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(That animation was gorgeous! Wish I were so amazing, I'm only a mediocre artist at best.)

Clint had given every opportunity to be followed. Fortunately, though unbeknownst to himself, there was one that did follow his lead, albeit a while after. A sigh escaped him as he trekked the flush landscape, sorely regretting the weight of his heavy metal arms. "What's this?" he cooed upon the appearance of such magnificent orbs of luminescent hues. "Some sorta' fae?" He may be stubborn and a thief, but Clint was no oaf. It was his experience that when something one cannot explain starts moving toward him, he probably shouldn't do the same. He started backtracking, watching to see how fast these things were moving. If they were too fast, he'd run back the way he'd come. Otherwise, he'd simply turn around and walk the other way. All the while, though, he was arming himself with his last knives. They were primed and ready, but he did not want to throw them. Other than those, all he had was his sack.

Crow’s masked face turns towards the rushing, glasses-less Aranel, looking behind her for a short moment. Crow’s head turns back around, her right eye covered by the curve of her dirtied tri-cornered hat. Her left eye stared at the Mer’s chest area, “You must have multiple hearts, then. I would enjoy finding out.” Crow’s free hand searches for her black tome, her left pale eye staring at her robes, “I suggest you assist in that female’s search, lest she die with you. There are few worse fates.”

Crow’s hand stops its search when her head lifts up to look past the Mer, her form turning to walk away from the ship, leaving from the side of the ship. Crow’s right hand kept the lantern low to the ground, its circle of illumination reaching outwards, but blending where the crystal pendant around Crow’s belt illuminated jointly. Crow’s mouth moved silently, her back towards the others.

The orbs Clint had taken notice of were in no real rush judging by how slow they were coming to illuminate more of the white pane they seamlessly levitated over as though cautious to the ship's arrival; visible only to them was a slowly eroding plume of white that was finally losing its haze inflicting density providing the group slowly fading coverage were.. it not for Crow's illuminations of her own and Aearion's shouting.

"There's something over there!" A voice rung out. It was Crow's own light which was drawing attention possibly unbeknownst. Those orange flickering orbs began to near faster with a bit of a wobble to their motion; clearly lanterns. Accompanying their approach; completely looking passed Clint due to the faults of tunnel visioning on a single target of interest. "It's a light!" -- "Do you think someone actually survived the crash?!" -- "Don't be foolish!" So many voices and so many opinions. The idle banter of What is casting that light pressed on, audible enough for the group to notice and eventually the closer the group of guards came the further into the ship could their voices be heard. "Footprints!" One shouted having seen Clint's scattered imprints left in the snow. It was now clear that there were survivors, but whether they were hostile or not had yet to be disclosed to the Guards.

It was not long until the group of armed guards approached the ship's proximity in wonderment. The last of the haze was finally clearing so that all that skewed vision was the lack of omniscient light from the sun and the ongoing flurry. "In the name of lord Gyosei, Protector of our Empress! We demand that your names and from where you hail!" [Roll 1d100]

One of the guards scrutinized the area, expecting more of a field of corpses from the wreckage that had lain still before them. "This can't be right." One muttered under his breath.

Back at the dressing Chambers which Zaida had been rearranged...

"Come, come!" The little girl that had brought the cloth back and forth to wash Zaida's flesh tugged at her attire so gently, looking up at her with such innocence! As for Zaida's casual wear, it was being folded in the meantime and removed from the room through the door which the women emerged from. The little girl however, tugged and pulled at Zaida for her to follow. Should Zaida follow she will be lead hastily through a series of rooms. A room where women dressed just like those who prepared her were toiling away at clothes for the officials and staff of this Station. Other rooms had only a single woman seated so silently as if a statue themselves neverminding the duo that passed through the room; clearly a concubine, no more, no less.

Sliding door after sliding door did the little girl lead Zaida until finally they were outside. It was a small fenced space with a miniature shrine in the center of the square parameter. On just the other side of the fence was a crystal river yet to be frozen by the chilled weather. Just across was a particular building stood amidst the spots of drifting white flakes. The air was cold, but the wind was forgiving to be gentle. "There! There!" She shouted.

What was so peculiar about the building that she had to show Zaida of all people?The girl bounced up and down in a fit of giggles as she continued to shout "There, there!" A few more times before the girl ran back toward the building they just exited juking around Zaida to embrace a rather familiar individual in a suit. The Butler. As the Butler began to pet the girl's head he spoke to Zaida. "A pleasure to meet with you again Master Zaida. Our talk will be rather brief." There was a short pause before he knelt down and reached into his inner vest pocket and handed the girl a little black marble. "Here you go Miss Tomoe." The smile was as elderly and weak seeming as ever before standing up and sending the girl on her merry way.

