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[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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Dawn came, and they left the inn and the village without further incident. Small mercies, at least. As the morning march went on, the party would see the walls and pagodas of Kugane in the distance grow ever larger, though not without...additions. A pair of black steel Valheimr airships patrolled the airspace around the city at all times, and single airships seemed to transit in and out of the city multiple times per hour. As they drew ever closer, several towers of the same black steel could be seen dotting the city, breaking up the Kugane skyline. 

Some hours later, the party reached the city's grand gates. A platoon of Valheimr soldiers in full armor occupied the entrance, guarding the gates while looking over papers carried by a line of people awaiting entry. 

[b]"Och, going to take more than a minute, kupo."[/b] Goug groused from his position driving the wagon, uncapping a flask as he raised it to his lips. [b]"What's someone supposed to do if they need a kupoin' piss break?"[/b]

As they awaited entry, Izayoi looked to Robin specifically, having plenty of time as the line shuffled along.

[color=#736AFF][b]"For your own sake, do try not to wear that abhorrent outfit within a nation your people called enemy not half a decade ago. Or at least go without the coat."[/b][/color] Her piece said, she resumed her wait, though not without sideeyeing Chisaki once or twice. Katama. Right. Rather convenient to represent a shinobi bloodline when they were supposed to have been wiped out. 

By midday, they'd finally reached the head of the line. The sergeant in charge took one look at the group, shook his head, and gave a tired sigh. 

"Papers, occupation, and intent." He grumbled, most of the other soldiers at the gate looking just as bored as he sounded. Izayoi kept her arms within her cloak, one hand falling to the hit of her sword. If the viera was false, this would be the moment to strike. Though judging by how the platoon acted, they were either marvelous actors or as bored as any other garrison soldier. 

[color=FEF698]"Traveling performers hired by my mistress for a show. And their guards from Blightbeasts of course."[/color] Chisaki interjected smoothly, handing a sheaf of papers over. The sergeant flicked through them briefly with a disinterested eye before handing them back with a nod.

"Mummers and ronin. Fine. Let them pass!" The gate opened, and the garrison on duty stood aside. "Cause no trouble, lest we treat you like a subversive. Or do. Interior garrison gets to have all the excitement..." 

Izayoi waited until they were out of earshot of the guards before looking to the ninja. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"Perhaps you may not be false after all. In this regard, at least. Onward to Ciradyl, as you claim."[/b][/color]

They entered Kugane proper, and Izayoi was hit with a wave of nostalgia. Even with the addition of Valheim in the mix, six years without beholding the capital brought back memories. Chisaki led them through the streets, winding up in what Izayoi remembered to be the merchant's quarter. A small, nondescript house awaited, with stables to the side. Goug parked the wagon and started attending to the chocobos while everyone else was led in. 

The building was modestly furnished, with sparse decorations. But homely enough. Upon being bid to remove their traveling shoes and following Chisaki deeper inside, winding up in a sitting room with cushions, a low table with tea on it, and...

[color=#736AFF][b]"Ciradyl."[/b][/color] Izayoi exhaled, removing her hat. [color=#736AFF][b]"You look...well."[/b][/color] She'd say age had been kind to the Faye, but last she remembered, Ciradyl was only...twenty-seven? Twenty-eight? Of course the years hadn't quite ravaged her yet. She unclipped her cloak, sitting down at the table. [color=#736AFF][b]"Ought I apologize for never having called on you while faking my death?"[/b][/color]