Lore: Leaving 3
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:21 pm
This thread was started by Emora…
Emora Deen:
The town was a maze of old wood and stone buildings that had no glamour or shiny anything... It was beautiful because it was old. "I think we should try that place..." Tenele said and pointed to a nice sized in called the The Dragon's Gut. "It's close to the stables and we won't have to walk that far to get there. Though... the name is... odd." It was odd to Tenele of course because it was funny when you thought about it this way... 'Hey, I'm sleeping in the Dragon's Gut...
"What do you think?" she asked and turned her head slightly to look at him.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was busy studying... what seemed to be an inhabited ruined city. The lack of cleaness and maintaining was appaling to him... Not to mention the mean looks that the foreigners gave at him. A few brutes tried to walk up behind him, knives on hand... But he merely stopped on his tracks, turned a bit around, and showed them only a bit of his Katana's blade. That was more than enough to make them cower away.
He examined the Inn called... Dragon's Gut? Well... He searched around his head for some good will towards its title but... There was none. Still, his companion seemed rather enthusiastic. So, he swalloed his pride.... "Seems adequate for our stay."
Emora Deen:
Tenele smiled slightly and leaned forward to say something that only their ears could hear, "I'm sorry it's no palace, my lord."
With that said she walked into the inn and entered the common room where a good number of shady people were sitting at tables with mugs of ale or plates of food were. Behind a bar was a short man who could barely see over the counter. He was balding and old with thick side burns and a rather smug attitude about him.
Tenele walked over to the bar and said politely, "We need a room..."
The inn keeper smiled and nodded as he looked at her and then Kitanai. "Two rooms or one?"
Tenele turned to the Shogun and looked at him with an expression that clearly asked, "What do you think?"
Zenmusha:
If Kitanai hadn't fought those scum of Arken, he'd be very pissed right now... Instead, he was only pissed. What saved the lives of just about everyone in the Inn. "One room."
He looked at Tenele, with an expression that held nothing smug. "We might pass for a young couple. And that way, I can teach you how to use that sword."
Emora Deen:
Tenele nodded and told the man that they only wanted one room. He winked and smiled to her and handed her a key with a number on it. She turned and walked across the room, noticing that eyes were on them for some odd reason, but who could know in this place...
She walked up a set of steps in the far end of the room and when she reached the second floor she had to go all the way down the hall to where there room was. She unlocked the door and walked in to find the place... some what... Well, she could stay a night or two in it... but it really looked unhealthy to her. Though, she was used to sleeping in a nice house.
They'd have to work out sleeping arrangments later... The room contained one bed, a table, a wooden chair, a wood floor, wood walls and one window. On the table was a bowl of dirty water. The bed looked like it hadn't been maid in a while and who knew what had been done in that bed any way...
"What do you say we sleep with the horse?" she asked.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai looked around the room. It was squalid to say the least. He smiled. It reminded him of his own room. "I like it." He grabbed the bowl of dirty water, and threw it out the window. "That's better."
He grabbed his swords and put them on a corner of the room, then sat down, looking at the ceiling with an expression that revealed he was thinking about something.
He recalled the days of his youth... Not that he was old, but he wasn't a teenager any longer. "The night before I became the Shogun, I slept in a room smaller than this one, with many other injured Samurai. The air was filled with death and pestilence. When I woke up, half of them had died from their wounds. We had all fought for our clan, in that last battle, where we laid siege to the fortress that I now occupy. My own room is nothing short of squalid. I'm used to living a hard life, Tenele Raider, even if I'm a supreme general."
Emora Deen:
Tenele grew quiet and she looked down for a moment, having thought something of him that was wrong. She had thought of him as being a spoiled rich ruler who cared nothing for any one that was "bellow" him. She knew that half of it had been wrong in the beginning, but he held his head so high in the clouds it was hard not to get that image or thought.
"I'm sorry..." she said not really knowing what else to say about it. She didn't know many things to say when it came to that sort of thing as a conversation topic. "Would you like me to go get some fresh water so we can wash up?" Because I think running and fighting has given us a cause too...
Zenmusha:
"Don't be, since it was I who brought this subject up. Anyway... The reason I look down upon you, barbarians, is that you live your whole life caring only for ephemerous things, like money or beauty or pleasure. While you're at it, others 'below' you live in slavery to sustain your lifestyle. But I rant..." He got up from the floor. "Yes, some water would be nice... but where do you intend to wash up?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele looked at him as he spoke and she glanced down for a moment. She wasn't like that. She could careless if she was rich or how she looked or what her home was... The only thing she needed to be happy was friends and family... and since she had no family she had her friends.
Tenele shrugged after picking up the bowl... "I don't know... care to leave the room for a while? I'll go ask if there is a wash room in this in... there might be..." She picked up the bowl and began walking to the door.
Zenmusha:
He nodded. Might as well take a short walk around. "So, Tenele Raider, want to discuss the sleeping policies while we're at it? Frankly, I enjoy sleeping leaning against a wall. Preferably if there's a mantle around me to keep me warm. You, on the other hand, might enjoy that mortuary object transformed into a sleeping place called bed. Though you'd better ask for sheets... I could smell the bitter sweat oozing from it."
Emora Deen:
Ewww.... was all she could think of when hearing his description of what the bed smelled like. "It doesn't matter to me... Though I think your right about the sheets..." She wasn't looking where she was going and she accidentally hit the shoulder of a man... well more like his arm because she wasn't tall enough to hit his shoulder.
"Excuse me..." she said glancing back.
The drunk man put a hand on Kitanai's shoulder and slurred out... "Keep your whore in line friend... she's very clumsy..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai grinned. "What a foul mouth you have... Here, let me educate you." He gripped his hand, and his elbow, and twisted them. To the man, it felt like a cane had been slammed against his wrist, or that the nervous connections were being cut from inside. Anyways, the giant felt to his knees. "I'm not going to ask you to apologize... I'd rather make you beg for forgivance, you stupid barbarian son of whore." He tightened the pressure all of a sudden, reaching the limits of breaking the man's wrist.
He tried to grab him with the other arm... But Kitanai's knee slammed against his face, sending him slamming against a wall. With that attack, his front teeth and nose were broken, and he seemed to have become eye-blind...
Emora Deen:
The man shrank back not even able to form words. Tenele swallowed rather hard. Well... I hope I don't ever make him really mad... She looked around the room to find that every one was staring at them.
She ignored it and walked to the bar tender/inn keeper. "Excuse me do you have any water and some clean sheets?" she asked and he looked at her like she was crazy or like she was blind to the fact of what had just happened.
She through on an innocent smile and he nodded, pointing to a room in the back as if he was amazed or something. She nodded and walked through the crowded room towards the door.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai kept his grin as he walked amidst the scared looking brutes. They wouldn't mess with them for a long time, that much was clear. After all, he had just crippled a "troll" twice his size and thrice his weight... Though his fat did add up to body weight.
He followed Tenele, and when they opened the door... He discovered the origins of the dirtiness. The towels and sheets thrown there were as clean as the ones in their room, only they stank far worse since they were in a closed room. The water that came out of a pump into a bucket looked like... The contents of a Dragon's gut. "I begin to understand this Inn's name, Tenele Raider."
Emora Deen:
"I know what you mean..." she said turning away from the room and closing the door behind her. "I think I can go another day with out a bath... Maybe there is a secluded river some where in the forest... I wouldn't doubt it..."
She took a deep breath, though the air in the common room still wreaked it was far better than what ever that was in that closet. "Are you sure you don't want to go sleep with the horse?" she asked with a smile on her face.
The room was still silent and they were still being watched, they were mostly watching Kitanai still... probably wondering if he would kill them all. "I think you made friends..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai looked a bit confused at what Tenele has said... But then he figured out. He smiled politely and walked up to one of the men, that broke the record speed of paleness. "You..." The man shrieked, and fell of his chair, crounching against a wall. Kitanai walked up to him...
"Do you know if there is any public baths in this city?" He asked with a smile. There HAD to be... These barbarians couldn't be THAT barbaric.... right?
Emora Deen:
It took a while but the man, who seemed to be scared out of his mind, finally answered. "Yeah.... erm... um... eh... down the road... to the left... second... no third... no fourth... no second building to the right..." Tenele covered her mouth so she wouldn't laugh at him. He was so scared he couldn't even remember where to go to take a bath.
She had to hand it to Kitanai... he had real... people skills. Tenele began walking to the door and she looked back to see if Kitanai was coming along.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai bowed towards the man. "Thank you." He made a gesture towards Tenele that could be translated as 'be right down', and went back to his room to pick up his swords.
When he went down, half of the men had exited the tavern, and the barkeep was mumbling something about Ongorethian guests. Kitanai threw him a golden coin. "So that you may hire someone to clean up this place."
He looked at Tenele. "So, shall we go?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele nodded and they began there walk towards the bath house which was right where the man had said it would be. She opened up the door and walked in. As soon as she was able to see what was inside she turned around quickly and blushed crimson...
"Oh dear..." she whispered and looked to Kitanai. "I don't think I want to bathe here..."
People were walking around with only towels on and the others were stripping them off to take a bath in the large pool that must have been built over a hundred years ago. You could clearly see that most of these people had no moral values or even cared that they were walking around naked. The men seemed to enjoy it at least. "Do you think they have a private one some where?" she asked in more of a whisper leaning forward, still her back was facing the... crowd. They were being watched now mostly because they were just standing there... not stripping down yet.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow... these barbarians could at least have made private cabins... "I highly doubt it... Guess we'll have to behave like them." He undid his belt, putting his swords in a corner. He first removed his jacket, showing his scar-covered body. He untied his ponytail, and his hair felt to around his waist. Next came his hakama, and then his pants.
The naked Shogun walked as if he didn't care if the other men, women and companion stared at him. He simply reached the pool's border, and dived... With an almost unnexistant splash. He swum gracefully around underwater for a while, before coming to take a breath.
