BZPRPG: Kentoku Archipelago

IC: Sakrayo

The Datsue leaned back and thought briefly.

"Well, I said 'tell me more about it', so tell about is clearly correct answer. And I would imagine that it's unorthodoxy would be intertwined with it itself, but in regards to my question, I did say tell about it, referring to a noun. Finally, as for how to tell it, typically speech is the norm in conversation, but other methods are acceptable."

Sakrayo then smiled and asked,

"And just to be clear, was that your train of thought itself"

IC:

:You will be doing no such thing. We, on the other hand, shall do much...:

The vine-woman danced around Koga, turning and leaning her head on his right shoulder. Then, she took a step forward. Vines parted ways, an indent forming in the body of the woman. Koga fell backwards into the hollow, encapsulating himself in the greenery. The vines began coiling and wrapping themselves around Koga's projection on the mental plane, trapping it. Soon, there was a single being on the plane, one body snared in a mesh of creeping plants.

Their consciousness' drew closer, ideas and feelings seeping across a thin divide and joining to form a pool of thoughts.

Penned in her web of vines, Koga's mind relaxed as Soraph forced their attention to another being on the mental plane, and faint prickle compared to theirs. Soraph's vines acted like muscles, bringing her and Koga toward the Janu bird called Hane. Soraph picked up the bird with their hands. She brought it close to their face, Koga's fingers forced to hold Hane gently. Soraph and Koga's peered into the Janu's eyes.

The world spun violently.

Then, it stopped. The mental realm Koga had created was gone, replaced with a replica of the veranda he and Soraph were sitting in on Sado. There was only a single figure here, a magnificent Janu bird, in which was housed the mind of three beings.

:Look now, First Son Koga. we see through Hane's eyes, we feel it's wings at our side. This is Hane's mind, his perception in its entirety of the outside world. Now, where will fly to first?:

Night had fallen, and view of Castle Vilda had appeared just as Seigyo had uttered her question.

"Of course it was jest, Seigyo. This trip will hardly be a honeymoon. As First Son I must have a state wedding with lots of celebrations and dancing. Barrels of wine and dozens of tables of food, and merriment through the night! You know, an affair that requires days of advance planning and weeks of recuperating afterwards. Not something we have the time frame for now. Speaking of which, we'd better hurry if we're to prepare for our journey and get a good night's sleep."

Kulrik had avoided answering Seigyo's question, dismissing it with his usual attitude of jest and comedy. As a First Son he would have no choice in the matter of his marriage, especially not with his mother Toroshu being a Willhammer. So, Kulrik preferred not to think or dream of futures with women he might fancy - it would only end with disappointment. Seigyo was a friend, and Kulrik could even image something more, but if any such thoughts came to him he quickly banished them. His future was not likely filled with his own happiness.

After they'd eaten a hearty dinner and gathered all their supplies, Kulrik and Seigyo headed towards his room. The Herapu took her place outside as usual while the the First Son entered and fell onto his bed. A few minutes later his head poked outside the door, a devilish grin on his face.

"You are of course still welcome to join me in my room. It's more comfortable and you'd be able to better guard me, you know. Last chance while we're on Oki, at least for the next while...."

IC:

As Kulrik continued onward with his speech, Seigyo appeared to be visibly relieved. She didn't dislike Kulrik, persay... But his comments... Unnerved her, to say the least. Such a union seemed to be quite out of the ordinary, and Seigyo wasn't sure what to about such comments.

"It would protect you more if I stayed in the room with you," Seigyo said, stepping into Kulrik's room, and taking up a place where she could see most of his room, while appearing less visible to anyone who stepped into the room.

"Besides, what's the worst that can happen?"

IC:

"Yes of course, what's the worst that could happen? Nothing bad, certainly."

Kulrik returned to his bed, cozily pulling the blanket over himself and resting his head on the pillow. He smirked. He hadn't been expecting Seigyo to enter, but was pleased to see she warming up to his presence, becoming more accustomed to his humour.

