[IC] [Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

[SanaChan]

"Yea," Mary smiled softly before taking a couple steps back, "Alright, time to end the trip down memory lane you guys," she called, waving for them to come on.
Within a couple of minutes, the flowers started to wilt again, Mera and Eryn coming out of them, looking like their normal selves again. Mera didn't really say anything to either of them, Eryn walking a bit quicker, "Ready?" he nodded to them.
"Alright," Mary nodded once Mera was standing next to him. She turned and opened the doors, light flooding the space.

The twins looked at the group as they could feel them returning, "They're back!" they clapped their hands together. Eryn's eyes opened first and he took a deep breath like he'd been holding it before looking over as Mary sat up, holding her head, seeming a little off kilter. Mera opened her eyes after a minute, fixing her cloak so the hood was up. She looked over at Mary, who smiled at her softly, and the relief of seeing her sister okay was a little head to hide. She walked over and sat next to her, Mary giggling at the fact Mera was trying to act all stoic after letting them see what she used to be like.
Eryn looked over at Larel and Hotaru and nodded, "Well, good job you two. Mostly you Larel for restraining yourself against those two while they were defenseless," he motioned to Kaori and Alari, being quite sincere in saying good job.
"He doubted our ability to protect their lifeless bodies," Hotaru gave an annoyed look, "It's not like anything's even coming our way, you little shit."
"I'm older than you."
"Doesn't change anything."
"She's right though," Raina said idly, "There's no sign of any enemies coming this way, which considering what happened last night is a tad bit surprising," she said, turning to face them.
"Or is it really? Regardless of what she had to do to recover afterwards, what Mary did left them quite crippled," Hotaru said, "Almost squashed like bugs. It would take anyone time to recover from that."
"Threat or no, the fact you were willing to stand guard is appreciated," Eryn waved it off, "Even if you were only doing is because of your sense of duty to my sister."
"Which I'm surprised he still has consider-" a branch swung and smack Raina over the head and she glared at Mera, whose face hadn't changed even a fraction of an inch, though Mary covered her mouth trying not to laugh.
"What'd ya see, what'd ya see?" The twins asked excitedly, bolting around the ground and kneeling next to Mary, one hand on each of her arms until they felt Mera and Hotaru's glares digging in to them and they slowly sat back, "We've yet to see how each of the planes affects other people."
"So excuse our enthusiasm."
"Not excused," Hotaru scoffed
"Uh oh, did they call you brutes again?" Eryn put his hand to his chest and she glared daggers at him. He didn't pay it any mind moving behind her and starting to fix her hair, "Don't listen to those ruffians, they just don't understand how there are many various levels of beauty. There's the obvious kind- the ones that are beautiful on the outside, the kind where the beauty is strictly inner, the kind where the beauty comes from their personality and their appearance, and then there's you- that raw kind that acts on instinct and commands respect with strength," he nodded sagely, brushing his fingers through her hair to get out leaves.
"If that's the case why are you constantly grooming me?"
"Because the outer beauty is there too, I just kind of have to find it," he patted her shoulder as she got that look on her face like she was going to punch him. Mera put her hand to her face hearing him and Mary and Raina both started laughing as he completely seemed to miss how deep he managed to dig himself with what he felt was a harmless statement.
"I'm surrounded by idiots," Hotaru hissed a bit as he pulled another twig from her hair

[Mizos]

Alari and Kaori walked into the light before their eyes opened as they found themselves back at the campfire. The two fully regained their composure as Eryn thanked Larel and Hotaru only causing Larel to glance in his direction. He wasn't expecting thanks for his actions but he wasn't exactly going to complain about it. After hearing Hotaru mention that he doubted them being able to protect their bodies Larel's eye twitched as he almost took it as an insult. Protecting Mera came with being her servant, the mere fact that doubt was raised on his ability to do so irritated him.
He calmed down as the conversation continued however, he looked back at the fire before he picked up Raina's words, when he looked over at her she had already stopped talking and he tilted his head missing the branch moving.
When the twins asked about the plane Alari looked over at Kaori, the two shrugged and remained silent deciding to assume they were speaking to someone else. Those weren't their memories so they believed they didn't have the right to share them.
Kaori looked over at Eryn as he spoke of Hotaru and nodded his head in agreement as he crossed his arms, he gave a firm nod at the last part before Alari put a hand on his shoulder.
"Even when your silent you still offend Kaori," Alari said.
"What're you talking about I was quiet. I could have said it's almost like an animal, the instinct part or he may have to dig really deep to find that beauty in that tomb-"
Alari covered Kaori's mouth seeing he had already forgotten that when he spoke of Hotaru he needed to cut himself off at a certain point.
Alari removed his hand and Kaori looked over at him his eyebrows arched as a puzzled expression formed on his face, he was going to have to seriously sit down and fully explain some things to him later. Larel on the other hand just looked at the two completely lost as to what they were talking about, in the end he turned away from it and looked over at Alari.
"Alari Wisdom I believe we had a deal."
Larel stood up at this and fully turned to Alari, Kaori took a few steps away from as Alari as Larel raised a hand and pointed directly at Alari; with an almost inhuman calmness Alari pulled his glasses out and put them back on his face as Larel spoke.
"You have to answer one of my questions," he said a cocky smirk forming on his face. "No running away from this one."
"A deal is a deal," Alari said pushing his glasses up. "Ask away."
"Alright then Alari Wisdom who are you really!"
"Can't answer that," Alari said bluntly.
Larel's froze his smirk vanishing before he shook his head regaining his composure before lowering his hand.
"You said you'd answer my question Alari if I wanted a refusal I'd ask under normal circumstances."
"Yes but I said I would choose, I don't intend on answering at any point in time after this so think of one now," Alari said.
"Alright fine how do you know so much about me?"
"Can't answer that one either."
"What the...seriously....fine...how do you know about Zenmaru?"
Alari shook his head causing Larel to reach up and ruffle his hair, he had to think of a question he couldn't let an opportunity like this pass by, this man was never going to answer his questions again and he knew that.
"How do you know my three sizes?"
Alari adjusted his glasses the glare from the lens covering his eyes as he spoke keeping one finger one the glasses, Kaori made a fist waiting for the answer before Alari spoke.
"If you want to keep what innocence you have don't make me answer that."
Larel actually reeled back a little at his response, he wanted to think he was joking but something in him said Alari was serious.
"Alright...who's the little girl in my dreams then?"
Alari's glare vanished at the question and his eyes narrowed a bit hearing Larel.
"You really want to ask that?"
"Well...I can't think of any others and you know her. I mean the only other one I can think of is what you talked with Mera-sama about earlier."
Alari glasses fell onto his nose as his eyebrows twitched and he quickly pushed them back up, there was no way he could answer that question, it would literally be forfeiting his life in more than one way.
"I'll answer one of the earlier ones," Alari said.
"Oh...well aright then...go ahead," Larel said blinking a few times before staring at him.
Alari brought his hand to his chin as Kaori knelt down next to the fire and put Jin on his lap waiting for Alari to make a decision. Regretfully it was a difficult choice, Alari didn't want to answer any of the questions, two of them were loaded questions and would cause some of the other questions to be answered as well, Larel didn't know that but Alari caught it and he was glad he did. He didn't want to talk about his three sizes with Kaori, Mary and Hotaru around that story wasn't proper for this audience...or any now that he thought about it. He couldn't even answer how he knew so much about him as it answered one of the other questions, that left him with little choice.
"The girl in the flower field," Alari began looking a tad depressed. "She's wearing a kimono standing under a tree correct?"
"That's right, its a field of white flowers and the tree has green leaves, it's warm out and the kimono is red. I can see her smile but I can't see her face."
"Well that girl....is your sister."
Larel's entire body froze as Alari's words reached him, his eyes widened as he stared at Alari in shock, he opened his mouth to speak it taking a moment for the words to come out.
"M-my sister."
"Yes your sister, younger one to be more precise that's who that girl is,"
"I...have a sister."
Larel brought his hand to his mouth as he took the information in, he put on a calm showing but Alari noticed the small smile underneath it, however the smile vanished as soon as it came.
"I'm happy to hear that," Larel said putting his blank face back on. "Thank you for telling me that."
"You're screaming on the inside aren't you," Alari said drooping his eyes and looking at him.
"I didn't ask you," Larel said shrugging. "I may be a little happy but I wouldn't let my emotions control my behavior."
"You're going to celebrate the moment you're alone aren't you," Alari said running his hand through his hair. "No need to hold back little neko."
"I told you I didn't ask you and stop calling me that," Larel said. "Though since you know so much why don't you tell me her name."
"That's another question and furthermore my opinion hasn't changed from back then Larel, I kept my word but my advice is you still forget her. There's a reason you didn't remember her or your promise."
"...I...don't understand,"
"I'll answer it for you one day, but not today," Alari said sitting down next to Kaori. "For now enjoying each others company is most important."
"I can't enjoy anything with you around," Larel said sitting down.
"It wouldn't hurt to try a compliment every now and then Larel, you might find you don't hate me as much as you think."
"A compliment...alright then. You're good at being a horrible person. I envy how you make being a baby killing fiend look so easy."
"....Suppose I forgot the amount of your hate and what is with you and that insult."
"Not an insult if it's true," Larel said taking a bite of his boar.
"No it's an insult," Alari said sighing.