Emora Deen:
Tenele turned around when he started to walk towards the pool... He's not going to.... and as soon as she saw him taking off his clothes she almost fell out. Oh dear lord he is... And he was naked and she closed her eyes very tightly. When she opened them he was in the pool. Tenele ignored every one that was naked and made sure to keep her eyes only on there faces...
"Do you know how many people bathe in these a day... they probably don't even change the water after every day! Your swimming in thousands of body oils!" she said and looked at his face and only his face. She was so red now in the cheeks. "Fine, bathe in it..." She walked to a man standing at a counter. "Excuse me sir... do you happen to have any private baths of any sort?"
The man looked at her for a moment and then he smiled slightly. "Shy?" Tenele rolled her eyes.
"No... I just like it where only I know what my body looks like and not half the city!" Tenele said rather loudly.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was NOT oblivious to the thing's architecture. He knew that every public baths had their waters renewed more than once a day. And these people seemed relatively healthy even if it wasn't. Plus, there wasn't a single place in the world where water was absolutely clean... If it wasn't the people, then it was all the nearby animals dumping their own... waste.
He laughed when Tenele had a small temper tantrum. "Don't mind her... She's a noble lady!" The other bathists laughed as well. Kitanai brushed his skin against the pool's walls, effectively cleaning it, and came out, grabbing himself a clean towel... One of the few there. He went to get dressed. After that, he looked around for Tenele.
Emora Deen:
The man had a small private bath in the far back that was rarely used, basically because he was to lazy to fill it up and the larger on. Tenele however persuaded him and of course was more than happy to help a noble lady. She just wished Kitanai would stop spreading it around... she didn't go around telling every one she saw that he was the ruler of Ongoreth... People that were interested in ransom money or any sort of money at all liked hearing when nobles were around. Maybe he was to used to living in his own kingdom…<br>
The man's wife was more than happy to help her... she could understand why Tenele wouldn't bathe in front of all those people. "I can't do it myself..." said the woman before leaving and she gave Tenele a smile and left the room. Tenele quickly undressed and climbed into the warm water. They need more candles in this room... it's offal dark...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai, not spying Tenele anywhere, asked the man in charge if he knew where she was... And sighed when he got the answer.
So, he just sat around in a corner, waiting for her to be through with her abluctions...
Emora Deen:
Tenele came out of the private wash room with her clothes on, her hair was wet, but it wouldn't take it long to dry. She looked very cheerful now after having a bath. She gave her thanks to the kind woman and walked back into the main part of the wash house... where all the naked people were.
Tenele spotted Kitanai and she walked towards him, noticing a group of girls looking at him with rather strange expressions. They were all giggling and Tenele could only seem to think it was because they had liked what they had seen. She thought it odd that he would undress so freely in front of these "barbarians" but he loved to talk about how worthless they were...
"Enjoying the view?" she asked and smiled a happy smile when she reached him.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai had closed his eyes for the time being, eager to avoid watching a certain old, fat, ugly woman undressing... Alas, he had gotten the attention for a group of girls, that kept whispering between themselves. He only hoped they weren't mentioning him... Though his vanity and common sense spoke otherwise. Wonder if it's because of the scars...?
He turned his attention to Tenele, who had FINALLY gotten out of her bath. "They're too young, and I'm too stuck on the beauties of my homeland. So, I see them as nothing but pubescent barbarian teens." He got back on his feet. "You took long enough. Let's go..." Good point, they didn't have a place to go to. "... Somewhere where I can begin training you."
Emora Deen:
Tenele looked at him with an arched eyebrow. Nothing she did was ever right for him. "I'm sorry I like being clean..." she said and walked well a head of him as the man that owned the place yelled out... "Good bye noble lady! Come back soon!"
Tenele growled and walked out side leaving Kitanai behind. He'd catch up, there was no doubt about that. She looked for a place where he could kick her tail in sword fighting and get it over with. She had to practically walk to the edge of town to find an open space where no one seemed to walk the streets next to a stone fountain. She sat down on the fountain's side and folded her arms waiting for her lesson on how to lose badly.
DarkxRose:
"Be you deaf? Wake, you! It is time."
Her mind was brought to consciousness although her body still lied in a deep sleep. In her mind's eyes Chirona beheld an undescribable beauty that only an immortal could possess. Despite such loveliness, Chirona was baffled at the angel...
"High Angel Alexiel?" she questioned.
"Aye. I bid you wake. A war is about."
"Why did you come to wake me, Alexiel?" Chirona asked. Before, a subordinate of Alexiel would come to arise her in times of war. Alexiel was among the highest ranking spirit in the heavens, and such a high class would rarely, if ever, make trips down to this world.
"I come not to be questioned." Alexiel replied, her voice like a melody.
"How long has it been, Highest, since my hoofs have run acoss this earth?"
"It mark 500 year."
"500 years?!"
"Aye."
"500 years of peace, maybe salvation is nearing," Chirona said thoughtfully.
Alexiel shook her head. "I believe not. Wars hath fought, blood hath spilled, in the times of your slumber." Chirona's eyes widened.
"Why have I not been awakened for these wars?"
"These wars are but small wars, small to never be written. Sleep you must is what the heavens agreed, for all your strength is needed in this time of need." Alexiel's aura blazed so brightly it almost blinded Chirona. "Enough. Ordered by the heavens, I bid you wake. Defy them you will not. Arise, arise and become a warrior once more."
Chirona's spirit seeped into her body. The coldness of a dark cavern is a coldness she has not felt in 500 years. Her eyes were greeted by the sight of the riched soil that surrounded her, complimented by a ray of sun that shone greatly through the door that led to the outside world.
She wasted no time in her bed. She rose from her cave and bodly explored her surroundings. Although the trees and plants were in different spots, this was unmistakably Ashgrown Forest.
Chirona adventured through the terrain. Nothing was here for her, so she concluded her fate lied somewhere else.
For a day she traveled, for surely the Ashgrown was so much different then from 500 years ago. Despite all that she weaved her way out of the woods, and to near what seemed like civilization.
Chirona stumbled upon a rough-looking city, which she later learned was given the name 'Hepian.' It gave her an old feel, which led her to question about the advancement in civilization in Heirot.
She was smart to know that centaurs are not something seen everyday, and going into the city would only cause unwanted havoc. From where she was standing however, Chirona could see what appeared to be the abandoned side of the city. The only inhabitant was the woman who sat crossed armed at a stone fountain. She seemed as if she was waiting for someone...
Chirona spied on the woman. Her human torso was hidden behind a thick tree, so if she were to look this way, she would only see her horse half. This would cause less suspicion, and allowed Chirona to be less noticed.
Emora Deen:
Tenele could have sworn that Kitanai was right behind her. He must be taking his sweet time or some of those girls who thought fondly of him were hanging all over him. Honestly... and he called herself and all of Ighten barbarians... She didn't take off her clothes in front of half of Hepian and take a bath with them. Though, Tenele was much to modest and shy to do something like that... it was most definitely not in her nature.
She drew the Katana at her side. It was not a weapon she was used to. Long swords and other swords that didn't involve some special new technique. Maybe she should recommend to the Maiden Trainers that they should start teaching Katana fighting... or at least home to use one. This is what she had to learn and she might as well face the fact she needed to. She had a sword that could kill a demon almost in one strike and she didn't know how to wield it that well.
Sighing Tenele shook her head, she had yet to notice that some one was close by and she was still waiting on she Shogun.
DarkxRose:
From her back side, Chirona felt a cold draft... a strange draft... an unnatural draft.
"Slyphiel!" Chirona turned her head to find a face she could never forget, no matter how long she slept.
"Hello Chirona! It hath been long time, Methinks you would never wake up! But no matter, we can play again!" Slyphiel said with a cheeriness that begged for trouble. She blew another cold light wind.
"What are you doing that for?"
"Oh, nothing."
"I know you too well, Slyphiel, you have a reason behind everything," Chirona said coldly as she eyed the mischievious spirit suspiciously.
Slyphiel is a low ranking spirit, and Chirona wouldn't be suprised if she became a fallen. She is so low ranking that the heavens don't bother with her, but she hasnt done anything truely evil to send her to the pits. Basically, she does whatever she wants.
To Chirona's annoyance, Slyphiel hangs around her whenever she's awake. Whatever the situation, the wind angel can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Another draft came from the backside.
"Would you please stop?" Chirona asked sharply
"Ok," Slyphiel said innocently. Five seconds later another frosty wind, and Chirona gave up. Her logic was if she didn't pay any attention the Slyphiel, she would eventually go away. It sometimes worked...
What Chirona didn't know is that her extrodinarly long hair flew in the wind allowing it to be clearly visible to those on the other side of the tree...
...it was an interesting sight...
Emora Deen:
Tenele sat there a while longer, wondering what it was the Shogun was up to. Probably getting tackled by those girls who must have found him... appealing. Tenele didn't know whether he was or not... she didn't look.
She sighed and turned her head in a direction, the light catching something shimmery... and it was moving. Tenele's eyes narrowed as she rose from her seat on the fountain. It looked like hair... but it was beautiful...
Tenele began to walk towards it...
DarkxRose:
Chirona felt the presence of the woman grow stronger. Not catching on to what gave her away, she come to the conclusion that the girl was awnsering to her natural curiosity.
"Aww," Slyphiel hoovered over. "Hath you be afraid of mortals now, Chirona? Methinks will give you help!" Slyphiel clutched Chirona's hair and jerked it back with all her strength.
Usually, when one was riding on her back, they would use Chirona's hair to guide her on where to go. No matter how hard they tugged, it would never hurt the centaur.
However Slyphiel was no mortal. Even as a low-ranking spirit, she still had immortal strength. Chirona let out a horse cry as her hair seeminly was being pulled out of her temples. She bucked back, and when Slypiel let go, Chirona whipped around to face the devious angel. The centaur was not mad, but she was utterly annoyed.