"Oh, and if you get tired or that spot in the corner becomes a little too cramped, feel free to lie down on the other side of the bed. It's softer than you can image, and full of more feathers than you can imagine."

Kulrik closed his eyes, ready to enter the realm of dreams with a smile.

IC:

"If I do become uncomfortable... I will do that. Thank you Kulrik," Seigyo said, nodding from her corner.

IC:

Two beings stood atop a volcano, weapons drawn and raised. The crater separated them, heat from the magma within distorting the air and making the other shimmer in the distance. Still, their eyes looked only at each other. They were waiting.

There was a low rumble, an explosion in the distance. It didn't matter. One let out a cry, a sound of pain and anguish. The other says nothing, but it's gaze softens, sad. This was not how it had wanted things to be.

The first jumps, arm outstretched. The second follows instantly, and both fall.

Kulrik awoke from his dream, the bright sun shining through the window and onto his face. The room had been designed to let the sun's rays enter just after dawn, giving it's occupant the earliest start to the day. He looked around for Seigyo.

IC | Akimatai let a small smile loose. Akone was a worthy opponent. After shaking her foe's hand, Aki shook out her hands, because they had they had tensed up during the fight.

 

"You know what you're doing, evidently." She said.

"Well, Menti training is emphasised quite a lot as a Hogo, being retainers of the Umbralines and all," Akone explained.

Then she realised she might have headed to uncomfortable ground saying this to a Fursic.

"Uh, no offence, of course. It's just that my clan believes that the Umbralines can maintain the peace and order currently in our Empire," Akone tried to explain.

IC: Sakrayo

The Datsue leaned back and thought briefly.

 

"Well, I said 'tell me more about it', so tell about is clearly correct answer. And I would imagine that it's unorthodoxy would be intertwined with it itself, but in regards to my question, I did say tell about it, referring to a noun. Finally, as for how to tell it, typically speech is the norm in conversation, but other methods are acceptable."

 

Sakrayo then smiled and asked,

 

"And just to be clear, was that your train of thought itself"

IC: Eiyu Ankora (Sado)

"If you take everything at such face value it's a wonder you accomplish anything" Ankora said as a jokey retort.

"Anyway, my current train of thought was very similar in spirit to the previous one. Instead of a coherent string of ideas, it's more of a big wobbly ball of thinky-winky stuff"

IC:

"I see that you are awake, Kulrik," Seigyo said softly. Kulrik initially had thought she hadn't moved from her corner... Until he looked to his side, and saw Seigyo sitting upon his bedside.

"Did you sleep well?"

IC: Sanei - Sado

Eshai fell silent. I supposed that, considering we hadn't known each other for very long, it was a bit soon for me to assume that her being silent was normal. Still, it seemed to fit.

We made our way to my apartment in the Wards as night fell over Sado. It was rather unusual for a Menti warrior to live in the Wards, but I'd never cared much for the barracks. I liked having a little space to myself. Besides, my family wasn't incredibly important, but we were still well off. I could afford to indulge myself a little.

My apartment was small, like most in the Wards were. Composed of two rooms, it was short on space but served my needs admirably. The first served as a sort of living room/kitchen/dining room and contained a table and a small, heatstone-powered stove. A few pieces of art depicting things such as the Palace's famed Gardens, a Kanohi dragon circling Mount Koshiki, and the Umbraline family crest. The second room was simpler, containing my bed, a tiny closet, a desk and a chest.

Fortunately, I still had the cot that had come with the apartment tucked away in the closet and found it with minimal effort. I'd have get something more comfortable for Eshai to sleep on later.

***

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was already gleaming on the crystal spires of Sado. Sleepily, I got up. "Ugh, I slept in... good thing I'm still supposed to be on vacation in Odaiba," I mumbled. "Awake yet, Eshai?"

IC: Eshai

Pulling out the cot was a nice gesture, but I had no need for it. When Sanei awoke, I was already silently sitting in one of the room's corner, giving me a clear view of the door should anything have happened in the night. My job wasn't to merely stand around and look frightening, it was to defend the life of Sanei. I could not do so if I had to take the time to get out of a cot. But sitting in a corner, should anything awake me I would have a clear view of the room and easily be able to move to stop any attacker or thief. The small size of the apartment made it all that much easier to defend, but I could never let my guard down.

