Well, that was a strange situation. Lady Guan Du blinked as she watched Nao leave after a curious manner of dialogue. The other girl then fled in a hurry. Was it something Ru herself said? Or was it something else that caused it? Well at least Nao provided useful information, and said what the mission was, and who was part of it.

Aha! Maybe that was the reason she was being so fretful. Such concern for that noble's daughter was a good thing. Hopefully others would be on call for the heinous killer. But for now, Lady Xiu Ru knew what she needed to do. Glancing upwards she spotted Shurui, the most likely contact Nao spoke of. With a graceful stride, she walked up the stairs and approached the him.

"Pardon me." Guan Du spoke before giving a small curtsey with her fan in hand.  "But if you are willing, I'd like to state my interest in joining you in your mission."

Lady Xiu Ru tilted her head slightly to the right. "Kirin yes? I believe the girl who directed me to you may have taken a head start, so I suppose we should move quickly yes?

@Delta44

Miya was really not liking this wolf spirit. The Oni had to refrain from telling him to meet her outside for a duel to settle this. That wouldn't be good, however. No, her master had taught her better than that. Petty conflicts like this were not one to get worked up over, besides he hadn't insulted her or her honor in any way. Not yet at least, and she'd like to think he wouldn't. So for now, she simply offered a mildly annoyed huff, before turning back to the Neko.

"It is alright, Neko." She replied, following after him. "I can tolerate his presence so long as he doesn't do something dishonorable." Soon enough, the three were at the gate. Honestly, she was getting a bit impatient. She hadn't been on a job in awhile, and she needed some actual practice. Not just practice against a fellow guild member either.

"No," Miya replied to his question. "I'm used to being on the road. I can hunt for food myself and shelter isn't much of a problem either." She conveniently didn't tell them about the flask with her alcohol in it.

@AtomicNut@Delta44

Jin Yeong stood quietly and watched as several displays of personal incompatibility and awkwardness unfolded. Ultimately, what seemed to result was that two groups took charge of all three missions and neither of them had any interest in actively seeking additional companions. This was not good for him.

He was clearly supposed to seek a mission, or a training partner at least, and yet his presence had been almost entirely ignored. Even standing and looking at the missions didn't do much good if you only stand three and a half feet tall. In fact, though he had greeted all of those senior to him, Jin's greetings had only been returned by Honorable Shiro. All of the others had either failed to notice him or ignored him completely, even those who prided themselves on their talent for observation. It was disheartening. There was only one thing to do. He would have to take a less respectable approach if he wished to be noticed.

So, the three foot six inch handsome rabbit with tiger-like eyes walked up the stairs uninvited to stop a step behind the elegant lady. Here he waited for an opening in the exchange between them. Finding one, he bowed to the Honorable Shurui and spoke.

"Pardon the interruption. We have passed each other many times but have yet to be introduced. My name is Jin Yeong Seonu. Might I join the Honorable Shurui on these most recently chosen missions?"

@Blight Bug@Delta44

Shurui wasn't in much of a mood to talk after his latest encounter with Guan Du Xiu Ru, and the fact that Lady Ru came to speak with him a second time further soured his mood. Despite this, he attempts not to show his growing dislike for the woman's presence by engaging in conversation with her, even if he'd tilted his hat so he couldn't see her directly. He knew she wasn't to blame - he himself just held to that specific memory a lot more than one should. And it hurt him. A lot. "Y-yeah... Thing is, she doesn't seem like the kind of girl to run out on her own, so I get the feeling she'll be back soon. Gone to get something, most likely. Could be equipment. Let's just give her some time..." As though to verify this, he shows off his bag, plus one of the knives that he kept on his person.

"And, just so you know..." He pauses. "This mission was picked out by her, not me. Unless you've already spoken to her, I suggest you notify the girl and tell her you wish to join us. Though, considering we'll be meeting up with her regardless, I guess that isn't a problem."

Having put a temporary pause to their conversation, he looks over to the Jade Rabbit, as though to ask what he wanted. Hearing his request, Shurui nods in understanding. "My name is Shurui Seishin - the only ghost... alive?" He couldn't help but chuckle; every time he told that joke it made him chuckle. Humour certainly helped sooth the mind. "As I said to my... friend here, it's the young Nao who will be leading this little expedition. Personally I have no objections to you or Miss Ru joining, and I doubt the girl would disagree, but I've been wrong before. She'll be arriving back at the guild soon, or at least should be, otherwise we'll go out and start the mission, assuming she's done the same. And please, don't call me 'Honorable'. Personally I'm not a big fan of titles anymore."

