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[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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With a herculean force of effort, Izayoi very calmly resisted the urge to snap at Miina for avoiding the intent of the question. Clearly, Miina was hesitant to return home for some reason. Based on what she'd said before, likely because she hadn't found her brother yet. Still, there was little to be gained from hesitation at this moment.

[color=#736AFF][b]"Miina. If you've a better idea of where we can find shelter nearby without alerting the Dranan authorities, I am sure we would be more than happy to oblige you. That begs the question: do you?"[/b][/color]

That line of argumentation seemed to have Miina give in, and plans were made to set out by the next day. 

___

Fortunately, Miina's tribe hadn't moved much from her last memory of the area, and it only took two days to track them down. Unfortunately, Robin decided to take her leave at this point, leaving the Kirins down yet another party member. Still, there was little that could be done about it now, and they pressed onward. 

The Malina tribe was camped close to a river within the rainforest, the canopy serving as a natural barrier against intruders. Nonetheless, the party was halted at the entrace of the settlement by two scouts on patrol, who instantly recognized Miina and made to call for the chief. 

[b]"Miina!"[/b] An older, redheaded Mystel on the cusp of leaving middle-age pushed his way forward, his eyes confirming his daughter's safety. [b]"You live. Gods be praised. It's been [i]months[/i] since you left on that quest to find that brother of yours."[/b] His gaze spread around. [b]"And I see you've not found him. That does save this reunion from becoming more awkward..."[/b] His gaze fell over Izayoi in the back, and his eyes bulged out as a hand went up to clutch his chest. [b][i]"...Mithra?!"[/i][/b]

Izayoi narrowed her eyes, not liking the implications of this man mistaking her for a name she only vaguely remembered from her youngest years. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"No. As I recall, that was my mother's name. If you would care to, perhaps we would all be better served by a proper explanation. From both of our parties."[/b][/color]

___

They sat in the chieftain's tent, and two expositions later, both the Kirins and Miina's father were more or less caught up on what was going on. Izayoi raised a hand to pinch her brow from where she sat, cross-legged and scowling. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"So. To summarize, you are my mother's younger brother. She eloped with an Osprean tribesman over thirty-five years ago, which would have resulted in my birth, making yourself my uncle and Miina my cousin?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Aye."[/b] The Malina chief, who had introduced himself as Madis, nodded, working through his own thoughts. [b]"In honor of your mother, know that you'll always have a place-"[/b] Izayoi held a hand up to forestall him, her scowl deepening. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"Stop. I have accepted that we are most likely kin in truth. But I am Osprean by birth, blood, and blade. Your offer is kind, but [i]I am not one of you[/i]."[/b][/color] Izayoi rose to her feet, turning her back as she made to leave the tent. [color=#736AFF][b]"Do not let the memory of a woman twenty-five years dead color your perception."[/b][/color]

After a brief moment of awkward silence as Izayoi took her leave, Madis recovered, clearing his throat.

[b]"Yes. Well. In any case, we have no love for the laws of the Grovemasters or any other seated lord in any land. You are free to recover and resupply here so long as you have coin or goods to barter. I doubt the Dranans will find you here, but on the off chance they do, you're free to do as you wish to them so long as my people don't get caught in the crossfire. Am I clear? Good. Miina,"[/b] He looked aside to his daughter, sighing. [b]"We can speak later. Go get cleaned up."[/b]