I carefully lifted my Kanabo from where I had placed it beside me, returning it to its sheathe as I rose from the ground. I didn't know what she had planned for today, but whatever it was would hopefully not bring up as much history as the day before.

"Yes, I am awake."

IC: Sanei - Sado

I was impressed. Eshai obviously took her role very seriously... good. Ever since Ankora had pointed out that I really didn't have a real reason to need a guard, I'd felt a bit silly about hiring Eshai, but if she was going to take it seriously, then there was no reason I couldn't.

As I put on my armor, I thought over what we should do that day. I'd wanted to get back to Sado as soon as possible, but now that I was here I didn't have anything to do. I'd still be on leave for the next few days, and I wasn't particularly eager to go back to my post early- while the Towers of Knowledge were one of the great achievements of my people, guarding them was rather dull.

Hmm, going and seeing one or two of the museums housed in the Towers actually might be interesting.... I'd have to keep that in mind. The first thing to do, though, was obvious.

Feeling sufficiently prepared, I exited my apartment, walking swiftly as usual. "We'll drop by one of the restaurants by the Coliseum for breakfast first," I said to Eshai, without bothering to look and see if she was behind me. "Afterwards, we might watch one of the games or visit the Towers of Knowledge."

IC: Eshai

The restaurants, that shouldn't really have come as a surprise. It was early in the morning, and Sanei wouldn't want to waste any time on staying around her home when there were things to do. But going to a restaurant might be a little risky for me, seeing as it was a very public place where we would be sitting for a period of time. If anyone there spotted me and recognized that I was of no class, then it might prove rather unpleasant. It was unlikely, but still a possible risk. If anyone discovered Sanei had brought a classless person such as myself to such a place, she might very well find herself in trouble.

But I was certain that Sanei wouldn't be so foolish as to make that mistake, she no doubt had some sort of plan in case something of that nature happened. Maybe it would be to claim no knowledge of my classlessness, leaving all trouble upon me. I would have done the same so many years ago.

I was already ready, all I really needed was my Kanabo and armor. Both were in working condition, and therefor I was prepared for whatever Sanei might choose to spend her day doing. I followed along behind her, mentally speaking my concern. "Is it wise for me to be seen much in public? I do not know if anyone here might recognize me."

IC: Sanei - Sado

Eshai had a point, but I'd given it some thought. The answer was simple.

"I am a Menti warrior of Clan Umbraline. If I wish to employ someone, that is my business, regardless of her status," I replied. Then, with just a hint of a smile, I added, "Besides, you and I have discovered that we share a few ancestors. To leave someone related to you, even distantly, with no source of income when you can provide them with employment is shameful, is it not?" Though us being related at all was almost certainly untrue, it was a decent enough excuse for the time being. Of course, if someone of a higher status than I questioned my choice in employing Eshai, someone with the means to check if we were related... hmm. I'd probably have to say that I didn't know she was without a clan.

We exited the building my apartment was in. It was still fairly early, so the streets were largely devoid of others, but that would doubtlessly change soon. The Coliseum was always busy.

IC: Eshai

It appeared that Sanei had everything quite well planned out. A cover story of being quite distantly related was quite brilliant, certainly enough to ward off most questions that anyone may ask. "You have this very well planned."

I followed along into the mostly empty streets, following along in the direction of the coliseum restaurants. There was one more thing I felt the need to add, it wasn't really that important, but all the same. "Do you wish for me to sit at another table when we reach the restaurant?"

IC: Sanei

"Yes, I've put some thought into the matter. It was wise of you to ask." Perhaps paying someone of Eshai's rank a compliment wasn't proper, but it was for the best that I encouraged her to bring up concerns. It could very well be very important one day, after all.

"Just look as if you're a guard and you should be fine," I replied. "I assume you want something to eat?"