"Oh, have you never heard of the proper etiquette of waiting to assemble a team before snatching a job on your, own cat? Isn't your folk supposed to be subtle and a bit more of social graces?" Shiro grunted, as he walked towards the exit. "You have so much to learn, in that case. If I really wanted to start a quarrel, I'd not have wasted my time with words... I would have eaten you if there wasn't a rule against eating fellow guildmembers." Shiro said, his eyes narrowing at the cat, like a predator overseeing a prey.

"But of course, no one gets what it wants all the time. Perhaps you oughta think on others before pulling such a stunt again, Nemu. And perhaps, just perhaps you'll remember all this...unpleasantness and don't do it again. Rudeness begets rudeness." Shiro finally said, his eyes and sight darting in each direction, feeling the environment.

It was then when his sight caught attention of something. Letting a predatory smile, he raised his hand to strike, eyes glinting... Only to lightly tap a tree, causing several apples to fall, before deftly picking them up. "Enough wasting energy." He took a bite of one of the apples, and passed several to the others. "Eat up, restraining one's anger and frustration burn through energy quickly, and sweet stuff helps. More so than alcohol." He added, noticing a faint scent of booze on the Oni girl.

Lady Guan Du Xiu Ru twitched a slight bit when she heard Jin Yeong speak. She craned her head back upon hearing the voice, and took a small side-step on the stairs. After all, it would be rude to not allow the small rabbit-man to have a chance to see the person he was talking to. Lady Xiu Ru slowly fanned herself for a small bit, as she returned her attention back to Shurui.

He was currently acknowledging the fact that Nao was probably not heading out to fulfill the mission already. Rather, she was probably going out to get supplies, much like he did earlier. Lady Ru tilted her head to the right and fanned herself once again, before stopping it.

Guan Du glanced towards Shurui and spoke,"Firstly, I would like to say that I did in fact talk to her earlier. She." Lady Ru paused for a moment as she tilted her head, and gingerly pointed her index finger towards Shurui. "Directed me towards you. I presume that means she would be trusting of your judgement call."

Miss Xiu fanned herself once more, before giving off a soft smile. "I am honored, and humbled, that you have no objections." Lady Ru gave a brief bow. Upon finishing this gesture, she glanced down towards Jin Yeong, "I have the supplies that I need for this, however I would like to inquire if you are prepared for this as well?"

She paused for a moment, before holding up her index finger. "And my sincerest apologizes for standing, where I was. I hope I did not cause you any unnecessary troubles. Please forgive me for those actions." And with that, Lady Ru gave a bow towards the rabbit.

"But, if we are all suitably prepared, it would be in our best interests to get a move on then yes?"

Ayane gave a look of dismay when she returned to the assignment board. It seemed another group had already taken the assignment that she wanted. She pushed past the people and stared at the empty space where the invitation to meet a winged lizard had been. "Nooo! Who took it? Nobody asked if I wanted to come..." Her eyes dart left and right, and eventually she saw a cat arguing with her favorite wolf in the world. The cat was holding a paper, so without regard for manners or personal space, she sneaked up behind Nemu and peered over his shoulder, letting out a cry of anguish when she saw that he had indeed taken the assignment she wanted.

"No fair! I was gonna assemble the lizard greeting team! Grumpy Wolf is right, you need better etiquette." Then Ayane looked up at Shiro and gave him a bright smile. "Hiya Grumpy Wolf. Wanna go say hi to the lizard with me? Ooo, Maybe we can have a race! Whoever gets to the lizard first wins a prize. Or should it be whoever convinces him to be branded first?" Her train of thought was completely derailed, though, when she noticed the quiet oni that was standing with them. Ayane didn't remember meeting this person before, or the cat for that matter. She cocked her head and started circling around them, looking them over. "Who are you guys anyway?"

@Rekaigan@AtomicNut@Rune_Alchemist

@Delta44@Blight Bug

Jin Yeong was grateful to the lady for moving, though he was not discomfited by those circumstances which must necessarily arise from his diminutive height. He was pleased to receive a welcome, however half-hearted, and bowed in acceptance. The bow also served to conceal the small signs of his surprise and discomfort at the realization that he would be following one so much younger than he while in the company of one much older. His sensibilities twitched at the impropriety. Yet, the oldest member of the group was accepting of it so he truly had no grounds to object.

