakes through tousled silver hair before limply falling into his lap. “What am I to do with you Maito? Alas, that which vexes me, lies far beyond your capacity. But as you obviously need something to occupy your mind, go … fetch Kinoe--”
“At once,” he answers with a smirk, “surely he is meet to alleviate--”
“What’s this? Attempting to shoulder my burdens, presuming upon my intentions … since when did you become so bold?”
“Master … I meant only--”
“Incline your ears, let your lips cease their flapping! The suite adjacent my upstairs quarters has lain empty lo these many years; Kinoe is to prepare it for--”
“But, my Lord … wasn’t that--?”
“A direct order? Yes, I believe it was … see to it.” When the swift scuttle of shoes didn’t reach his ear, at this the Master raised his head. “How now Maito … you slacken to obey?”
“Again, beg pardon my Lord, but does not Master Jiraiya have lodgings elsewhere?”
“Must you test the limits of my patience? I said nothing about him!”
His Lord’s fury doth set his liver aquiver. “My liege … an incorrect assumption, it won’t happen again--”
“Beginning to think pain is the only way to--”
“No ... no my Lord,” he said crawling backwards, “I go to do your bidding.” As the sole of his foot brushes the door jamb, the servant dares lift his eyes at the Master’s voice.
“An impudent servitor disrupts my repose ... I shouldn’t be surprised overmuch. You’ve been throwing pheromones about like a frightened porcupine since you came down here. Tell me, which fuels this obstinacy Maito … curiosity or fear?”
“Bits of both my Lord.”
“I see,” he said reaching for his robe, “and in exchange for making you privy to my plans comes a guarantee of prompt obedience?”
“To carry out your will … that is the sole reason for my existence--”
“Enough … you’re all but useless to me in this current state; listen carefully.” Worrying at the purple silk raiment resting heavy on his shoulders the Master said, “In the coming days will I entertain a particular guest. At first, his visits will be intermittent, in time he will become a fixture, having limited reign under the shadow of my wing. Kinoe is to ensure every hospitality of the manor affords him. Maito, you are to keep watch over and defend him as necessity demands--”
“Defend? Master, this guest is ... human?”
“You wished insight into my plans, and I deign it so,” Master stretched forth his hand, the collar of Maito’s subjection slowly constricting, “and now would you question the decisions I’ve made?”
“Forgive me … your trust shall not return void my Lord.”
“See that it doesn't,” he said as his servant recovered ability to breathe. "Now then, in anticipation of his arrival, I rise to attend other of his accommodations.”
Maito pulled himself erect at once, holding open the chamber’s door. “Thank you … Master.”
As Lord Hatake ascends the rear passageway, Maito takes off in the opposite direction, bounding up the steps which led to the main hallway. Seconds after bolting shut the vault’s entrance, his back slams against the door under the weight of Jiraiya’s smug aura.
“Our Lord is removed from his place of rest … where is he?”
“I do not know sir. Perhaps our Master seeks benediction from his ancestors?” No sooner than the words crossed his lips and Jiraiya moved closer, Maito assumed a submissive stance; arms raised, palms extended. “Before you scold me, I was just dispatched on an errand for--”
“Come now,” Jiraiya teased as he stepped aside, “much as I’d like to, I shan’t cuff you. I only stopped by to inform Lord Hatake that I too, have an errand.”
Much obliged, he attempted to go round the other saying, “By your leave sir, may I be excused?”
“Hold! Are you still in possession of the vials I gave you?”
“Would that grace grant favor,” he said, bowing before his betters, “they are close to hand, but not on my person as instructed. You have need I fetch them?”
Jiraiya laughed, shaking his head, “How you tempt me with such disobedience. Be grateful I know what ails you and even now I’m working on something to assuage our Lord’s melancholy. Upon my return and in my timing, I will divulge all. Best be on your way little one … lest mercy withdraw its humor.”
