Early afternoon seems like a good time to visit the friends Umeko had made at an elegant house of comfort, what feels like years ago. Guests from the night before likely have gone if they're not still sleeping off hangovers, and visitors coming to be seductively pampered usually come in the evening, so it's relatively quiet when Umeko and her lapi companion see the quaint but immaculately kept facade of the Blushed Pala, its wooden floor being polished by kirigai holding down bundles of rags with their hands and running up and down the length of the deck. The stylized sign above the door identifies the building in Imperial that flows much better than Long Tooth's hanging scroll did, and is accompanied by a pala fruit carved in relief of blonde wood and stained pink.
"It feels like it was a lifetime ago that I first walked here," Umeko admits as she approaches the entrance to the Pala. Her gait is far more measured when she walks in Jadai, than when she was traveling. Each step tries to cover exactly the same distance, her knees bend just so to keep her from bobbing at all, and her tail floats a mere inch above the ground. "But ... it was really less than a year ago now. Now ... I expect you to behave, Xander. Be polite. Do not stare ... and above all, to not touch any of them unless invited. This is not some .. house of ill repute."
The fire mage's face twitches when he gets a glimpse of the interior. Wood.. wood.. and sliding walls made of paper. "It's.. very pretty and flammable looking. I'll be careful not to.. wait, you meant don't touch the servants?"
"Correct," Umeko confirms.
"Why would I.. err.. never mind," Xander says, and folds his ears back and tries not to draw attention.
"Because they are more elegant and beautiful that I am," Umeko answers.
"So.. doubly-beyond-my-class then?" the Lapi asks with a grin.
However, on entering the building, attention is exactly what Xander gets, though it's at least discreet. The house matron is the first to speak however, gliding from where she was standing quietly, the hem of her kimono never seeming to move, her tail behind it kept at a constant curve and height. She's a mix of coppery and bronzy colored, with jet black hair carefully styled back and ornamented in laquered wood and trace gilding, and her garments shine with different qualities and types of zolk woven together into patterns of fruit-bearing trees before distant mountains. Though she looks to most outward signs to be friendly but politely reserved, Madame Mitsuko's eyes are bright when they look upon Umeko. "Lady Tsuguri, the Empire's champion, the jewel of Jadai, and my friend. My heart is warmed to see you well." Two other women flank her, respectfully quiet and nearly invisible in some odd way.
"My dear friend, Mitsuko, the countenance that greets foreigners to our lands; showing them the elegance and culture that we have created and nurtured in this small island. It is very good to see you again. And please, you need not address me so formally. It is good to see you," Umeko replies, her voice softer and more gentle than it was when she spoke with Master Longtooth. Her hands reach out and clasp over Mitsuko's for a moment. "And please, allow me to introduce Mage Xander Lightfoot, my friend and advisor from the outside world. He has had the misfortune of coping with my ... assertiveness and fire. I also would not be all that you claim me to be were he and a few others not by my side through all of it," she adds, her head bobbling to the side slightly to indicate the lapi beside her.
It feels like several of the other women are watching Xander, but any attempt to catch them finds them looking off in some politely deferential direction.
The buck shrinks a bit, feeling like he's being stalked by dangerous predators. He subtly steps a little closer to Umeko.
"Pleased to meet you, ma'am," Xander all but whispers and bows his head to Mitsuko.
It can't be seen so etiquette is respected, but Mitsuko gives Umeko's hands a warm squeeze within her volumnous silk sleeves. "Your beauty and grace is flawless, just as it was when you first crossed our threshhold, Umeko. Thank you for paying us a visit. None of the girls have forgotten you, you were very inspiring. Nothing like that dreadful altercation has happened between that day your return." Her head smoothly turns when Xander is introduced, and her hands return to her sleeves, the matron bowing to a respectful depth. "It is our honor to receive a personage as prestigious as a mage in the service of Tsuguri Clan to our humble and unworthy sanctuary, Master Xander Lightfoot. Please be welcome here, and do not hesitate to call upon the hospitality of any of us."
While she's saying this, somehow two kirigai women have gotten behind Xander and slipped his arms halfway into the sleeves of a luxurious zolk kimono before he realizes they're there.
"I am overjoyed to hear that no further insults to the honor and sanctity of your house have occurred since that day," Umeko says as she releases her hands and draws them back, only to conceal them within the folds of her sleeves. "And as for paying you a visit, it is an honor for me to do so. I have never forgotten you or the girls whom serve you and your house. It is for you and all of Jadai that put me upon the road that has taken me to the Beast Lands and beyond. There were many times everything felt impossible, but I always thought back to what I was fighting for. It was those memories that gave me the strength and inspiration for the speech I gave to the Imperial army just before the assault on the brigands and their Warlord. But ... that can all be spoken of later. How are you doing, dear Mitsuko? How are your girls? Is there anything you would wish to ask of me? I may not be on the island long, but I will always do what I can while I am here."