[SanaChan]

Eryn put his hands on his hips hearing Kaori counter his judgment, "There's a difference between instinct and animal behavior. Having such a lack of concern for people's feelings is animal since even a dog knows not to bark at the person who could break its neck," he pointed out, "There's a difference in being occasionally honest when you realize you're more likely to get hit for avoiding a topic rather to blurt out your thoughts without filter," he said and turned back to work on Hotaru's hair again, only to realize she looked like she might skewer them both.
"Touch my hair again and I'll deal with whatever comes from biting your hand off," she muttered and Eryn sighed a bit.
"Oops," he murmured
"There's also a time and a place to converse such ideas, regardless of how rude they may be to other people," Mera chided both of them, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything," she said as Hotaru got up and walked over to the edge of the group away from the guys for the most part, "And if you're not sure if it's nice or in general if it's calling someone something that isn't something you'd want to be called yourself, it's best just not to open your mouth."
"You can tell them all day," Raina said from where she was sitting, "Both of them have basically the minds of children as far as I can tell. They only do what has an end result that's beneficial for them, very rarely doing something for others which in the end still benefits them in one way or another, and they do speak without any thought of how it's going to affect the people around them. Good luck ever changing that without them suddenly having a change of heart when they suddenly don't have any other choice unless they want to known forever as being a coward or... the favorite word around here is brute," she muttered.
"Ooooh, they got lectured-"
"Actually I think you two are a part of that too," Mary murmured as they twins started to taunt the others for their misfortune. They looked at each other and pouted before turning on Mera.
"You cheated, but we'll get you yet!" they said, clearly upset the didn't play by their rules.
Mera turned to them and though her eyes were hidden by her hood and her face showed no emotions, they scrambled away, "Call us if you need us!" They chimed and disappeared
Mary just laughed softly, "Never seem to grow up, do they?"
"Considering they've been acting that way since I met them around your age, no, they don't," Mera mumbled, shaking her head. She looked back towards Larel and Alari as they wrapped up their conversation, not having missed that Alari mentioned Larel had a sister, though she was curious as to why he wouldn't share why he didn't want to remember her. She wasn't going to press the matter and rolled her eyes at the baby killer insult again, "I'm just interested to know where it started," she mused aloud.
"Not so sure I am," Raina scoffed

[Mizos]