"That building there houses something sinister. Something evil. All the rumors of this land source from that building across the river as pure as crystal. Sir Jonathan is a mere pebble compared to what lies asleep there." A wrinkled finger of his pointed in the building's direction. "There, there!" He said. In the shadow within the indicated structure stood a female silhouette. All sound perceived by Zaida began to slow down; by this point in time relative to the other group members would everything began to slow down as well but not hinder their motions. That song. That...haunting hymn...it rung so deep into all of their ears as if it were coming from their very subconscious...their vision began to become impaired very slightly with fluctuations of the absolute darkness like someone was turning a light switch on and off to their already dim surroundings also accompanied by that familiar feeling of Umbra. When the hymn ended time resumed as normal and that presence of Umbra released its grip from their common perceptions.

The Butler lowered his hand. Was it fear he expressed? Or perhaps excitement..? "Our time here is over, Master Zaida. You have a meeting to attend to soon." A small chuckle emanated from him as his body began to erode away from shoulder to shoulder into a black mist; which turns out to not really be a mist but small black particles.. almost like sand now that his disappearing act could be seen under normal conditions and not the high speed whipping winds of a ship's travel.


[+10 Modifier caused by being found too close to the ship / Roll does not apply to Zaida]

[+10 Modifier allowed] to those dressed in the attire granted by The Gentleman
[+20 Modifier to any of the group who approaches the Guards in a fashion that would not relate them to the ship.]- - - Exiting the ship and saying "I didn't do it" Doesn't cut it. Lol.

[EDIT Note: Did a small addition to the roll assets. First roll modifier mentioned was supposed to be a subtraction but ruling that bit out and accommodating all rolls under the basis listed above.]

Aranel's running was interrupted by Takurasho. Without thinking, she grabbed onto him to avoid stumbling over - at least it worked! "I don't know. I think... I think that thing stole Zaida." She'd explain why she came to that conclusion, but she still needed to get her glasses.

"And I lost my glasses in the crash. They're probably broken...," she added, trailing off. Sad? Of course! Wouldn't you be? I would.

Yep! Aranel was A-ok until those things fell off. Plus she felt naked without them. This was about the time that Crow's light was seen and voices began to approach from a distance. She didn't go inside. She could see well enough if something was right in front of her face, so she read the note well enough! Those words made her nervous, though, as she remembered needing to flee from here as fast as possible. The lights didn't register with Aranel for some time, appearing like a faint, wide blurry glow in the distance before they separated the closer they got. By the time they were separated, blurry silhouettes could be seen as well. This wasn't good.

Aranel constantly squinted, even when she turned to face the group as they came. She stepped away so that Takurasho could make a little bit of distance between himself and the ship as well.

"Wonder what happened?" she asked, hopefully loud enough for the guards to hear. "It doesn't look to have been here a while...." She was nervous, yeah, but she was trying to play it off like she was curious and not a part of the crash.

"Hello!" she chirped. "I am Ara, and this-" she gestured to Takurasho, whom she gave a certain 'just go with it' look. "-is my brother. Do you have any idea what happened here?" She crossed her fingers in hopes of sounding unrelated.

((DAT ROLL ))

Aearion's fright quickly ended as Crow answered him. He would normally be glad to see Takurasho had survived and tell him of Zaida's fate, but sadly the Mer just got enraged."Was that a threat, witch?" He spat at her, giving her the stink eye, whether she'd pass him by or decide to be amused by Aearion's sudden anger."Have I given you any damn incentive to want me dead?! I'm not even a threat to you! Is this be-" He interrupted himself. Footsteps? Of course. A ship of this size crashing wouldn't stay hidden forever. He just hoped their sudden arrival wouldn't have been noticed this fast. They still didn't know what happened to Clint after all.

Aearion saw the soldiers. He quickly joined Aranel and Takurasho. Looks like they were already getting their story fixed up. Time for Aearion to do what he does best. Speak.

"My apologies, friends." He spoke out to them with that toothy smile of his."It's my fault we're here. You see, we were on the road when this flying machine crashed down." He explained. Luckily with this dense fog, it couldn't be proven they had walked the road."My name is Aearion, I am a Mer of the coral reefs, and by the gods, I have never seen such a creation! Forgive a man of the depths to be so curious as to what has fallen from the sky, if it please you, of course." He spoke enthusiastically as he looked at the wreckage."My curiosity got the better of me, and we figured we could have helped any survivors, but this flying machine is eerily empty."

((I might have overdone it with that roll. I figured Aearion being a Merman it's much more believable he'd have nothing to do with an airship. If the added 20 was not supposed to be added, feel free to subtract them. I wouldn't want to cheat.))

Takurasho would clutch Aranel's arm to steady her as she simultaneously grabbed him. His cold eyes, ever calculating, watched her carefully as she delivered her answer. It caused him to scowl deeply. Zaida had disappeared at the beginning of their last mission as well, & he did not consider this a coincidence by any means. He had easily identified the shadowy beast that downed their vessel as Umbra-borne. The Butler had made an appearance earlier, of course, & he was certain that it wasn't coincidental either. But where did these things intertwine? Zaida surely could not have been an "accomplice" of the Butler... or perhaps she was, unwittingly. His earlier contemplation was now confirmed: there was more to this woman than they- perhaps even she herself- were aware. The vetala could only hope that she had been initiated into the mission earlier than they, just as she had back at the mansion. Finding her was now a priority, but getting themselves collected would have to come first.