The Lapi freezes and holds his breath while he's... robed? "Ninjas! Ninja dragons! What do I do if they want to accessorize me next?" he silently frets.
"What I would wish of you and have no place to ask is that you would please allow us to serve and entertain you and your guest within my private courtyard and spring. I reserve it for only the most important of visitors. We can converse most comfortably there." Mitsuko's conservative smile widens just a little, eyes still shining. She seems to measure the time she spends looking at each of her guests precisely, weighted more to Umeko. "The girls and I have been well, and would be thrilled if you would regale us of your travels and events current for you, over tea and delicacies."
Xander ears perk up a bit at the promise of a spring. He's had pretty good experiences with springs after all.. not counting that one time in Olympia..
With Xander conveniently frozen, the two kirigai dressing him slip into his field of view, expertly tying his obi and neatly arranging the neck of his kimono. Both of them, one of a rich amber color with hair a darker shade and tinged slightly red, the other the color of burnished steel with white locks, are very careful not to touch him anywhere else, but they're not shy about getting close, efficiently circling him to straighten the fit of the robe to perfect comfort and nearly brushing him as they do. Their earfans carry faint perfume, one of a kind of spice, the other fragrance possibly even imported from Abu Dhabi.
"I would be honored to relax in your private courtyard," Umeko says as her head rolls slightly, bowing to the other Kiriga in appreciation. "As for telling our tales, all of them are open to you. They carry many stories of terror and difficulty, as well as moments where much seemed lost. And yet, they also bring with them tales of new friends and learning of new cultures; all quite different from our own. And ... well, the rest will wait until we are at the spring."
The rabbit feels a bit swoony. Xander never believed the claims that reptiles could hypnotize their prey.. so therefore he must not be their prey, because he's feeling fairly entranced right now. "Shiny.." he mutters.
"Please, this way," murmurs Mitsuko, who pivots smoothly and trails fine zolk and a tidily held tail deeper into the establishment, two younger kirigai girls opening the screens for her, and not remembering their manners quite as well in looking at their visitors with open curiosity. Umeko and Xander are already through when they hear a very light 'thwap' and one of the younger girls whispering, "Ow! Heyyy." The Madame guides them through winding halls at sharp right angles, open screens looking out into sun drenched courtyards holding painstakingly dwarfed trees, plants with large, colorful blooms, and cushions. A couple even have guests, who don't notice the procession pass, as raptly focused as they are on their hostesses. Even a year later, Umeko can remember the familiar layout once she's been led further in, all traces of the fight having long since been healed over, down to the tiniest scratch in the floor. Paper screens painted with kirigai warriors, fanciful creens, and nature scenes lead up t
to a bend that Umeko recalls turns toward Mitsuko's private chambers. They must be adjascent, as the Madame opens the screen in front of her and leads her guests into a slightly larger but much more richly ornamented courtyard. Pivoting wooden sections look like they might be able to pivot into place over the whole area, allowing use of this sanctum in rain or shine.
"They make me feel more important than I probably am," Umeko finds herself thinking, though she's also smiling, "But, if I am also an inspiration, then it is worth it. Maybe that is what a hero is, someone that the tales paint as larger than life in order to inspire the next generation." She soon shakes those thoughts off as she focuses on their walk, the memories flooding back into her mind; she could have died here a year ago. But ... she did not and the world has changed for her. "Forgive me, Mitsuko, but I do not remember if I ever asked this of you. Do you have a family beyond those who serve you here?" she asks quietly as she takes in the private courtyard.
"Wow," Xander notes, and even whistles a bit. "This place is amazing."
Somehow, the place has already been prepared by the time the honored guests have arrived. Three kiriga are already sitting on a small, dark hardwood stage in robes that seem to gather around them in large pools of silk. Each plays soft, meandering music, one on a violin-like instrument, another plucking strings laid before her with a wide wooden pick, and a third playing a wandering melody on a warm toned wooden flute. The central area is something like an island surrounded by a 'moat' of hot mineral water, wide enough and deep enough to soak in should the desire be there, but for now just steaming and carrying scents from flower petals sprinkled in. Mitsuko subtly makes it apparent that the gold zolk cushion before the table is for her, with Mitsuko sitting across, while Xander is escorted to another, slightly thicker cushion for a foreigner that might not be used to so much kneeling, seated at the low table between the two most prominent females present. "Oh no, Umeko-chan," says the matron, a little
more informal here. "The girls are my daughters, no matter where they come from, and I am content with this."
Xander takes a few moments to get comfortable on the cushion, finally crossing his legs so they are hidden beneath his kimono. He takes a few deep breaths of the fragrant air, and then goes mostly still - except for the constant nose-twitching.