Kaori scratched his cheek as Eryn spoke to him looking at Alari wanting him to translate what what just said to him, it seemed he got scolded for something. Alari put his hand over his face and let out a long sigh, he wasn't sure how Kaori survived this long on his own. Alari adjusted his glasses only to look at Mera as she spoke to the Eryn and Kaori, he hoped Kaori would understand from Mera's point of view, when he looked over at him he noticed Kaori smiling and leaning from side to side a little bit, Alari questioned if he actually heard anything she just said.
"Mera-dono scolded me....hahaha...."
"Kaori we're going to sit down and have a long talk later. You're going down an dangerous road right now."
Larel was going to have a difficult time looking Kaori in the eyes for a bit, but when Raina spoke he glanced over at her, it seemed the two of them were getting quite an earful, he was glad he decided to just remain silent though he couldn't think anything about Hotaru. Kaori pouted a little bit his shoulders drooping as Raina spoke, he looked at Alari who raised a brow at him.
"It didn't feel good coming from Raina-san,"
"It wasn't supposed to feel good," Alari said shaking his head. "Apologize to Hotaru."
"Sorry Taru-chan," Kaori said looking over at her.
"Why are you the one doing this anyway," Larel said.
"Cause he's Oji-san, being considerate and repr...repra.."
"Reprimanding," Alari said.
"Yeah that is what makes Oji-san Oji-san, he knows because he's old and wise."
Alari adjusted his glasses as Larel held in a chuckle, Alari shook his head realizing that he learned absolutely nothing about any of that. That or he understood and was just ignoring it, but if that was the case he needed to keep a closer eye on him, going off that happy expression on his face he doubted it.
"Still now that I think about it when you scold me it doesn't feel good either," Kaori said nodding. "Because you do it with your glasses on."
Alari decided to casually ignore that last thing and watched the twins running off smiling a little, a part of him believed there was going to be a time when he might have to ask a favor of those two, a part of him worried about it seeing as they seemed to enjoy being tricksters, but he figured their hearts were in the right place.
Alari flexed his hand causing the red key to appear before he grinned a bit and opened his medicine box. He placed it inside figuring it would serve as a good memento and he would take the time to reflect on all that happened later on.
"Well Mera-sama," Larel said hearing her musing. "That goes back to when I first met this abomination of a being. On that battlefield ten years ago."
"Oh yeah I never heard how you met Larel Oji-san," Kaori said. "You always go 'it's not important' and other stuff."
"Well apparently that wasn't when we really met, but it's the first time I became conscious of him...which I consider one of the saddest days of my life."
"I really can't tell whether you speaking like I'm not here or saying that because I am here," Alari said.
"Forget about that Oji-san it's storytime go ahead Larel," Kaori said.
"No go ahead," Alari said holding up a hand. "It's just a collection how many times he's killed me and in what ways."
"Its the only time together I'm proud of," Larel said looking over at him. "Really I could talk about it all day. Got to a point where I couldn't get through my day without seeing you mangled in some way."
"I know you could talk about it forever," Alari said sighing. "You understand that's not a normal relationship...though I suppose neither of us all that normal to begin with."
"Well I suppose I agree with you on that one, you are a pretty messed up person."
"A part of me actually expected that."
"Sorry Mera-sama it seems he doesn't wish to discuss it. Since we're currently talking anyway I'm going to ask you another question."
"....well we don't really talk that often I suppose," Alari said. "Normally anyway it's actually a nice change of pace...okay go ahead and ask. I"ll answer if I can."
"Who's Ai?"
Alari's glasses cracked as his energy flared for a moment, Larel leaned away a bit before Alari reached up and removed them before digging in his kimono for another pair.
"W...where did you hear that name?"
"...you said it...Kaori reminded me of it but I never got an answer to that either."
Alari looked at Kaori who turned his attention fully back to Jin humming to himself, Alari put another pair of glasses on before sighing.
"That Naria person works for her right? She knew more about me than any normal person who is she?"
"...you've possibly shortened the life span of everyone here by saying that name Larel."
"Just tell me Alari, I mean am I going to meet her she seems intent on killing me."
"She's an assassin Larel that's all," Alari said. "The same thing I told you last time."
"I don't think that reaction was from 'an assassin'," Larel said. "Zenmaru said she knew her."
"...of course she did," Alari said bringing his hand to his face. "She shouldn't be able to speak about her....here hold still."
Alari moved over to Larel and with a bit of resistance he finally got him to hold still before putting his hands on his head causing the curse to appear, it flickered as he messed with it.
"Just hold still I'll have this fixed soon," Alari said.
"Do you have to be this close," Larel said glaring at him.
"It's not going to take long, it might have weakened a little when I ended up in your shadow."
Kaori stared at the two of them as he pet Jin who seemed pretty content where he was, a part of him wondered if either of them realized how well they were getting along right now.
"Taru-chan do you wanna pet Jin, he's fluffy," Kaori said holding Jin up. "Here pet him."
"Don't forget he's a fox," Alari said tilting Larel's head a little. "We met when he tried to manipulate my memories. Granted he's a bit more behaved now but just be aware of his nature."
"Jin's adorable Oji-san and he's been nice this whole time."
"He bit me," Larel said glancing over at him.
"Completely well behaved," Kaori said.
"Every time you open your mouth I wanna-"
"Eyes on me Larel," Alari said. "Have to make sure they don't go blank on me."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru looked at the fox before looking at Kaori, giving him a blank but deadly glare, "Stay away from me," she growled at him
Mera sighed, "Children, behave," she murmured lightly, pinching the bridge of her nose, annoyed that not a single thing they said managed to sink in with Kaori. She was wondering if letting Hotaru get her hands on him to pay him back for his insults would be a good idea as to make him understand why calling someone a brute was a bad idea, especially when being strong is the reason for it.
"Hey, Mera?" she looked at Mary as she spoke, "Is it true Hotaru has issues with seeing blood? And not because of her vampirism..."
"It's true, but I'm no longer sure it isn't actually connected to her vampirism. From what Tsuta said that part was just buried inside her somewhere. But because it's been trying to get out for so long, she mistook that overwhelming desire trying to fight out of the depths of her mind as fear," Mera said and Mary made a face that said she clearly didn't like the sounds of that, "I just don't want to see what happens if she gets surrounded by blood again like that. With it forward as it is and with Sybil in her mind, the results could be..."
"Catastrophic," Raina said from where she was sitting, "Damn, you just can't travel with anyone that's at least a little bit close to normal can you?"
"You're no exception," Mera said, "So don't criticize those you don't really have too much of a difference of," she shook her head, taking a deep breath.
"But unlike at least half of this lot," Raina motioned around them, "When I lose my cool, the next four miles won't be affected," she said and Mera glared at her when Mary flinched, "Don't get mad at me, it's true-"
"You do not need to state it in such a fashion," Mera said, "For someone who was just lecturing Kaori about it you seem to have purposefully said that in an attempt to shame those here who cannot control themselves. Speak of it again and I'll let you be the example of what happens when you piss the person you're insulting off," she added sharply and Raina growled at her.
"Dear sisters can we please calm down?" Eryn waved his hands, "Honestly it's a miracle you're both so pretty otherwise you'd have hardly any positive traits to attract men!" he said dramatically.
"At least we have a better shot than you," Raina muttered before a vine grabbed her from behind and threw her hard to the ground below.
"A-ah, Mera, that wasn't necessary," he balked, going to check on Raina who was sitting up, spitting out grass and dirt.
"So you want to go, do you?" Raina growled though Eryn was trying to push her to sit back, trying to get her attention.
"No, not really, mopping the floor with you in front of everyone would just be embarrassing, powers or no," Mera said before looking around, "Someone should make tea," she said as Raina grit her teeth, clenching her fists.

[Mizos]