"If you absolutely must have them, then we will look for your glasses," Takurasho said in attempts to comfort Aranel. He was still perturbed by Zaida's abduction, so his tone was unintentionally abrupt, but his stare had relaxed from troubled to pensive. "Perhaps if we..." he trailed off, distracted by Aearion's uncharacteristic rage. Now was not the time for such squabbles. The man drifted past Aranel, tone almost reprimanding as he began to interrupt the mer & witch, hoping to quell the confrontational sparks before they burst into a flaming argument. He too fell silent as the approaching footsteps doused any opportunity for further conflict.

The downed ship will bring suspicion your way so do what you can to get as far away as possible and seem as wholesome travelers....

The letter's instructions returned to him, & he mentally chastised himself for not following them sooner. It couldn't be helped now. Imitation often came as a natural "talent" for vetalas, but even he had to admit {not aloud of course} that he was impressed by the ease with which Aearion & Aranel slipped into their roles. He approved of the latter's ruse especially- physically, they would easily pass as siblings, & it would make their affiliation less suspicious.

...the second note [is] folded in your clothes. Should you come across any military troops, do what you can to have them bring you back to their headquarters and try to gain audience with the Head of Military.

As the young woman & the bard introduced themselves, Takurasho would produce the "mock-written request to care for the Representatives of a foreign nation" mentioned. He patiently surveyed the warriors as the two spoke, perhaps waiting for Aranel's question to be answered for the sake of casualties, before moving forth some & chiming in. "Ah yes, Lord Gyosei's troops... we have need to speak with your Commander, gentlemen," he'd inform them matter-of-factly. His tone was a bit haughty, the demeanor one might expect from a noble addressing common underlings/soldiers, & although it did not suit his default personality he easily adopted it for his role. The false note was produced with a flourish, being certain to flash his "heirloom" ring in the process, gesturing disdainfully for the closest man to take it & read it for himself. "My companions & I are weary from our travels. We recently misplaced two of our own in the storm... a gruff man & a tan woman... have you seen either?"

Zaida followed faithfully. There had been a change and she just followed after the child, looking at each twist and turn with curiosity. The concubines made her nervous. She knew and understood that position. Her mouth felt dry and she looked scared.

She didn't speak. She simply listened. Her eyes turned from brown to green once more and yet, despite her back straightening and her jaw rising, she never once spoke. She simply listened and took in the information. When he was gone, she glanced across the way, reaching up once to touch her hair.

"الله يرحم روحي." It was all she spoke before she went back to where she had been. She sat down carefully, trying not to feel naked. Her hijab was more than a promise of purity to Allah, it was something she was bound to wear, so long as she shared this body. She was nervous, fidgety, though there was nothing physical to force her to wear it.

She just felt like she was betraying her Lord, her people and most of all herself. It made her feel sick and she wasn't sure if she could act accordingly with this anger welling up inside of her.

It was a good thing when the anger went with the flash of green to brown. Surely it was a good thing.

((la gasp. There is something special about Zaida after all. What is it? dun, Dun DUN. - wee bit excitable this afternoon.))

{Last post edited~}

Clint, having been previously made aware of the oncomers, rushed the nearest tree with such a fervor. He sprung into the woods to avoid being seen, but was shortly made very aware of his still warm footprints in the snow. Then, without hesitation, he murmured something... something about hating this part, before slamming his head, with force, into that aforementioned tree. It hurt like the worst son of a bitch he could muster recollection of, but it had to be done. And again, though this time from a different angle. His head throbbed, but he knew he had yet to be spotted. They couldn’t have seen him banging his head. Not yet. Finally, he took care to coil his leg around said tree, grasping it with one hand and rolling it until it faced outward. Biting his shirt, Clint pressed the opposing foot to the tree and pushed off with all his might, tearing joint from socket.

There’s nothing more believable than an actual wound, he thought to himself, through the pain.

Not til it was too late, though, did Clint hear that familiar song. Umbra was afoot, he could feel it. He grit his teeth as he hobbled along the way to be found, leaning from tree to tree with his now dirty wounds before falling into their vision. His final words before blacking out from the mixture of pain and Umbra’s apparent onset of sickening symptoms, “Doctor... please... bag... payment...”