Recherché
At one end of the brown table lies a large rectangle of white composed of eighteen smaller squares. Tadashi’s hefty leather bound portfolio and personal notebook await examination at the table’s far end. Betwixt them stand science and mysticism, logic and emotion, each quietly formulating argument and rebuttal as images on the squares before them are scrutinized.
“Still don’t understand why you’re fighting me on this,” Iruka said as he plucked up a single piece of paper, “it's our best option--”
“Says the one with zero demon hunting experience. Dr. Umino, this ‘option’ you insist upon carries with it an eighty percent probability of failure. You’re thinking too simplistically--”
“Exactly! We’ll have the element of surprise--”
“No,” he said snatching away the small paper and restoring it to proper alignment with the others, “… there is no surprising an omniscient and omnipotent being--!”
“His mark is in my flesh Sai, the symbol of a mindless lackey. The last thing he expects is outright rebellion. Now, while I still have my wits--”
“I pray you give ear to reality. You were sealed against your will so the Hatake eagerly anticipates rebellion … makes crushing your spirit far more satisfying. It has employed preemptive measures to ensure you remain under its control. Attempts to free yourself provide the Hatake with license to torture you.” He turned sad eyes on Iruka adding, “I realize you don’t want to accept these truths--”
“You want truth? Okay … if we don’t move quickly, there will be more murders--!”
“And if we rush headlong into the Hatake’s lair without a plan, the next four deaths will be ours. I’ll not allow blind vengeance discount expertise, nor shall expediency overrule caution--”
“Your way is gonna take forever!”
“Sir, we’re contemplating assault on the Hatake and legion of voracious gaki … that requires more than wishful thinking. We’ll have only one opportunity to get it right ... everything must be in readiness beforehand and that takes--”
“Yeah, I know … time.” Iruka grabbed a chair from table’s end, dropping himself into it with a sigh. “How much time we talkin’?”
“Dr. Umino, you want to cut to the quick and be on your way; I can appreciate that. However,” he said pulling up another chair and sitting beside him, “formalities must be observed, procedures adhered to … and consent granted--”
“Consent … from whom?”
“Did you honestly think it possible, that one from the lowliest tribes of Water Country could waltz into another’s territory and begin offering strange fire on their altars?”
“How was I to know … why would I even consider such things?”
“Ah right, that’s why you called in an expert to handle the details--”
“These indulgences Sai … how much time will they consume?”
“It’s more a matter of respect, than time. Fortunately, I’ve attended several things in advance. The very night I arrived in Konoha, I sought audience with the Yamabushi. After presenting my credentials and making known my purpose, they granted their blessing.”
“So now what do we do?”
“We wait … familiarize ourselves with the portions of my plan already established. Worry not, even as we speak, my scouts roam the territory, seeking those endowed with special abilities--”
“That really necessary? Thought sure our amulets and your powers would be enough to--”
“Better to have assistance available and not need it … then need it and not have it.” With a smile wistful, he continued, “Unlike you sir, I have no emotional attachment to the Hatake’s demise … it's a duty to be accomplished. Nonetheless, I understand the frustration you feel.” Just then, a soft growl emanated from Sai’s midsection.
“And I understand borborygmi. What a neglectful host I’ve been; so caught up in your work ... not a care for your sustenance.” Iruka made to rise, “Lemme get you something--”
“Quite alright, sir. But I must insist, as one sanctified from birth for missions like this, you have to let me work unfettered. It’ll take a few days for the monks to assemble the amulets; by then my plans should be complete … just a matter of assigning responsibilities. Now if you don’t mind, I shall return to the surveillance point where I’ve food aplenty--”
“Nonsense, won’t do to have you collapse on the way back, will it? Tetsu’s the real cook around here, so it won't be fancy; pretty sure I can rustle up some miso soup without burning the place down--”
“Why does he hate me sir?”
