[center]
[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
[/center]

Two full days after the Kirins had arrived at camp, they gathered once more, this time in the clearing that both Izayoi and Galahad had trained in at some point over the past day. Better to have this discussion away from Miina's tribe, given that it both didn't concern them and they weren't concerned by it.

[color=#736AFF][b]"To catch everyone up now that we're all in one place, this appears to be where we are:"[/b][/color] Izayoi spoke first, sitting down on a log as she sharpened her sword. [color=#736AFF][b]"The Grovemasters have proved to be an active impediment to our mission here in Drana Asnaeu. Unfortunately, assassination is off the table for the time being. Both because destabilizing the government here would be practically inviting Valheim to invade successfully, and because we require at least one of them to tell us where the Crystal of Water even is."[/b][/color]

The samurai seemed unhappy at the mention of [i]not[/i] being rid of the Grovemasters, but she continued on.

[color=#736AFF][b]"To sum up the matter, Grovemaster Zacharias, the old man, will likely be our first choice of targets. If anyone has suggestions or objections, now would be the time. Or if the two of you who came up with this would like to elaborate further?"[/b][/color] She finished with a glance towards both Galahad and Esben before Miina's father stepped into the clearing. 

[b]"Not to interrupt,"[/b] Madis interrupted. [b]"But it seems you've a visitor. Someone tracked you down all the way here."[/b]

___

[center][h1][i]One Week Ago...[/i][/h1][/center]
[i]
She'd knelt before Lord Hien within a resistance safehouse in Kugane, awaiting his orders. 

[b]"Chisato, was it?"[/b] The man in question faced a window, his hands clasped behind his back. [b]"I admit, I don't much see the family resemblance."[/b] He chuckled lightly to himself before straightening up, turning to face the shinobi.

[b]"All jokes aside, it's good you've finally returned now. Had you been present before, I would have sent you along with the others, but we can't have it our own way all of the time. In any case, your orders are as follows: infiltrate Drana Asnaeu until you find the group known as the Kirins, with Lady Ciradyl and Ranbu no Izayoi among them. Link up with them and support their efforts in restoring the crystals as best you can."[/b]

What followed was a brief explanation of the group's quest, as well as the vital importance of the Four Crystals in preserving the continent that they'd learned from Cid. 

[b]"Set out as soon as you can once you've made your preparations. Oh, and here."[/b] He fished a sealed scroll out of his robes, passing it to the viera. [b]"A recall request for Lady Ciradyl. There's a situation here that absolutely requires her specific guidance on the matter."[/b]
[/i]
[@VitaVitaAR]