[didn't add this in the optional notes, but the roll is for a bribery attempt. also, the bag is on my hip, for clarification]

[sorry for double post, forgot about charisma roll... hopefully better than the first.]


edit: ...fml

{Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai!!! I adore that film!}

Crow's form stops, her lantern swinging as she turns around to face the Mer. She was a few yards away from the others, her exhaled breaths slipping through the slim line that was where the two pieces of her mask met, and into the air. The Mer's spit lands near her coarse shoe, and Crow's pale gaze shifts downwards, then back at the Mer. Crow's voice seethes with malice, "I speak the truth, fool. You have not given me any incentive to wish for your health, and should you ever come across a drive to know, then you might realize why I disdain you." Crow's fine eyebrows cross, partially seen underneath her hat and mask, her arms crossing across her chest, the lantern sticking out from the side as it was held by the hand underneath the other. "Really? You could not think of any worser fates?" The guards arrive, and Crow's foot stomps down, thrice, one after each word spoken. "Pompous, arrogant fool!"

Crow's masked face turns towards the guards, her pale eyes regarding them as her arms slowly return to her sides, the lantern being held upwards. "You may call me Crow, and I was born in the land of Shinsan. I was charged to guide these travelers, but I cannot save them from their own actions." Crow's free hand points towards the Mer, "This man had want to search the ship for his own doom and satisfaction, looking to save those that were likely dead, or tainted, by evil spirits." Crow's pale gaze sharpens as she looks towards the Mer, then her hand lowers, her masked face looking back at the guards, "While he searched endlessly, two others, with us, vanished into the snow, while I was busy warding spirits. They have already taken the dead with them, and I fear the worst for those still living." Crow's voice lowers, as she casts a side-glance towards the crashed vessel, "This is not a safe place."

Crow's masked face snaps towards someone falling down, her finger lifting to point towards Clint, "Look, there. A man still alive. But do not rush towards him, until I am certain that there are no spirits residing over his body, lest you wish to be tainted and ripped."

The guards were already suspicious enough of the group from just them being so close to the wreckage, but dressed like that? People of noble stature having survived a crash like this? The elderly man of the six guards spoke up with an affirming tone after looking them all over from head to toe. "Brother and sister eh?" Responding to Aranel. His head tilted back slightly and to his left ever so to consult with the second in charge; a brute of a fellow mind you. "What say you?" The second in charge scoffed, but gave no verbal reply for a second after giving them a look down of his own. "I'd remain cautious, Sir." The Captain of this squad nodded in agreement about to speak again, but suddenly the blue fairing gentleman made his approach.

"A Mer-man on land?" The question was rhetorical, but it did make sense. What would a Mer know of an aircraft? They swim for goodness sake! The guards nodded in agreement. "Rookie!" One of the guards from the back stepped up in attentiveness. "Sir!" The leader pointed to the Mer. "See to it that--" Just then another one of the group stepped forward; Takurasho. The leader stopped in the middle of his order to heed the man's words although rather suspicious of his demeanor and the use of their Lord's name; sure enough any spy can just luxuriously toss about the name. The order that was initially going to be given to see to all of the Mer's traveling needs turned to retrieving the letter; taking fair notice of the priceless ring Takurasho possessed. The rookie did so to, fetching it for the captain with great respect to both Takurasho and his squad captain. Eyes skimming over the text with a deep frown on his face. "I see." It was clear to the guardsmen that these individuals were of high importance. "Representatives of the Western Lands where land merges with purest ocean." Shooting a harsh stare into Takurasho's eyes. "Said to be lair to the Arcane Circle." The letter was folded and slipped into his own inner vest for storage. "At ease men."

One of the other men in the back muttered to himself as his eyes drifted off into the snowy woods to the sound of...banging? "That sound.."

The attentiveness of the group was then fixated on Crow's voice and form. "A guide eh?" The second in command stepped forward. "These are clearly individuals of high importance, but---" In his brutish attempts to cut her off in her speech did all eyes direct to Clint when she pointed his collapsing form. A bloody mess he was. The first thing noticed about Clint were his arms. "His arms! Look at his arms!" Shouted the second in command. Four of the guards took up their weapons and directed their edges toward Clint in a preparation to strike him down; except for the leader, just until Crow interjected of his probable possession! Save for Clint!

The leader stepped through his squadron approaching the man, having clearly heard and pieced together his four words. "An injured savage." Saying to himself as he neared with show of no fear. It was clear that this was a man who had sworn his life to this nation and for the cause of Gyosei and The Empress. "Payment, you say?" The second in command grit his teeth. "Sir! You takes you for a fool to think you would accept such payment!" Their leader looked back at them then back to Clint's unconscious body. "We could take your payment, but to what guarantee is it to you that we will not just leave your here to die? You, a lowly thief with clearly self-inflicted wounds." Another pass of glance motioned toward Crow. "However I take it you are with them and I am to respect the letter and treat you as one of them." His voice picked up. "If you are an exorcist then rid this man of any spirits that we may move him to the infirmary before he passes into the next life." The leader removed himself from Clint's presence and back to his company.

An order had been placed. The second command will look after Crow and Clint, if there is to be some form of exorcism procedure to take place, if not then Clint will be dragged by the legs through the snow until they reach their Headquarters. Regardless of the fact, the remaining five will escort the group; save for Clint and Crow, back to Headquarters. During the escort back, the rookie had begun to hum that infamous hymn thoughtlessly.

