marching on [p]

[Winter]

The sun rose at the knight's back, warming the skin of his exposed arm, and the crisp blue fabric of his military coat. Cobalt, his blue roan stallion also seemed to enjoy the comfort as me as he, trotting with much more enthusiasm than he had in the previous nights. The boat-ride over had been a grievance to the steed, and now that his hooves were back on soil and dirt, the attitude it showed prior had disappeared. Still it would not fully calm him in this land, especially as Edric marched with a few others on horseback through the middle of a populated village. From what happened two nights ago, many seemed to travel the distance in hopes of hearing first-hand the stories of the event that branded Edric with an unknown marking across his palm. Whatever it was, it lie deeper than skin, as he attempted cutting off a sliver in an inquisitive approach.

 The lord knight attempted to ignore the constant stares and comments made by the local denizens, knowing that his appearance would draw attention. There were drastic differences in their facial structures, the most obvious being eye-shape. The diplomats that visited in the earlier months described this, and their fascination with the eyes of the western continent, and from Edric's short experience here, it was true. With each block he pressed through, he could sense more and more that followed in his wake, not immediately, but trailing off a few dozen meters, curious and cautious as to his extent. The sword on his hip raised alarm by a few, but the guards of the village were much too unprepared to handle such numbers and uniformity of his unit, so they watched warily, hoping that that the foreigners wouldn't attempt something. Edric had no plan for conflict, so their worries would eventually leave as soon as he did.

The final observation Edric made was the number of those that seemed far more disciplined and trained than the guards. A military of sorts, though the markings on their headbands was apparently a symbol of where their loyalties lie. By the way they grouped together, it was further evidence that this was true. Some villagers he managed to get to speak told stories of the "shinobi" and that they were skilled warriors. Perhaps the knights of their own world. The diplomats spoke of these warriors, and pressured the idea that these were the ones that would lead the brigades to the major places of trade. The members of the true target.

But how would Edric start a conversation and gather leads?

SPOILER: Click to show

Used:

[shiori rusu]

Three girls, no older than twelve, dressed in lavish kimonos approached the knight and bowed. The two at the sides remained bowed while one stepped up and offered a decorated purple sash. “You have been invited to the Grain House courtesy of our Master.” The Grain House was a large tea house, straight ahead from the knight’s current position. It was the size of a small estate at the end of the road, and despite its size was very simple in design. The Rice Country was not a large or rich country, but its trade had offered much to certain individuals.

After extending the sash and invitation the girl would step down and return to her trio. After a moment they rose and would lead the man to the Grain House should he accept the offer. If the knight chose not to accept, then they would try to be a bit more persuasive.

Winter

[Winter]

More persuasion was not necessary in this case. Edric sought company, any means to further learn about where he was, and one had finally taken interest in the presence of the knights that marched through the village.

"Ser, are we to accept the offer? We know not of who sent these women." a gaunt-faced knight said, his voice course like the hazel beard that lined his jaw.

Edric paused for a minute, running through options on how to proceed. Despite his rank, he still lacked experience and wisdom in leadership in regards to anything outside of simulated exercises. Still, his trainers vowed that he was gifted in his craft, and rarely did he make decisions too detrimental to the task. After a moment, he waved the knights off, "I'll go in my lonesome. You others go browse the local shops for supplies," he commanded duly. It was a code they were all taught, and in reality, two of the scout-certified knights would trail behind, and perform reconnaissance on the meeting, in-case aught when awry. The others would do the supply run, though not far from the scouts, appearing lost and poorly disciplined.

Edric dismounted Cobalt, and nodded ahead, "Lead me to your master, young miss."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

When Edric dismisses the other knights there is a moment of hesitation shared between the ladies. They realize that if this man gives orders than he is far more valuable than the whole lot of them. This assumption puts their fears to rest for the moment.

“The Grain House is famous for its sake,” she explains as Edric is led to the establishment. “In all the land of Rice you won’t find a more refined sake than the Grain’s sake.” Her voice becomes nervous as she gets near the House and so she stops, and another one steps up. This one’s voice is more confident if not uncaring. “In our land the grains from the fields are often exported to other neighbouring lands. Since we are such a small land and weaker than our neighbours we are often exploited and the people go hungry. But here, at the Grain, you’ll be given the best we have to offer.”

There is no smiling countenance as the doors open and Edric arrives at the Grain House. Instead is a lavish decor but mostly empty and quiet, it is quaint at most. The last of the ladies leads him inside as the others go around to the back. She leads him to a room, empty, a table rests in the middle and there are three pictures along the walls each depicting a snake, a man and a woman.