Kaori let out a weak laugh at Hotaru's response as Jin's ears drooped, he set him back on his lap and pet him with a small sigh telling him it was okay.
Alari continued messing with Larel's seal who had just closed his eyes at this point and was trying to pretend Alari wasn't there. Alari glanced over at Mera and Mary when they spoke but he turned his attention forward again deciding it wouldn't be polite to eavesdrop not that he could at the moment anyway due to the way they were talking.
Larel, Alari and Kaori caught what Raina said and let out small simultaneous sighs, Larel and Alari both looked at Kaori after she said it however causing him to look at the two of them a puzzled look on his face.
"What?" Kaori said.
Alari turned his attention back to Larel who looked back at Alari deciding to ignore Raina's four mile comment, he did smile when she was knocked to the ground while Kaori was smiling at Mera saying his name. Alari stared at the seal not really able to blame Kaori, he enjoyed when she said his name as well but he would have to speak with him about manners in such situations.
When Raina stood up and challenged Mera Larel's eyes immediately shot to her as he waited for any movement on her end, he remained still seeing Eryn holding her back and Alari turned his head towards him.
"She's fine," Alari said as Mera gave her rebuttal. "Kaori would you mind making some tea?"
"Sure Oji-san," Kaori said moving to his medicine box carrying Jin with him. "I just have to make it like last time?"
"I don't have the seeds for Uji tea use the chamomile."
"Where's the chamomile?" Kaori asked opening it.
"Should be below the lavender," Alari said turning Larel's head slightly.
Kaori nodded and grabbed some before he started mixing it, grabbing a gourd filled with water, he removed the plug and stopped as a smell hit his nose.
"Oji-san this isn't the water is it?" Kaori asked.
"Nope sake water should be next to it. Look for the blue string," Alari said glancing over at him before returning to Larel.
"I"m surprised Kaori can actually serve any," Larel mumbled.
"I've been teaching him tea ceremony, he has to know many things including how to make tea to perform it properly."
Larel wanted to go into how much of a waste of time that was on Kaori but he realized that it was distracting him and keeping him mostly quiet so he left it alone.
"How long are you going to touch me?" Larel asked getting steadily more impatient.
"Almost finished," Alari said.
"Is it really that complicated?"
"Well it's an original seal specifically for Zenmaru, there's over five hundred seals on here so it takes-"
"Five hundred seals are on my head right now. You never mentioned that in all the details you shared about this thing."
"Over five hundred and I didn't see why I needed to," Alari responded. "I didn't see it as a matter of extreme importance. They're at full power but Zenmaru's still conscious so it's actually a good thing I'm checking them."
"Wait...you've only removed four of those right?"
"Not really I've only released three and a half when you fought Sybil with Hotaru, Mera and the others back then."
"Tea's done!" Kaori said.
He looked over at Hotaru for a moment but remembering her early glare he looked over at Jin who heated the tea up for him.
"Jin give the tea to Mera and Mary,"Alari said.
"I wanna do that Oji-san, I made it," Kaori said pouting.
Alari looked over at Kaori and adjusted his glasses giving him a look, Kaori pouted and poured the tea into the cups before holding two out towards Jin. A blue flame surrounded Jin before he took Alari's form and after grabbing the cups walked over before holding the tea out for Mera and Mary.
Kaori pouted and set some tea in front of Hotaru before holding some out to Eryn.
"You can have some if you want Raina," Alari said releasing Larel's head. "There's a cup for you on top of my box."
"Are you finally done?" Larel said rubbing his forehead.
"Yeah it should be completely back to normal," Alari said. "See that wasn't so bad was it?"
Alari reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of candy before holding it out towards him, Larel stared at him his eye twitching before Alari put the candy back in his sleeve chuckling a little.
"Old habit," he said moving over to his box.
"Actually now that Eryn mentions it-"
Kaori started to speak but Alari interrupted him as warning signs started blaring at him as he looked at Kaori's face.
"Mera and Raina both have good qualities befitting of both their inner and outer beauty and I'm positive that Eryn when the time comes will encounter a man that makes him happy and treats him well," Alari said. "The same holds true for Mary-chan and Hotaru as well."
"Oh...well yeah," Kaori said taking a sip of his tea. "I was going to say that Oji-san."
Alari knew that but he wasn't going to say it in the manner he meant, it always came out the wrong way. Alari let out a long sigh pouring himself a cup, he rubbed squeezed the bridge of his nose pushing glasses up in the process, he was feeling a little stressed he was looking forward to this tea.
"Here Larel," Alari said handing him one.
Larel took the tea and stared at the liquid, he looked back up at Alari before taking a quick sip. His eyebrows went up as the taste hit him, he didn't detect any trace of poison and it wasn't awful. It was actually pretty good, he took another sip before looking at Kaori.
"Not bad Kaori I actually might hate you a little less now," Larel said smiling a little. "I might have to ask you to make some again."
"Oji-san what should I do Larel's complimenting me," Kaori said looking at Alari blushing a little. "He's showing affection should I return it?"
"Never mind it's back," Larel said his eyebrows furrowing as he took a little sip. "There's actually a little more now."

[SanaChan]

Mera thanked Jin lightly as she took the tea, sipping on it quietly. Mary smiled brightly as she thanked Jin, taking her tea as well, sipping at it, "Ah! Kaori, it's really good!" she nodded after Larel changed his mind about "hating" Kaori a little less.
"Careful Mary," Mera said lightly, "Over praising someone is just a neglectful as under praising them," she murmured.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you made the extra effort to make sure Kaori knew your opinion, even perhaps overstating it to compensate for Larel's decision to dislike Kaori which there's no need to compensate it as I'm sure it hardly affected him seeing as he basically insulted Larel about his comment of asking whether or not he should return the affection or not," Mera explained
"Oh," Mary looked at her tea, "How complicated... It is good though," she added softly before sipping her tea again.
Hotaru sat as she took her tea as well, keeping all comments to herself. It was... fairly tasteless to her at the moment. She could still get the basic hints of the chamomile, but honestly she didn't find any pleasure in drinking tea at the moment. She set the cup back down and looked away as she leaned her chin in to her hand, starting off in to the distance. Mera noted it, but didn't speak out about it, not wanting to add to the growing discomfort she could feel in Hotaru. She acted gruff and tough about it, but Mera definitely could feel that Hotaru was fairly slighted by all the comments on her appearance and demeanor. She was about that age and in a situation that would have anyone questioning their worth, so Mera would be more concerned if she wasn't grumpy about being insulted by a gay man and whatever orientation Kaori actually was. She was having a hard time wrapping her head around that one- though she was certain his preference was women, he just had a high... bar set as to what he considered to be beauty.
Eryn had smiled lightly at Alari's comment, rubbing the back of his head at the thought of actually finding a match, but currently he had to focus on the fact Raina still looked like she might try something with Mera. He sipped at his tea as he glanced between the two sisters. Mera was set on ignoring her, focusing on Mary and Hotaru, but Raina had that look in her eyes that said she wouldn't be satisfied until the end results of the fight had been determined, "Would you stop?" he hissed as he sat next to her, "No one is on top of their game right now and I don't want to be bandaging wounds regardless of who win the fights," he muttered, shaking his head.
Raina glared at him, "Mera can heal her wounds, so you clearly are sure I'll lose," she stood up at that as he tried to grab her without spilling his tea, "If you don't choose to defend yourself, I'll simply have to take pleasure in beating you by default."
"Raina, please," Mary looked at her sister, "This is hardly the time."
"Nonsense," Mary was actually hoping she wouldn't hear Mera say that, but indeed, her eldest sister set her tea down and stood, "We still have a few hours before the sun sets to the point where Hotaru can freely move. This won't take but a few minutes for me to put her in her place, but we should move where your blood won't soil the camp ground and make her life harder," Mera turned and started away from the circle, glancing back at Larel as she walked, "Keep an eye on Mary for me," she said, figuring she should give him something to do so he wouldn't feel the need to step in between her and Raina as they walked out in to the woods.
"And everyone likes to say I act irrationally," Eryn mumbled, shaking his head, but both he and Mary sipped their tea with rather exhausted expressions on their faces, "How many bandages do you have with you? Leaves might have to make do," he looked at Alari, wondering if he had some he could spare. Neither of them had any doubt how the fight would go.
"Best we just wait here. They'll get back before the tea gets cold," Mary murmured, shaking her head, "Hotaru, I bet you and Raina could be good sparring partners, you just can't use fire against her cause that's kinda cheating," she said, giving Hotaru a small smile, though it wasn't acknowledged or returned, "Um... Hotaru?"
"Ta-ru-chan?" Eryn looked over, making sure to enunciate each part of it in sing song, "Why so grim looking?" When she didn't answer, he stood up and walked over, waving his empty hand in front of her face, "Allo?" He jumped then when her eyes darted to his face in an ice cold glare, "Eep!" he accidentally knocked her cup of tea over, but she just gave a short "humph" and looked away again as he put his hand to his chest. He looked down at the tea and frowned, "Sorry, didn't mean to waste the tea..." he murmured, sipping at his own.