Then the natural wind crept up on her skin, the wind that was blocked by the tree...
"Bye!" Slyphiel giggled, and disappeared into thin air.
Chirona turned her head to face the first real person she has seen in years. She waited for the natural fright to be settled within the woman, soon to be replaced with natural wonder...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai had let Tenele take the lead for a moment... And that was when his refined intuition had warned him to vanish from the spot. He slip into an alley, searching for anyone foolish enough to interrupt him... And found none. He grinned... Kitanai hadn't done something like that in a long while.
Before he knew it, he was jumping and bouncing up the walls, reaching for the small construction's rooftop. From there, he spied on the creatures that had triggered that reaction. A... half-horse woman and a sprite?
He chuckled at the most charicatic scene in these last few... hours, since he'd joined a certain feast in a certain palace. He jumped of the rooftop, landing as silently as a cat behind both Tenele and the strange woman. "And just who and what you might be, dear lady?" Of course, he kept himself at a careful enough distance from her hooves..
DarkxRose:
Chirona turned to the man, who was understandably at guard.
'I wonder if he sensed Slyphiel... his skills as a samurai surpass avarage.' She grinned to herself. There have been several samurai whose senses have been so sharp they could sense the the spirits around them.
However, it was only fair she introduced herself first.
"I am Chirona. I've come from the Ashgrown forest, if that is what you people still call it." She grabbed a loose piece of hair and stuck it behind her ear. "May you be so kind to give me your names?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele was still a little shocked at seeing such a fabled creature. She didn't even notice the Shogun until a few seconds later. Sprite? What sprite?
A centar... how... how... amazing.
"Tenele," she replied and thought it rude to look at the centar in such an amazed way. "My name is Tenele."
DarkxRose:
"Tenele, thats a nice name." Chirona sensed the presence of Tenele's guardian spirit, Sabriel. Sabriel is a noble warrior angel under the legion of Micheal. Chirona figured Tenele is a warrior of some sort, a rather skilled one to add to it.
Chirona felt eyes. She laughed to herself when she caught Tenele in a stare. It was ok, however, not everyday you see a centaur. Chirona couldn't help but smile.
Her attention shifted to the samurai. Chirona sensed his guardian, and was taken aback. 'Aloysius?!' She almost doubted her senses, but the samurai's stealth was amazing...it could be true. Aloysius use to be a fallen, but reconciled and rised in the ranks. Now he is the highest ranking warrior angel, next to Micheal himself. Not to mention he was one of the few angels whose name didnt end in 'el'.
To be guarded by Aloysius, one would have to be royalty. Either that, or a truely amazing warrior. Or both.
"Tenele," Chirona asked, since the man seemed to have no trust in the centaur whatsoever. "Who is he?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele didn't know whether the shogun wanted her to reveal his name to this being or not. For a moment she looked to the Shogun. What was the name he had given the spies for Shea? Oda? Odi? Odu? Abo? Abu?
"He calls himself Oda." Oda... that was it, she was right the first time.
Tenele's green eyes looked at the Shogun and they were practically telling him if he wanted to give his real name he very well could do it on his own. She wasn't going to make the mistake and get his arrogant wrath.
DarkxRose:
"Oda. Are you sure about that Tenele? You seemed hesitant." She smiled at the half-elf. It didn't matter, however.
"You don't have to be on your guard, I have not come to hurt you. I have recently awakened from a five hundered year nap." Chirona scanned the city with her eyes. "I don't know how much Heirot has changed... since then..."
She looked at the blazing sun, the same sun she trodded under five hundered years ago...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai wasn't lying... His first name was indeed Oda. Though by now all knew him by his family name only, since he never really bothered hammering his full name to everyone.
"Five hundred years...?" He finally broke the silence, and he examined the exotic creature before him. In his lands, there were occasional sightings of Ki-Rin, creatures with a lion's head and body, white wings, and human features, and he had known one or two in the past... But this was still a most interesting discovery. "May I inquire what sort of medicine are you taking that causes you to take such long naps?" Meaning he wanted to know why she had been asleep for so long.
DarkxRose:
"Medicine? There is no such medicine. I sleep for so long because that is the spirit's will. I only wake in the times of war." She hoped she didn't throw Oda and Tenele into a state of confusion by her explanation, but it was the only way she could describe it.
"I'm happy that I have slept for so long, that meant most of Heirot had a period of peace for quite so time." Chirona said, not regarding the little wars that happened inbetween. These people carried swords, Heirot is still not that peaceful. She knew this. Chirona continued, "However, there is a downside. When I wake, I have to relearn about the world around me. Wether the goverment is different or has stayed the same. Which landmarks that have fallen and the new ones that have been built..."
"What I do know are two things. The basic layout of the land, and a war is about."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai wondered for a second whether or not he should declare himself as the Shogun of Ongoreth. This creature... might be saying the truth, but might as well be lying. "Ongoreth is currently under the control of one Kitanai. He has sided with the queen of the land known as Ighten that stretches from the mountains up ahead to the shores. We fight queen Shea, the witch ruler of the lands beyond."
Emora Deen:
"Queen Shea has been using spies to attack Ighten in many forms, from the queen, right down to the ones who protect her," Tenele said and looked to the creature. She didn't know what to make out about her, but she did know she didn't want to give to much information out.
"Queen Shea is a ruthless evil that seeks nothing but land and power and death and destruction. Demons, Dark Elves, Raiths, and creature that holds evil thoughts is under her command. She means to wage a terrible war against Queen Sinead in hopes of defeating her and taking her kingdom." Tenele thought that would be enough for her and if it wasn’t they could explain more later. She doubted that the woman- centaur would want to come back to their inn for the night it would just be bad.
So many stupid people in this place thought about bothering others and stealing and raping and pillaging and it seemed to be especially high in that place that they were staying in. “Do you have a place to stay for the night?” Tenele asked wondered if she had been sleeping in a home for the past… how many years?
DarkxRose:
"Sleep? I have slept for five hundred years! I won't need to rest my head for quited some time." Chirona smiled. "Do not worry about me, I can defend for myself."
The jewel on her head stealthy and slowly shined brighter and brighter. The Shogun and Queen Sinead, whom seem to be the path of light, opposing Queen Shea, whom seems to travel the path of darkness. Chirona knew that she was only a tool, as she has been in the past. She will eventually become a weapon, wether it would be for good or for evil.
For now, however, she can roam freely since she has no one to call master.
She studied both Tenele and Oda. From their looks, and from Oda's 'sneak attack', they seem fit warriors for the destiny that lies ahead of this land. They both hold katanas, but how well do they weild them? Chirona was eager to test thier skills.
Chirona drew her nightmare pike, a long but deadly weapon. Sadly, it did not look so intimidating, the blood rusted on the blade, and five hundred years of rotting did it in good. Chirona stared confusingly at it for a moment and sighed. So much for the flashy weapon.
She held the pike loosly in her hands, holding it neither offensivly or defensivly. "I have been awakened for a war. It seems that you both are loyal to the leaders and lands you come from. Do you think you can protect them in this time of need?" She gave a devious smile. "How well can you fight?"
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow and looked with despise towards the centaur. "I feel tempted to kill you for trying to pick a fight with me. Thank your lucky stars I'm in a good mood today." Still, his katana seemed to giggle on his waist... "Then again, I'll teach you to respect the Shogunate."
He bent his knees only slightly, right leg up front, and his right hand beneath the katana's handle, while the left hand grabbed the sheathe and the thumb stood ready to push the handguard. He looked blankly to the front, absorving all of his opponent., stading ready to dodge or counter attack whatever she threw at him.
DarkxRose:
"Your quick to anger, your highness." Chirona still held the pike loosely, wondering if Oda just realized he gave away his true identity. She had no intention to kill either of them, just to poke and prode, see what thier like.
"You know," Slyphiel appeared sitting on Chirona's back. Only Chirona could see and here the spirit. "You hath just broke whatever trust you had with them."
"I know," Chirona thought. Since Slyphiel can see into Chirona's mind, they can have conversations with each other only by thinking. "But I wanted to see what kind of people they are, how they react. I even got the truth out of Oda..er the Shogun. Besides, I have about as much trust in them as they have in me."
"Are you going to stick with them?"
"I do not know. It depends."
"Eh..ok." Slyphiel said. "But his ponytail. I really want to play with it! Gwa!"
Chirona pulled her thoughts back to the real world. She flipped her pike once then stabbed it into the earth, blade first. She leaned on it casually, once again studying Oda.
"For some reason," Chirona whispered to herself, "He reminds me of someone..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai attempted to ignore the creature that appeared out of nowhere on Chirona's back... To no avail. He was about to despair, when he noticed his foe was equally distracted. He grinned... So, she had indeed connections to the Heavens. Too bad, his Katana would not be fully effective as it would be against a demon.
She dropped her guard... At least apparently. Kitanai took a deep breath in, and... did nothing much, since he was just sleepy from last night. "Will you get on with things?"
DarkxRose:
"Will you get on with things?"
"I... really have no buisness..." Which is true. Chirona just appeared, really having nothing to do with these people. She really didn't know what to say or do next.
"He hath you go away so he can continue on his date, Chirona! Duh!" Slyphiel giggled. "A man, woman. Get it?"
Chirona completely ignored Slyphiel, who was off again on her immature tangents. Tenele and Oda were probably just training together. Slyphiel probably knew this, but she always loved to play with the truth.
Slyphiel stopped giggling when she felt and icy stare. Her head turned slowly to find the Shogun's eyes glaring at her.
"You can see me, can't you, Kitanai?" Slyphiel smiled at the Shogun, with the sudden urge to once again play with his ponytail.