I have to admit, I liked conversing with Eshai via Ideatalk. It was a decent way to pass the time, and to others it would look like we were walking along in silence, proper behavior for a guard and her employer. Though I was a bit alarmed at how easily her and I got along and how much we talked, considering the gulf in our status... it was a bit worrying. For now, though, it wasn't a problem.

IC: Eshai

"I can find something to eat elsewhere, less expensive, if you would like." I was indeed hungry, but that was not something likely to be the concern of my employer, she likely merely asked out of some sort of reflexive respect. I didn't really need anything special from a restaurant, as long as I made sure to eat what I needed, I would be perfectly fine just quickly grabbing something from somewhere, like an outside merchant or something of that nature. As long as I ate something at some time, I would be fine.

Sanei seemed almost too relaxed when speaking to me. Perhaps it was because, unlike other members of her clan, was in no position to judge her. She could take about anything she wanted, and I would be obliged to answer in some fashion. She could talk about anything she wanted, no secrets would slip out. And even if I tried, who would believe me if I told?

IC: Sanei - Sado

In response, a coin floated toward Eshai. "Order what you will." Again, I couldn't help but smile a bit. I remembered the days when a simple task like that would have forced me to stop walking and would have exhausted me... I had come a long way since the first days of my training. Of course, I still had a long way to go yet.

As we neared the Coliseum, more and more people appeared around us. It made sense- the streets were lined with restaurants and inns, and there was doubtlessly an event happening soon in the arena. I hadn't watched a match of Paoro in a long time... perhaps I should do that? Having free time was kind of nice, although I felt uncomfortable. I wasn't doing anything important, anything that contributed to my honor or that of my clan.

I walked into one of my favorite restaurants, one of the more expensive ones that was less likely to be frequented by the likes of Saihoko. I sat down at a table that was a little more out-of-the-way and isolated than the others, out of consideration of Eshai's status. Taking small precautions wouldn't hurt, after all.

IC: Eshai

With a slight nod of thanks, I followed her inside the restaurant. It was far more grand than even the finest of dining locations from my youth. It was likely that even those of more important rank in my clan could not have eaten here frequently. It probably cost more than a week's worth of food from less pricey locations. And Sanei seemed to know the place, judging by how quickly she reacted to the layout of the place. I did not even wish to look at the prices, but I knew that I must. I would choose the cheapest item available, no sense in wasting the money of an employer.

I quietly took a seat at the table, wondering if many people were surprised by my fearsome appearance. I had bought this armor long ago, back before my clan had fallen. I had never expected that it would be among the last of my possessions. It once had brought me attention, revealed that I was not one to be annoyed. Now it was used to further create for myself an appearance of being a good bodyguard. The was the only face I had now, that of a terrifying creature.

IC: Sanei - Sado

A waitress walked up and handed us menus. I glanced over mine quickly, already knowing what I wanted. Without looking up, I addressed Eshai mentally. "Keep the change. Consider it your first paycheck."

The waitress returned, and I placed my order. She returned shortly with our drinks- mine was a cup of tea. I sipped at it while I waited for the rest of my meal, thinking.

Eventually, my thoughts turned to Sato. She'd seemed a bit surprised by how eager I was to fight- and she was right. I was too quick to resort to force, though I didn't have to do it often. I was used to getting my way... it would be wise, I decided, to try and use diplomacy more. After all, the Umbralines didn't rule the Archipelago by threatening others.

My thoughts also drifted toward Eshai. I wondered what was going through her head- she likely hadn't been in a decent restaurant since her Clan had been destroyed. I often found it hard to treat her as I should, the lowest of the low- after all, she was like a Menti warrior in every conceivable way except status. It was easy to look down on someone like a Saihoko sailor who spoke, looked, acted, and smelled like someone of a lower caste, but when they acted almost exactly the way as you... hmm.

Still, Order must be respected.

 

IC | Akimatai let a small smile loose. Akone was a worthy opponent. After shaking her foe's hand, Aki shook out her hands, because they had they had tensed up during the fight.

 

"You know what you're doing, evidently." She said.