[Mizos]

Kaori grinned at receiving the compliment but it immediately faded as Mera revealed he was being over praised, Kaori let out a weak chuckle his shoulders drooping a little as he returned to his tea. Alari remained silent as hearing Mary really thought it was good did perk Kaori back up, Kaori was a simple young man he just had to learn to communicate more effectively. Larel glanced over at Hotaru seeing she was being really quiet, well she had been quiet for a bit now and it was starting to worry him just a little. He wasn't entirely sure what it was but something seemed to be on her mind.
Larel and Alari looked over at Raina and Mera as they picked up their conversation, Alari watched as Eryn and Mary tried to stop the fight offering a small smile for the attempt at least before they went off to settle their 'business; Larel nodded at Mera's order but he would have preferred to make sure no harm befell her, he was positive Mera would be fine but he didn't even like the idea of a single wound being placed upon his master.
Kaori seemed focused on his tea his mind drifting back and forth between multiple things, he did look over when they walked off but his attention was elsewhere at the moment and he returned to his tea.
"Don't see why she couldn't just let it go," Larel said taking a sip of his tea.
Alari and Kaori both looked at Larel hearing his words, he looked back between the two of them as they stared at him with blank faces,
"What?" he said narrowing his eyes at them.
The two returned to their tea saying nothing, Larel looked at the two once more before shrugging, Alari didn't have the heart to say it and Kaori didn't want to get cut into pieces for saying anything.
"I believe I have some bandages in here," Alari said moving over to his medicine box and digging inside of it. "I make sure to carry extra just in case."
He took some out and handed some to Jin who had returned to his normal form, Jin took hold of the bandages with his tail and ran over to Eryn before setting them down near him and running back to Alari.
Larel stood up deciding to trust Mary's words at their swift return, he watched as Alari moved over and grab the spilled cup before returning to his seat, he cleaned the dirt off it before putting it back in the medicine box.
"It's quite alright," Alari said looking over at Eryn. "It was an accident after all I believe Hotaru may have been finished anyway."
Larel walked over and plopped down next to Hotaru which caused Kaori to move a little further away as Larel finished his tea and set it down.
"Hotaru is there anything you want to do when we reach the next town," Larel said resting his arm on his knee. "They'll probably have a few games of Shogi or Go set up, I could show you how to play if you don't already know. They probably have some dice games too but you have to pay money for those."
Kaori turned his attention away from Larel and over to Alari as he noticed him pull out his small book and start writing in it once more, Jin had retreated into Alari's kimono possibly to nap and since Larel had pulled his attention away from him he was going to continue where he left off.
"Oji-san are you writing about Larel again?" Kaori asked which made Alari stop writing and look up at him.
"Not exactly I suppose I'm chronicling history," Alari said.
"Why?"
"Well there are many that have done so before but they lived normal life spans, I have a few centuries under me so I can give a wider chronicle, their works shouldn't be ignored either I'd recommend reading one at some point Kaori. They outline the good and bad which is necessary in history."
"I think I'm alright Oji-san," Kaori said. "Now you say a few centuries but..."
"Don't say it," Alari said turning the page. "Besides there's a possibility Mary may be older than I am so you'd be insulting her if you finished that sentence."
"Yeah but Mary-chan doesn't look like an Oji-san though."
"How do I look like an Oji-san," Alari said pointing at himself.
"You're face isn't an Oji-san but your mind is an Oji-san and the way your carry yourself."
Alari sighed and returned to his writing deciding not to dispute it, the fact he was willing to let it go showed a maturity that only served the point which seemed to depress him a little but he decided to just let it go.

[SanaChan]

Hotaru was still in her thoughts when Larel came over and sat down next to her. She shrugged a bit when he asked her if there was something she wanted to do, "I wouldn't mind learning a new game," she murmured, nodding, "Or rather relearning an old one. My father taught me Go when I was younger but I haven't played since before they were killed," she took a deep breath, "I don't remember the rules at all," she added before hearing the conversation between Alari and Kaori. She shook her head a bit at the fact Alari couldn't beat Kaori's logic, but Mary just smiled softly, giving a small laugh, not admitting to whether she was possibly older than him or not, especially since she didn't know how old he was.
After a few more minutes, Mera came back, dusting off her cloak, a vine moving behind her, dragging Raina back and dumping her next to Eryn, passed out, looking in rather bad condition.
"You could have gone a little easy on her Eryn said, pulling a handkerchief and starting to clean her up so he could locate all of her wounds.
"Nonsense," Mera sat back down behind Mary, wrapping a piece of fabric around her knuckles before taking her tea back, "She would have realized and been even more insulted by that than the fact that she lost," she said before taking a sip of it.
"We don't heal, so I have to clean it up," Eryn huffed before a little bush popped up next to him.
"Put those leaves on her wounds before you bandage them up. They'll heal faster," she said simply and Mary gave him an apologetic smile since Mera really wasn't going to apologize for putting Raina in her place. He sighed heavily before getting out his bandages and started to patch his sister up. She looked towards Larel and Hotaru, "Have the two of you decided on what we're going to do?"
"Wait, you were listening to our conversation while you were fighting?" Hotaru looked around and spotted the small fly trap near them.
"Not completely, I stopped when you started talking about when your father taught you the game," Mera said simply, "But regardless, the sun will start down again soon enough, so we can start forwards again when it's down enough that we'll be traveling most in the shadow of the trees. I don't sense anyone coming after us, so they must have decided to go a different route and we can travel a little more easily," she said.
"I don't think I know how to go at a different rate other than running," Hotaru blinked before looking at Larel, "But we should probably go faster anyways so you can spend less time here," she said.
"We've got to find someway to help you with that problem," Mera murmured, giving a slight shake of her head before sipping at her tea again.
"Just as soon as you get over your intimacy issues, right?" Eryn grumbled, a little irritated at his job.
Mera gave him an annoyed look and Mary bit her lip, not wanting Mera to get mad at her for laughing at it.

[Mizos]

