Family Circle first log, 3/4

[leticia]

At the mouth of the mighty Yanaze River, which drains all the rivers if the East into the Inner Sea, Shai's ship docks at the first free lands beyond the Realm's control. While restocking the ship for the journey up the river, a passenger was picked up, paying a small fee for transportation to their destination.

At the mouth of the mighty Yanaze River, which drains all the rivers if the East into the Inner Sea, in the heart of the 'civilized' lands of the East, Allen is told that the easiest way to reach Whitewater Bend is to pay passage on a boat heading upriver. Though he is somewhat leery of being in close quarters with the same people long enough for them to remember any rumors of his memorable appearance, he is fortunate to find a ship out of the West; the crew has hardly had a chance to pick up on any tales of local Anathema; the fee is reasonable.

The ship's captain, Shai, is a young woman of medium height, rangy build, and apparent Southeastern bloodline. Her wavy white-blonde hair is cut short, standing out in stark contrast to her cocoa-brown skin along with her angular, tawny eyes; she's more striking than pretty, with sharply aristocratic features softened by an easy smile and casual grace. She's wearing a comfortable tunic and trousers of unusual cut, in yellow-trimmed black cotton, with something shiny black and gold glinting faintly at her collar and cuffs; a strip of yellow silk is tied around her forehead, and a canvas-wrapped bow and a quiver are slung over her back.

Green Cove is currently a little over fifteen years old, and prettier than she deserves. Her hair's a dark green, cut roughly about her face, giving her the appearance of staring out through leaves. She's as golden-skinned as is typical for her people, with a little indignant nose and alert green eyes the color of her hair. Her clothes are brown leather pants sewn in loosely-joined pieces to be more easily moved in, a sturdy linen shirt that was once white, a leather vest of the same color as her pants, and a wool cloak dyed dark green. Her boots are old and battered, black leather studded with odd patterns. The large tawny tiger that walks beside her, Floating Leaf, wears a green leather collar in deference to the sensibilities of some cultures, attached to a thin leather collar that would never hold that tiger for an instant if she wished to break free.

Allen will note that the crew is deeply respectful of their captain; there is no backtalk nor grumbling behind her back. A little of the same respect is paid to the youngest member of the crew, the lovely and anti-social Green Cove - but that could just be because of the tiger that follows her around - however, it seems to be entirely tame, and does not stalk Allen or his cat.

Allen is a young man just a bit over fifteen, with a loose, somewhat shaggy mop of hair in a bleached-bone shade of white; his eyes, while cheerful, have the alarming property of being one blue-grey, and the other deep red. Around the red eye, the lines of a scar which looks like it came not from an injury in battle but more as though it is a deliberate design, mars his otherwise pretty enough face, the top part mostly hidden under his loose hair, though a point or two showing through might indicate some form of a star. Beneath his eye, the scar continues, a rough lightning-jag that continues nearly down to his chin. Of medium build, though perhaps a touch large for his age, Allen wears a bulky breastplate, covered over with tatters of cloth, creating an odd, motley look. His shirt and trousers are hide, and he wears a cloak of patchwork furs. His boots look roughly crafted, but show signs that they are well made for all that, and durable. Oddly, despite his breastplate which indicates some martial background, he bears no obvious weapons.

The city of Whitewater Bend is a small walled city a short distance upriver of Nexus on the Grey River. The primary industry is agriculture; most of their produce goes down the river to Nexus, and feeds that warren. Farms and orchards stretch out beyond the walls; it is in one of the latter that Yasutora waits, down near the river, for Yoru's return; he volunteered to scout out the city, and has been gone several hours now.

Sado Yasutora takes a moment to appreciate the orchards while he waits for his less, ah, obvious companion. He watches them, hidden face smiling inside the golden helm. A trifle obvious, perhaps, but there are very few who would bother him-- much less seriously.

When the ship tied up at the docks, paying the small docking fee, Allen disembarked, and got directions to a local inn from one of the dockworkers, giving his polite respects to the captain before leaving; Shai has been busy overseeing the unloading since. When the ship is mostly unloaded, Jay comes up behind her and taps her on the shoulder. His face is a trifle strained. "Captain?" he queries.

Shai blinks, turning around to look at Jay. "Mm?"

The inn Allen locates has a large tavern; there are few people here at this time of day, though. One apparently incorrigible sot leans drunkenly on the bar; light brown skin indicates mixed Southern descent, but a wide brimmed hat shades his face. He peers at Allen when he enters.

Jay gives Shai a slightly apologetic smile as tries to figure out what he wants to say. "That passenger you took on?" he asks. "Umm. I thought you might want to know that the Realmies are apparently looking for someone as matches that description."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yes, yes, Yoru went to town and got drunk. >_>"

Allen nods politely to the man and looks around for the innkeeper, intending to inquire about the cost of a room for the night, and perhaps pick up some information about this Barbarian trouble the scroll mentioned.

Shai blinks again, eyebrows lifting. "Well, _shit_. Won't ask if you're sure, hard to mess up _that_ description..." She frowns in the direction Allen wandered off. "You know why? Not like _we_ did anything, if they come asking, but knowing what they'd be asking _about_ would help."

Shai's first mate shrugs apologetically, not meeting her eyes. "They say he's Anathema."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "One should note this town is NOT under the control of the Realm, but anti-Anathema feelings are, of course, not limited to the Realm."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Jay: "I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ANY ANATHEMA LALALALA.""

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Jay: I DON'T SEE ANYTHING FUNNY ABOUT MY BOSS. LALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU."

<<OOC>> Shai pets Jay. This is why I have that dot in Follower. >_> <_>

The inn's rooms are ...not the cheapest, but they are reasonably priced for their condition, and the condition is reasonably good; the innkeeper growls at the mention of the barbarians. "You'll hear more about 'em if you stay long," he says. "Coming up on time for the tribute again."