“Eh? Don’t be silly.” Iruka went back a step, sitting down to explain, “Quiet as its kept, Tetsu only picks at those he’s taken a liking to--”
“Then he must be completely enamored of Mr. Zumo--”
“You two are very much alike” he smiled, “unconventional thinkers, outdoorsmen and zealous guardians of your solitude ... you’ll be thick as thieves before you know it.”
Recherché
With mind and office free of distraction, confirmation thirsted for turns to confusion; solitude longed after, transforms into a prison cell.
Missing something. Surely, I’m not that thick, am I?
From desk drawers and ransacked cupboards, assorted papers, notebooks and scrolls are strewn hither and yon. It was over, search abandoned … for now. Yet the cycle continued; she’d walk a few steps, stop to read a passage or two from thrown away notes before the aimless march began anew. Third trip around the suddenly smaller space, Lady Tsunade glared at the information confined to the small conference table.
‘Pellucidity emerges from the knot of chaos, patiently teased,’ that’s what Grandfather used to say. So much for that rubbish.
“At least, Ibiki and Asahi got enough truth out there to quell the common folk,” she said to the pile of books and papers. “Won’t be long before the privileged are at my door looking for protection … natural or otherwise; Inspector’s gonna love that. Right,” she sighed as she took a seat and flipped through a few bookmarked pages, “let’s do this one more time.” Her eyes grew weary as her fingertips traced over smudged black inked lines. “Here it is. Grandfather Katsuro noted the murders seemed to coincide with milestones in our history; increases in industry, expansion of our borders, striking accords with other nations and such like. And here, he mentions that in his time, three noble families were thought to have a hand in sacrificing young women to the gods or various demons in rituals thought to protect the land.” Stretching her back as she rose, she thought to head for the door. Nah … long dead by now. But, if by some miracle scion remain, maybe there’s a way to reverse the curse. She allows the pince-nez retract as she retakes her seat. “Who am I kidding? I try to discuss this with anyone other than that windbag of a sage … they’ll think me insane. Already talking to inanimate objects, so they wouldn’t be too far off.” She flopped against the chair back, “What to believe … what to do? Can’t go for a walk unmolested and sure as hell can’t look at this stuff anymore lest my head explode.”
Yep, definitely time for a drink.
Recherché
Just not cutting it, he thinks watching Ibiki down another shot. “You had a disastrous night ... I got it, but you really need to slow down--”
“Relax,” blew out in a patronizing breath as the bottle tipped toward the glass, “last one, I promise.”
“Terrible thing … old geezer like you, crisp around the edges--”
“Crisp is good--”
“Yeah, for a pie crust. Come home with me huh Biki? Hana will feed ya till you pop, the stable hands will take good care of Mayonaka and you can get a few hours shuteye. ‘Sides, we aren’t that far from the Temple--”
“Told ya before, gotta stay close to town case somethin’ happens. And I’d rather conk out in my own bed if that's alright with you.”
“I know ya ... got somethin’ stuck in your craw, won’t rest till it's settled. Biki, you always were a mean drunk, given to brawling--”
“Changed since then,” he said, fingers tightening around the shot glass, “too old for that kinda foolishness--”
“Yeah? You’re sotted and punchy--”
“Your point?”
“All its gonna take is one idiot sayin’ or doin’ the wrong thing at the wrong time; hell, you almost broke my arm and you hadn’t started drinkin’ then. Come on, get it together!”
“Concern noted and appreciated, but as I said,” he smiled before draining the shot glass and putting away the bottle, “I’m fine.” Carefully studying the man before him, Ibiki conceded, “I’ll walk ya out and then you can watch me stagger to my doorstep. Deal?”
Recherché
“When you’ve finished here, Master wants you prepare the suite beside his upstairs bedchamber--”
“Expecting another dignitary are we?
With a shrug Maito explains, “Our Lord plans on entertaining a guest at length. That’s all I know.”
“At length? Rarely do entertain visitors and now we’re being overrun. I can’t remember Master ever allowing such things … you?”