Larel smiled a little seeing Hotaru was speaking again at least, he didn't mind re-teaching her of the rules as it had been awhile since he had played himself, however when she mentioned not playing it since her parent dieds his smile shrunk a little as he realized he made have accidentally brought up a bad topic but she seemed okay at least.
"I'm a little rusty myself since I haven't played for a bit so going over the rules will help me too," Larel said.
He looked up seeing Mera return his eyes moving to the unconscious Raina as she was dragged behind, he shrugged his shoulders as he had a feeling it might turn out that way. Under different circumstances he may have felt a bit bad for Raina but since she had instigated it her own actions caused this. Larel looked over at Alari to see him staring at him a strange look in his eyes. It seemed like he wanted to say something to him but instead turned back to his book, he decided not to pursue it and left it alone.
Alari looked over at Mera's hand seeing her wrap it up but he turned his attention to Raina as Eryn started taking care of her, he started to offer his help but when Mera summoned the bush he decided to return to his book.
Larel looked back at Mera as she spoke again about a decision, he reached up and ruffled his hair as he was still thinking about that not really sure which way to go. Larel let out a weak laugh when Hotaru spoke as he couldn't deny he didn't want to be here any longer than he needed too. He agreed with Mera about his fear but he felt he wasn't getting past that anytime soon, just something about forests threw him off.
At the mention of intimacy issues he tilted his head and Kaori stepped in not wanting him to think too hard about this.
"Larel will you teach me Go too?" Kaori asked.
"No," Larel said bluntly.
The speed and lack of any hesitation in Larel's response caused Kaori to hang his head, he sniffled and raised his head looking teary eyed at Alari causing him to flinch. Seeing as Kaori wasn't going to stop looking at him he let out a small sigh and closed his book.
"Why don't I teach you Kaori, though I prefer Shogi personally," Alari said smiling at him.
That seemed to perk Kaori back up and Larel looked over at Alari for a moment his eyes narrowing at him as something pulled at his mind for a moment, he shook his head and looked back over at Mera.
"Well there's that fishing village to the north right why not head there?" Larel said shrugging his shoulders.
Alari reached up and adjusted his glasses at this mention discontent showing on his face for a brief moment at the idea. Kaori arched a brow at it but his facial expression returned to normal causing him to return back to his tea.
"They have Go set up there right Alari?" Larel said looking at over at him.
"Yes but they'd have it in most villages," Alari responded.
"It's close though and I would like to get out of the forest sooner than later," Larel said.
"Well I'm sure there may be other villages around that's just based off my information," Alari said bringing his hand to his chin.
"I'd prefer heading there personally,"
"It's the groups decision not yours."
The two's eyes locked and sparks seemed to form between the two of them as neither wanted to relent, Kaori was surprised to see Alari so fervent on this discussion and Larel didn't seem to be backing down anytime soon.
Alari closed his eyes and squeezed the bridge of his nose, pushing his glasses up in the process seeing the two of them were at a stalemate when it came to this.
"Why don't we let the others decide, you and I clearly have different ideas about this," Alari said. "I'll go with whatever everyone chooses."
"...fine, Hotaru, M-M-Mary-san, Mera-sama and Eryn can decide," Larel said crossing his arms. "I can respect their decision."
"It seems like you had a bit of trouble with Mary-chan there Larel," Kaori said smiling.
"It's just a hard name to say," Larel said waving his hand.
Kaori laughed a little but he stopped as something clicked at what Larel said.
"Wait a minute what about Raina-san and Me," Kaori said pointing at himself. "You forgot to mention us."
"Raina is unconscious and you don't count," Larel said simply.
"How come I don't count? I have opinions too," Kaori said pushing his fingers together. "Oji-san tell Larel I have opinions."
"Kaori...you're not helping your case," Alari said shaking his head slightly. "That would settle it then, Hotaru, Mera, Mary, Eryn and Kaori you decide our next direction."
"I still say let's head north to the fishing village," Larel mumbled.
"Larel don't force your opinion let's just wait."

[SanaChan]

Mera's brows furrowed as she realized Alari was dead set against that fishing village and she looked at Mary who nodded, "She hasn't got a preference so I'm taking both our votes. Sorry, Larel, but he seems to have something he's quite dead set against running in to at that fishing village and it would be best to avoid any confrontations at this point if there's any kind of forewarning, right?" she gave a small smile, hoping he wouldn't be mad at her since he already didn't seem to like her, "Perhaps for now we should just go to the other village."
"And avoid the smell of fish, that's preferable too," Eryn said simply, "When there's just mountains of fish carcasses as there always are in fishing villages, the smell is absolutely horrible," he made a face thinking abut it, "And you get the stink eye from all the locals."
"You sound quite familiar with the experience," Mera said as she and Mary finished their tea, setting the cups down.
"Well I had to pass through a couple on my pilgrimage," Eryn explained, "They were never happy I was there and I realize my persuasion might have had a lot to do with it considering I was usually wearing a rather... bright color... But honestly the smell, please Larel, don't make us endure that," he clasped his hands together before finishing up Raina's bandages, having to borrow a few from Alari's box, "I will make you whatever dish you can think of in the next village if you do not make me suffer the smell of that many fish," he added.
Hotaru sighed, "Even if I were to say yes to the fishing village, we've been out numbered," she said, shaking her head, "Mera, Mary, Eryn, and Alari are all saying no, and Kaori will be on their side because you scare him and I'm still tempted to skewer him the next time he insults me accidentally or not," she said, motioning in his direction, "We could always split up, but Mary is fond of Alari and Kaori and would go with them to favor Alari's opinion, and Mera is being a mother hen-" a humph from said gypsy- "And wouldn't let her out of her sight and would end up going with them and you don't trust Alari so long as he's breathing and so we would end up going that way anyways," she surmised which caused Eryn to smirk and then frown.
"Hey why doesn't my decision affect anything?" He put his hands on his sides.
"Same reason Kaori's really doesn't."
"That's just rude."
"You've both insulted her countless times today, you expect her to be nice?" Mera raised a brow to which Eryn just pouted, "Anyways, her prediction is about spot on. Unless you plan to contest that, Larel, I'm guess this means we're going to the other village, which honestly is probably a better chance for us to get the right kind of fabric to make Hotaru a new cloak and have better choices in food outside of fish," she said.
"Just more people..." Hotaru mumbled under her breath, pinching the bridge of her nose, but she waited to hear the final decision on the matter, though there wasn't much mystery in it.
"Based on your information, which way would be the quickest way," Mera looked back at Alari, deciding the same conclusion and figured they should figure out what way they were going before they got the camp cleaned up.

[Mizos]

Larel closed his eyes as he heard Mary's response and Alari glanced over in her direction before looking back at Larel who crossed his arms tapping his finger on his arm seeing where their vote was. Larel looked over at Eryn as he spoke lowering his arms and resting it on his knee not too against the idea of getting a cooked meal in the next town, though he wasn't sure how good of a cook he was.
He looked over Hotaru at Hotaru as she spoke, listening to her as she seemed to play out the entire scene of what was going to transpire, and he found that she was absolutely right even Kaori rubbed the back of his head and chuckled a little as he did intend on siding with Alari anyway.
Alari adjusted his glasses hearing Eryn's opinion was equal to that of Kaori's at least in Hotaru's eyes, he felt a little for him. Kaori on the other hand was okay with having a buddy in this situation but didn't say it out loud. Alari looked over at Larel as he brought his hand to his chin hearing Mera's opinion as well, hearing her ask Alari the fastest way there only served as the end to it as well.
"I suppose you have a point Hotaru," Larel said. "Even if I killed Kaori and Alari the decision would still be outnumbered."
"You'd kill me?" Kaori asked leaning back a little.
"I wouldn't kill you over something like that Kaori calm down," Larel said looking at him. "Besides Alari would just come back sad as that is to say so it still wouldn't matter."
Kaori didn't find much comfort in that as that meant he would just kill him over something else but he wasn't going to interrupt with that observation.
"Mera-sama's sister."
"Mary-chan," Kaori said holding up a finger.
".....yes her is voting for the village too and since she has Mera-sama's vote as well that pretty much settles it. Fine the other village it is....I suppose I was mostly just voting it for the wrong reasons anyway. The misery of Alari...well I don't think it was a wrong reason personally but overall I suppose it is."
"...uh...thank you Larel," Alari said. "Thank you to everyone else as well, I apologize for being a bit selfish in terms of our direction. I'll check for the shortest route."
With that Alari opened his book as Larel let out a long sigh before he glanced sideways at Eryn.
"Your food better be delicious Eryn," Larel said before turning back to the fire.
He was silent for a moment before speaking keeping his attention on the flames.
"It's fine by the way...about your choice," he said meaning Mary's decision.
He made no attempt to look directly at her as he said it but he said it loud enough for her to hear it.
"You're so shy Larel," Kaori said smiling a little. "Why not just look at Mary-chan like you do with Mera-dono and Taru-chan."
Larel just closed his eyes at that and decided not to respond to it, Kaori tilted a head a little seeing the response, he started to talk again but Alari spoke up having found his information.
"Northeast would be the fastest," he said closing his book and pointing in the direction. "We'd have to go a little more east as it's further that way than north but heading in that direction will be a good start."
Alari lowered his arm and put his book back in his sleeve before going to answer Kaori seeing he was about to pry again.
"You mind if I answer it Larel?" Alari asked looking over at him.
"Is he going to ask again?"
"Do you think he won't?"
"...true but why's he asking anyway there's thousands of other questions he could be asking right now."
"Do you want him to ask any of them?"
"....go ahead and tell him before I find a reason to kill him again."
"Again?" Kaori questioned arching a brow at him.
Alari nodded and grabbed his tea before looking over at Kaori whose attention moved and fully focused on Alari.
"I'll answer it for you Kaori, hmmm let me see if I can use a comparison. You know what you hate painting."
"Of course," Kaori said nodding. "It's-"
"Don't say it," Alari said holding his hand up. "You know there's a big difference that easily identifiable right? That's how it is for Larel just in terms of people. Like apples and oranges you can see the difference in them at one glance, he can see that difference."
"Ohhhhh so Mary-chan is like a clo-"
"Don't say it," Alari said holding his hand up again. "You are correct though I believe Larel doesn't dislike Mary, right Larel?"
"Really you could ask any question, ask someone else something," Larel said shaking his head and ignoring Alari.
"Well Taru-can's mad at me so I can't ask her anything. Oji-san told me not to ask Mera-dono my questions, he said they were improper. Eryn-san is busy helping Raina-san so I don't wanna bother him and Mary-chan's my dear friend it'd be rude if I pried too much."
"You do know I'm mad at you too right?" Larel said. "Also what does that makes us....you never mind I don't want to know. Why not ask Alari something then?"
"The same reason you don't," Kaori said shrugging. "That glare will show up on his glasses and he'll just dodge it with a decent reason. Go on and try it Larel you know what'll happen."
"That doesn't happen every time," Larel said before looking at Alari. "Alari what's your favorite food? Not that I really care mind you."
Alari adjusted his glasses causing them to glare which made Larel flinch before he responded to him with his trademark smile.
"That seems like an unnecessary question Larel, any kind of nourishment is satisfactory for me besides aren't there more important things to focus on."
"See doesn't even try to hide it," Kaori said shaking his head.
Larel reached up and rubbed his head as the glare on Alari's glasses went away, he really was the only person that Kaori could ask. The realization actually depressed him a little and he sighed before crossing his arms deciding to shove that realization deep into his heart where it could never be found again.