"It is rude to address ones elders without honorifics, but if that is your wish than I will endeavor to oblige. I thank you for your graciousness. It is my hope that I may be of use to both my elder and... our leader, the Honorable Nao, on this mission." He said to Shurui with another bow.

With that matter settled, Jin Yeong turned his tiger's gaze on the lady. In spite of her well taught manners and etiquette she had failed to introduce herself. Perhaps it was the result of being startled by his sudden appearance behind her. In any case, as the one who had interrupted their conversation, the rabbit had little cause to be offended. He answered her bow with a shallow one of his own.

"I thank you for your gracious concern, Miss. However, food and medicines will not be anything but plentiful and this spear is all I possess by way of tools for battle. I am prepared as I may be." He spoke evenly and respectfully. She was younger and of uncertain rank or power but she was a fellow member of the guild and, unless the young Nao objected, a teammate on this mission. "Also, please do not be troubled by such a momentary awkwardness. My stature must often produce such situations. And so I am well accustomed to them. I look forward to such refined company as yours on this mission. The arts of elevated discourse are so rarely practiced in this age that discovering one who shares them is both a source of relief and joy."

“Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!!!”

Qing-Li sprinted through the hallways of the Guild, her white socks causing the tawny-haired girl to slip and slide every so often as she made her way towards the mission board. Just a few minutes ago, one of the council members had informed the young girl of recent updates on three missions that were recently posted on the board, and now, she was busting her ass trying to get from one side of the Guild to the other, before any uppity members took on a job without proper information. Finally making it down to the main hall, the martial artist girl turned around, sighed in relief at how it looked like no one had left yet.

Allowing herself a few moments to regain her breath, she removed the rolled up scroll that was tucked in her sleeves and said, “Heyo, anyone taking the Phantom Killer, Reclusive Beast, or the New Neighbour? They’ve been updated with some new news, so yeah, anyone?”

Gods, what if they had already disappeared off in the gates? Did that mean that she had to chase them to the outside of the Guild as well, to whatever random place they decided to start their missions in?

Qing-Li always liked exercise, but that might be a little too much, even for her.

Nao quickly made her way through the forest, grabbing her enchanted flowers for Shurui that she needed and making sure she had her weapon. Oh god... What if they're waiting on me? She kissed her animals and went out of her little hospital rather quickly, nearly falling over many of the branches on the ground before she could realize... that she had magic to levitate herself in these cases.

Still in her second form as she went into the guild, it slowly dispersed, leaving her in her human form once she saw that there was more people than before. Th-three people now? Ok then. She exhaled and walked over to them. “"You guys are joining us?" she asked, quite directly as she looked at the two that had joined their group now. Looking down at the rabbit man, she glared at him before smirking and looking back up at the woman. The smirk was a result of attempting to smile in this form. Honestly, he was simply adorable to Nao. She was much more used to animals after all.

"Ok. That's fine? looking up at Shurui with a questionable look, as if she was asking him if it was ok. After all, she recruited him so he would be considered for many of her decisions. She then bowed a bit and looked at the newcomers who she hadn't actually spoken to before. “"Name is Nao. Nice to meet you." she had no expression on her face as she spoke. Nerves tend to do this to her. After that, she rummaged through her bag and took out her two enchanted flowers and handing it to him. "Here." she said, obviously more tense towards him than before. There were too many people for this form of herself. She wanted to be in the forest right about... now. With that, she looked at him and soon her expressionless face formed a somewhat doleful expression. "Are you alright?" The first sentence that actually sounded correctly formed. Nao could quite obviously see that he had a pained or frustrated look on his face and that didn't make her feel good whatsoever. I wonder what happened..?
@Haeo@Blight Bug@Delta44

---

---

Several sharp blinks brought Ryuki back to the present, and he sighed as he combed a hand through his white mane. It seemed that much of the crowd had dispersed during his lapse in attention, though more jobs had been posted. His eyes narrowed slightly as he skimmed over the two new entries and his expression was rather troubled by the time he finished the last.

While he was far younger than Yan Tzu, Ryuki did know of the venerable dragon and had even spoken with the being before. It was rather troubling to read such news, but the Phantom Killer did hold some of his interest. If the Spirit could not evade his detection than the task would be far easier, and if it somehow could than that was of concern itself. In the end, the death of a few was far outweighed by the destruction Yan Tzu could wrought if the dragon had truly succumbed to some corruption. He knew of the Spirit’s power and had the dragon truly wished to, there would have been no village left standing, much less villagers alive.

