"Not see many strangers? This place is in the center of the continent; how could the people here [i]not[/i] be used to it?" Liu responded to the girl with a headband, letting out a quick laugh before the realization dawned on him.
"Oh. Now that you mention it, everyone was in a fuss about you. At least, I think it was you." he started, turning towards Torako. "Something about... A tiger lily? I understand absolutely [i]nothing[/i] in regard to that, but that might just be me not spending much time listening in on gossip."

The hushed whispers coming from the crowd around the three, though, began to become a tad annoying. Though he couldn't quite make out what they were saying, the fact that they refused to be open about their conversations just felt... Off. Maybe she really was something unnatural?
...
From the looks of the bowls stacked on the table, at least, that seemed to be true.

"...Wow. You... You certainly do like the food here, don't you? I can barely finish three, much less however many you've managed to complete..."

This girl- Torako?- certainly seemed to defy most common logic, though; walking around with that kind of garment, coupled with that weapon and a seemingly insatiable appetite... Most bandits wouldn't hesitate to try to capture her for ransom, but she... Made it here. With nary a scratch on her, to boot... And it didn't seem like she was traveling with anyone else, either. What [i]was[/i] she, exactly?

Actually, didn't the other girl have a weapon equally as ornate? Was she a companion? No, that one's manner of speech was more hesitant, as if they had just met or something. That wouldn't have been the case otherwise.
The heck was he getting himself wrapped up in?

"Well, it's good for business, at the very least. Though I'm seriously hoping you have the cash to pay for this... Actually, I'm sure you'll be fine."

Liu's words trailed off as a waitress brought the three their food; the girls, their soup, and him, a platter of lightly seared venison with a special herbal blend on top with a bowl of rice on the side. This was what the place was famous for, and by the gods it was worth the price. The gamey aroma wafted around the three, lingering about as Liu savored the smell alone for the moment.

"...Man, it's been a while."

Laughing, Liu took a pair of chopsticks and began to eat. Only here could they obtain those few herbs that made the dish... Well, "pop," so to speak; these mountains were truly nature's blessing.
Not to mention, they were also pretty damn good at warding off illnesses. A win-win, for sure.

"So... Anyways... I've yet to ask; for what reason have you two come here? I've yet to see a wanderer or a merchant that could garner as much attention as you have here, today."