Umeko flows down onto her cushion like so much melting gold; her legs disappearing into her robes as they fold up for her to kneel on. Her long tail snakes around her, curling about her. Her hands lower and rest lightly in her lap as she looks about the garden. Her head cranes for a moment, listening to the music, then a delicate sniff of the air follows to take in the scents of the steaming spring. "Then that is perhaps something we share in common. I too have a tendency to take in others and protect them, to giving them a purpose and path," she explains in her soft voice. "And it also reminds me of a favor I wished to ask of you. There is a young mage studying on Caroban. Her name is Rin, she is of our people and her family has fallen into difficult days. Should she ever get the chance to return home for a time, I would be honored if she would be allowed to stay here if she finds herself needing of a place. I believe she is one of two remaining daughters of an old clan, the Minami. I coul
I could not help myself and I have taken it as a task upon myself to help her and her sister if I can."
The Lapi's eyes drift a bit, to watch the musicians. He tries not to think of them bathing in the hot spring.. but it isn't easy. So many colors!
A procession of laquered trays borne by multicolored dragonlings in even more colorful clothing winds its way around the guests and their hostess. Despite mentioning them, Mitsuko doesn't even seem to notice her girls at work, and the girls themselves have a bizarrely effective way of moving around almost unnoticed despite being dressed in startlingly rich colors. It's almost like being entertained in a very comfortable kaleidoscope. Mitsuko will lift an open hand, and one of the staff seems to know what's supposed to go in it at any given time, this time a glazed ceramic teapot. Plates of sesame cake, balls of sweet rice wrapped around fresh pieces of cucumber with seaweed, pala fruit in transparent-thin slices over baked crackers, and other treats appear just past Xander's elbows whenever he's not looking. For Umeko it's fresh cubes of fish and tender crustacean meat cooked in rice wine with pala fruit cut into blossom shapes around them. Mitsuko seems to be pouring the teapot before there are any te
teacups on the table, and ceramic cups are placed down just in time to catch hot green tea. "I would be happy to give them refuge, Umeko. Would you want them in guest suites, or did you want me to train them? How did you come across these Minami girls?"
"It's like Enchanted Cuisine.. if it was run by mind-readers," Xander muses quietly, and suppresses the urge to spin around and try to spot the attendants. He nibbles happily on a sesame cake, pleased that there's food he can eat here.
"We were attending Xander's Master's ceremony on Caroban. There was a tale of another young sword-bearing kirigai woman and as we are fairly rare, I investigated. It is there I met Ren, the sister of the one I heard tale of. She is a couple years younger than I and studying to be a water mage. Her sister, Rin, is paying for her education by serving as a guard for hire," Umeko explains. There she pauses to sample, then savor, one of the small cubes of fish. "I only ask they be allowed to stay as simple guests, should the chance arrive. I know Ren would offer to pay you somehow and I am fairly sure Rin would as well. They are ... nearly pure silver with onyx manes and speckles of copper that trail down their spines. Quite beautiful. Their mother died some years past and their father was lost to the sea. They have no other family. Rin has taken it upon herself to protect her sister and provide for her. And I ... well, I never had any sisters. So I wish to help both of them if I can. Ren see
Ren seems to have much potential ... and I may find a kindred spirit in Rin. I have many friends ... but there are few who understand me. Sorry, Xander."
"I know what makes you purr," Xander notes with a smile. "So.. I understand that much at least!"
There's a polite and musical giggling from the kirigai arrayed in a semi-circle behind Xander.
"Ahem," Umeko says softly and busies herself with her tea.
Xander wonders what would happen if he turned and winked to the kirigai behind him.. but he's pretty sure it would just get him into trouble!
"Rin," muses Mitsuko thoughtfully, setting down the teapot and only lifting her cup when Umeko reaches for hers. "'Cold', like steel. Strong and dauntless as well, and silver as a mirror with grains of copper and hair of jet. I can see why you would seek her, Umeko. I think I remember her."
Umeko blinks once at that. "You have met her?" she asks as she holds her cup in both hands.
The temptation to wink at one of the hostesses isn't made any easier. A moment's distraction finds Xander's left hand suddenly resting in the lap of the amber one, his wrist held gently but securely. Her other hand has curled the lapi's fingers in so she can clean his claws and buff them with a stiff bristled brush. The pressure actually feels nice, somehow.
While the Lapi tries to keep still, all of that tension ends up in his ears, which go through a series of semaphores. If they try to wash his feet, he'll probably pass out.
"I think they might be who you're describing," Mitsuko answers, nodding slowly. "I can't be sure, but individuals like this are somewhat rare, so it would seem like an unusual coincidence. I remember two young girls some years ago, silver and speckled like you described... they were unusual because they were poor but they were still polished. It's not unheard of for noble scales to appear in lower classes, but it is unusual for them to spend on clay even when times are hard. They were young and dressed shabbily, but bright as a mastersmith's blades. I tried to offer to train them and give them a place, and I think the gentler one was interested, but the other wanted to make her own way, and I respected that. I think they lived on the southern side of the island... that would be consistant with the name of Minami.""