"..." Shai blinks. Then claps the palm of her hand to her forehead. "Yeah, that'd be a reason. --you mind taking over here for a bit? Got something I need to do." 'If' he agrees, she promptly heads off to find Green Cove.

Jay nods. "Can do, captain." He doesn't ask what she wants to do.

Shai nods, smiles at him, and goes Twilight-hunting.

Allen nods, and thoughtfully neglects to mention that for the last three years he has dwelt with a barbarian horde who acquires tributes from... well, a number of villages and towns. "Tribute?" He can imagine the sort of things which are to be paid, of course...

The innkeeper shrugs. "Aye." He eyes Allen's clothing suspiciously, and then continues, "It's a dear price for safety, such as it is." He moves off to deal with another customer.

Green Cove has been napping slightly, the bulk of the unloading done by the dockhands rather than the sailors; as she wakes to Shai calling her, a brief flash of dream shows her a glint of gold off ...that way, a beckoning beacon.

Green Cove starts awake, and springs to her feet. "Gold," she tells Floating Leaf. "It's a portent." And trots off towards Shai's calling. Perhaps it has something to do with that armor the captain wears.

<<OOC>> Storyteller pets. Asked how long Yasutora would patiently wait for Yoru to come back.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora is actually going to say 4 hours anyway, because he does care about Yoru, even if he trusts Yoru to handle his own kool-aid.

Shai waves Cove over to a relatively empty corner of the deck, so they don't have to talk _too_ quietly to still be out of earshot. She looks half-bemused, half-anticipatory, and when Cove's within earshot she crouches down and murmurs, "How do you feel about going into town for a bit?"

Sado Yasutora begins to worry, and even the calm titan can't stay in one place for to long. With the quiet hiss of steam as Essence coruscates between reality and non-reality, he begins to trudge the Unyielding Bastion into town.

Green Cove tilts her head to one side, staring more at Shai's nose than eyes. "There's something golden that way. It seems wise. My dreams say it's proper to investigate. What are we looking for?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Is Green Cove pointing the direction of the gleam in her dream?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove is indeed!

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "No, it's actually along the bank a little ways. >_>"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Would you prefer Yasutora hit the taverns first and recovered the botched-his-stamina-plus-resistance-roll Yoru's unconscious body, or just be wandering idly through town?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller ponders. Figures by now, Yasutora might have noticed his companion's fondness for drink.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yasutora can check the taverns first if he wants."

<<OOC>> Storyteller asks Shai & Green Cove for a awa+per roll.

Shai blinks, glancing in the direction Cove points. She frowns slightly. "Our passenger -- the one who just got off. Jay says--" she lowers her voice a bit more "--the Realm thinks he's Exalted, and not of the Dragons. I'm not sure if he's one of our kind, or something else, but either way... worth investigating. Although if your dreams say to look there first..."

<<DICE>> Shai rolls 3 dice: <2 6 6> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Shai is blind!

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 8 dice: <1 3 5 5 5 7 8 8> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Shai says "Fortunately, Cove isn't. ^_^"

Green Cove spreads her hands, rocking on her heels. "The dreams say as they say. Maybe he's gone wandering that way?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "There is, indeed, a gleam of gold out that way; it's moving through the orchards and trees and far enough from the river details can't be seen, but it's definitely moving towards the city."

Sado Yasutora does make his way first to the taverns. He respects his brother, of course, but also -knows- him. This mainly consists of him -very gently- rapping on tavern doors with the gigantic Shield of the Righteous, and then ducking his massive frame in to inquire if they have seen a man in a wide brimmed hat, plus not reacting to the screaming and fainting.

Shai looks thoughtful. "Maybe. And if not, we can always check town afterward." She grins at Green Cove, apparently not noticing the gleam. "C'mon. Let's go look around."

Green Cove stands up on her toes. "See it? Over there." She points one blunt-nailed finger off in the direction of the moving gleam. "In the trees. I wonder why."

Having acquired a room for the night, Allen settles in a quiet corner of the inn, keeping his eyes and ears open for anyone who looks like a likely source of information about the barbarians, or anything otherwise interesting.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Shai probably heard Allen asking for directions to an inn, by the way."

<<OOC>> Shai oh, point.

<<OOC>> Shai says "(Can I see it now that Cove's pointing? I assume I couldn't with 0 succs, but...)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "No, 'fraid not, Shai. ^^"

<<OOC>> Shai giggles. Right.

Shai frowns in that direction, shielding her eyes with a hand. She shakes her head, after a moment. "I don't see it, but if you say you do, I trust that." She tosses Green Cove a wry grin. "You lead, if we're headed that way?"

The golden speck disappears behind the wall of the city.

Green Cove nods, and heads towards that direction. Pauses, recalls that it's bad form to swing off the side of the deck and go striding across the water in full sight of everyone, and instead looks for an expeditious route in that direction.

Allen has not been sitting in the inn for long, when shrieks outside herald a knock on the door of the tavern, the door opening, and a giant metal creature sticking bending down to stick its head in the door.

Allen simply... stares, for a moment, amazed by the size of the golden being, and then stands slowly, waiting to see what the metal figure wants.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "So Sado is in his armor, in town, yes?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yep!"

Well the big golden wonder at least gets through the haze of booze that is fogging Yoru's mind. Shaking his head he gets up and stumbles in the direction of Yasutora.

Sado Yasutora notices his circlemate and waves solemnly, carefully and slowly pushing himself into the tavern so that he can head over to help Yoru walk.

Shai aims Green Cove at the more mundane route off the ship, going down the ramp to the dock below. She waves to Jay in particular as they go, with a brightly cheerful grin, and then lets Green Cove lead the way from there. ...although she does make a point of radiating 'harmless and normal, really!' to anyone who seems freaked out by the tiger. Which is to say, probably everyone they pass.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Skytongue, Riverspeak, and Old Realm."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "No matter what else, Allen definitely will recognize it as Orichalcum. Also, it's got prayers to the Unconquered Sun all over it in Old Realm."