Zenmusha:
"Yes, spirit, I can. A true warrior can see past mere appearances. And who might you be?" He asked Slyphiel, at the same time returning to his normal stance. He grinned, it had been indeed a long time ever since he met another heavenly creature. "And don't think I haven't noticed how you're looking so intently at my pony tail. Don't come anywhere near it, or I'll send you back to the Heaven that gave you exhistance."
DarkxRose:
Chirona couldn't help but smile at the threat. Does such a technique even exsist? Besides, Slyphiel isn't even living, an definatly no mortal has the power to cast a spirit into oblivion. She wondered...
"However powerful you may be, you still are mortal. Lest you remember that." Slyphiel said gravely. A dark mood set in and held for two seconds, until Slyphiel broke it with her loud cheery voice booming "But IM Slyphiel, one of the most beautiful spirits in all the heavens." She gave them her own little pose, and then ignored whatever sharp sarcastical coment or look the centaur or samurai gave her.
"I'm Chirona's helper, she probably would be dead if not for me...hey! I saw that look, Chirona! You know I hath helped you many times. So wipe that look off your face... fine. Be that way."
Slyphiel stood up and walked on to the top of Chirona's head. A spirit weightless, the centaur felt no pain. She then strengthened her presence, so Tenele could both see and hear her.
Although Slyphiel's bragging gave anyone the urge to sew her mouth shut, she was indeed attractive. Her long wavy raven hair setteled at her waist, which was adorned with white flowers. She wore a long lacy white dress, as pure as the little wings on her back.
She looked over the city of Hepian, removing walls from her minds eyes, scoping out the city from where she stood. Slyphiel brought her vision back, and smiled at the others.
"Hm, many inns, underground clubs...I like! Oh lets go! Lets go now!"
"And who are you to decide where we are to go and where we are to stay?" Chirona mocked, cocking her eye upward to the angel.
"Well, I hath not heard any other suggestions. Unless were going to stare at each other all day." Slyphiel replied, looking down at the half elf and the Shogun.
Emora Deen:
"Are you three finished?" Tenele finally asked politely after being quiet for so many minutes while they tested each other with words and some action.
She didn't intend to fight such a creature. It was strange how much she was like the Shogun, he had a habit of wanting to test a persons fighting ability. She could remember this very well.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow at the angel's veiled threat. Even if she was a celestial creature, she was no match for him. His eye twitched as she began bragging about herself... Tenele brought him back to what they were doing in the first place. "Almost, Tenele Raider, almost."
He closed his eyes for a moment, and seemingly vanished from their sight... "Up here." Kitanai was standing on top of Slyphiel's head, fingertips only in contact, and his weight flowing harmlessly from the angel to the centaur's legs, a skill he had learnt some time ago. "I was here to train with my friend Tenele the fine art of the Ongorethian sword. Now, if you two wish to stay and gaze at the art, you are my guests, though I won't stop you from entering that den of sin you call city." With that, he jumped out, sommersaulting in the air.
He drew his katana, and motioned Tenele to do likewise. "Let's start with the basics...."
Emora Deen:
"That's a good idea," she said and nodded, following him. She pulled took the sheath off that held the long sword and then sat it by the fountain. She pulled out her Katana and looked to the Shogun wondering what the basics involved.
For a moment her thoughts wondered to Vlad. She wondered what he was doing. Probably terrorizing some poor soul for the fun of it. She actually missed him, but that wasn't unusual.
She looked to Chirona for a moment tilting her head. She wondered why she had been so keen on fighting them. Tenele seemed to have a lot of people wanting to fight her lately.
DarkxRose:
"I want to watch." Chirona said. Its what shes been aiming for all along, she just wanted to see thier skills as warriors, and that is all.
"You mean we have to sit here and watch the pony tail man show off? But I don't want too!" Slyphiel complained.
"Do what you want. No ones stopping you," Chirona said to the spirit. She focused her attention on Tenele and the Shogun's little 'training' session. He talks big, and she really wanted to see if he can back it up.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was beginning to regret his invitation already... "You still remember how to hold the sword, right?" He inspected her fingers, and noticed she held it well. "Very good. Now, since it's the pinky that will control the sword, it will also be the one holding it tighter. Gradually decrease the pressure you hold as your fingers come closer to the thumb. This type of hold was used by many famous swordsmen, and it'll make sure you never happen to find yourself disarmed during a duel."
He examplified a few slow vertical slashes. "The katana is sharp enough to cut through bone like a hot knife through butter. For now, make sure the sword falls straight, and that its tip does not shake. Your hands must be secure." He did a few more such slow cuts, motioning her to follow him.
Emora Deen:
Tenele held the katana as he instructed and watched as he made slashes. She mimicked him, doing it exactly as she watched him doing it. She made sure that her hands and fingers stayed like they should have. She made her forward slashes as he did and as he had instructed.
Out of the corner of her eye she looked at the centaur wondering what she wanted. This was going to be interesting.
There training was interrupted by a man dressed in Ongorethian close running towards them. He came to a stop behind the Shogun, seemingly winded, but he regained his composure soon. "I have been searching for you," he said and pulled out a letter from his pocket. "A letter has come for from Ongoreth, Kitanai-sama..." He handed the letter to him.
It read...
Kitanai Shogun Sama,
My lord... and old friend, I have grave news to tell you. Your kingdom is under attack, not by an army but by spies and Arken enemies. I have been told by a particular one that came for my land and I think my life that they are assassinating nobles of our land to drive it into chaos… I have been lucky, thanks to my new body guard Kyosuke... I am coming to you behind this letter to deliver more information in person. I do not feel safe any more, Kitanai-sama... I cannot even have my own servants to trust for what ever these demons are... these Raiths, can change into other people! I am afraid they are succeeding and that I have only been lucky. I am coming to seek your aid... and to give you more information. The man said that more would come and that Shea would attack our land... I am afraid of what might happen... but know that I will fight along side you if needed.
Ayanami, Shinobu
DarkxRose:
Slyphiel read the letter from where she was standing. Her natural curiosity caused Slyphiel to channel over two kingdoms to the city of Arken. She foresaw a blind yet powerful woman and a elf on their way...
"Oh, Chirona!" Slyphiel exclaimed in excitment. "You hath never been discovered so fast! The Queen of Darkness already seeks you! ...and other things." Slyphiel put her hand over her mouth. By the heavens, she is refused to tell them anything else, about the evil queens plans and such. It would give these people an unfair advantage.
"Methinks evil hath the advantage in this one!" was the last thing she said.
Chirona stood there silent, her pike in the ground. Although these people were not her masters, it doesn't mean she wasn't up for a good battle. The tension between her and her new aquatenses[sp] was still apparent, but she hoped they would let her fight beside them. 'Maybe I should have gained their trust before I pulled out my pike,' she thought to herself
Zenmusha:
Kitanai could barely contain his anger as he read on. His country was under attack, and he was there, listening to the ramblings of an angel on a foreign country. He would've smashed the letter, if it hadn't been sent by his friend, the wife of one of his former guards.
He put it inside his kimono and turned towards the expecting four. "I have promised to keep the borders safe, and that is what I'll do. I shall ride out towards the mountains, to learn more about the terrain, and see just how many men we'll be facing. I do not force any of you to come with me, except you, messenger, but I'd be very grateful if you'd aid me." He turned towards Tenele. "This might be a time to learn about Ongorethian guerilla tactics. Would you like to join me?"
Emora Deen:
Who was Shinobu? Must have been some one very important from the looks of the Shogun's face. "I would like to learn anything you are willing to teach me," Tenele said and gave a nod of her head. "I will come with you to the Border... It is my duty to protect my kingdom, therefore I must go with you."
Tenele brushed a strand of silver from her hair and sheathed her Katana. "We can move as fast as you would like, so that you may get back to the lady who sent you that letter."
DarkxRose:
"The border?"
"Aye! The place that seperates the kingdoms of Ighten and Arken. You have remeber its as that snowy mountain range." Slyphiel said. Chirona remembers it clearly, knowing she traveled there before. A big battle happened there... Battle of the Red Snow, if she remembers correctly?
"Know it, Chirona. The border is that far from here. You could actually get them there in several hours." She paused. "What say you?"
Chirona went into deep thought. This wasn't her problem, really. From what it seemed, the Shogun and the maiden were really troubled by the presence of her.
Chirona considered leaving right at that very moment, she turned...
"You can not leave them! Just like that! They need help, thier countires are in trouble!" Slyphiel cried.
Chirona looked back at the woods. Until she had a master, whom she must obey unconditionally. she had free will...
Emora Deen:
Tenele watched as the woman started to leave. Something uncontrollable compelled her to ask the centaur to stay. She had a feeling that it would be bad if someone else found her.
She took a step forward. "Wait," she said kindly and gave a warm smile. "It would be greatly appreciated if you would travel with us... I'm sure your skills will be greatly needed. There are things at the Border that are beyond the evils already in Ighten..."
She looked to the Shogun to see what he felt about the situation. Her eyes quickly turned back to Chirona, however, liking her answer first.
DarkxRose:
Chirona heard what Tenele had said, but still she stared into the woods...
Slyphiel came next to Tenele. "Touch the jewel on her forehead!" She said mischeviously. "And say 'Erus Tempero Uma!' See what happens..."
Emora Deen:
Tenele didn't know why she should do that and what it had to do with going to the Border, but the ghost seemed sincere about it.
Tenele stepped forward uneasily and towards Chirona. She was nervous, not knowing what was going to happen. But, she swallowed her fear and put one slender finger to the stone on her for head. She hesitated a moment longer.
"Erus... Tempero Uma," she said a little unsure of what she was doing
DarkxRose:
A bright light swirled around the centaur, and spectral chains that attacted to her neck and ankles became visible in the hevenly light. The chains lead up to the sky... and they dangled there.
But in a swift motion the chains shot down towards the earth and into Tenele's chest, directly to her heart.
The light and the chains faded, and Chirona stepped back. Her human torso bowed to Tenele.