Umeko's head bobs. "That is likely them. They are of a noble line, but their family fell out of favor with the Empire," she explains, pausing to savor her tea. "Rin, from what Ren told me, insisted that they maintain their scales, even though it cost them much. She wished to keep what little aspects of her family that she could manage. Now she serves as a skilled guard to pay for Ren's schooling, taking on dangerous tasks. She is currently in the area of the Dragon's Tears, I believe. There was much likelyhood my own family would have gone a similar path in time, had I not had a few moments of chance, faithful allies, and a stubborn streak that drives Xander crazy. In any event, their tale has impressed me. As I am now establishing a small estate near Viper's hold, I would have need of skilled warriors; and who better than another kiriga? She would understand me. And as for a water mage ... well, you never quite know when one may be needed." There is another long pause as she drinks from he
There is another long pause as she drinks from her ceramic cup. "Or it may just be that I feel ... lonely and seek to expand my family in a way," she admits.
"You must go through a lot of clay here at the Pala," Xander comments. "Everyone is so beautifully polished.."
Mitsuko drinks at the same time Umeko does, and lowers her cup a second before her guest so she can answer, inclining her head in something like a nod. "I see. Perhaps destiny was meant to bring them to bigger things than my humble house could offer, both joyful and sorrowful. And perhaps your destinies are intertwined. I hope you can find them, Umeko. Should they return here, I will be more than happy to have them as guests for as long as they might need."
The matron turns to smile warmly at Xander, polite but still approachable. "We do indeed, Master Lightfoot. We believe in the utmost of care and presentation for ourselves, and as much for our guests as they would wish for." What might be the steel kiriga adds in a voice kept soft to avoid talking over the conversation, "Your own coat is beautiful in its own way, Master Lightfoot." He can feel his ears being gently pulled back, a comb with fine, rounded tips to the teeth drawing over them. There's a cool tingly feeling to the skin beneath, and the scent of mint oil.
"Your house is a jewel of Jadai," Umeko says a light smile playing on her lips. "And you do not give yourself enough credit, dear friend. Were I to fall upon hard times, I would be honored to join your house as one of its servants," she claims. "Even though I fear I lack the delicate poise that all of them carry," she adds, eyes crinkling slightly in amusement.
The buck makes a happy muttering sound and closes his eyes as his ears are groomed. "I should learn your techniques so I can better tend to Umeko's upkeep..."
The matron's eyes also brighten with mirth, the tuft of her tailtip doing a little circle in the naga way of laughter. "I dare say, if it weren't such a drop in station for you, I could make you the next matron of this house."
"Would you like to learn, Master Lightfoot?" asks the amber kiriga, taking his other hand to manicure now. "We could show him, if it pleases. We have everything to teach here. Clay, buffing cloth, scales, oil..."
"In truth, after having walked the battle fields and stayed nights in the medical tents to show respect to the wounded, it is hard to think of anything as a drop in station," Umeko admits as she sets her cup down for a moment. "The outside world opened my eyes in many ways. I have even danced with the spotted cats of the deserts and grasslands."
Xander licks his lips at the offer, and glances at Umeko. "Do you think I need to improve my grooming skills for you, Lady Tsuguri?" he asks politely.
"Everyone needs improvement, Mage Lightfoot, myself included. You should never stop growing and learning," Umeko answers politely. "I would be honored if Mitsuko would teach me a little while I am here as well. As I will be dealing with more courtly situations I expect, I could certainly hone my own manners and poise. That is, if she would be willing to teach me as if I were one of her own?"
Mitsuko smiles and dips her head forward a little. "I would be only too happy to pass on whatever knowledge my lady might find useful. Would you like to stay through the evening or night? I trust my eldest hostesses with the care of our other cherished guests."
"I'd need to send a message to Nawar to let her know we won't be returning tonight," Xander says. "Unless I should have her come here instead, and learn as well?"
"I can send word to the estate to let them know we will be staying the night ... and ask that they send Nawar here. Proper traning is a reason they will understand and not take offense at," Umeko says and bobs her head slightly. "It will, of course, mean I must extend my stay on Jadai a couple days more than I had planned to still spend time with them, but that is fine. I simply cannot pass up the chance to learn ... as well as watch my friend Xander not twitch himself apart." That last bit even comes with a musical giggle not unlike the other kiriga made a bit earlier.
The other women join Umeko in something like a mirth-chorus.
The Lapi just smiles all cute and innocent like, and plots where to cast his Warmth cantrips on Umeko..
Umeko curls her fingers, gesturing to the burnished-steel kiriga. "Will you bring me some parchment, ink powder, and a brush, please? I will craft a letter to my estate," she requests politely and with a small smile. Her attention then easily shifts back to Mitsuko as she says, "And now, dear friend, we are both in your hands. I only pray you do not live to regret it," she adds, her tone and smile taking a small edge of playfulness. "But, until the lessons begin, I think I shall take more time to enjjoy this lovely meal and tea ... and tell you everything that happened the last time I left this beautiful house until my recent return..."