Green Cove strides along briskly in the direction that she last saw that golden gleam, Leaf's leash coiled loosely around one wrist. "Interpretation is always difficult. But that's the way of dreams."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "You can give me an int+lore roll to know more about /this particular suit/, but."

<<OOC>> Allen says "So basically, he knows there's got to be a Solar inside it? And sure, why not. XD"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Well, technically, someone OTHER than a Solar could be wearing it, but the odds are kinda slim."

Shai says cheerfully, "Well, hopefully this dream will make its interpretation clear soon. One way or another." She adjusts the sleeves of her tunic absently, making sure they cover the bracers beneath.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 5 dice: <1 2 2 3 7> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Sorry, Allen, nothing more."

There seems to be quite an uproar in part of the town; it's not quite reached the 'riot' stage, but there's quite a lot of disturbance.

Shai blinks, pale eyebrows lifting. "...and how much you wanna bet that that's the clarification? Unless it's the wrong direction?"

<<OOC>> Shai .oO(* Allen botches his Int + Lore roll. * ST says, "You're absolutely convinced that that's from Mnemon's personal collection. And she's probably wearing it.")

Green Cove strides along more briskly. "Dreams do tend to lead me towards noisy things, or quiet things that ought to be noisy. I suppose that's the way of them."

Yoru waves off Yasutora's help and looks at him. "Why didja come inta town? It hasn't been that long... has it?" He shakes his head to clear up some of the fuzziness. "That armor of yours is going to cause a riot."

Allen stares a moment longer at the figure, eyes picking out the writing - Orichalcum armour, plainly, and... well, odds are very good it's a fellow Solar inside. After a moment's deliberation, he moves forward towards the enormous armoured person and the drunken man he is attempting to aid.

Shai and Green Cove come to an almost completely deserted street. A few gawkers watch the door of an inn, ajar.

Sado Yasutora shakes his head. "Four hours, Yoru. A bit long. You are alright?" He looks up as Allen comes over and inclines his head in greeting. "Hello."

Shai walks with her, a hand twitching toward her bow just in case. "Wouldn't be surprised," she murmurs, and speeds up a bit to catch one of the gawkers. "What's going on?" she asks one of them, while peering at the inn.

Green Cove walks up to a different gawker, and stares at them until she gets their attention. Shouldn't take long, with a tiger by her. "What's inside?"

Yoru ohs softly. "Wow. Must've lost track of time..." he trails off into incomprehensible mutters and turns to look at Allen.

The man Shai addresses points towards the door. "It's a... thing. It's golden. And big. A giant or something!"

Green Cove's gawker doesn't, actually, seem to notice her initially; when she does look, she barely even sees the tiger, eyes going back to the door immediately. "I don't know; just heard there's a monster in there," she says. "I don't believe it." She doesn't sound sure of herself.

Shai goes wide-eyed, while inwardly choking. "Really? A giant?" She moves over to peer inside the inn, if she can while still keeping half an eye on Green Cove; if not, she collars Cove so they can both look.

Green Cove frowns. "But is it a golden monster?"

The woman blinks at Green Cove. "...No one said."

Allen nods in return. "Hello." He peers curiously at the writing on the armour, and smiles faintly.

Shai and Green Cove, when in position to see in the door... see very little except the giant suit of armor - orichalcum - blocking the entrance, just inside.

Shai ...boggles. And whispers to Cove, "I guess _that's_ your gold?"

Green Cove scratches her nose. "Oh," she says, as that comes into view. And promptly goes clomping forward across the street to rap on the back of the armor.

<<OOC>> Storyteller loves Green Cove.

Shai follows, resisting the urge to facepalm again.

Green Cove says to Shai, "I imagine so." She's getting better at the whole 'casual conversation' thing, really.

Yoru nods simply to Allen. He maintains a dignified stance spoiled only by the silly smile the booze laid upon his lips. "Hello mast*hic*er. Can we help you?"

Sado Yasutora nods politely once more to Allen, and carefully shifts his huge smashfist so he can gently support Yoru.

"Ah, just looking at your friend's armour." Allen's smile is entirely friendly. "It's not every day I see prayers to the Sun." Allen... has no real grasp of subtlety about certain things, no. Possibly stemming from the fact he was trained by the Bull, who isn't particularly known for hiding his nature.

Sado Yasutora says to Allen, "Every morning is a prayer," in a gentle, calm tone, before he turns around as his armor registers the knocking, and once more, he bows his head to Green Cove. "Good afternoon, miss."

<<OOC>> Storyteller gets a sudden flash of Allen reading Yasu's armor to him and awws. >_>

Yoru nods and grimaces slightly. "Yesh, that is why we agreed for him to wait outside of town. No need to start a riot ya know..." He glances up at Yasutora and ohs. "Right, but I was taking too long."

Green Cove looks up. And up. "I saw you in a dream," she says. "And here you are." She tilts her head to one side to study his armor, balancing on one foot with the other boot resting in her hand. "It's very bright."

Behind the girl and her tiger, Shai's eyebrows lift as she looks up at Yasutora. ...yes, that's a "golden giant", all right. Tawny eyes narrow when she catches sight of the writing on his breastplate, though -- and then she laughs quietly to herself, shakes her head, and suggests, with calm good cheer, "I think you're scaring the locals, Sir Giant. Maybe we should talk somewhere more private?"

Allen peers past the enormous golden man to Shai. "Ah, Captain. I had acquired a room here, but... well, it could be a tight fit, if we were to try and squeeze our large friend here in. And it would probably be best not to strain the locals, really. Did you have a place in mind?" He glances over to Yasutora again. "You must be very devout."