IC: Hogo Akone

"Well, Menti training is emphasised quite a lot as a Hogo, being retainers of the Forstelon and all," Akone explained.

 

Then she realised she might have headed to uncomfortable ground saying this to a Fursic.

 

"Uh, no offence, of course. It's just that my clan believes that the Umbralines can maintain the peace and order currently in our Empire," Akone tried to explain.

 

IC | So, Akone was with clan Hogo. Not that Akimatai had a problem with that.

"None taken. To be frank, I don't give a #### what clan the Rora comes from, as long as she can keep the peace." Aki said, in a half-joking tone of voice. She was completely serious, of course, but saw the rampant bigotry present in Dasaka society as simply amusing.

IC: Eshai

With a slight hesitation, I looked inside the menu at the prices. They were... not quite as bad as I had expected, but all the same far more than I would have even willingly spent on food. I chose out what appeared to be the cheapest meal with a name that I recognized, along with the cheapest drink I knew as well. I still didn't want to spend that much, despite the pay likely being more than I needed.

Food of this quality was more than I deserved, even the worst on the menu was fit for someone of much higher honor than I could even again hope to receive. Even the drink was far better than my status should ever be allowed. But, it was the first time in a long while that I would actually be able to eat as something more than a classless outcast.

The drink tasted as good as any that I had ever tasted, perhaps more caused by the meaning of it, rather than the ingredients.

IC: Hogo Noshima

"Few problems would arise from a simple exploration of the city."

IC | So, Akone was with clan Hogo. Not that Akimatai had a problem with that.

 

"None taken. To be frank, I don't give a #### what clan the Rora comes from, as long as she can keep the peace." Aki said, in a half-joking tone of voice. She was completely serious, of course, but saw the rampant bigotry present in Dasaka society as simply amusing.

IC: Hogo Akone

"Oh, good. I was afraid I had offended you for a moment there."

"So, what do you think we should do next?" Akone asked.

IC:

Sato pursed her lips, thinking. There were certainly numerous little restaurants to be found around, but all of them were likely filled with the people that Sato wouldn't want to be around and that her cousin would constantly insist that she (the cousin, that is) was inferior to and would always be bowing and what not. An annoying little situation.

But, perhaps, there might be another option.

"I say we turn the corner and jump into the first hole in a wall that we see."

IC: Eiyu Ankora (Sado)

 

"If you take everything at such face value it's a wonder you accomplish anything" Ankora said as a jokey retort.

 

"Anyway, my current train of thought was very similar in spirit to the previous one. Instead of a coherent string of ideas, it's more of a big wobbly ball of thinky-winky stuff"

 

IC: Daikura Sakrayo - Sado

"Well, the way I see it, I follow grammatical convention. But go on. This is rather interesting."

IC: Eiyu Ankora (Sado)

"Well, on the subject of misinterpretations, in keeping with me pointing out the many, many ways one could feasibly take your question, I know a simple little fable that chronicles the danger of misinterpretations"

"A long time ago a young, rebellious Menti was arrested attempting to murder a high-ranking member of her clan. The Toroshu of the alleged criminal's clan was notified of this, and quickly sent a letter to the prison where the Menti was awaiting execution urging the guards not to execute her... yet, but wait until she herself was present to judge whether or not the Menti deserved to die or not. However, when she arrived, she was shocked to discover that the execution had been carried out forthwith. When she asked the excutioner why she'd defied her word, the executioner replied.

"But Toroshu, the letter explicity stated "Execute her, do not wait until I arrive" she claimed."

"And that was when the Toroshu realized her horrible mistake, cursed by her own eloquence and skill with words she had taken careless liberties with her message. She had written on her notice "Execute her do not, wait until I arrive," but they had read it as "execute her, do not wait until I arrive"

"And that's why I always make sure to check exactly what others are saying, we wouldn't want me accidentally ordering death upon somebody, now would we?"

IC:

"Milady," The teasing title slipped out with the same falsely innocent tone as the rest of her speech, eyes sparkling with a degree of mischievous light. "It almost seems as though you're looking to find the one place I might not find anyone above me."