Logfile from Envoy. (OOC) Log start: d:\logs\2011-5-28_visit_to_the_pala.htmlEarly afternoon seems like a good time to visit the friends Umeko had made at an elegant house of comfort, what feels like years ago. Guests from the night before likely have gone if they're not still sleeping off hangovers, and visitors coming to be seductively pampered usually come in the evening, so it's relatively quiet when Umeko and her lapi companion see the quaint but immaculately kept facade of the Blushed Pala, its wooden floor being polished by kirigai holding down bundles of rags with their hands and running up and down the length of the deck. The stylized sign above the door identifies the building in Imperial that flows much better than Long Tooth's hanging scroll did, and is accompanied by a pala fruit carved in relief of blonde wood and stained pink.
"It feels like it was a lifetime ago that I first walked here," Umeko admits as she approaches the entrance to the Pala. Her gait is far more measured when she walks in Jadai, than when she was traveling. Each step tries to cover exactly the same distance, her knees bend just so to keep her from bobbing at all, and her tail floats a mere inch above the ground. "But ... it was really less than a year ago now. Now ... I expect you to behave, Xander. Be polite. Do not stare ... and above all, to not touch any of them unless invited. This is not some .. house of ill repute."
The fire mage's face twitches when he gets a glimpse of the interior. Wood.. wood.. and sliding walls made of paper. "It's.. very pretty and flammable looking. I'll be careful not to.. wait, you meant don't touch the servants?"
"Correct," Umeko confirms.
"Why would I.. err.. never mind," Xander says, and folds his ears back and tries not to draw attention.
"Because they are more elegant and beautiful that I am," Umeko answers.
"So.. doubly-beyond-my-class then?" the Lapi asks with a grin.
However, on entering the building, attention is exactly what Xander gets, though it's at least discreet. The house matron is the first to speak however, gliding from where she was standing quietly, the hem of her kimono never seeming to move, her tail behind it kept at a constant curve and height. She's a mix of coppery and bronzy colored, with jet black hair carefully styled back and ornamented in laquered wood and trace gilding, and her garments shine with different qualities and types of zolk woven together into patterns of fruit-bearing trees before distant mountains. Though she looks to most outward signs to be friendly but politely reserved, Madame Mitsuko's eyes are bright when they look upon Umeko. "Lady Tsuguri, the Empire's champion, the jewel of Jadai, and my friend. My heart is warmed to see you well." Two other women flank her, respectfully quiet and nearly invisible in some odd way.
"My dear friend, Mitsuko, the countenance that greets foreigners to our lands; showing them the elegance and culture that we have created and nurtured in this small island. It is very good to see you again. And please, you need not address me so formally. It is good to see you," Umeko replies, her voice softer and more gentle than it was when she spoke with Master Longtooth. Her hands reach out and clasp over Mitsuko's for a moment. "And please, allow me to introduce Mage Xander Lightfoot, my friend and advisor from the outside world. He has had the misfortune of coping with my ... assertiveness and fire. I also would not be all that you claim me to be were he and a few others not by my side through all of it," she adds, her head bobbling to the side slightly to indicate the lapi beside her.
It feels like several of the other women are watching Xander, but any attempt to catch them finds them looking off in some politely deferential direction.
The buck shrinks a bit, feeling like he's being stalked by dangerous predators. He subtly steps a little closer to Umeko.
"Pleased to meet you, ma'am," Xander all but whispers and bows his head to Mitsuko.
It can't be seen so etiquette is respected, but Mitsuko gives Umeko's hands a warm squeeze within her volumnous silk sleeves. "Your beauty and grace is flawless, just as it was when you first crossed our threshhold, Umeko. Thank you for paying us a visit. None of the girls have forgotten you, you were very inspiring. Nothing like that dreadful altercation has happened between that day your return." Her head smoothly turns when Xander is introduced, and her hands return to her sleeves, the matron bowing to a respectful depth. "It is our honor to receive a personage as prestigious as a mage in the service of Tsuguri Clan to our humble and unworthy sanctuary, Master Xander Lightfoot. Please be welcome here, and do not hesitate to call upon the hospitality of any of us."
While she's saying this, somehow two kirigai women have gotten behind Xander and slipped his arms halfway into the sleeves of a luxurious zolk kimono before he realizes they're there.
"I am overjoyed to hear that no further insults to the honor and sanctity of your house have occurred since that day," Umeko says as she releases her hands and draws them back, only to conceal them within the folds of her sleeves. "And as for paying you a visit, it is an honor for me to do so. I have never forgotten you or the girls whom serve you and your house. It is for you and all of Jadai that put me upon the road that has taken me to the Beast Lands and beyond. There were many times everything felt impossible, but I always thought back to what I was fighting for. It was those memories that gave me the strength and inspiration for the speech I gave to the Imperial army just before the assault on the brigands and their Warlord. But ... that can all be spoken of later. How are you doing, dear Mitsuko? How are your girls? Is there anything you would wish to ask of me? I may not be on the island long, but I will always do what I can while I am here."