“Your host will be with you shortly. Please make yourself comfortable.”

---

this is pretty shit im gomen.

Winter

[Winter]

As the women shared the task of detailing the history of their home, he did his best to deduce the subject the spoke about. But in the end, sake was still an unknown to him. "Sake?" he questioned, still stoic and foreign as it had every been. Even in a moment of curiosity, he wouldn't show weakness. It was unacceptable for him.

As they led him through the foreign building, Edric's blue eyes finding comfort in absorbing the architecture, he almost missed the solemn words they spoke. Poverty. As a knight, blessed by the holy mother above, and sworn to uphold the code of chivalry, he would be quick to dismiss their courtesy. "If it is true what you say, bring me nothing. I will be fine with what I have, and I cannot take from the people."

They made notice of his host soon to meet him, and while he was left in the room alone, at a table far too low to the ground, his mind began to wander. While his head turned, and eyes followed the art on the walls, they were not the subject of his thoughts. He wanted to know who had summoned him, and their purpose for the summoning.

A man of power perhaps? Or something more sinister? 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

The Land of Rice is foreign to the mist shinobi but his objective here is clear. For that reason he has worked a cooperative relationship with the Grain House. It was to his fortune that the knight would be in town and accept the invitation extended to him. Though it would only be one foreigner experiencing the luxuries of the Grain House, it was enough that the man was of some authority.

The doors opened slowly revealing Shiroi and two woman at his side. All dressed in a similar fashion to the previous girls, there was greater detail in their attire and the clothing clearly more expensive. But none, by far, as expensive than what Shiori wore and for good reason. “I am Chiyoko the host of this room.” He enters and takes a seat at the table facing Edric the woman follow placing three bottles of sake on the table and four cups.

“Should you desire anything else, we will be outside.” “Thank you ladies.” The ladies bowed and took their leave.

Winter

[Winter]

Diligence was rewarded oft more than not. And that was clear when the doors opened revealing one of questionable sex, and two women at his or her side. The women prepared cups and what looked like water but steamed, and had the slight stench of alcohol; and after, the "host" dismissed them, Edric nodding in approval as they exited. 

The human in front of him was far smaller in stature and size, and while it would be nothing for a woman in her budding years, Edric had reason to believe this was a boy, no older than his own squire. The maker forgive his bluntness, "I am curios as to how a boy possesses such power -- or wealth, in that he should arrange such a meeting in a luxurious grain house such as this. In my land only lordlings and prices held such esteem."

Edric gave only seconds of silence to pass before doing as much a bow as possible from his awkwardly seated position, "And forgive me, Sir Chiyoko, I am Edric of Arcadia." Honesty was by virtue a pillar of chivalry -- the knight's code.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

There is a genuine look of surprise on his face when Edric speaks of his gender. It has been many years since anyone has ever guessed or seen him for a boy. Certainly it was enough to make the young shinobi blush. “We’ll begin with Spring. As the name would suggest it is a sake brewed in the spring for the spring.” He fills a cup, a flowery fragrance emanates from the bottle. “Though the taste I hear is bittersweet.” Then another.

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance Edric of Arcadia but do not mistake my position. This meeting is no more than a necessary gesture for the people, and I am no more or less than the host of this room.” With that said Shiori places a cup before Edric and raises his own. In a smooth slow motion gesturing Edric to imitate the cup is emptied in one gulp.

Winter

[Winter]

For such a youth, Chiyoko had seemed to be a hobbyist of winery. While he explained the misconception before him, he forwarded a glass towards the knight before downing his own drink. Edric's expression remained unmoved by the gesture, and instead shook left to right once, firmly. "Unfortunately, I am forbidden to indulge. I am under duty and oath. I apologize once again, for in no way do I mean to approach as rude."

While his stoic face didn't show it, Edric hurried to move the subject along, wishing not to dwell on his lack of grace when handling the situation. Yet, he was on duty, and as such, he was unable to take from the people, as well as indulge himself in anything extracurricular, especially that which could cloud the mind. Order was a lifestyle he was used to though, and this law was easy enough to follow.