"That works for me, however. A restaurant would require pretending everyone wasn't looking past me as if I weren't there."

IC:

Honestly I’m not much of a writer, that’s my lady’s territory. Who is the lady I serve?

Yumiwa the Chojo, Daughter of Yusanora Umbraline, and heir to the Dasaka Empire.

Who am I then? I’m her handmaiden, her advisor, a guard, and I’m also her best friend and she is mine. I am Hanako the Blue Rose, daughter of Eshiwa Herupa, and Handmaiden to Yumiwa. It’s rather strange, I would have never expected myself to be in the company of royalty but here I am serving the Crown Princess of the Imperial Royal family. Zuto Nui has a plan for all of us, and mine was to be in service to Crown Princess Yumiwa.

My Yumi is...she’s driven, beautiful, and caring...and...when the time comes she will be the best Rora the Kentoku Archipelago has ever seen. When I hear those words of dissent I wish to stomp on the throats of those who would dare speak against my Yumiwa. I get really worked up about that, my mother taught me to control my rage, to control my passion but it is taxing. It’s hard when you can feel the pressure building up underneath like a volcano ready to explode but I take a few deep breaths and focus. I read a book, I practice with my instruments, and sometimes when my lady feels up to it, I listen to her poems those always put me at ease. She has such a talent for their creation. They are such beautiful little things, a small arrangement of words tied together by Yumi’s pen and her tongue. At times Yumiwa has asked me to play for her, she enjoys music, in fact she enjoys all the arts. Though her talents lie in the spoken and written word, I be though if she put her mind to it she could be an accomplished musician. However a future Rora cannot spend too much time on the arts when she needs to learn how to run an empire. She’s my Chojo and I her handmaiden and I will serve Yumiwa to my last breath.

I was approaching my coming of age when I had been chosen by her. My mother, Eshiwa had always been proud of me, something I believe my eldest sibling did not like. My eldest brother, Jiyu was more of a matter of pride in herself, for bringing another male into our world. I do not envy our males for despite their training, they are still trophies. Many of our kind wants a husband, but few will earn the right to have one. Anyways I digress, I had been chosen, not by some other minor clan, not by the Fursic, or even the Dastana! No! I was chosen by Yumiwa herself. Future Rora of the Dasaka people.

My mother had been hoping of this day ever since she and the others of my clan saw the potential within me. They took my fiery passion and molded it, focusing it, for I was a Herupa and Herupa are always in control of themselves, for it is expected of us. I was taught to focus my energy in my training, finding my strength in hand to hand combat, in quick powerful strikes as well as my natural affinity with the Sighteye discipline. I was taught a berth of knowledge, mostly focused on politics and philosophy. I rose well above the standards of the average Herupa and my mother’s pride for me swelled. She had noticed my interesting in music. I remember the day she rewarded me with my own violin. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

“How’s my little Hanako?” She chuckled, rubbing my head.

“I’m not little!” I steamed, even though my mother was quite right. I was only about as tall as her waist at the time.

“Right.” She laughed again, patting my head as she towered over me. My face grew even redder but she leaned down, taking a wrapped object from one of our servants with that cheery smirk she always had back then.

“You’ve been doing very well, Hanako. I wanted to get my little girl a present for so much hardwork.” She handed me the case and I took it. “Go on, my daughter. Open it!” She said, clasping her hands to her face as I popped open the case and inside laid one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. A violin and a bow, both made of the finest wood my mother could afford. Normally we try to restrain our emotions in the Herupa clan, but a few times we could let our guard down and just be people, it was nice. It was so surreal, running my hands over the lacquered wood.

“So you do like it?” She chuckled, squeezing me tight in a hug that surprised me. She already knew the answer.

“I love it, thank you mother, thank you!” I replied, doing my best to hug her with equal force. I saw my eldest brother Jiyu hanging at the edge of the room, his eyes narrowed before he turned and left.

“Good, good, think you can take more lessons alongside what you’re currently learning?” An inquisitive expression marking my mother’s face.