“It’s happened. Right before you joined us there was another serving in your capacity; he was fed to the Yasha after displeasing our Lord one time too many.”
“Are you implying this ‘guest’ might be my replacement?”
“Just the messenger Kinoe; you have your orders,” he said turning to leave with a huge grin on his face.
Recherché
“Welp … larder’s empty, kettle’s still on though … care for a biscuit?”
“Thank you, no--”
The kettle came to a shrieking boil, unnoticed by Iruka as he rummaged through upper and lower cupboards. “I’ll be dogged ...hid ‘em so well from Tetsu that now I can’t find the damn … oh, never mind. Ooh and they’re digestives too ... you’ll like ‘em--”
“Again I must decline,” Sai called out, “not a fan of sweets. Tea will suffice.”
Iruka returned to the dining area with a steaming mug balanced atop a flat blue tin. Once the container took up residence in the center of their workspace he turned to Sai, “Okay, what’s with that face? One biscuit won’t kill ya--”
“Sure it won’t … it’s just, still a few things I don’t understand. Why would the Hatake draw blood using a syringe,” he wondered reaching for the cup, “and why is your blood still being held in reserve?”
“Who knows? Maybe he needed to save room for the main course that night … or maybe, he plans to use it as an appetizer before his next feed?” Sai pulled a disgusted face as Iruka drained the dregs of his lukewarm tea. “Lighten up … that was a joke. All I remember is, it hurt like hell.”
“Well,” he said watching Iruka return to the kitchen, “using the axillary artery was prudent; less opportunity the drawing site being noticed.” He snuck a biscuit from the tin, gave it a sniff and took a nibble. “Sir … this Hatake is more complex than yokai I’m accustomed to--”
“Not getting cold feet are you?”
“I don’t think so, but with the recent blood red moon, gaki are multiplying at an alarming rate. Add to that, the wholesale slaughter of animals considered unclean, plants, flowers and trees blooming out of their season … too many curious things at once. Most troubling of all is, in the short time I’ve monitored the Hatake, rapid shifts are occurring in its temperament,” he said around a mouthful, “its aura grows more ominous as the days go by.”
Iruka poked his head into the room, “Good huh?”
“No sir, that’s extremely dangerous--”
“I was talking about the biscuits. Go on, you can have as many as you like.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled pocketing a few for later. “As I’m sure you know, gaki are drawn to power but they’re fickle. While they’ll pledge allegiance to any entity stronger than themselves--”
“My father used to say, ‘A gaki’s true god, is its belly.’ Long as Hatake allows them feed regularly, they’ll stick with him.”
Sai chuckled, breaking a biscuit in half, “That remains to be seen. Enthroned over a territory and the gaki which inhabit it, a numen rules by virtue of familial right, until of course, another arises to challenge it's governance.”
“Not likely I assume. From my own research I know clan Hatake were founding members of this territory. He’s ancient … roots run deep.”
“True, but these days, the Hatake is being pulled in divers directions; if the gaki catch wise to an imbalance in power, the results will be disastrous. The outcome of this conflict determines whether the gaki revolt against or unite behind the numen to engulf another territory.”
“So, Tetsu was right; not just Konoha is at stake.” Fresh mug of tea in hand, he retrieves the portfolio from table’s end, sets it down beside the biscuit tin and peers over the young man’s shoulder. “You mentioned ‘others’ … might these murders be a consequence of infighting?”
“Another puzzlement sir. Far as I can tell, only one reigns supreme over the territory. The creature which met the Hatake outside your cabin knelt before it, acknowledging subservience. And of the two inside the vault, one showed deference to the other … whereas the Hatake gave grudging obeisance--”
“Obviously, he’s not as powerful as first thought--”
“On the contrary, my scouts tell me this conflict is internalized; the other demons sense it too and they’re trying to compel the Hatake move a certain way. Somehow or another, the amulet taken from you plays a role in their struggle.”