Sado Yasutora considers this diffidently, with a bowed head to Allen's compliment. "Yes, that would be more appropriate, ma'am," he rumbles quietly through the armor before affirming to Green Cove, "I, too, have dreamed; of gold and shadow, near here. Perhaps we are led alike."

Yoru grumbles under his breath as he catches a snippet of Yasutora and Green Cove's conversation. "Better than my dreams at least..." Hrm? He looks at the others. "Well there is a clearing outside of town we know of." Then something registers in his muddled head and he peers at Shai. "Captain?"

Green Cove leans around the large armored man, one hand propped on his arm to keep her balance, to peer inside the inn. "Oh. Allen. We were looking for you. Have you been collecting people?" She drums the fingers of the hand clutching the armor. "There are dreams all over the place. Maybe it's relevant. But it looks crowded in there. Let's get further outside."

Shai squints past the armor at Allen and Yoru, eyebrows twitching higher. "Huh. Lucky. I hope so, anyway. Clearing sounds good to me." She flashes a bright white grin, and steps back so she doesn't get trampled by accident isn't blocking Yasutora's way.

The procession to the orchards beyond the town walls is unhampered by any local law enforcement, who seem to be avoiding the area. Afternoon is wearing on as the reach the spot where Yoru left Yasutora waiting this morning, within sight of the river (and the docks; this seems to be where Green Cove spotted Yasutora from the boat.)

Allen peers back at the town, shaking his head. "I do hope the innkeeper doesn't gain a bad reputation for this." He looks back at the group of strangers that has collected with him a part. "Perhaps we should let those who spoke of dreams begin?"

Sado Yasutora nods to Allen. "I am a Zenith," he says quietly. "Sol Invictus has spoken to me; I go to somewhere between the rise of gold and the fall of shadow, and that is near here," As he finishes the un uncharacteristically long sentence, he whispers a prayer to the little god of his armor, and the rebreather and visor pull back and aside, revealing his young, tanned, and decidedly bushy-hair-covered face.

Green Cove perches on a single foot, swaying a little. "I dreamed of a flash of gold to follow. That was the armor. And here you are." She nods decisively, having said her piece, and lapses back into silence.

Shai asides to Allen, "I'm not sure anyone was paying enough attention to remember details, later--" and then falls silent when Yasutora speaks up, blinking. And then laughs again, less quietly this time. "_Definitely_ lucky." She sweeps a slightly-overdone bow. "Sarasvati Shai, Crowned Sun, and lately following her lead, apparently." Shai nods at Green Cove. "She's Green Cove, Twilight, and her friend over there's Floating Leaf." A grin. "Pleased to meet you all."

Yoru nods to the others. "I am Yoru of the Sublime Vengeance." He chuckles at himself there. "I am of the Night Caste, and my dreams have done nothing by drive me with specters from my past. Been traveling with Yasutora here for a while since his dreams were more helpful." After a second he adds, "Pleasure to meet you all."

Yoru goes back to staring off into space.

Allen chuckles quietly and says, smile bright, "And I am Allen Walker - Sword of Heaven. This is an interesting way for chance to fall, I think... or more likely not chance at all, really."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "For those that would pay attention to or have asked these things: Whitewater Bend is a relatively unimportant city; it has no real military force, and little wealth. It exists primarily by trade with Nexus; there was a need for more farming to feed that hungry maw, and thus a city grew. It is a backwater sort of place - though Nexus' dependency on its produce could make it a lever on the key city of the Scavenger Lands. Allen, who has been dealing with tactics for a while, is the most likely to think of that last, if he was asking around about the city before he got here."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "I'll leave it up to all of you what your characters would have cared about. Feel free to ask any other questions."

Sado Yasutora bows his head and adds his name, "Sado Yasutora," to the list. "I see a Perfect Circle," he adds, as he considers why such a group would have been drawn to a tiny farm town.

<<OOC>> Shai mmm, trade. [nods] "Jay's from Nexus by birth; I assume I could've pretty much gotten all that out of him, via questioning en route?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Sure."

<<OOC>> Shai yays. ^_^

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "All this stuff is pretty much common knowledge - not necessarily the stuff about leveraging Nexus; that's more calculated. So if your characters would have asked, you would have answers."

Yoru nods at mention of the perfect Circle. He doesn't seem too inclined to add much else to the discussion at the moment.

Green Cove shifts to her other foot. "Dreams," she says, "not chance. Though purposes are beyond the realm of dreams; they only do directions, mostly." She peers about at the three new Solars. (Well, new to her as a Solar, in the case of the one that's been on the ship.) "It will be interesting to see where they lead us next."

Shai adjusts her sleeves absently, orichalcum and obsidian gleaming from beneath the cuffs. "Not just dreams. Prophecies." She looks faintly embarrassed. "Before I ran into you, Cove, I..." She waves a hand, vaguely. "He speaks through me, sometimes. I usually don't remember much of the details. But something about a city to the East and the key to a mystery and dangers..." Shai shakes her head, then brightens into a grin again. "But I'm inclined to call it good fortune that we've met up _before_ running into whatever dangers, myself."

Sado Yasutora smiles at Shai. "It seems we have all heard. But are we where we are supposed to be?" Momentarily, his aplomb is lost, "I am not much of a priest, but I could try asking..."

As afternoon wears on towards evening, and the Solars discuss the circumstances of their arrival and meeting, a man on horseback rides out from town and down the road through the orchards; he cranes his head to both sides, and, apparently spotting the group through the trees, turns and rides back for town.

Yoru seems to be sobering up as the afternoon wears on. He glances at the man on horseback and grimaces. "I'm betting we will be having more company soon, and not the pleasant time."

Green Cove watches the horseman riding away, from her currently sprawled position on the ground leaning against Floating Leaf. She blinks bright eyes, but says nothing, trusting that the others have seen the same. It's not as if she's worried that someone might come.