[SanaChan]

Mary looked at Mera , "What kind of paintings does he do?" she asked, wondering what Alari was so desperate to keep Kaori from actually saying what it was he was comparing her to in this scenario, which was wasn't sure she liked not know what she was being compared to.
"Vile art of people in the nude," Mera said and Mary blushed bright red at that and looked at Kaori like she was seeing someone completely different, "The worst part is he keeps wanting to do one of me and I'm almost afraid he'll let his imagination guide him to do so," Mary looked at her, even redder than before "I'd have to kill him for it naturally."
Mary just put her hands to her cheeks, and Hotaru raised a brow at the two of them, "I think Mera filled Mary in on Kaori's art style," she mumbled to Larel, not wanting Kaori in particular to overhear, knowing he would probably try to justify himself and Mary didn't look like her innocent, naive mind could take much more about what he decided he was best at painting. However, when Alari avoided Larel's question about his favorite food, she arched a brow at him.
"What's the point in hiding such a thing?" Mera raised a brow at Alari, "Avoiding that answer is pointless and all you're doing is goading children along in a game that need not be played," she said before standing up, "Is anyone else needing anything before we get started?" she asked, a vine yanking the bandages away from Eryn and quickly finishing it for him, to which he crossed his arms and huffed, "As entertaining as this morning has been, it's time we moved on before we test our luck," she said, putting her hands on her hips as Mary got up, stretching a bit before hanging on to Mera's arm, to which she raised a brow, but didn't protest.
"I guess I get to carry her," Eryn picked Raina up, putting her on his back, "You guys leave me behind and I'll never forgive you," he muttered with a bit of a pout.
"I can carry her if you're just going to whine about it," Mera looked at him
"You're just recovering from yesterday, if you take her I really will just be shamefaced."
Hotaru rolled her eyes before getting up and going over to him and nimbly getting Raina on her back, "There, now both of you can shut up about it."
Mera seemed a little surprised at Hotaru addressing her that way, but attributed it to whatever seemed to be bothering her that morning, whatever it was that her staring off in to space in silent contemplation. She hoped it didn't have anything to do with Sybil. The last thing any of them needed was Sybil actually managing to convince Hotaru of anything and turning her against them. She would have to be attentive to how often this new trait seemed to emerge and see if she could keep an eye on what had happened before that might make her act that way.

[Mizos]

Kaori looked over Mary seeing her turn red before tilting his head, when she looked at him he arched a brow before looking over at Alari wondering if he knew what was going on. Alari shrugged his shoulders at it but he was pretty sure he could guess what Mary was just told especially after that look she had just given Kaori, he decided not to say anything about it. One of the things Kaori was actually proud of was his art and Alari wasn't about to start a conversation that would cause him to go into explicit detail why he painted such things. Alari didn't know and he wasn't curious enough to want to find out either and planned on keeping it that way as long as possible.
Larel glanced over at Hotaru when she told him what Mary just had the pleasure of finding out, he hung his head slightly and put his hand over his face giving a small nod. He didn't say it out loud but he actually felt a little for Mary, personally he just came to hate Kaori more when he found out and sadly that information was something that couldn't be unheard.
Alari looked over at Mera when she spoke to him just smiling and adjusted his glasses without saying anything, mostly because Larel's eyes were locked on him seeing he was engaged in a conversation with Mera again. Alari figured it would be for the best not to answer that question right now and just stood up brushing off his kimono.
"I'm ready to go," Alari said before looking over at Kaori who stood up and nodded.
"We never seem to find hot springs which is a shame I could go for one right now," Kaori said with a little sigh.
"You're going in one alone," Alari said shaking his head.
"That's cruel Oji-san, really cruel," Kaori responded averting his eyes.
Alari wasn't about to fall for something like that but he didn't disagree with him, if there was a moment he was going to check for one in the area on his own time later.
Larel ignored the two of them and stood up grabbing his sword before putting it back on his back. He adjusted it a little before rotating his arm ready to move on away from this forest and everything that dwell within it. Hearing Hotaru words to Eryn and Mera Larel glanced at her but turned his attention back towards the forest, Alari meanwhile watched as Kaori collected his cups and put them back in the medicine box before closing it. Kaori lifted the the medicine box up and put it on his back before walking over to Alari standing next to him.
"I'll return to my duties then," Alari said nodding before taking a few steps back into the shadows of the tree his presence fading, Kaori raised his hand to everyone before stepping into the shadows after him.
Larel admitted that Kaori was good at hiding, he had just watched him walk in there but he couldn't feel a thing from it, that or he just didn't have that much of a presence.
"Well at least I can't see him anymore," Larel said turning back around. "Don't forget Alari, within ten feet of Mera-sama and your head in mine."
Alari walked out of the shadow of a tree fifteen feet away raising his hand to show his distance before stepping back into the shadows.
"Good shall we get going then?" Larel said looking at everyone else.