He pretended not to notice when Sai snagged three more biscuits. “According to Hatake, it was a gift to my father from the previous numen--”
“Interesting … that means Umino Tadashi was never sealed.”
Iruka’s eyes fell to another of the drawings as he said more to himself than Sai, “Always wondered how he defeated Lord Sakumo so easily. Now I understand why the current Lord sealed me first off… not gonna make the same mistake twice.”
“Right. One of our first priorities is discovering the source of animus between these demons. We also need to find a way to make your soul less desirable and of course … prevent another murder--”
"One thing’s sure,” Iruka smiled, turning his attention to a particular floor plan, “leaving only this exit to the forests unguarded, we can smoke him out. Direct sunlight will kill him quicker than we can--”
“Would it were that easy. It bears repeating Dr. Umino, a coordinated assault requires skillful strategy--”
“Ah, but we have a secret weapon; the Governor.”
Sai shook his head, “A human?”
“Yes ... for reasons unknown, Hatake fears this particular human--”
“By the gods! Are you that naïve … do you not comprehend what we’re up against? I've no idea who the Hatake holds under its sway and I’ll not wager my life in a fool’s gambit. It’s settled, my plan may take longer to execute, but I know it will work.”
“Fine … you’re the expert,” he snapped, flipping open the portfolio.
“Least we’re understood.” Iruka’s jaw tightens as stony silence blankets the room. “Dr. Umino, as a man of science, you know full well harbored anger furthers nothing. So, beginning with the end, let’s work backwards to achieve our goal. Tell me, how do you envision the outcome of this confrontation?”
“The way I see it, the biggest hurdle we face is closing the gateway. Once done, Hatake should be sufficiently disoriented for step two; forcing him out the only available exit. Into the sunlight, his body withers and disintegrates, but not before I carve out and rip his heart to shreds--”
“Gruesome … but that comes after my assistants knock out the other gaki.”
“Whatever. Here … the diagram I told you about.”
Sai pulled the large binder to himself, “So that’s it, the portal which draws power from the underworld. Definitely have to get close … it needs to be destroyed before we can do anything else--”
“Knew that much. Took a blade dipped in poison to reveal it," Iruka whispered when he looked up from his father’s crude drawing with a wry smile, "wouldn’t the same poison return it to normal?”
“I'm not entirely sure, but such emprise. How willing are you to do this sir?”
The now empty tea cup gave nervous hands something to play with. “Damned to an eternity in hell whichever way I turn … rather go down fighting then cowering in a corner.”
“Dr. Umino, nothing is truly invincible,” he said pushing the book away. “Even numen powerful as the Hatake have vulnerabilities. We’ll keep chipping away at its defenses and as you said, the Governor’s meddling may come in handy. You could also try befriending the Hatake--”
“Nope ... what else you got?”
“Consider this sir, at their core, yokai have what we’d call, ‘tremendous ego’; flattery works to their detriment. If the Hatake detects your words and actions are sincere, that’s a sure way to erode resistance. Forcing it to examine something akin to human emotion also makes it uncomfortable--”
“Yeah,” he sighed reaching for a biscuit and breaking it in half, “remember reading that somewhere too. Gotta tell ya … don’t relish the idea of kissin’ up to him--”
“If it puts the Hatake off guard long enough to make your move, it’s worth a shot.”
Bearing Sai’s words in mind, he snaps the half biscuit in half once more before answering, “Couldn’t help noticing a particular behavior of his during the party. Maybe we can exploit that as a workaround.”
“Every little bit helps … go on--”
“Hatake thinks nothing of invading someone else’s space, but he doesn’t like people moving close to him; lesson learned from the last tsuya. He’s also not crazy about being touched without permission; has one of his lackeys runs interference--”
“Well, there you go; that reinforces the fact you’ll have to get close to it, consistently and on purpose--”
“Tetsu said the same thing. I hate it, but I get it; make him think his miasma is changing the way I see him. He'll chalk it up to the erratic nature of human interaction and--”
“Hopefully, it will tolerate such behavior in hopes of achieving swift fulfillment of its goals … whatever they might be.”