“Of course mother, I’m a Herupa!”

I shook myself out of the memory, and walked over to the chair, where a stand with a new book of music awaited me, a courtesy offered to me by Inokio. One of people I respected greatly. I opened the case, already knowing that my favored instrument awaited me inside. I lifted it up, placing it against my collarbone as I rest my chin on it, closing my eyes as I tuned the instruments, instinctively knowing how it needed to be. I opened my eyes and opened the book, My golden eyes looked over the notes and I set my fingers into position on the neck of the violin and then I drew the bow in front of the bridge and against the strings. I started playing.

I would thank Inokio when he returned with Yumi. This was going to be a great day, I could feel it.

OOC: Just for reference the song Hanako would be playing on the violin is “Now We Are Free” from Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrad for the Gladiator Soundtrack, although I see this as the cover done by Taylor Davis.

IC: Hogo Noshima

 

"Few problems would arise from a simple exploration of the city."

IC: Hogo Kamari

She smiled, giving a soft nod. "I would believe your words to be true, my Toroshu."

IC: Hogo Noshima

"Then with haste we should move."

IC: Sanei

My thoughts returned to the present as our food arrived. I couldn't judge whether or not Eshai was enjoying her food or not- it was hard to read her emotions through her fierce mask. Probably for the best, I mused. Made her that much more of an effective bodyguard.

I glanced at the dish she'd ordered. I didn't recognize it- it appeared to be one of the simpler, less expensive items on the menu. Bored with sitting in silence (I'd already become used to talking with Eshai regularly), I decided to strike up a mental conversation. It wouldn't appear as though I was speaking with her, so what harm was there in just talking?

"I don't recognize that dish. What is it?"

IC: Eiyu Ankora (Sado)

 

"Well, on the subject of misinterpretations, in keeping with me pointing out the many, many ways one could feasibly take your question, I know a simple little fable that chronicles the danger of misinterpretations"

 

"A long time ago a young, rebellious Menti was arrested attempting to murder a high-ranking member of her clan. The Toroshu of the alleged criminal's clan was notified of this, and quickly sent a letter to the prison where the Menti was awaiting execution urging the guards not to execute her... yet, but wait until she herself was present to judge whether or not the Menti deserved to die or not. However, when she arrived, she was shocked to discover that the execution had been carried out forthwith. When she asked the excutioner why she'd defied her word, the executioner replied.

 

"But Toroshu, the letter explicity stated "Execute her, do not wait until I arrive" she claimed."

 

"And that was when the Toroshu realized her horrible mistake, cursed by her own eloquence and skill with words she had taken careless liberties with her message. She had written on her notice "Execute her do not, wait until I arrive," but they had read it as "execute her, do not wait until I arrive"

 

"And that's why I always make sure to check exactly what others are saying, we wouldn't want me accidentally ordering death upon somebody, now would we?"

IC: Daikura Sakrayo - Sado

"I honestly doubt that you have the power to do that, although for the sake of the argument, go on."

IC | "Maybe get something to eat?" Aki suggested. She was hungry, after that match.

IC | "Maybe get something to eat?" Aki suggested. She was hungry, after that match.

IC: Akone

"Good idea. Know anyplace good?" Akone asked as they walked out of the yards and back into the city proper.

IC | "To be honest, I don't really know the layout of this city." Akimatai said. "Perhaps you know a place?"

IC: Akone

"Hm, I might remember this place a few streets down..."

* * *

The two Menti were seated in a small but comfortable restaurant in thr inner quarters of the city.

"Sorry if it's a little low-class, but the food ans service here are great. What would you like to have?" Akone asked as the waitress handed them the menu.

IC: Ankora (Sado)

"I don't, true, but I'd rather not have that sort of power either. Only my Toroshu can order death upon a fellow Eiyu. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and awesome power corrupts awesomely"

IC | Aki scanned the menu. There were many different kinds of meals, but she eventually settled on the bread, salad and fruit-vegetable juices.

"That was an impressive fight." Said Akimatai, while waiting for her meal.