Back at Headquarters...

The door behind Zaida had slid open and in its homely shade stood Gyosei. "I thought I would retrieve you myself, my night jewel." His hand extended out from the dimmed inner lighting of the structure from the lanterns for her to take so that he may lead her elegantly through the building. "We do not find many precious gems often these days. So we tend to cherish them." It was a few minutes before they finally entered a room with air high in tension and lightly faded with tobacco smoke. There were nine gentlemen seated on mats and nine women; clearly concubines of their own. "Ah. I see you've all brought your gems as well, gentlemen." Gyosei remarked in a smug tone. "But I must say that my mysterious gem from lands originates from lands far beyond our own boundaries.

The mats were set up around an elongated rectangle table. Ten mats on one horizontal side and ten mats again opposite. Two mats were open for them to be seated at. The men in the room applauded as Gyosei brought Zaida into the room to seat her; would she do so cooperatively, then he beside her. Gyosei had noticed that two mats were empty on the vertical ends of the table; one on each side. "Might I ask who those seats belong to?" Everyone shook their head as if not knowing except for one of the individuals who had a peculiar hat covering his identity. Gyosei eyed the individual for a moment's time before speaking up. "Might we have this Conference into order!"

Whatever idle banter that was going on had ceased. "As we are all aware. There has been an aircraft of some sort that crash landed in the north-western woods not too far from our current base of operations. A scout team has been sent out to investigate the situation and determinate the nature of the ship and kill all survivors who may be alive." On the table was a large map to scale. A large red marker was placed in a location free of any scribbles which identified their current location. "As you all know we are in between the Western and Southern regions which we currently stand at neutral means with despite our preservation of the natural way." The southern region of the map was marked in green ink, cut off from the northern land by a green line while the western lands were separated from the north by a blue line and any blue markers along with scribbles. "The south, as we know has begun to advance their technologies into what they call a 'Steam Revolution'. This will not be had in our nation." The eastern portion of the map was purely done in black ink; in fact it were a mass of black with nothing identifiable much like someone took a brush and coated the entire land on the map in that color. Gyosei stood, leaving Zaida.

"The south may begin to grow too strong and begin their assaults on us and the Empress Yune." The air in the room had grown cold by the mere mention of their ruler's name. One of the man just opposite of where Gyosei sat spoke up. "Gyosei why are you so paranoid about the South attacking, hm?" Gyosei snapped at the man. "Because it is going to happen! You have not seen war! You have not been on the fields of war! You advance technology in hopes of acquiring power! Not to make people's lives easier! The use of machines to build buildings? That is not our way!"

The veiled individual spoke. "Then what is our way?" All attention turned to the mysterious person who, by tone of voice, may have been male. "Honor." Gyosei began. "Self-achievement and fulfillment through the body and spirit." The veiled individual spoke no more, but not defeated. "Any other questions?" Gyosei imposed on the room. None of the men spoke.


[Ha! Hadn't even realized it was them until you pointed that out , Crow!]

Zaida looked at the man and she didn't speak as took his hand. Her fingers trembled as she walked with him, trying to hold the skirt up with one hand. Her brows were knit and her eyes were wide with fear.

When she entered the room, she felt even more uncomfortable. There were so many people who could see so much of her privacy. She didn't even have her dagger.

Big brown eyes searched the faces of the people in the room, listening as they spoke. She sat carefully, tucking one foot behind the other to keep her legs together. Zaida thought about speaking, but honestly, she wasn't brave enough. She wasn't able to keep herself from trembling beside this man.

It was clear he would be able to take control easily - but that didn't mean she didn't watch and listen.

The figures before her were all blurs. Their voices were intimidating, but that may be because of how helpless she felt without sight. She was legally blind! That much would be evident, too, if one were to study how she moved. She'd likely clutch to whoever was closest to her for guidance and support. There wasn't much in the way in front of her, but she could trip over something, potentially.

When Takurasho stepped away to give her the paper, she was left without anything to hold onto and thus she sought out... Crow? Yep. She'd hold onto Crow, very gently mind you. It was worrisome to her, thinking back on it, that Aearion got so upset so quick. She could understand though. This Crow lady was awfully strange... almost apathetic in every way possible. No, definitely apathetic. Aranel questioned her position on this team, but decided to say little about it. Her head rotated backward toward the wreckage of the ship, which was now displayed as a darker color among the white. She wondered about the Butler, but she wasn't supsicious in any negative way.

She was curious. Confused. Eager to learn more. She wanted to understand the man (or creature) and where he got his power from, how he was able to gift it, who he really was, and why he seemed to be with them every step of the way. Perhaps she was an idiot for being so happily curious rather than accusing or suspicious, but that was just who she was, really.

Aranel listened in silence, paying no attention until she heard something about possession. By then she was playing with her hair, pushing it away from her face and tying it into a bun using only hair. The joys of lengthy locks!