“Tell me something,” he laughed, “why do you keep referring to him as 'it,' or ‘the Hatake’?”
Sai looked incredulous, “Sir … it’s a demon. Don’t be deceived, what you see, is not what it truly is.”
“You know, I saw it’s true form once before; saw it again last night in that holding cell.” His voice dropped to a reverent whisper, “He’s a winged, malodorous, grotesque … yet, somehow, beautiful creature--”
“You’d well to keep the image of its ugliness in mind Dr. Umino. Without provocation or compunction, the Hatake would surely rise up and kill your friends ... or you.” He pushed the book aside, “I’ll ask but once more. Are you truly willing to lay down your life if it means taking out the Hatake?”
“Yes,” came out in a rush. “Run along now Sai …
go do that voodoo,
that you do, so well.”
Notes:
Doyen: the most respected or prominent person in a particular field; the senior member, as in age, rank, or experience, in a group, class or profession.
Interminable: monotonously or annoyingly protracted; unceasing.
Wrest: twist or turn; pull, jerk, or force by a violent twist.
Varlet: attendant or servant.
Caliginosity: mistiness, darkness.
Ineffable: too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Onerous: burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship.
Aggro (British informal): trouble, irritation.
Aquiver: in a state of trepidation or vibrant agitation.
Meet (archaic): fit or suitable for a purpose.
“How now?” (archaic): “What’s the meaning of this?”
Servitor (archaic): one who serves or attends on a superior.
Obstinance: difficult to handle; hard to influence or control.
Liege: concerned with or relating to the relationship between a feudal superior and a vassal; a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service.
Jamb (architectural): either of the vertical sides of a doorway, arch, window, or other opening or either of two stones or timbers forming the side pieces for the frame of an opening.
Accommodation: anything that supplies a want or need.
Benediction: something that promotes goodness or well-being.
Cuff: a blow with the fist or an open hand.
Assuage: make milder or less severe; relieve, ease or mitigate.
Omniscient: having infinite awareness, understanding and insight.
Omnipotent: (of a deity) having unlimited power; able to do anything.
Expediency: the doing or consideration of what is of selfish use or advantage rather than of what is right or just.
Yamabushi: literally, “one who prostrates himself on the mountain,” they were ascetic hermits believed to be endowed with supernatural powers; those who engaged in spiritual and physical disciplines in order to obtain magical power effective against evil spirits. These monks studied not only nature and spiritual texts but a variety of martial arts as a means of improving themselves mentally, spiritually and physically.
Borborygmi: the sound gas makes as it moves through the intestines; can occur when one is hungry or after meals.
Divers (archaic): several, various, an indefinite number more than one; emphasizes multiplicity.
Sanctify (-ied): set a person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer; to set apart to a sacred purpose.
Compunction: a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
“Do that voodoo, that you, do so well” came from a song by Cole Porter, released in 1929 entitled, You Do Something to Me. More recently, it was uttered by the late Harvey Korman in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974), and by the late Harry Morgan (Col. Sherman Potter) in MASH (1980). Geez, I’m old.
Pellucid(-ity): lucid in style, easily understood; clear in meaning.
Scion: descendant of a wealthy, aristocratic or influential family.
Larder: cool area for storing food prior to use. They were commonplace in houses before the widespread use of refrigerators.
Digestive biscuits (digestives): semi-sweet cookies, developed in 1839 by two doctors in Scotland who believed since they contained sodium bicarbonate, they had antacid properties.
Animus: hostility or ill feeling; strong dislike, enmity.
Entity: a thing with distinct and independent existence.
Emprise: an adventurous, daring, or chivalric enterprise; knightly daring or prowess.
Malodorous: smelling very unpleasant.
Sotted: muddled or stupefied, especially with liquor.
Punchy: nervously anxious, irritable from fatigue.
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