Emora Deen:
The town was a maze of old wood and stone buildings that had no glamour or shiny anything... It was beautiful because it was old. "I think we should try that place..." Tenele said and pointed to a nice sized in called the The Dragon's Gut. "It's close to the stables and we won't have to walk that far to get there. Though... the name is... odd." It was odd to Tenele of course because it was funny when you thought about it this way... 'Hey, I'm sleeping in the Dragon's Gut...
"What do you think?" she asked and turned her head slightly to look at him.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was busy studying... what seemed to be an inhabited ruined city. The lack of cleaness and maintaining was appaling to him... Not to mention the mean looks that the foreigners gave at him. A few brutes tried to walk up behind him, knives on hand... But he merely stopped on his tracks, turned a bit around, and showed them only a bit of his Katana's blade. That was more than enough to make them cower away.
He examined the Inn called... Dragon's Gut? Well... He searched around his head for some good will towards its title but... There was none. Still, his companion seemed rather enthusiastic. So, he swalloed his pride.... "Seems adequate for our stay."
Emora Deen:
Tenele smiled slightly and leaned forward to say something that only their ears could hear, "I'm sorry it's no palace, my lord."
With that said she walked into the inn and entered the common room where a good number of shady people were sitting at tables with mugs of ale or plates of food were. Behind a bar was a short man who could barely see over the counter. He was balding and old with thick side burns and a rather smug attitude about him.
Tenele walked over to the bar and said politely, "We need a room..."
The inn keeper smiled and nodded as he looked at her and then Kitanai. "Two rooms or one?"
Tenele turned to the Shogun and looked at him with an expression that clearly asked, "What do you think?"
Zenmusha:
If Kitanai hadn't fought those scum of Arken, he'd be very pissed right now... Instead, he was only pissed. What saved the lives of just about everyone in the Inn. "One room."
He looked at Tenele, with an expression that held nothing smug. "We might pass for a young couple. And that way, I can teach you how to use that sword."
Emora Deen:
Tenele nodded and told the man that they only wanted one room. He winked and smiled to her and handed her a key with a number on it. She turned and walked across the room, noticing that eyes were on them for some odd reason, but who could know in this place...
She walked up a set of steps in the far end of the room and when she reached the second floor she had to go all the way down the hall to where there room was. She unlocked the door and walked in to find the place... some what... Well, she could stay a night or two in it... but it really looked unhealthy to her. Though, she was used to sleeping in a nice house.
They'd have to work out sleeping arrangments later... The room contained one bed, a table, a wooden chair, a wood floor, wood walls and one window. On the table was a bowl of dirty water. The bed looked like it hadn't been maid in a while and who knew what had been done in that bed any way...
"What do you say we sleep with the horse?" she asked.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai looked around the room. It was squalid to say the least. He smiled. It reminded him of his own room. "I like it." He grabbed the bowl of dirty water, and threw it out the window. "That's better."
He grabbed his swords and put them on a corner of the room, then sat down, looking at the ceiling with an expression that revealed he was thinking about something.
He recalled the days of his youth... Not that he was old, but he wasn't a teenager any longer. "The night before I became the Shogun, I slept in a room smaller than this one, with many other injured Samurai. The air was filled with death and pestilence. When I woke up, half of them had died from their wounds. We had all fought for our clan, in that last battle, where we laid siege to the fortress that I now occupy. My own room is nothing short of squalid. I'm used to living a hard life, Tenele Raider, even if I'm a supreme general."
Emora Deen:
Tenele grew quiet and she looked down for a moment, having thought something of him that was wrong. She had thought of him as being a spoiled rich ruler who cared nothing for any one that was "bellow" him. She knew that half of it had been wrong in the beginning, but he held his head so high in the clouds it was hard not to get that image or thought.
"I'm sorry..." she said not really knowing what else to say about it. She didn't know many things to say when it came to that sort of thing as a conversation topic. "Would you like me to go get some fresh water so we can wash up?" Because I think running and fighting has given us a cause too...
Zenmusha:
"Don't be, since it was I who brought this subject up. Anyway... The reason I look down upon you, barbarians, is that you live your whole life caring only for ephemerous things, like money or beauty or pleasure. While you're at it, others 'below' you live in slavery to sustain your lifestyle. But I rant..." He got up from the floor. "Yes, some water would be nice... but where do you intend to wash up?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele looked at him as he spoke and she glanced down for a moment. She wasn't like that. She could careless if she was rich or how she looked or what her home was... The only thing she needed to be happy was friends and family... and since she had no family she had her friends.
Tenele shrugged after picking up the bowl... "I don't know... care to leave the room for a while? I'll go ask if there is a wash room in this in... there might be..." She picked up the bowl and began walking to the door.
Zenmusha:
He nodded. Might as well take a short walk around. "So, Tenele Raider, want to discuss the sleeping policies while we're at it? Frankly, I enjoy sleeping leaning against a wall. Preferably if there's a mantle around me to keep me warm. You, on the other hand, might enjoy that mortuary object transformed into a sleeping place called bed. Though you'd better ask for sheets... I could smell the bitter sweat oozing from it."
Emora Deen:
Ewww.... was all she could think of when hearing his description of what the bed smelled like. "It doesn't matter to me... Though I think your right about the sheets..." She wasn't looking where she was going and she accidentally hit the shoulder of a man... well more like his arm because she wasn't tall enough to hit his shoulder.
"Excuse me..." she said glancing back.
The drunk man put a hand on Kitanai's shoulder and slurred out... "Keep your whore in line friend... she's very clumsy..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai grinned. "What a foul mouth you have... Here, let me educate you." He gripped his hand, and his elbow, and twisted them. To the man, it felt like a cane had been slammed against his wrist, or that the nervous connections were being cut from inside. Anyways, the giant felt to his knees. "I'm not going to ask you to apologize... I'd rather make you beg for forgivance, you stupid barbarian son of whore." He tightened the pressure all of a sudden, reaching the limits of breaking the man's wrist.
He tried to grab him with the other arm... But Kitanai's knee slammed against his face, sending him slamming against a wall. With that attack, his front teeth and nose were broken, and he seemed to have become eye-blind...
Emora Deen:
The man shrank back not even able to form words. Tenele swallowed rather hard. Well... I hope I don't ever make him really mad... She looked around the room to find that every one was staring at them.
She ignored it and walked to the bar tender/inn keeper. "Excuse me do you have any water and some clean sheets?" she asked and he looked at her like she was crazy or like she was blind to the fact of what had just happened.
She through on an innocent smile and he nodded, pointing to a room in the back as if he was amazed or something. She nodded and walked through the crowded room towards the door.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai kept his grin as he walked amidst the scared looking brutes. They wouldn't mess with them for a long time, that much was clear. After all, he had just crippled a "troll" twice his size and thrice his weight... Though his fat did add up to body weight.
He followed Tenele, and when they opened the door... He discovered the origins of the dirtiness. The towels and sheets thrown there were as clean as the ones in their room, only they stank far worse since they were in a closed room. The water that came out of a pump into a bucket looked like... The contents of a Dragon's gut. "I begin to understand this Inn's name, Tenele Raider."
Emora Deen:
"I know what you mean..." she said turning away from the room and closing the door behind her. "I think I can go another day with out a bath... Maybe there is a secluded river some where in the forest... I wouldn't doubt it..."
She took a deep breath, though the air in the common room still wreaked it was far better than what ever that was in that closet. "Are you sure you don't want to go sleep with the horse?" she asked with a smile on her face.
The room was still silent and they were still being watched, they were mostly watching Kitanai still... probably wondering if he would kill them all. "I think you made friends..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai looked a bit confused at what Tenele has said... But then he figured out. He smiled politely and walked up to one of the men, that broke the record speed of paleness. "You..." The man shrieked, and fell of his chair, crounching against a wall. Kitanai walked up to him...
"Do you know if there is any public baths in this city?" He asked with a smile. There HAD to be... These barbarians couldn't be THAT barbaric.... right?
Emora Deen:
It took a while but the man, who seemed to be scared out of his mind, finally answered. "Yeah.... erm... um... eh... down the road... to the left... second... no third... no fourth... no second building to the right..." Tenele covered her mouth so she wouldn't laugh at him. He was so scared he couldn't even remember where to go to take a bath.
She had to hand it to Kitanai... he had real... people skills. Tenele began walking to the door and she looked back to see if Kitanai was coming along.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai bowed towards the man. "Thank you." He made a gesture towards Tenele that could be translated as 'be right down', and went back to his room to pick up his swords.
When he went down, half of the men had exited the tavern, and the barkeep was mumbling something about Ongorethian guests. Kitanai threw him a golden coin. "So that you may hire someone to clean up this place."
He looked at Tenele. "So, shall we go?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele nodded and they began there walk towards the bath house which was right where the man had said it would be. She opened up the door and walked in. As soon as she was able to see what was inside she turned around quickly and blushed crimson...
"Oh dear..." she whispered and looked to Kitanai. "I don't think I want to bathe here..."
People were walking around with only towels on and the others were stripping them off to take a bath in the large pool that must have been built over a hundred years ago. You could clearly see that most of these people had no moral values or even cared that they were walking around naked. The men seemed to enjoy it at least. "Do you think they have a private one some where?" she asked in more of a whisper leaning forward, still her back was facing the... crowd. They were being watched now mostly because they were just standing there... not stripping down yet.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow... these barbarians could at least have made private cabins... "I highly doubt it... Guess we'll have to behave like them." He undid his belt, putting his swords in a corner. He first removed his jacket, showing his scar-covered body. He untied his ponytail, and his hair felt to around his waist. Next came his hakama, and then his pants.
The naked Shogun walked as if he didn't care if the other men, women and companion stared at him. He simply reached the pool's border, and dived... With an almost unnexistant splash. He swum gracefully around underwater for a while, before coming to take a breath.