Shai spreads her hands. "It's _a_ city. You and Cove are the ones with--" She twists around at the sound of hooves, and blinks at the man. "...yeah. Maybe not." She shakes her head. "If it _isn't_ the friendly kind, I don't want to lead them back to the crew..."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Is Shai's bow obvious?"

<<OOC>> Shai says "It's obvious that she has a bow, but it's wrapped in canvas, so the orichalcum and moonsilver and black jade aren't obvious."

Yoru hrms softly and offers. "If you wish I can get a message to your crew. I can make sure no one sees me go, but I can't move very fast."

Sado Yasutora nods. "He is Night," the titanic youth agrees, and hefts up his shield casually. "I hope that they merely need aid of some sort."

"We can't stay right here, certainly," Allen says quietly, "or there may be trouble, and I do not wish to have such with the folk of this town. I don't want to abandon this town, however - there must be something here, if we were all brought together in this place. And I believe they need us."

It is not long after the first rider returns to the city before someone else exits the city; at no great speed, a figure on a horse surrounded by a group of guards on foot; they come along the road to the point nearest to the group, then turn off it, heading for you.

Yoru glances at the surrounding trees, looking for the best spots to hide if he needs to disappear quickly.

Green Cove stands up, with one last pat for Leaf, and calmly watches the people approach. If there is danger, that's the way of the world, and she feels certain it can be handled with the people here at hand. If there isn't danger, there's no need to go hiding away.

Shai hesitates a moment, then shakes her head at Yoru. "Thank you, but not yet -- they know I'm busy, if something comes up they can handle it." She nods to Allen, opening her mouth to respond, and then gets distracted by the new rider. She adjusts her bow to be easier to draw quickly at need, but doesn't draw it yet; if nothing else, this _might_ be harmless.

Sado Yasutora waves politely to the figure as he stands in the center of the group, adjusting the hold on his shield so as not to appear threatening. The visor and rebreather have already returned to their place, sealing away his face. "I hope we can greet them peacefully. If we do not, miss Shai, feel free to use me as cover."

Allen appraises the figure on horse, and the group around him; their intent could be not ill willed, after all.

Yoru says "I was thinking more along the lines of them meeting us somewhere else... but if we are staying here..." He shrugs and watches those approaching with apprehension. Pessimist."

Allen appraises the figure on horse, and the group around him; their intent could be not ill willed, after all. He does move so that he is between Green Cove and the potential threats, however.

Shai blinks at Yasutora, nods after a moment, and moves a bit closer -- not ducking behind him yet, but capable of doing so faster if it becomes necessary, again.

Green Cove peers around Allen, but lets him stand in front of he'd like. Her ribbon flies far, when need be.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Triggering Eight Steel Soul with personal."

The guards do appear to be armed - but their weapons are sheathed. Their bearing is rather nervous, and one, walking right beside the man on the horse, seems to be arguing with him. The men on foot stop, a good distance away; the man on the horse dismounts and walks on, slowly. He pauses - well within Shai's bowshot - and calls, "Hello?"

Sado Yasutora waves again. "Greetings, sir. How may we assist you?"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora still has the JIC on. :P

Shai quirks an eyebrow, and half-bows politely to the spokesman, flashing him a brightly friendly grin. Nervous is potentially a good sign, especially if it can be converted to trust or like...

Yoru tries to fade into the background as best he can without actively stealthing or using any charms.

Yoru will nod politely if anyone looks his way.

The man bows deeply in Yasutora's direction and continues towards the Solars. His attention is obviously on Yasutora, who is, of course, blindingly obvious. "Might you be a Champion of the Sun, sir?"

Shai blinks.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora ... has to talk? ;_;

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora is the biggest target, right. >_>

<<OOC>> Allen says "Well, you're the shiniest of the lot of us. XD"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "You could always poke the Eclipse! But you're the one who /really looks Solar/. :p"

<<OOC>> Shai says "And you spoke up first!"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "I mean, everyone else just looks like people!"

<<OOC>> Allen says "...weird people. XD"

<<OOC>> Yoru is disturbing!

<<OOC>> Green Cove looks like a perfectly ordinary green-haired girl with a tiger!

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Unusual people, disturbing people, drop dead gorgeous people, but people!"

Allen raises his eyebrows and tilts his head curiously, waiting to see what Yasutora will say.

Sado Yasutora bows his head. "We all are, indeed," the young man says with warm greeting. "I am Sado Yasutora, of the Zenith Caste. How may I aid you?" he asks politely, while resisting completely the urge to nudge the Eclipse forward with his shield. It's a bit obvious to do so, unfortunately.

Green Cove is relieved someone else is doing the talking, and waits politely, trying to remember to look in the direction of the people who might or might not be dangerous or interesting or generally worth looking at.

Yoru is more than happy to let others talk, though he does look at the others hoping one of them might make things easier for Yasutora. His gaze lingers on Shai and he motions with his head for her to step forward.

Shai nods when Yasutora identifies them; no real reason to deny it, under the circumstances. She continues radiating friendly good cheer as she watches the rest of the group -- so she misses Yoru's nod for now. Do they look generally nervous, or...?

One or two of the guards - most notably, the man who was arguing with the speaker, are very tense, and poised to dash up the hill, but most of them are casting longing glances towards the presumed safety of the city.

<<OOC>> Shai says "'Up the hill' == toward us, away from us, something else? Not entirely sure on the terrain. ^^;"

Sado Yasutora waits amiably for a reply from the man, resting his left hand on his shield as though it were a walking-post.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "The road is down a bit from where you are."

Allen clears his throat and speaks up, smile apologetic. "Ah, we apologize for the fright that your people had at our Zenith's unexpected appearance in your town, sir."

<<OOC>> Storyteller admires the 'our' Zenith. :)

<<OOC>> Allen says "Well, the Zenith is going to be all "we," Allen can say "our Zenith." ;)"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Yup!"

<<OOC>> Allen shares a smile of perfect understanding with Yasutora.