Edric pressed with questions he hoped to have answered, "If you are not of any such position, then why have you requested my attention?"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

Shiori finishes the cup regardless of Edric. Albeit it a tad rude, it was just a chance for him to drink, the sakes of the land were quite renown after all. “The people,” he responds coolly refilling his cup. “You are strange man and strange people appearing after a strange event. They are scared and rightfully so.” There is a pause before Shiroi continues. “To make this brief, for the benefit of us both, I will say that the lords of the lands are curious and so are their shinobi.”

Winter

[Winter]

"Rightfully so..." Edric noted, his eyes now facing the table, as if lost in thought. It was as he feared then, that whatever happened that night was not common in these lands. These people would have less answers than even he. He dare not look at his right hand, in fear one might question what is underneath. If that symbol appealed to anyone, or was recognized by anyone -- it could spell disaster for the knight and his mission.

After his pause, Edric countered with  his question, being sparse about the details for now, "Tell me, Chiyoko; do you believe in God?" Edric backpedaled for clarification, "Or rather, do your people believe in God? Your lords? Your Shinobi?" 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

It isn’t a particularly strange question nor does he find it odd. Though considering the religious zeal of Mizu no Kuni, it was not a subject he was ready to approach with an open mind. “Certainly. There are many deities in which the people believe in, varying from country to country of course.” After a moment of thought, Shiori decides to explain further. If not for Edric than for himself.

“There are religions too. The shinobi, I believe, have their own that is more of a doctrine for life and does not have a god. While another one believes in a god. That’s all I say on the matter.”

Winter

[Winter]

For what the knight had witnessed, his ambiguous and open-minded answer did not suffice. He had seen more than any other man, he was sure of it. Edric had viewed into the cosmos, into the past and present, and into life far behind the furthest star he could see on a still night. And that creature spoke to his mind, not with him mouth. He too far to even make out proper details, yet understanding came. And even he claimed not to be God. There was some sort of divine maker, much like all of his people believed, and what he had proof of. 

Edric meant not to make conflict of such matter, instead just to set a foundation for what he was to reveal. He was scarcely one for politics or subterfuge and secrecy. If he would share something, then he should. If not, than he shan't. In this case, outside assistance was desired to help understand what was happening. 

"Would you believe me to be victim to folly if I had met God? Or rather, a disciple? I know little of what happened that night besides something beyond my understanding made contact with me and others. I only met with you in hope that you would have answers to my own questions. Or at least another lead or direction for me to follow." Edric explained in a straightforward manner.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu

[shiori rusu]

Met God?

There was no change in expression, but Shiori could feel a growing lack of interest in the conversation. His Kage was revered as a god or something back in Kirigakure. Regardless he had confirmed one thing, Edric had been there. And while Shiori would rather dismiss this whole thing as fiction, he had to give him the benefit the doubt. Edric didn’t strike him as a man of tales, anyway. Was there really a God, how would that play out for Kirigakure though?

“There is a place, a people, in the isles of Mizu no Kuni that believe in God. I do not think the God you saw and the God they believe in to be the same, and with such information it's best you avoid there.”

He’s thinking of his actions and decides after a pause it is the right thing to do. Better for Kirigakure, for Mizu no Kuni, in general if they never hear of another god. “You were not alone? Can you describe the others were they shinobi or other foreigners such as yourself?” If he had met any shinobi then he could certainly describe their headbands that would be enough for Shiori. But if he had met them would they have let him, a foreigner live without some interrogation? At the very least Shiroi wants to rule out the possibility of Konoha shinobi by far they, out of all the villagers, would have tortured or even killed the man and others present.

Winter

[Winter]

"Unfortunately, I was too far away from the others to tell. I am still rather unsure of what dictates a shinobi either. They were, for certain, not one of the men I arrived with. I was that one to walk into the brave new world first, and was met with rather extraordinary circumstances, though I would not know if that means a good or bad thing," Edric clarified, hoping to quell the curiosity of the younger boy. Still, it was his earlier statements that drew his own attention. Duty... rung in his head. 

Pressing his own will, Edric spoke, "Mizu no Kuni? It sounds to be a center of theology, would you not inform me on how to reach such a place? Contrary to what you believe, I think it is the place that I should be going." With pride cast aside, he removed his gloved hand, and revealed his palm -- etched with a symbol he was not aware of. "Perhaps they'd be able to help identity what curse have befallen me. A gift from the--" Pillar of Heaven "-- event." he explained, not pausing, though struck with a thought that rung in his head mid-sentence. A name he was still unfamiliar with. 

"If it is my God that I should fear sharing, then I will withhold that information. As an emissary, it is not in my position to meddle with external politics regardless."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

shiori rusu