Emora Deen:
Tenele turned around when he started to walk towards the pool... He's not going to.... and as soon as she saw him taking off his clothes she almost fell out. Oh dear lord he is... And he was naked and she closed her eyes very tightly. When she opened them he was in the pool. Tenele ignored every one that was naked and made sure to keep her eyes only on there faces...
"Do you know how many people bathe in these a day... they probably don't even change the water after every day! Your swimming in thousands of body oils!" she said and looked at his face and only his face. She was so red now in the cheeks. "Fine, bathe in it..." She walked to a man standing at a counter. "Excuse me sir... do you happen to have any private baths of any sort?"
The man looked at her for a moment and then he smiled slightly. "Shy?" Tenele rolled her eyes.
"No... I just like it where only I know what my body looks like and not half the city!" Tenele said rather loudly.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was NOT oblivious to the thing's architecture. He knew that every public baths had their waters renewed more than once a day. And these people seemed relatively healthy even if it wasn't. Plus, there wasn't a single place in the world where water was absolutely clean... If it wasn't the people, then it was all the nearby animals dumping their own... waste.
He laughed when Tenele had a small temper tantrum. "Don't mind her... She's a noble lady!" The other bathists laughed as well. Kitanai brushed his skin against the pool's walls, effectively cleaning it, and came out, grabbing himself a clean towel... One of the few there. He went to get dressed. After that, he looked around for Tenele.
Emora Deen:
The man had a small private bath in the far back that was rarely used, basically because he was to lazy to fill it up and the larger on. Tenele however persuaded him and of course was more than happy to help a noble lady. She just wished Kitanai would stop spreading it around... she didn't go around telling every one she saw that he was the ruler of Ongoreth... People that were interested in ransom money or any sort of money at all liked hearing when nobles were around. Maybe he was to used to living in his own kingdom…<br>
The man's wife was more than happy to help her... she could understand why Tenele wouldn't bathe in front of all those people. "I can't do it myself..." said the woman before leaving and she gave Tenele a smile and left the room. Tenele quickly undressed and climbed into the warm water. They need more candles in this room... it's offal dark...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai, not spying Tenele anywhere, asked the man in charge if he knew where she was... And sighed when he got the answer.
So, he just sat around in a corner, waiting for her to be through with her abluctions...
Emora Deen:
Tenele came out of the private wash room with her clothes on, her hair was wet, but it wouldn't take it long to dry. She looked very cheerful now after having a bath. She gave her thanks to the kind woman and walked back into the main part of the wash house... where all the naked people were.
Tenele spotted Kitanai and she walked towards him, noticing a group of girls looking at him with rather strange expressions. They were all giggling and Tenele could only seem to think it was because they had liked what they had seen. She thought it odd that he would undress so freely in front of these "barbarians" but he loved to talk about how worthless they were...
"Enjoying the view?" she asked and smiled a happy smile when she reached him.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai had closed his eyes for the time being, eager to avoid watching a certain old, fat, ugly woman undressing... Alas, he had gotten the attention for a group of girls, that kept whispering between themselves. He only hoped they weren't mentioning him... Though his vanity and common sense spoke otherwise. Wonder if it's because of the scars...?
He turned his attention to Tenele, who had FINALLY gotten out of her bath. "They're too young, and I'm too stuck on the beauties of my homeland. So, I see them as nothing but pubescent barbarian teens." He got back on his feet. "You took long enough. Let's go..." Good point, they didn't have a place to go to. "... Somewhere where I can begin training you."
Emora Deen:
Tenele looked at him with an arched eyebrow. Nothing she did was ever right for him. "I'm sorry I like being clean..." she said and walked well a head of him as the man that owned the place yelled out... "Good bye noble lady! Come back soon!"
Tenele growled and walked out side leaving Kitanai behind. He'd catch up, there was no doubt about that. She looked for a place where he could kick her tail in sword fighting and get it over with. She had to practically walk to the edge of town to find an open space where no one seemed to walk the streets next to a stone fountain. She sat down on the fountain's side and folded her arms waiting for her lesson on how to lose badly.
DarkxRose:
"Be you deaf? Wake, you! It is time."
Her mind was brought to consciousness although her body still lied in a deep sleep. In her mind's eyes Chirona beheld an undescribable beauty that only an immortal could possess. Despite such loveliness, Chirona was baffled at the angel...
"High Angel Alexiel?" she questioned.
"Aye. I bid you wake. A war is about."
"Why did you come to wake me, Alexiel?" Chirona asked. Before, a subordinate of Alexiel would come to arise her in times of war. Alexiel was among the highest ranking spirit in the heavens, and such a high class would rarely, if ever, make trips down to this world.
"I come not to be questioned." Alexiel replied, her voice like a melody.
"How long has it been, Highest, since my hoofs have run acoss this earth?"
"It mark 500 year."
"500 years?!"
"Aye."
"500 years of peace, maybe salvation is nearing," Chirona said thoughtfully.
Alexiel shook her head. "I believe not. Wars hath fought, blood hath spilled, in the times of your slumber." Chirona's eyes widened.
"Why have I not been awakened for these wars?"
"These wars are but small wars, small to never be written. Sleep you must is what the heavens agreed, for all your strength is needed in this time of need." Alexiel's aura blazed so brightly it almost blinded Chirona. "Enough. Ordered by the heavens, I bid you wake. Defy them you will not. Arise, arise and become a warrior once more."
Chirona's spirit seeped into her body. The coldness of a dark cavern is a coldness she has not felt in 500 years. Her eyes were greeted by the sight of the riched soil that surrounded her, complimented by a ray of sun that shone greatly through the door that led to the outside world.
She wasted no time in her bed. She rose from her cave and bodly explored her surroundings. Although the trees and plants were in different spots, this was unmistakably Ashgrown Forest.
Chirona adventured through the terrain. Nothing was here for her, so she concluded her fate lied somewhere else.
For a day she traveled, for surely the Ashgrown was so much different then from 500 years ago. Despite all that she weaved her way out of the woods, and to near what seemed like civilization.
Chirona stumbled upon a rough-looking city, which she later learned was given the name 'Hepian.' It gave her an old feel, which led her to question about the advancement in civilization in Heirot.
She was smart to know that centaurs are not something seen everyday, and going into the city would only cause unwanted havoc. From where she was standing however, Chirona could see what appeared to be the abandoned side of the city. The only inhabitant was the woman who sat crossed armed at a stone fountain. She seemed as if she was waiting for someone...
Chirona spied on the woman. Her human torso was hidden behind a thick tree, so if she were to look this way, she would only see her horse half. This would cause less suspicion, and allowed Chirona to be less noticed.
Emora Deen:
Tenele could have sworn that Kitanai was right behind her. He must be taking his sweet time or some of those girls who thought fondly of him were hanging all over him. Honestly... and he called herself and all of Ighten barbarians... She didn't take off her clothes in front of half of Hepian and take a bath with them. Though, Tenele was much to modest and shy to do something like that... it was most definitely not in her nature.
She drew the Katana at her side. It was not a weapon she was used to. Long swords and other swords that didn't involve some special new technique. Maybe she should recommend to the Maiden Trainers that they should start teaching Katana fighting... or at least home to use one. This is what she had to learn and she might as well face the fact she needed to. She had a sword that could kill a demon almost in one strike and she didn't know how to wield it that well.
Sighing Tenele shook her head, she had yet to notice that some one was close by and she was still waiting on she Shogun.
DarkxRose:
From her back side, Chirona felt a cold draft... a strange draft... an unnatural draft.
"Slyphiel!" Chirona turned her head to find a face she could never forget, no matter how long she slept.
"Hello Chirona! It hath been long time, Methinks you would never wake up! But no matter, we can play again!" Slyphiel said with a cheeriness that begged for trouble. She blew another cold light wind.
"What are you doing that for?"
"Oh, nothing."
"I know you too well, Slyphiel, you have a reason behind everything," Chirona said coldly as she eyed the mischievious spirit suspiciously.
Slyphiel is a low ranking spirit, and Chirona wouldn't be suprised if she became a fallen. She is so low ranking that the heavens don't bother with her, but she hasnt done anything truely evil to send her to the pits. Basically, she does whatever she wants.
To Chirona's annoyance, Slyphiel hangs around her whenever she's awake. Whatever the situation, the wind angel can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Another draft came from the backside.
"Would you please stop?" Chirona asked sharply
"Ok," Slyphiel said innocently. Five seconds later another frosty wind, and Chirona gave up. Her logic was if she didn't pay any attention the Slyphiel, she would eventually go away. It sometimes worked...
What Chirona didn't know is that her extrodinarly long hair flew in the wind allowing it to be clearly visible to those on the other side of the tree...
...it was an interesting sight...
Emora Deen:
Tenele sat there a while longer, wondering what it was the Shogun was up to. Probably getting tackled by those girls who must have found him... appealing. Tenele didn't know whether he was or not... she didn't look.
She sighed and turned her head in a direction, the light catching something shimmery... and it was moving. Tenele's eyes narrowed as she rose from her seat on the fountain. It looked like hair... but it was beautiful...
Tenele began to walk towards it...
DarkxRose:
Chirona felt the presence of the woman grow stronger. Not catching on to what gave her away, she come to the conclusion that the girl was awnsering to her natural curiosity.
"Aww," Slyphiel hoovered over. "Hath you be afraid of mortals now, Chirona? Methinks will give you help!" Slyphiel clutched Chirona's hair and jerked it back with all her strength.
Usually, when one was riding on her back, they would use Chirona's hair to guide her on where to go. No matter how hard they tugged, it would never hurt the centaur.
However Slyphiel was no mortal. Even as a low-ranking spirit, she still had immortal strength. Chirona let out a horse cry as her hair seeminly was being pulled out of her temples. She bucked back, and when Slypiel let go, Chirona whipped around to face the devious angel. The centaur was not mad, but she was utterly annoyed.