"Someone's possessed...?" she asked, almost as quiet as a whisper. Before she knew it, though, they were moving. Whether she was holding onto Crow, someone else, or nobody at all didn't matter. What did matter was that hymn she heard vaguely at the manor and again when on the airship.

She found herself humming along, almost as if she wished to memorize the tune even more. Even her hums weren't loud. Her voice was already soft and airy, so at least it was a pleasant sound, even if the extra voice could be pretty annoying to some. Oddly enough, she halfway didn't realize she was doing it.

Crow’s masked face gives a single nod towards the guard, then watch as the guards draw and put their weapons away, white breaths escaping the slit between her mask pieces. Crow’s masked face turns to look towards the guard captain, as he looks at her, then they both turn to look at Clint. “I will.” Crow’s coarse shoe takes a step forward, but her robe’s sleeve, which felt to be made of feathers, dirty feathers, was caught. Her masked face turns to face the other female. “What…why are you…” Crow’s yellow eyes peer into the other female’s face, her voice becoming a whisper, “Is there not anyone else you can hold…”

Crow’s masked face turns quickly to glance at the guards around her, then back at the glasses-less female. Shrugging off the female’s grasp, Crow’s left hand catches hold of the female’s forearm, with just enough pressure to hold her. “Come, then.” Crow’s coarse shoes with leave foot prints in the snow, as her form nears the face-down Clint. The other female would be escorted to him as well. Crow’s hand releases Aranel’s forearm, “Stay, here.” Crow’s masked face turns back to Clint’s body, her form bending upon her knee and her right hand dropping the lantern, and removing the bag of zenny from the man’s hip. She stands back up and grabs a hold of Aranel’s hand, pressing the bag into her palm, then using her right hand to guide Aranel’s other hand into the bag, “Hold this and do not move.” Crow then turns and kneels, her hands working to tug at the larger male’s clothing upwards to reveal a bit of skin upon his back. Crow’s hand holds the clothing up, while her other hand fetches the ink vial and quill pen, placing it upon the snowy ground. Crow’s right hand dips the quill pen into the ink and starts to draw upon the male’s back. First, a vertical line. Then two lines at 45 degree angles from the first line’s southern end, pointed upwards. Then two more vertical lines drawn downwards from the tips of the prior two lines.

Crow’s right hand places the quill pen into the ink vial, her hand drawing the dagger out of her robes. Taking the dagger’s point and pricking her left pointer finger, she places her blood upon the top of the first vertical line. Taking the dagger point and poking the male’s back lightly, in the same spot as she had placed her own blood, Crow’s masked face emits several strange words, the blood blending into the ink and the ink drying, a dusk-like black solidifying the marking upon the male.

Crow places the dagger back within her robes and the ink vial, and the quill pen. She tugs the male’s clothing back into place and stands up, giving a nod towards the second in command, “You may move him, safely, now. Try to avoid the rockier terrain, should there be any. Having him wake up before the seal is completely settled is not in your best interest, nor mine.” Her right hand picks up the lantern once more.

Crow turns to the other female, taking the bag out of her hands…if she didn't move from her spot. Placing the bag within her robes, Crow’s hand would catch Aranel’s, “Come, then.” Crow would follow the second in command, and tug the girl if she would not move.

Aearion decided to ignore Crow's added lies to the story. After all, they did fit with what the Mer had conjured up. Besides, additional hostility would only make matters worse. Besides, the Mer was really starting to feel bad about his falling out. The way Crow weaved her words always sent a shiver down Aearion's spine, mentioning death made his fear overflow.

But there was no time to show that. He looked confident enough, though he remained quiet. Aearion heard the banging too, and almost gasped at what Clint had done to himself. Now that took dedication. The Mer would never harm himself for the sake of coming through as a victim. Sadly the guards didn't fall for it, and Aearion actually felt bad for Clint there. He was about to endure a ton of hurt.

As the group started moving, Aearion had been pondering about the part of the letter that said that it was in their best interest to get the guards to get an audience with the head of the military or even the empress herself. Perhaps the latter could be done. Being a bard and all, perhaps he could persuade the officials to play for the Empress herself, as a gift of good will from the western lands. He didn't say this out loud because of the fear the guards might get on to him, but if they had a moment alone, he'd certainly lay this idea to his comrades.

Providing more scenery and what-not for those who hadn't posted yet to work with. ]]

The second in command had observed the ritualistic behavior Crow displayed on Clint's backside. After Crow had given the O.K to move the limp body he eyed her down a moment before reaching down to grab Clint's leg and begin hauling him through the Snow. Fortunate for Clint there was no rocky terrain on the path they were taking, just snow.. and more snow.. and more snow.. probably some animal feces along the way, but that is unlikely. With the second in command escorting the two females and Clint, they were not too far behind the main group several meters ahead with only their lackluster contrast to the already dark horizontal depth around.