The Lapi freezes and holds his breath while he's... robed? "Ninjas! Ninja dragons! What do I do if they want to accessorize me next?" he silently frets.
"What I would wish of you and have no place to ask is that you would please allow us to serve and entertain you and your guest within my private courtyard and spring. I reserve it for only the most important of visitors. We can converse most comfortably there." Mitsuko's conservative smile widens just a little, eyes still shining. She seems to measure the time she spends looking at each of her guests precisely, weighted more to Umeko. "The girls and I have been well, and would be thrilled if you would regale us of your travels and events current for you, over tea and delicacies."
Xander ears perk up a bit at the promise of a spring. He's had pretty good experiences with springs after all.. not counting that one time in Olympia..
With Xander conveniently frozen, the two kirigai dressing him slip into his field of view, expertly tying his obi and neatly arranging the neck of his kimono. Both of them, one of a rich amber color with hair a darker shade and tinged slightly red, the other the color of burnished steel with white locks, are very careful not to touch him anywhere else, but they're not shy about getting close, efficiently circling him to straighten the fit of the robe to perfect comfort and nearly brushing him as they do. Their earfans carry faint perfume, one of a kind of spice, the other fragrance possibly even imported from Abu Dhabi.
"I would be honored to relax in your private courtyard," Umeko says as her head rolls slightly, bowing to the other Kiriga in appreciation. "As for telling our tales, all of them are open to you. They carry many stories of terror and difficulty, as well as moments where much seemed lost. And yet, they also bring with them tales of new friends and learning of new cultures; all quite different from our own. And ... well, the rest will wait until we are at the spring."
The rabbit feels a bit swoony. Xander never believed the claims that reptiles could hypnotize their prey.. so therefore he must not be their prey, because he's feeling fairly entranced right now. "Shiny.." he mutters.
"Please, this way," murmurs Mitsuko, who pivots smoothly and trails fine zolk and a tidily held tail deeper into the establishment, two younger kirigai girls opening the screens for her, and not remembering their manners quite as well in looking at their visitors with open curiosity. Umeko and Xander are already through when they hear a very light 'thwap' and one of the younger girls whispering, "Ow! Heyyy." The Madame guides them through winding halls at sharp right angles, open screens looking out into sun drenched courtyards holding painstakingly dwarfed trees, plants with large, colorful blooms, and cushions. A couple even have guests, who don't notice the procession pass, as raptly focused as they are on their hostesses. Even a year later, Umeko can remember the familiar layout once she's been led further in, all traces of the fight having long since been healed over, down to the tiniest scratch in the floor. Paper screens painted with kirigai warriors, fanciful creens, and nature scenes lead up t
to a bend that Umeko recalls turns toward Mitsuko's private chambers. They must be adjascent, as the Madame opens the screen in front of her and leads her guests into a slightly larger but much more richly ornamented courtyard. Pivoting wooden sections look like they might be able to pivot into place over the whole area, allowing use of this sanctum in rain or shine.
"They make me feel more important than I probably am," Umeko finds herself thinking, though she's also smiling, "But, if I am also an inspiration, then it is worth it. Maybe that is what a hero is, someone that the tales paint as larger than life in order to inspire the next generation." She soon shakes those thoughts off as she focuses on their walk, the memories flooding back into her mind; she could have died here a year ago. But ... she did not and the world has changed for her. "Forgive me, Mitsuko, but I do not remember if I ever asked this of you. Do you have a family beyond those who serve you here?" she asks quietly as she takes in the private courtyard.
"Wow," Xander notes, and even whistles a bit. "This place is amazing."
Somehow, the place has already been prepared by the time the honored guests have arrived. Three kiriga are already sitting on a small, dark hardwood stage in robes that seem to gather around them in large pools of silk. Each plays soft, meandering music, one on a violin-like instrument, another plucking strings laid before her with a wide wooden pick, and a third playing a wandering melody on a warm toned wooden flute. The central area is something like an island surrounded by a 'moat' of hot mineral water, wide enough and deep enough to soak in should the desire be there, but for now just steaming and carrying scents from flower petals sprinkled in. Mitsuko subtly makes it apparent that the gold zolk cushion before the table is for her, with Mitsuko sitting across, while Xander is escorted to another, slightly thicker cushion for a foreigner that might not be used to so much kneeling, seated at the low table between the two most prominent females present. "Oh no, Umeko-chan," says the matron, a little
more informal here. "The girls are my daughters, no matter where they come from, and I am content with this."
Xander takes a few moments to get comfortable on the cushion, finally crossing his legs so they are hidden beneath his kimono. He takes a few deep breaths of the fragrant air, and then goes mostly still - except for the constant nose-twitching.
