Narrative Vengeance in Her Eyes [IH Scarlet + Granado Michael]

Context: This photostory details an actual incident that happened in the latest tabletop RPG session featuring my doll characters. Guórén/Ikoma Jinsuke had a really bad run-in with a former flame, whose emotions unfortunately got the better of her during their sparring match. The photos were meant to portray the aftermath, when he was once again alone with his wife-to-be, Adhara/Bayushi Kaguya.​

Candlelit by Yela Gatchalian-David, on Flickr​

She was silent as his arms drew her close. He was still pale. She knew his pain threshold was high; his injury could still be bothering him, but whether out of pride or concern for her, he complained not. But nothing could drive that image from her mind, of the fatal blow that forever took the full mobility from his leg, of the look in that Matsu girl's eyes as she swung that training sword with all intent to hurt him...

Candlelit 02 by Yela Gatchalian-David, on Flickr​

Bayushi Kaguya was no Lion, at least not yet. After all, she wasn't due to take on the Ikoma name until they say their vows. But within her grew this burning desire to avenge his honor. It will take a lot of planning, but she will see to it, no matter how long it takes. How unlike a Scorpion!

Candlelit 03 by Yela Gatchalian-David, on Flickr​

But as the candlelight illuminated the gold threading in her eyes, it unearthed a different kind of memory, one that she had repressed for so long: of spirits, fierce and golden, that she had seen in her childhood. She couldn't help but think, was she really just a Scorpion?

Candlelit 04 by Yela Gatchalian-David, on Flickr​

Lore note:
In the Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) universe, the Lion Clan (composed of the Akodo, Ikoma, Matsu, and Kitsu families -- two of which are mentioned in this photostory) is well-known for their strict adherence to honor. Some of its members are known to possess golden-colored eyes. Members of the Scorpion Clan (which Bayushi Kaguya is currently part of) are commonly reviled as honor-less villains, but their true duty is to dirty their hands so others can remain clean, and to rid the empire of threats that more honorable means couldn't reach.

But to assume that every member conforms to their home clan's ideals is wishful thinking, and there will always be those who will choose to follow their own hearts, contrary to what their leaders advocate.