In the seldom silence of the area around it was heard from Aranel her humming of that hymn. It immediately caught their escort's attention. "She even knows the song of our Empress?" Muttering under faint breath keeping his attention forward.Their trip lasted only a half hour roughly. During that trip there was a moment of utter darkness. The point where even the snow had lost its deathly glow amidst the ground. The lanterns they carried portrayed beneath the holder's feet a realm of darkness and shadow with Aranel's humming amplified by recurring echoes. The duration of darkness held only for roughly ten seconds, but when it cleared the Headquarters were only feet from them beyond a bridge.

The Captain of the Squad bellowed. "We have returned!" The moment he spoke these words life was almost breathed back into the streets. Lights from a few of the homes on the sides of the road began to glow orange again and people began to walk the streets. This may have been a custom of their's, that when a patrol is sent out to keep activity in the headquarters as low as possible until their return. Clint had been hoisted up onto the Second Head's left shoulder, courteous enough to not drag him across raw wooden planks as they made their way to the main body of the Headquarters. A set of guards exited the guard post to greet the returning guardsmen and the Nobles that accompanied them.

The Head spoke to the approaching guards. "Take these men--" Then making motion for the nearing group behind him. "And the two women to a place of comfort. They have traveled quite a ways to get here to speak with Lord Gyosei." One of the guards posed question about the limp body on the Second Head's shoulders. Shrugging the body off his shoulder and into his raised forearm; quite impressive strength, he turned the body over to them. "Toss this one in a jail cell." Two of the guards took prompt initiative to carry Clint back to the main body of the Headquarters, into their barracks then down a few flight of stairs into a dungeon of sorts. Here only the light of a sole lantern kept the dark from consuming all sight. The bars to keep any prisoners lined across half the room with a rectangle space in the close-knit vertical pattern to allow entry and exiting. In the prisoner's section of this 'area' were tall, heavy rods of wood; 4 in total. It was here that Clint would be tied to one, hands bound behind him on the opposite side of the rod by rope and left until later. One guard of the two guards remained with Clint taking a seat on the stairs to keep an eye on him. "Arms of metal." He spoke while chewing on a strip of sugar cane in almost disbelief of such a thing could exist or was even possible!

The remainder of the group were properly escorted to a visitation area for those of high importance. Sure some of the rooms were currently occupied by the officials here to regard the aforementioned Conference, but there were enough rooms to accommodate. Escorted by the Head and Second personally; the rookies had been dismissed, Crow and Aearion were situated together and Takurasho and Aranel were situated together which were rooms side by side. "Our deepest apologies for the lack of space and not able to provide you with rooms of your own." Spoke the Head in a knelt posture almost seeking a deep respect in abidance to the letter he still held under his vest with the Second knelt beside him head in bow just the same. "We have had a lack of space recently due to an increase of activity. I hope this is to your liking and suitable needs." The two awaited in knelt form to be dismissed by the assumed Nobles.

Back in the Conference Room...

It had been declared. The war with the southern country will be in the works. The mysterious individual with the straw hat spoke not a word more for the remainder of the conference until Lord Gyosei was preparing to bring the Conference to a close. Seated beside Zaida once again never minding her quivers of terror; might they be such. "Then might I s---" The hatted individual stood up. "If I may." Gyosei cringed slightly, but permitted. "I would like to bring to light two people from the southern countries. They pose as diplomats seeking their own gain." The door slid open. Two figures stood in the arc. The Gentleman and The Butler. "After you, Sir." Imposed the butler that the Gentleman make entry first. "Well don't mind if I do!" The two mats at the vertical ends of the table were assumed by them. Gyosei stood up in a burst of anger. "What?! How dare you bring people fro--" The Butler raised a finger. "Lord Gyosei, was it? If you do not mind. We are here to make a proposal. Not bicker over subtle novelties you hold 'true' to you." Gyosei was set aback glaring down the hatted individual who remained standing a bit while longer before seating.

The Gentleman refused to acknowledge Zaida's presence, however the Butler did not. Staring upon her with eyes of limitless interest. The Gentleman began to make his proposal; none of the other officials seemed all that bothered by this appearance. "As you all can tell. I am from the southern countries. Needless to say, its a wondrous land of enter chancing and advancing technologies, however! I'm not quite looking for a war here. I have assets I need to protect. You have assets and morals with tradition--" Almost mocking Gyosei "--that you all need to protect, am I right?" Without waiting for a response the jolly male stood. "So why don't we turn our weapons elsewhere, hm? T'would be better to be allies then foes. In fact. We no so little about the Western and Eastern lands!" For anyone who knew what was being said, it was interesting indeed but...