The man's eyes flash to everyone else in slight surprise, and he takes a slight step backwards, but with visible effort, gathers his nerve and continues. "I would be honored if you would accept my hospitality tonight." He nods to the others.

Sado Yasutora bows his head. "For myself, I am honored to accept." He looks around at his companions, unwilling to speak further for them without their permission to do so.

Green Cove leans around Allen. "Actual beds are nice," she says.

Yoru nods to the man, trying not to look too menacing. Just a man in a coat and a hat hiding his features from everyone else that's all. "It would be an honor," he says while wondering what type of wine the man has.

Shai glances at Cove, and steps forward slightly again, with a smile. "We would be grateful for your hospitality, sir. May we know the name of our generous host?"

Allen nods. "Your offer is gladly accepted, sir." He moves out from in front of Green Cove, as it seems trouble has not yet found them.

The man inclines his head in another small bow towards Shai. "I am Zahen Buer, lady." He gestures towards his horse and men. "If you will accompany, we may exchange pleasantries over dinner." He smiles hopefully.

<<OOC>> Shai says "Does the name sound familiar at all?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "How much poking about the city have people done?"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Absolutely none at all. ^_^"

<<OOC>> Yoru might've poked a barmaid or two.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yeah, Yoru, but that's all faded to black kthx. :p"

<<OOC>> Shai has not done much; just prying information out of crewmembers who're from the area or have spent time there.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Not a whole lot, but probably would have gathered information about the city as he traveled to it?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Doesn't sound familiar at all. To anyone."

Sado Yasutora slips his tower shield back up onto his arm, the strap going over the shoulder for easy carrying as he obviously makes ready to follow.

Green Cove takes up Floating Leaf's leash, and moves forward as indicated. Dinner is a good idea. It might even be cooked. She's fond of the type of dinner that's been cooked. It always tastes so much better.

Yoru gives Zahen Buer a tip of his hat and will fall in step with the others.

Shai re-shoulders her powerbow, with a charming smile for the man. "We're honored." And also moves forward, as the Circle does not seem inclined otherwise.

Allen shoulders his pack, pausing for a moment for the small cat which struggles out of it to settle itself properly on his shoulder, and follows.

The man offers his horse to Green Cove to ride, and, if she refuses it, Shai, when they reach the guards and the horse.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Allen, I hate to say this, but the five of you ARE a circus."

Sado Yasutora lumbers along casually enough, though he'll pick up the pace when the others are a-horse-back. Thankfully, he doesn't have to politely refuse to overburden some poor beast.

Green Cove mounts the horse with the gleeful air of a child given a new toy. It's all...horse-like! Though she does seem to be more inclined to kneel in the saddle and peer at all the bridle and so forth than sit down in a lady-like manner.

Green Cove pats the horse's mane. "What's its name? Floating Leaf, stay back, you'll frighten it if you're not careful. Horses are easily frighted."

Shai makes sure to walk alongside Cove and the horse; granted, her preferred mounts are rather more watery, but _someone_ needs to keep an eye on her 'little sister'. She makes polite small talk with the man as they walk -- appearing somewhat more formal than she ever did on shipboard, to Green Cove and Allen.

Yoru will take a second to remember he has a packhorse and bring it along as well.

One of the guards leads the horse, as Green Cove obviously doesn't entirely know what to do with the reins. Your host leads you back towards the city, relaxing slowly under Shai's undeniable charm.

In the city, you are guided to a building bordering between small mansion and large house - by the standards of this city, slightly on the mansion side - attracting a fair amount of attention on the way, though most of it is again on Yasutora. There is a brief flurry of confusion with the tiger, who neither wishes to remain in the stable, nor is wanted there by the stable hands; your host leads all of you, including the tiger, to the dining room.

Green Cove holds Leaf's leash in some semblance of 'control', out of deference to the host.

Yoru keeps his wide-brimmed hat on even when entering the house, despite how odd it may seem.

Sado Yasutora makes his way -carefully- into the dining room. Once he has been shown where he is to seat, he begins the process of detaching from the Unyielding Bastion; setting his shield and the Shield of the Righteous smashfist carefully against the wall nearby and stepping out. Within, he is nearly as huge a without; obviously young features over immense (and still developing!) muscles but that same, almost shy, passive face. He wears a simple, light tunic, trousers, and boots beneath; easy wear that would not become hot if the environmental rune-systems failed.

Over what is a delicious dinner - though Zahen denigrates it as 'not the sort of fare he wishes he could offer important guests like you' - he brings up the city's trouble with barbarians, delicately. "I wonder," he asks, "If you encountered any trouble traveling to our city? Barbarians or the like?"

Sado Yasutora says "I have had no trouble, personally, sir."

Green Cove plays with her food, though not to the exclusion of eating it. "These barbarians are like land pirates, right?" she whispers to Shai, not speaking as quietly as she might believe.

Allen looks up from feeding a tidbit to his cat. "I encountered no barbarian difficulties," he says, "but I had heard that the city was having troubles with them; that is one reason I am here, in fact."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Not unless we have trouble with missing posts again. ^^ It's awfully slow."

Shai takes note of the route -- and the quality of mansion, in the name of knowing more about one's host. (She unshoulders her bow and arrows when they arrive at the dining room, putting them off to the side in view of the host; not where she couldn't get to them at need, but clearly where she doesn't expect the need to come up.) The dinner is complimented, even in the face of Zahen's denigration, and at the barbarian comments, she frowns slightly. ...then chuckles at Green Cove's whisper, and murmurs, "Something like."

To Zahen and while gesturing at Green Cove, Shai says, "The two of us came over sea, rather than over land; a few problems, but nothing with barbarians, I fear."

Yoru settles in to a quiet meal and he is polite enough not to over-imbibe on the wine offered. He shakes his head at the question of barbarian problems. "This is excellent fare, and we thank you for sharing it," he adds.