Umeko flows down onto her cushion like so much melting gold; her legs disappearing into her robes as they fold up for her to kneel on. Her long tail snakes around her, curling about her. Her hands lower and rest lightly in her lap as she looks about the garden. Her head cranes for a moment, listening to the music, then a delicate sniff of the air follows to take in the scents of the steaming spring. "Then that is perhaps something we share in common. I too have a tendency to take in others and protect them, to giving them a purpose and path," she explains in her soft voice. "And it also reminds me of a favor I wished to ask of you. There is a young mage studying on Caroban. Her name is Rin, she is of our people and her family has fallen into difficult days. Should she ever get the chance to return home for a time, I would be honored if she would be allowed to stay here if she finds herself needing of a place. I believe she is one of two remaining daughters of an old clan, the Minami. I coul
I could not help myself and I have taken it as a task upon myself to help her and her sister if I can."
The Lapi's eyes drift a bit, to watch the musicians. He tries not to think of them bathing in the hot spring.. but it isn't easy. So many colors!
A procession of laquered trays borne by multicolored dragonlings in even more colorful clothing winds its way around the guests and their hostess. Despite mentioning them, Mitsuko doesn't even seem to notice her girls at work, and the girls themselves have a bizarrely effective way of moving around almost unnoticed despite being dressed in startlingly rich colors. It's almost like being entertained in a very comfortable kaleidoscope. Mitsuko will lift an open hand, and one of the staff seems to know what's supposed to go in it at any given time, this time a glazed ceramic teapot. Plates of sesame cake, balls of sweet rice wrapped around fresh pieces of cucumber with seaweed, pala fruit in transparent-thin slices over baked crackers, and other treats appear just past Xander's elbows whenever he's not looking. For Umeko it's fresh cubes of fish and tender crustacean meat cooked in rice wine with pala fruit cut into blossom shapes around them. Mitsuko seems to be pouring the teapot before there are any te
teacups on the table, and ceramic cups are placed down just in time to catch hot green tea. "I would be happy to give them refuge, Umeko. Would you want them in guest suites, or did you want me to train them? How did you come across these Minami girls?"
"It's like Enchanted Cuisine.. if it was run by mind-readers," Xander muses quietly, and suppresses the urge to spin around and try to spot the attendants. He nibbles happily on a sesame cake, pleased that there's food he can eat here.
"We were attending Xander's Master's ceremony on Caroban. There was a tale of another young sword-bearing kirigai woman and as we are fairly rare, I investigated. It is there I met Ren, the sister of the one I heard tale of. She is a couple years younger than I and studying to be a water mage. Her sister, Rin, is paying for her education by serving as a guard for hire," Umeko explains. There she pauses to sample, then savor, one of the small cubes of fish. "I only ask they be allowed to stay as simple guests, should the chance arrive. I know Ren would offer to pay you somehow and I am fairly sure Rin would as well. They are ... nearly pure silver with onyx manes and speckles of copper that trail down their spines. Quite beautiful. Their mother died some years past and their father was lost to the sea. They have no other family. Rin has taken it upon herself to protect her sister and provide for her. And I ... well, I never had any sisters. So I wish to help both of them if I can. Ren see
Ren seems to have much potential ... and I may find a kindred spirit in Rin. I have many friends ... but there are few who understand me. Sorry, Xander."
"I know what makes you purr," Xander notes with a smile. "So.. I understand that much at least!"
There's a polite and musical giggling from the kirigai arrayed in a semi-circle behind Xander.
"Ahem," Umeko says softly and busies herself with her tea.
Xander wonders what would happen if he turned and winked to the kirigai behind him.. but he's pretty sure it would just get him into trouble!
"Rin," muses Mitsuko thoughtfully, setting down the teapot and only lifting her cup when Umeko reaches for hers. "'Cold', like steel. Strong and dauntless as well, and silver as a mirror with grains of copper and hair of jet. I can see why you would seek her, Umeko. I think I remember her."
Umeko blinks once at that. "You have met her?" she asks as she holds her cup in both hands.
The temptation to wink at one of the hostesses isn't made any easier. A moment's distraction finds Xander's left hand suddenly resting in the lap of the amber one, his wrist held gently but securely. Her other hand has curled the lapi's fingers in so she can clean his claws and buff them with a stiff bristled brush. The pressure actually feels nice, somehow.
While the Lapi tries to keep still, all of that tension ends up in his ears, which go through a series of semaphores. If they try to wash his feet, he'll probably pass out.
"I think they might be who you're describing," Mitsuko answers, nodding slowly. "I can't be sure, but individuals like this are somewhat rare, so it would seem like an unusual coincidence. I remember two young girls some years ago, silver and speckled like you described... they were unusual because they were poor but they were still polished. It's not unheard of for noble scales to appear in lower classes, but it is unusual for them to spend on clay even when times are hard. They were young and dressed shabbily, but bright as a mastersmith's blades. I tried to offer to train them and give them a place, and I think the gentler one was interested, but the other wanted to make her own way, and I respected that. I think they lived on the southern side of the island... that would be consistant with the name of Minami.""