Then the natural wind crept up on her skin, the wind that was blocked by the tree...
"Bye!" Slyphiel giggled, and disappeared into thin air.
Chirona turned her head to face the first real person she has seen in years. She waited for the natural fright to be settled within the woman, soon to be replaced with natural wonder...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai had let Tenele take the lead for a moment... And that was when his refined intuition had warned him to vanish from the spot. He slip into an alley, searching for anyone foolish enough to interrupt him... And found none. He grinned... Kitanai hadn't done something like that in a long while.
Before he knew it, he was jumping and bouncing up the walls, reaching for the small construction's rooftop. From there, he spied on the creatures that had triggered that reaction. A... half-horse woman and a sprite?
He chuckled at the most charicatic scene in these last few... hours, since he'd joined a certain feast in a certain palace. He jumped of the rooftop, landing as silently as a cat behind both Tenele and the strange woman. "And just who and what you might be, dear lady?" Of course, he kept himself at a careful enough distance from her hooves..
DarkxRose:
Chirona turned to the man, who was understandably at guard.
'I wonder if he sensed Slyphiel... his skills as a samurai surpass avarage.' She grinned to herself. There have been several samurai whose senses have been so sharp they could sense the the spirits around them.
However, it was only fair she introduced herself first.
"I am Chirona. I've come from the Ashgrown forest, if that is what you people still call it." She grabbed a loose piece of hair and stuck it behind her ear. "May you be so kind to give me your names?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele was still a little shocked at seeing such a fabled creature. She didn't even notice the Shogun until a few seconds later. Sprite? What sprite?
A centar... how... how... amazing.
"Tenele," she replied and thought it rude to look at the centar in such an amazed way. "My name is Tenele."
DarkxRose:
"Tenele, thats a nice name." Chirona sensed the presence of Tenele's guardian spirit, Sabriel. Sabriel is a noble warrior angel under the legion of Micheal. Chirona figured Tenele is a warrior of some sort, a rather skilled one to add to it.
Chirona felt eyes. She laughed to herself when she caught Tenele in a stare. It was ok, however, not everyday you see a centaur. Chirona couldn't help but smile.
Her attention shifted to the samurai. Chirona sensed his guardian, and was taken aback. 'Aloysius?!' She almost doubted her senses, but the samurai's stealth was amazing...it could be true. Aloysius use to be a fallen, but reconciled and rised in the ranks. Now he is the highest ranking warrior angel, next to Micheal himself. Not to mention he was one of the few angels whose name didnt end in 'el'.
To be guarded by Aloysius, one would have to be royalty. Either that, or a truely amazing warrior. Or both.
"Tenele," Chirona asked, since the man seemed to have no trust in the centaur whatsoever. "Who is he?"
Emora Deen:
Tenele didn't know whether the shogun wanted her to reveal his name to this being or not. For a moment she looked to the Shogun. What was the name he had given the spies for Shea? Oda? Odi? Odu? Abo? Abu?
"He calls himself Oda." Oda... that was it, she was right the first time.
Tenele's green eyes looked at the Shogun and they were practically telling him if he wanted to give his real name he very well could do it on his own. She wasn't going to make the mistake and get his arrogant wrath.
DarkxRose:
"Oda. Are you sure about that Tenele? You seemed hesitant." She smiled at the half-elf. It didn't matter, however.
"You don't have to be on your guard, I have not come to hurt you. I have recently awakened from a five hundered year nap." Chirona scanned the city with her eyes. "I don't know how much Heirot has changed... since then..."
She looked at the blazing sun, the same sun she trodded under five hundered years ago...
Zenmusha:
Kitanai wasn't lying... His first name was indeed Oda. Though by now all knew him by his family name only, since he never really bothered hammering his full name to everyone.
"Five hundred years...?" He finally broke the silence, and he examined the exotic creature before him. In his lands, there were occasional sightings of Ki-Rin, creatures with a lion's head and body, white wings, and human features, and he had known one or two in the past... But this was still a most interesting discovery. "May I inquire what sort of medicine are you taking that causes you to take such long naps?" Meaning he wanted to know why she had been asleep for so long.
DarkxRose:
"Medicine? There is no such medicine. I sleep for so long because that is the spirit's will. I only wake in the times of war." She hoped she didn't throw Oda and Tenele into a state of confusion by her explanation, but it was the only way she could describe it.
"I'm happy that I have slept for so long, that meant most of Heirot had a period of peace for quite so time." Chirona said, not regarding the little wars that happened inbetween. These people carried swords, Heirot is still not that peaceful. She knew this. Chirona continued, "However, there is a downside. When I wake, I have to relearn about the world around me. Wether the goverment is different or has stayed the same. Which landmarks that have fallen and the new ones that have been built..."
"What I do know are two things. The basic layout of the land, and a war is about."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai wondered for a second whether or not he should declare himself as the Shogun of Ongoreth. This creature... might be saying the truth, but might as well be lying. "Ongoreth is currently under the control of one Kitanai. He has sided with the queen of the land known as Ighten that stretches from the mountains up ahead to the shores. We fight queen Shea, the witch ruler of the lands beyond."
Emora Deen:
"Queen Shea has been using spies to attack Ighten in many forms, from the queen, right down to the ones who protect her," Tenele said and looked to the creature. She didn't know what to make out about her, but she did know she didn't want to give to much information out.
"Queen Shea is a ruthless evil that seeks nothing but land and power and death and destruction. Demons, Dark Elves, Raiths, and creature that holds evil thoughts is under her command. She means to wage a terrible war against Queen Sinead in hopes of defeating her and taking her kingdom." Tenele thought that would be enough for her and if it wasn’t they could explain more later. She doubted that the woman- centaur would want to come back to their inn for the night it would just be bad.
So many stupid people in this place thought about bothering others and stealing and raping and pillaging and it seemed to be especially high in that place that they were staying in. “Do you have a place to stay for the night?” Tenele asked wondered if she had been sleeping in a home for the past… how many years?
DarkxRose:
"Sleep? I have slept for five hundred years! I won't need to rest my head for quited some time." Chirona smiled. "Do not worry about me, I can defend for myself."
The jewel on her head stealthy and slowly shined brighter and brighter. The Shogun and Queen Sinead, whom seem to be the path of light, opposing Queen Shea, whom seems to travel the path of darkness. Chirona knew that she was only a tool, as she has been in the past. She will eventually become a weapon, wether it would be for good or for evil.
For now, however, she can roam freely since she has no one to call master.
She studied both Tenele and Oda. From their looks, and from Oda's 'sneak attack', they seem fit warriors for the destiny that lies ahead of this land. They both hold katanas, but how well do they weild them? Chirona was eager to test thier skills.
Chirona drew her nightmare pike, a long but deadly weapon. Sadly, it did not look so intimidating, the blood rusted on the blade, and five hundred years of rotting did it in good. Chirona stared confusingly at it for a moment and sighed. So much for the flashy weapon.
She held the pike loosly in her hands, holding it neither offensivly or defensivly. "I have been awakened for a war. It seems that you both are loyal to the leaders and lands you come from. Do you think you can protect them in this time of need?" She gave a devious smile. "How well can you fight?"
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow and looked with despise towards the centaur. "I feel tempted to kill you for trying to pick a fight with me. Thank your lucky stars I'm in a good mood today." Still, his katana seemed to giggle on his waist... "Then again, I'll teach you to respect the Shogunate."
He bent his knees only slightly, right leg up front, and his right hand beneath the katana's handle, while the left hand grabbed the sheathe and the thumb stood ready to push the handguard. He looked blankly to the front, absorving all of his opponent., stading ready to dodge or counter attack whatever she threw at him.
DarkxRose:
"Your quick to anger, your highness." Chirona still held the pike loosely, wondering if Oda just realized he gave away his true identity. She had no intention to kill either of them, just to poke and prode, see what thier like.
"You know," Slyphiel appeared sitting on Chirona's back. Only Chirona could see and here the spirit. "You hath just broke whatever trust you had with them."
"I know," Chirona thought. Since Slyphiel can see into Chirona's mind, they can have conversations with each other only by thinking. "But I wanted to see what kind of people they are, how they react. I even got the truth out of Oda..er the Shogun. Besides, I have about as much trust in them as they have in me."
"Are you going to stick with them?"
"I do not know. It depends."
"Eh..ok." Slyphiel said. "But his ponytail. I really want to play with it! Gwa!"
Chirona pulled her thoughts back to the real world. She flipped her pike once then stabbed it into the earth, blade first. She leaned on it casually, once again studying Oda.
"For some reason," Chirona whispered to herself, "He reminds me of someone..."
Zenmusha:
Kitanai attempted to ignore the creature that appeared out of nowhere on Chirona's back... To no avail. He was about to despair, when he noticed his foe was equally distracted. He grinned... So, she had indeed connections to the Heavens. Too bad, his Katana would not be fully effective as it would be against a demon.
She dropped her guard... At least apparently. Kitanai took a deep breath in, and... did nothing much, since he was just sleepy from last night. "Will you get on with things?"
DarkxRose:
"Will you get on with things?"
"I... really have no buisness..." Which is true. Chirona just appeared, really having nothing to do with these people. She really didn't know what to say or do next.
"He hath you go away so he can continue on his date, Chirona! Duh!" Slyphiel giggled. "A man, woman. Get it?"
Chirona completely ignored Slyphiel, who was off again on her immature tangents. Tenele and Oda were probably just training together. Slyphiel probably knew this, but she always loved to play with the truth.
Slyphiel stopped giggling when she felt and icy stare. Her head turned slowly to find the Shogun's eyes glaring at her.
"You can see me, can't you, Kitanai?" Slyphiel smiled at the Shogun, with the sudden urge to once again play with his ponytail.