Sado Yasutora lets Shai take over, as this is clearly her forte. Still, out of the imposing mass of the armor he is actually... quite personable, if quiet, a relaxing presence in his occasional soft comments but little more.

The man favors Allen with a hopeful smile. "Indeed? I am afraid that my beloved town has been..." He shakes his head. "It has been years we have been paying tribute to this tribe; there are those that call it by other names, but tribute it is. We have no army, and no way to drive them off."

Green Cove nods to Shai's explanation, and settles back comfortably at her place, occasionally feeding Leaf a bit of food in much the same manner that the much smaller cat is also being treated at another part of the table. She listens to the further explanation with a steady gaze towards the man. She hasn't had dreams of barbarians, but those might yet come."

Sado Yasutora clenches a fist at that particular remark. Extortion of others and the abuse of power offend him. But otherwise, his posture is relaxed, if somewhat cramped by the chair. He focuses his gaze politely on Zahen, listening with interest and a growing concern that does not-- yet-- mar his placid face.

Shai winces sympathetically at Zahen. "What tribe, may I ask?"

Yoru listens intently to Zahen, but lets the others ask the questions.

"Also, what is being asked in tribute?" Allen asks, absently ruffling his cats ears as he glances around his Circle for their reactions.

Green Cove leans forward with her chin on clasped hands, narrowly avoiding an elbow in her plate, to listen to what's being said. She occasionally unclasps a hand to scratch Floating Leaf behind the ears, leaving the other hand propped at the same angle with chin still firmly in place on top.

Zahen turns to Shai. "I believe they call themselves the 'Crazahk' tribe." He answers Allen, "Gold and foodstuffs; they take what our farmers grow for themselves, and what they leave us to sell barely makes the coin they demand." He pauses, and then says, "They take other things as well, not in their official demands." He toys with his tableware, pondering the situation grimly.

Yoru leans back and hrms softly. He swirls the wine around in his cup. "I take it they have become more demanding of late?"

Sado Yasutora 's face remains still for the most part, though his eye begin to narrow. He sets down his silverware-- having wolfed through dinner like any growing boy earlier anyway, and folds his hands in his wide lap to keep from making fists. Fists serve no purposes here, but patience, and strategy do. His mountainous frame shifts only slightly, going from a casual posture to alert.

Shai frowns, contemplative. On the one hand, it's blatantly obvious what Zahen wants. On the other hand...what he wants isn't necessarily a bad thing to give him, really, and the odds of this having to do with their various premonitions... She sips her wine, thoughtfully, and waits for a response to Yoru's question while glancing around at the rest of her new Circle. To forge ahead or not to forge ahead, that is the question...

Your host shrugs briefly. "I must be honest with you. I have not personally suffered much from this tribe; my contribution to the tribute is heavy, but I have enough to spare afterwards for comfort." He gestures around the room, indicating the building as a whole. "However, I am on the merchant council." He pauses, and clarifies, "A junior member, but I take my duties seriously. My constituents suffer far more than I do. Some of them have lost children to the barbarians. I feel responsible..." He shrugs helplessly.

"The barbarians take children?" Allen inquires, looking up from quiet contemplation over the remains of his meal. "Food, money - those I could understand, but why your children?"

Sado Yasutora sits in contemplation, considering Zahen's words quietly. Eventually, he looks up and asks, "What has been the result when you have tried to arm?" He suspects he knows, but if there are more guardsmen than just the few seen...

Shai inclines her head at the first comment, with a half-smile; honesty is a good start. At the last, though, she blinks. "Taken or killed?"

Yoru grimaces at that news. "That is dire news, but it is good you care for the others of the town." He quiets down and lets the others take over as he sips at his wine.

Green Cove holds a brief, whispered conversation with Floating Leaf, mostly concerning whether or not barbarians count as pirates for the purposes of permission to eat them freely. For the moment, she's erring on the side of not.

The man gestures vaguely. "Not - usually - young children. Our young men and women." His eyes flick to Allen and Green Cove briefly. "It is not part of the tribute; we would never agree to that. But we have no way of enforcing the bargain, and there are pointless scuffles; sometimes a youth is dragged out of the fields; sometimes we find a body later, sometimes we don't. They take what they want when they want and we hope the tribute keeps them from the walls."

Green Cove looks up from her conversation with the tiger. "Oh," she says. "Pirates." And nods to herself, putting her chin back on folded hands again.

Sado Yasutora slowly changes from the zen-like calm he has previously been displaying. His hands come up from where they had been folded before, and an ominous *snap, snap, POP* is heard twice as he cracks his knuckles, looking at the rest of his newly formed... near Circle? Almost Circle? Circle? Whatever it is, he knows the path he will take with a certainty. "You will have my help," he says steadily, a hint of anger-- more determination, but definitely angry-- reaching his features and hardening them even more.

Zahen sighs slightly. "We have never tried to arm; the majority of us are farmers; the rest merchants. Any motion towards war would be... contested strongly, for fear of being overrun."

<<OOC>> Allen says "Hey, you said that this place is important for sending food to Nexus, right?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It provides a significant amount of food for Nexus."

Shai nods. She casts a quick glance around the Circle -- and then Yasutora jumps ahead of her, and she half-smiles at Zahen, wry and sympathetic and sincere. "And the rest of ours, I believe. Though we'll need as much information as you can give about this group before we can act."

"That is exceptionally bad practice," Allen mumbles to himself, finishing up the bits remaining on his plate. "I would like to help you, sir," he continues more loudly. "But may I ask why the Council of Entities in Nexus has not sent aid? Nexus houses a number of mercenaries, I believe."

Yoru looks around the newly formed Circle as well but settles on Yasutora as he speaks. Somehow he knew the boy would say that. "I offer my help as well." He nods in agreement with Shai and smiles at the woman. No time for that now however.