Umeko's head bobs. "That is likely them. They are of a noble line, but their family fell out of favor with the Empire," she explains, pausing to savor her tea. "Rin, from what Ren told me, insisted that they maintain their scales, even though it cost them much. She wished to keep what little aspects of her family that she could manage. Now she serves as a skilled guard to pay for Ren's schooling, taking on dangerous tasks. She is currently in the area of the Dragon's Tears, I believe. There was much likelyhood my own family would have gone a similar path in time, had I not had a few moments of chance, faithful allies, and a stubborn streak that drives Xander crazy. In any event, their tale has impressed me. As I am now establishing a small estate near Viper's hold, I would have need of skilled warriors; and who better than another kiriga? She would understand me. And as for a water mage ... well, you never quite know when one may be needed." There is another long pause as she drinks from he
There is another long pause as she drinks from her ceramic cup. "Or it may just be that I feel ... lonely and seek to expand my family in a way," she admits.
"You must go through a lot of clay here at the Pala," Xander comments. "Everyone is so beautifully polished.."
Mitsuko drinks at the same time Umeko does, and lowers her cup a second before her guest so she can answer, inclining her head in something like a nod. "I see. Perhaps destiny was meant to bring them to bigger things than my humble house could offer, both joyful and sorrowful. And perhaps your destinies are intertwined. I hope you can find them, Umeko. Should they return here, I will be more than happy to have them as guests for as long as they might need."
The matron turns to smile warmly at Xander, polite but still approachable. "We do indeed, Master Lightfoot. We believe in the utmost of care and presentation for ourselves, and as much for our guests as they would wish for." What might be the steel kiriga adds in a voice kept soft to avoid talking over the conversation, "Your own coat is beautiful in its own way, Master Lightfoot." He can feel his ears being gently pulled back, a comb with fine, rounded tips to the teeth drawing over them. There's a cool tingly feeling to the skin beneath, and the scent of mint oil.
"Your house is a jewel of Jadai," Umeko says a light smile playing on her lips. "And you do not give yourself enough credit, dear friend. Were I to fall upon hard times, I would be honored to join your house as one of its servants," she claims. "Even though I fear I lack the delicate poise that all of them carry," she adds, eyes crinkling slightly in amusement.
The buck makes a happy muttering sound and closes his eyes as his ears are groomed. "I should learn your techniques so I can better tend to Umeko's upkeep..."
The matron's eyes also brighten with mirth, the tuft of her tailtip doing a little circle in the naga way of laughter. "I dare say, if it weren't such a drop in station for you, I could make you the next matron of this house."
"Would you like to learn, Master Lightfoot?" asks the amber kiriga, taking his other hand to manicure now. "We could show him, if it pleases. We have everything to teach here. Clay, buffing cloth, scales, oil..."
"In truth, after having walked the battle fields and stayed nights in the medical tents to show respect to the wounded, it is hard to think of anything as a drop in station," Umeko admits as she sets her cup down for a moment. "The outside world opened my eyes in many ways. I have even danced with the spotted cats of the deserts and grasslands."
Xander licks his lips at the offer, and glances at Umeko. "Do you think I need to improve my grooming skills for you, Lady Tsuguri?" he asks politely.
"Everyone needs improvement, Mage Lightfoot, myself included. You should never stop growing and learning," Umeko answers politely. "I would be honored if Mitsuko would teach me a little while I am here as well. As I will be dealing with more courtly situations I expect, I could certainly hone my own manners and poise. That is, if she would be willing to teach me as if I were one of her own?"
Mitsuko smiles and dips her head forward a little. "I would be only too happy to pass on whatever knowledge my lady might find useful. Would you like to stay through the evening or night? I trust my eldest hostesses with the care of our other cherished guests."
"I'd need to send a message to Nawar to let her know we won't be returning tonight," Xander says. "Unless I should have her come here instead, and learn as well?"
"I can send word to the estate to let them know we will be staying the night ... and ask that they send Nawar here. Proper traning is a reason they will understand and not take offense at," Umeko says and bobs her head slightly. "It will, of course, mean I must extend my stay on Jadai a couple days more than I had planned to still spend time with them, but that is fine. I simply cannot pass up the chance to learn ... as well as watch my friend Xander not twitch himself apart." That last bit even comes with a musical giggle not unlike the other kiriga made a bit earlier.
The other women join Umeko in something like a mirth-chorus.
The Lapi just smiles all cute and innocent like, and plots where to cast his Warmth cantrips on Umeko..
Umeko curls her fingers, gesturing to the burnished-steel kiriga. "Will you bring me some parchment, ink powder, and a brush, please? I will craft a letter to my estate," she requests politely and with a small smile. Her attention then easily shifts back to Mitsuko as she says, "And now, dear friend, we are both in your hands. I only pray you do not live to regret it," she adds, her tone and smile taking a small edge of playfulness. "But, until the lessons begin, I think I shall take more time to enjjoy this lovely meal and tea ... and tell you everything that happened the last time I left this beautiful house until my recent return..."