It was decided then. He’d accompany those who tried to track the man-eater to see if his abilities were of any help, but his time on the task would be limited. As he looked around to form a group for each task, a sharp and almost panicked voice caught his attention instead. Another unfamiliar individual, quite young, practically slid her way into the hall. It took a while for her to actually speak the news, but Ryuki nodded afterwards and gestured up at the second floor and the group atop the staircase. “I believe they have the Reclusive Beast task.” Fingers ran through his beard as his eyes narrowed in thought before he gestured at the front doors. “The group for New Neighbour has departed already, but hopefully they haven’t gotten far.”

“As for Phantom Killer, it is still unclaimed.” He pointed out with a gesture to the job slip that was still pinned on the notice board. “I do plan to form a group for it if possible.” There weren’t too many members around anymore though, and many of the ones left seemed to shy or flinch when he glanced in their direction. Hardly the most inspiring of first impressions, and one that left him quite dubious.

---

@Ashifili

For the most part as they had moved to the exit, he ignored whatever the wolf had to say, because all he could really hear was 'blah blah manners blah' and really nothing else other than complaints. Nemu did, however, appreciate the apple that was thrown his way, only to drop it when a fox girl cried next to his ear causing him to flinch.

He sighed. More canines, more noisy people. More more more. Please. Do keep them coming. I love this. He thought, the sarcasm strong within him. "I am Nemu." He replied blankly to the overly.. distracted fox girl who had asked them for their name.

"Despite what you're all complaining about, we have a team for this now." He stated with a sly grin. "So without further ado, let's be on our wa- Ah." He cut himself off as he realized something. He didn't know which mountain the Lizard was on.

"Do any of you actually know where this lizard is?" He asked without a shred of shame in his voice. He would consult the little paper which he had now rolled up and wrapped in his tail, but the paper had almost no information on it regarding which mountain this bloody lizard was on.

@Takashi@AtomicNut@Rune_Alchemist

"I am thankful that you have not been wronged by my missteps." spoke Lady Ru, as she glanced down towards Jin. "I shall try to make sure such a situation does not happen again." Guan Du tilted her head slightly to the right as she smiled at the compliment she was given.

"Your words are kind. I am appreciative of them, and that you see me as a refined woman, as it reflects well upon my father and mother, my mentors and all of their teachings, as well as myself. And I agree with your sentiments, as it is comforting to know that such values and customs are still practiced. Alongside that, I also am looking forward to your company."

Miss Xiu Ru finished with a nod. She craned her head as she heard Nao approached. Once again she seemed to have the strange manners. Perhaps she was still worried about the nobleman's daughter. Nao appeared to have little qualms with taking her and Yeong alongside the original member in her task Shurui. After Nao made her introduction, a thought dawned upon her.

Lady Guan Du Xiu Ru turned towards Nao, "I am Guan Du Xiu Ru, please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier." She then turned to Shurui, "I am Guan Du Xiu Ru, please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier.". And then finally to Jin Yeong, "I am Guan Du Xiu Ru, please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier."

Shiro's ears perked up reflexively upon hearing the source of a certain noise coming his way. His senses were fast in the uptake, but not too fast. Before he could realize there was a fox grinning stupidly at him. A goddamn fox. Granted, it was Ayane, and as such he had to try his best to hide his actual dislike and aggression as bay. He miserably failed, as his ears turned downwards, and his lips curled, showing rows of sharp teeth, the half bitten apple in his hand partially squashed.

"My name is Shiro, stupid foxgirl. Get it right." He snarled, almost barking back. It was then when he decided he was fed up, and picking up an apple who had fell, showed it in the vulpine mouth of the loud spirit. Maybe if she chewed the apple she would shut up. And no, this was not definitely because she was a cute female, despite the obvious fox traits.

His head tilted to one side, eyes narrowing on the nekomata. "Well, we would know if we had followed the PROPER PROCEDURE TO SIGN UP for once." He let out, almost opportunistically. He had also forgotten to ask in the heat of the moment, but he deftly juggled his words so he would pretend he had been waiting to lecture the newbies. "Let's go back and sign as a group this time."

@Takashi@Rune_Alchemist@Rekaigan