Green Cove feels no need to pledge herself, having already given her assessment of the situation. These are obviously pirates, if an odd type of pirates without ships. Pirates are to be destroyed, and occasionally eaten by tigers. This is their purpose in the world.

Shai glances at Allen out of the corner of her eye, but doesn't react more than that; if the host didn't notice the...oddness of that phrasing, no reason to draw his attention. She flashes a smile back at Yoru, and waits for Zahen's responses.

Sado Yasutora has said his piece and awaits now Zahen's words with a calm, unbreakable concentration.

The man shrugs bitterly. "Why would they? The tribute continues to keep the barbarians from the walls; a few field hands here or there do not concern them. I would think. We still sell them food; we must for the money to pay." He nods to Shai. "I do not have personal familiarity with the information you would want, but my chief guard should be prepared to tell you what we know of them. I am a merchant, not..." He shrugs again, a rueful expression on his face.

Allen nods thoughtfully. "So they are like that, then. At any rate, it seems you have the assistance of us all."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Is the chief guard at the table?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "No."

Green Cove disentangles her hands to finish off the last few bites from her plate. "I have never objected to fighting pirates," she says. "Even if these ones are coming at fields instead of coves."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "How late is it?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Hmm. Evening; 7-8pm, probably. Equivalent thereof. :)"

Shai nods, briskly. "We'll need to talk to him, and discuss things among ourselves. And I'll need to get a message to my people; I don't know if the rest of you need to make that sort of preparations." She glances at the rest of the Circle, before refocusing on their host with a quiet, sincere smile. "You're a leader, and you've gotten help for your people rather than abandoning them to your enemies. You're upholding your duties honorably."

Sado Yasutora thinks for a few moments, letting his hands relax into placid stillness once more. Once the brief surge of aggression is gone, he once more speaks to Zahen, inquiring, "Is the chief guard still on duty?"

Yoru finishes his wine and waves off a refill. "I have no matters to attend to, though if you would stable my horse while we are away I would appreciate it," he says to Zahen.

Zahen smiles thankfully to Shai. "You are generous, lady." He nods to Yasutora. "He is available if you wish to speak to him now."

"I would be greatly willing to," the councilor tells Yoru.

Yoru offers a thank you and looks to the others to see what they do next.

Green Cove licks a spoon thoughtfully. Behind a cupped hand, because she does recall some table manners from her youth.

"Merely truthful," Shai smiles, and finishes her wine. She sets the glass off to one side, folding her hands on the table. "And I think we should go talk to your guard now -- though if you have a messenger you can spare, I'd like to speak to her as soon as is convenient." She smiles again, then glances at the rest of the Circle. "I think we can all use rest before setting out again, but it _would_ save time to brief tonight, I believe?"

Sado Yasutora rises slowly from his seat and makes a courteously formal bow to Zahen. "I thank you for the hospitality of your table, but I would get to work soonest," he tells the councilman, and, once his tableware have been neatly arranged to be taken back later, he begins to strap himself back into the massive armor.

Green Cove looks up mid-lick, and sets her spoon back on the table. "Sleep tonight, pirate-hunting tomorrow. I like to hunt in the middle of the night, but it's not to everyone's taste. Either way."

Yoru grins at Green Cove and mutters, "A woman after my own heart." Rising from his chair he also offers Zahen a formal bow. "I thank you for your hospitality. It is most welcome."

Allen nods to their host as well. "We should speak with your head guard promptly, I believe, and then take what rest we can before the morrow. My thanks for you hospitality." He rises from the table, his cat in one arm and his pack in the other.

Shai pushes herself to her feet, and steps over to scoop up her bow and arrows. She nods at the others' comments, with a smile. "We are all very grateful, sir."

Green Cove stands up, realizing that this is the appropriate thing to do, and she is trying to be polite. She appreciates the chance to go hunting some worthy prey, after all. The girl dips down into a gesture that looks like it was meant for skirts, though her cloak serves the appropriate function. "Best meal I've had in days," she says.

Your host nods politely to Shai. "I will ask one of my servants to take your message." He stops one of the two servants who brought in the food earlier and now is clearing the table, a young woman, whom he directs to take and deliver Shai's message. He stands as his guests begin to, and says, "It is I who am grateful." Stepping to a door, he says, "If you would care to wait in the sitting room, I will send Ardat to speak with you in a moment.

Sado Yasutora finishes locking down the sacred connectors of the Unyielding Bastion, a hiss of essence-steam rising from the suit. Further blessed interlocks once more merge with the expanded Shield of the Righteous, and as Yasutora hefts up his tower shield, once more the young man has transformed into a giant statue, ready for his tasks ahead.

Yoru nods to their host and heads towards the sitting room. He is not thinking .oO(And this is when they spring the Wyld Hunt on us). Not at all. He does indeed look calm enough as he heads to the sitting room trying to manage a seat near Shai this time.

Green Cove moves towards the sitting room with the swaying walk of someone recently accustomed to standing on a deck, with the small detours of someone easily distracted by interesting objects along the way.

Sado Yasutora rests once they reach the sitting room, not taking a seat himself, but instead standing impassively in a corner, resting the tower shield on the floor and his hand atop it as he waits for the captain to arrive.

Shai murmurs thanks to Zahen with a smile, and steps off to the side to give the servant the message -- that she should look for the first mate of the /Water Strider/, docked here, and inform him that he's acting captain until her return, as she'll be busy for awhile. Once she's sure the servant girl knows who to look for and where, she nods politely to Zahen: "We will wait, thank you." And heads in that direction, with occasional nudges to Green Cove to keep the younger girl on track. (She won't object if Yoru manages his preferred seat, no.)

No Wyld Hunt - or other enemies - leap out of the corners the room, lit brightly by oil lamps. Zahen ushers everyone inside, and departs to find and send up the captain.

<<OOC>> Storyteller suspects this is a good spot to pause.