Gyosei swiped a hand across and roared. "NO!!" The Butler's gaze still did not break from Zaida. "How do we know you are not trying to weaken our defenses by sending our warriors into unknown territory to face who-knows-what and leave our flanks open for an assault by YOU!" Gyosei stood with ambition and a closed fist. After his massive uproar it was almost as though a hush had come over the entire fortress for a short time. The Gentleman snickered. "So let me get this straight Lord Gyosei. You would rather have what could potentially be fatal to us all remained untamed?" Gyosei quickly sputtered. "Have the women leave." It was clear this conversation was about to delve into what should not be heard beyond those of Official ranks. The Butler was quick to stand. "I.." Pausing a moment. "Will escort the ladies to their rooms. I will return shortly." The women who had been seated to quietly this entire time all stood up and took their leave; should Zaida do the same and be escorted to the second level. (For chronological purposes this Escort was only minutes after the rest of the group had been moving to their rooms.)

[If Zaida follows] Outside and down the padded snow paths, The Butler moved along side Zaida. "Your clothes are being moved to your room." He said no more to her, only led her and the other women up the ramp to the second level. Not long after the Head and the Second in charge of the Squad that escorted the bulk of the group would the Butler be seen walking down the corridor with the women and Zaida at his side toward the four. "It seems your friends have arrived just in time." The Butler did not move further allowing Zaida to move on ahead without him to return to her friends. He just stood there, watching.



A Map of the Fortress to help with visuals. ]]

So we know everyone's positioning thus far as per the Map. Zaida is being held in the North-eastern building which is where the conference and other officials are as well. Clint is in the south-eastern building with the yellow roofing which are the Barracks and Holding cells. Takurasho, Aranel, Crow and Aearion are in the second level east building. I'll admit I got a smidge lazy on this post so pardon any lackluster. ))

Stirred by the pain in his leg, blurry vision and piercing agony met him in his hazy daze of first morning's grogginess. He loosed a sigh of discontent to his current whereabouts. Apparently the good people of this city were not so good to him. Then again, he did try to lie his way into hospitality -- not a wise decision in hindsight, but he'd own it nonetheless. It was not long before Clint had realized his current predicament. A simple rope to bind him by the hands. This was probably these peoples' dumbest move as of yet. He could snip the rope if he wanted, but that was far from his mind right now. His best move would be to call for a guard. If they'd wanted him dead, he'd already be dead. So, he called out for said attendant. At first his voice was raspy and irritated, having not yet cleared his throat. "I'm up, assholes!" his voice boomed throughout the halls so as to not be ignored. He'd threaten annoyance were they to disregard him. "Guards, come quick!"

Clint evaluated his options. As far as he could tell, he had two. Have the guards set his leg for him, or free himself and set it before they came to meet their own untimely fate. It was fortunate for them that this thief was in fact a diplomatic and understanding individual -- at least, for an outlaw. "I'm going to start singing sea shanties if you don't hurry up and get in here... and bring a glass of water!"

Zaida blinked and looked between the speakers as they each took a voice, feigning ignorance. She looked up at Gyosei, trying to follow his lips, trying not to look too disrespectful.

When the Gentleman and the Butler entered the room, she didn't look at them as though she knew them. Instead she tried to hide from the Butler's gaze. Even if she was fully clothed, this part of her would feel uncomfortable. It was even worse being as uncovered as she was.

When the other women got up to leave, she spoke softly, "أنا لا أفهم ما الذي يجري؟ لا أحد يفهمني؟" ((Translation for the butler who I am certain will understand her: I don't understand what is going on? Does anyone understand me?)). She didn't rise, she simply put her ignorance on the table. Thus far no one had heard her speak and she wasn't given any direct orders that couldn't have been inferred. She waited to see if she was removed from the room, rather than getting up herself.

[Conversational Post]

Under the premise that Zaida did not rise he motioned over to her and knelt just aloof to her left so that his voice may only be shared between she and himself. "Miss. I believe it is best that we take our leave from this place." Gyosei eyed the Butler and Zaida under the most extreme scrutiny. The Butler was playing under the foreign impression she gave off, by first speaking the universal tongue then switching his spoken word. "ي من هؤلاء الرجال يتكلمون هذه اللغة، ولكن الحلفاء الخاص بك هنا. أنصح بأن تشاهد لهم." (None of these men speak this tongue, but your allies are here. I advise that you see to them) His hand was placed upon her shoulder in a gesturing request that they remove themselves from the Conference room. "وهناك..--" (There is..---). In the moment that he was about to advise Zaida further, a man had stepped into the room, head bowed through loyalty. "My Lords." It was one of the guards. "There are a group of Nobles from foreign lands that wish audience with you. Additionally there were no survivors nor bodies found near or in the ship except one. A female corpse. We have reason to believe that she may have been deceased maybe even before the ship's crash." Gyosei's sight shifted from Zaida and the Butler to the bearer of this sudden news. He waved a hand that he dismiss himself, but held acknowledgement to this information. "Examine the body, see if there are any clues that tie that woman to our.. guests here." Referring to the Gentleman and The Butler. "Even greater question. Why a sole body found and not dozens or a legion for that matter?" Gyosei stroked his chin as more questions were beginning to develop.