Zenmusha:
"Yes, spirit, I can. A true warrior can see past mere appearances. And who might you be?" He asked Slyphiel, at the same time returning to his normal stance. He grinned, it had been indeed a long time ever since he met another heavenly creature. "And don't think I haven't noticed how you're looking so intently at my pony tail. Don't come anywhere near it, or I'll send you back to the Heaven that gave you exhistance."
DarkxRose:
Chirona couldn't help but smile at the threat. Does such a technique even exsist? Besides, Slyphiel isn't even living, an definatly no mortal has the power to cast a spirit into oblivion. She wondered...
"However powerful you may be, you still are mortal. Lest you remember that." Slyphiel said gravely. A dark mood set in and held for two seconds, until Slyphiel broke it with her loud cheery voice booming "But IM Slyphiel, one of the most beautiful spirits in all the heavens." She gave them her own little pose, and then ignored whatever sharp sarcastical coment or look the centaur or samurai gave her.
"I'm Chirona's helper, she probably would be dead if not for me...hey! I saw that look, Chirona! You know I hath helped you many times. So wipe that look off your face... fine. Be that way."
Slyphiel stood up and walked on to the top of Chirona's head. A spirit weightless, the centaur felt no pain. She then strengthened her presence, so Tenele could both see and hear her.
Although Slyphiel's bragging gave anyone the urge to sew her mouth shut, she was indeed attractive. Her long wavy raven hair setteled at her waist, which was adorned with white flowers. She wore a long lacy white dress, as pure as the little wings on her back.
She looked over the city of Hepian, removing walls from her minds eyes, scoping out the city from where she stood. Slyphiel brought her vision back, and smiled at the others.
"Hm, many inns, underground clubs...I like! Oh lets go! Lets go now!"
"And who are you to decide where we are to go and where we are to stay?" Chirona mocked, cocking her eye upward to the angel.
"Well, I hath not heard any other suggestions. Unless were going to stare at each other all day." Slyphiel replied, looking down at the half elf and the Shogun.
Emora Deen:
"Are you three finished?" Tenele finally asked politely after being quiet for so many minutes while they tested each other with words and some action.
She didn't intend to fight such a creature. It was strange how much she was like the Shogun, he had a habit of wanting to test a persons fighting ability. She could remember this very well.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai rose an eyebrow at the angel's veiled threat. Even if she was a celestial creature, she was no match for him. His eye twitched as she began bragging about herself... Tenele brought him back to what they were doing in the first place. "Almost, Tenele Raider, almost."
He closed his eyes for a moment, and seemingly vanished from their sight... "Up here." Kitanai was standing on top of Slyphiel's head, fingertips only in contact, and his weight flowing harmlessly from the angel to the centaur's legs, a skill he had learnt some time ago. "I was here to train with my friend Tenele the fine art of the Ongorethian sword. Now, if you two wish to stay and gaze at the art, you are my guests, though I won't stop you from entering that den of sin you call city." With that, he jumped out, sommersaulting in the air.
He drew his katana, and motioned Tenele to do likewise. "Let's start with the basics...."
Emora Deen:
"That's a good idea," she said and nodded, following him. She pulled took the sheath off that held the long sword and then sat it by the fountain. She pulled out her Katana and looked to the Shogun wondering what the basics involved.
For a moment her thoughts wondered to Vlad. She wondered what he was doing. Probably terrorizing some poor soul for the fun of it. She actually missed him, but that wasn't unusual.
She looked to Chirona for a moment tilting her head. She wondered why she had been so keen on fighting them. Tenele seemed to have a lot of people wanting to fight her lately.
DarkxRose:
"I want to watch." Chirona said. Its what shes been aiming for all along, she just wanted to see thier skills as warriors, and that is all.
"You mean we have to sit here and watch the pony tail man show off? But I don't want too!" Slyphiel complained.
"Do what you want. No ones stopping you," Chirona said to the spirit. She focused her attention on Tenele and the Shogun's little 'training' session. He talks big, and she really wanted to see if he can back it up.
Zenmusha:
Kitanai was beginning to regret his invitation already... "You still remember how to hold the sword, right?" He inspected her fingers, and noticed she held it well. "Very good. Now, since it's the pinky that will control the sword, it will also be the one holding it tighter. Gradually decrease the pressure you hold as your fingers come closer to the thumb. This type of hold was used by many famous swordsmen, and it'll make sure you never happen to find yourself disarmed during a duel."
He examplified a few slow vertical slashes. "The katana is sharp enough to cut through bone like a hot knife through butter. For now, make sure the sword falls straight, and that its tip does not shake. Your hands must be secure." He did a few more such slow cuts, motioning her to follow him.
Emora Deen:
Tenele held the katana as he instructed and watched as he made slashes. She mimicked him, doing it exactly as she watched him doing it. She made sure that her hands and fingers stayed like they should have. She made her forward slashes as he did and as he had instructed.
Out of the corner of her eye she looked at the centaur wondering what she wanted. This was going to be interesting.
There training was interrupted by a man dressed in Ongorethian close running towards them. He came to a stop behind the Shogun, seemingly winded, but he regained his composure soon. "I have been searching for you," he said and pulled out a letter from his pocket. "A letter has come for from Ongoreth, Kitanai-sama..." He handed the letter to him.
It read...
Kitanai Shogun Sama,
My lord... and old friend, I have grave news to tell you. Your kingdom is under attack, not by an army but by spies and Arken enemies. I have been told by a particular one that came for my land and I think my life that they are assassinating nobles of our land to drive it into chaos… I have been lucky, thanks to my new body guard Kyosuke... I am coming to you behind this letter to deliver more information in person. I do not feel safe any more, Kitanai-sama... I cannot even have my own servants to trust for what ever these demons are... these Raiths, can change into other people! I am afraid they are succeeding and that I have only been lucky. I am coming to seek your aid... and to give you more information. The man said that more would come and that Shea would attack our land... I am afraid of what might happen... but know that I will fight along side you if needed.
Ayanami, Shinobu
DarkxRose:
Slyphiel read the letter from where she was standing. Her natural curiosity caused Slyphiel to channel over two kingdoms to the city of Arken. She foresaw a blind yet powerful woman and a elf on their way...
"Oh, Chirona!" Slyphiel exclaimed in excitment. "You hath never been discovered so fast! The Queen of Darkness already seeks you! ...and other things." Slyphiel put her hand over her mouth. By the heavens, she is refused to tell them anything else, about the evil queens plans and such. It would give these people an unfair advantage.
"Methinks evil hath the advantage in this one!" was the last thing she said.
Chirona stood there silent, her pike in the ground. Although these people were not her masters, it doesn't mean she wasn't up for a good battle. The tension between her and her new aquatenses[sp] was still apparent, but she hoped they would let her fight beside them. 'Maybe I should have gained their trust before I pulled out my pike,' she thought to herself
Zenmusha:
Kitanai could barely contain his anger as he read on. His country was under attack, and he was there, listening to the ramblings of an angel on a foreign country. He would've smashed the letter, if it hadn't been sent by his friend, the wife of one of his former guards.
He put it inside his kimono and turned towards the expecting four. "I have promised to keep the borders safe, and that is what I'll do. I shall ride out towards the mountains, to learn more about the terrain, and see just how many men we'll be facing. I do not force any of you to come with me, except you, messenger, but I'd be very grateful if you'd aid me." He turned towards Tenele. "This might be a time to learn about Ongorethian guerilla tactics. Would you like to join me?"
Emora Deen:
Who was Shinobu? Must have been some one very important from the looks of the Shogun's face. "I would like to learn anything you are willing to teach me," Tenele said and gave a nod of her head. "I will come with you to the Border... It is my duty to protect my kingdom, therefore I must go with you."
Tenele brushed a strand of silver from her hair and sheathed her Katana. "We can move as fast as you would like, so that you may get back to the lady who sent you that letter."
DarkxRose:
"The border?"
"Aye! The place that seperates the kingdoms of Ighten and Arken. You have remeber its as that snowy mountain range." Slyphiel said. Chirona remembers it clearly, knowing she traveled there before. A big battle happened there... Battle of the Red Snow, if she remembers correctly?
"Know it, Chirona. The border is that far from here. You could actually get them there in several hours." She paused. "What say you?"
Chirona went into deep thought. This wasn't her problem, really. From what it seemed, the Shogun and the maiden were really troubled by the presence of her.
Chirona considered leaving right at that very moment, she turned...
"You can not leave them! Just like that! They need help, thier countires are in trouble!" Slyphiel cried.
Chirona looked back at the woods. Until she had a master, whom she must obey unconditionally. she had free will...
Emora Deen:
Tenele watched as the woman started to leave. Something uncontrollable compelled her to ask the centaur to stay. She had a feeling that it would be bad if someone else found her.
She took a step forward. "Wait," she said kindly and gave a warm smile. "It would be greatly appreciated if you would travel with us... I'm sure your skills will be greatly needed. There are things at the Border that are beyond the evils already in Ighten..."
She looked to the Shogun to see what he felt about the situation. Her eyes quickly turned back to Chirona, however, liking her answer first.
DarkxRose:
Chirona heard what Tenele had said, but still she stared into the woods...
Slyphiel came next to Tenele. "Touch the jewel on her forehead!" She said mischeviously. "And say 'Erus Tempero Uma!' See what happens..."
Emora Deen:
Tenele didn't know why she should do that and what it had to do with going to the Border, but the ghost seemed sincere about it.
Tenele stepped forward uneasily and towards Chirona. She was nervous, not knowing what was going to happen. But, she swallowed her fear and put one slender finger to the stone on her for head. She hesitated a moment longer.
"Erus... Tempero Uma," she said a little unsure of what she was doing
DarkxRose:
A bright light swirled around the centaur, and spectral chains that attacted to her neck and ankles became visible in the hevenly light. The chains lead up to the sky... and they dangled there.
But in a swift motion the chains shot down towards the earth and into Tenele's chest, directly to her heart.
The light and the chains faded, and Chirona stepped back. Her human torso bowed to Tenele.