[SanaChan]

Mera sighed a bit at Larel's threat of space between her and Alari. She rubbed her forehead and Mary frowned a bit and she started to suggest at following back with Alari as she had been before but Mera shook her head when she opened her mouth, "I would like to keep you in sight just a little bit longer," she said, ruffling her hair a bit before stretching her arms over her head, "Let's get going," she said with a nod to Larel since he had asked, "Let's go quickly, but if we reach the edge of the woods before the sun has gone down, we'll have to stop so I can at least give my cloak to Hotaru," she said and Hotaru nodded, not keen on finding out with full exposure and no coverage. Mera took off, Mary only a few steps behind and Eryn right behind. Hotaru trailed after them, not wanting to be the first one to find out the sun was nice and bright by charging out of the trees if she was at the front.
Along the way, Raina woke and was able to run on her own, only planning on following to the next village so she could get her bearings on a direction to leave in. Mera had no objection to it, though Mary wished her sisters could get along just a little better, like they once did when they would play pranks on people because of how much they looked alike. Mera did end up having to give her cloak to Hotaru as at the pace the group usually moved she assumed they would get to the edge right about sundown and Hotaru had had a close call a couple times along the way when there was a sudden opening between the branches that allowed for the sunlight to come through and give her a quick singe.
When they did find their way to the edge of the tree line, Mera stopped, to which Eryn thanked her immensely, not used to running quite so much anymore.
"I suppose it's about time to rest on some of our parts," Mera put her hands on her hips, sighing a bit. She hated not having on her cloak, but Hotaru was holding it close around herself with her back to the sunlight coming right at them, so she would just have to suck it up until they got her a new one. However, not having her arms hidden reminded Mera of her plan to get new tattoos on her hands, which she looked at as she thought about it.
"Hotaru and Larel, if you would like to go on ahead, you can go secure a place for us to stay tonight. Raina and Mary can go along with you so Raina can go away and Mary can start to get some proper sleep," she looked at the two of them, crossing her arms.
Hotaru looked at Larel, wondering what he would want to do. She personally liked the idea of getting out of the sunlight as soon as possible, but she wasn't sure how Larel would like towing Mera's sisters long with them since he had an issue of being in close proximity to Mary.
"I'll stay really far back," Mary said quietly, trying to be helpful.

[Mizos]

Larel followed everyone running slightly behind Hotaru to bring up the rear, he mostly did so to make sure Alari didn't try to break the ten feet rule but since he couldn't see him in the shadows anyway he just trailed behind to watch their backs. Larel remained silent when Raina woke up but worry showed on his face as he noticed Hotaru get hit by the sunlight as they ran. He wondered if he'd be able to do something with his darkness but Zenmaru informed him that wasn't an option and he put the idea aside and focused on keeping up with everyone. Without any conversation going on his thoughts drifted back to his sister, he couldn't help but smile at the idea that he actually had family somewhere. He was still digging for any information in his own skull for her, but the scene was still the same whenever he replayed it, her face was still hidden and he couldn't hear her words.
If he could find out her name then at the very least he could ask about her while they were travelling, he could ask Mera if he could go see her should he find her. Larel knew Alari had her whereabouts, something in him said Alari had the information but he wouldn't share it with him, not when he wanted him to forget her. More than likely he knew Larel wasn't going to stop thinking about it but without any information on her he couldn't really do anything which just irritated him.
When everyone stopped Larel landed a few feet from Hotaru before letting out a small sigh, he wasn't too tired but he didn't pace himself as he followed his thoughts lingering back and forth between his sister and watching their back.
Larel looked over at Mera when she spoke about finding a place to sleep, he flinched a little when Mary's name was said. He closed his eyes at the idea but he couldn't say anything, partially because Mera asked but he'd feel bad singling her out for their walk though he wanted too.
When Mary spoke hearing her made him feel a little low, he averted his gaze and rubbed the back of his neck finding himself in a situation. He didn't want Mary anywhere near him but he couldn't just have her walk behind them at a distance like she had some sort of disease, he'd just feel guilty the entire way there.
"You...don't have to walk that far away," Larel said crossing his arms and closing his eyes. "You are my master's sister, your safety is also important so it'd be problematic if you were too far. Just stay at an arms length and I'll be fine. Oh and avoid looking directly at me for longer than ten seconds, it'd be good if I didn't hear you breathe either so avoid heavy breathing, also please avoid any sign of emotion akin to happiness in my direction as well."
"Just stay near Hotaru or Raina preferably Hotaru and her presence will mitigate the effect you have on Larel Mary," Alari said from within the shadows. "Asking all of that is a bit much don't you think Larel?"
"I almost forgot about you, come out here Alari I need to remind you of something," Larel said looking around.
He jumped as Alari walked out of the shadow directly next to him, he smiled at him his hands in his sleeve as he waited for him to continue.
Larel quickly drew his sword and brought it down towards Alari who quickly raised his hands and slammed them together catching the sword inches from his own face.
"9.5 feet Wisdom," Larel said narrowing his eyes at him before Alari lowered his hands.
Alari looked over at Mera measuring the distance before taking a half step away, once he did Larel sheath his sword before pointing at him.
"Ten feet Wisdom," Larel said lowering his hand. "I don't even want you a quarter of an inch in breaking that or you skull will be on a pike."
He turned towards the village mentally preparing himself for the situation and glanced back at Mera
"We're going ahead then Mera-sama Eryn-san," Larel said. "If Alari even looks in your direction just let me know Mera-sama."
Larel nodded to Hotaru before turning and walking towards the village, he glanced back at Alari who waved to him only to receive a glare in return as he turned his attention forward again.
"Well at least it's only ten feet," Alari said shrugging.
"I sort of envy your optimism Oji-san," Kaori said walking out of the shadows next to him. "At least he said I don't have to stay ten feet away."
"Let's not give Larel a reason to attack you, I'm sure he'll take the opportunity."
"Boo," Kaori said pouting.

[SanaChan]

Mary stared at Larel, restraining her expressions while he mentioned all the things she shouldn't do before looking towards the source of Alari's voice, nodding at his suggestion. She looked at Hotaru who seemed a little uncomfortable, probably from where her arms were healing from earlier. Mary and Eryn both jumped when Larel struck at Alari and Mary paled considerable at the fact he was wiling to attack him over a few inches. Raina rolled her eyes and Mera put her hand to her face, putting her hands on her hips when Larel told her to let him know if Alari looked at her, "I'm so glad we're under the impression I can't handle myself," she said simply.
Hotaru was glad they were going on and Raina came over, both ready to leave. When Larel was ready, they started forward again, Mary sticking in between them to put at least one between her and Larel regardless of what side he was on. She was eager for a chance to sleep and get her mind in proper order. Being stuck in another plane didn't exactly help her out. She would be useless to help if they were to get in to any sort of trouble, her mind too raw to do anything at all.
Once they were on their way, Mera walked over and bent in front of Eryn, "I need new ones," she said, tapping the back of her hand.
"By the goddess, you won't have an inch left of you not covered if you keep it up," He said, "What all do you have left that isn't marked?"
"Plenty."
"The front of your torso is not plenty."
"Is so."
"Are you seriously using that argument?"
"It's my body, I have every right to decide what is plenty and what isn't."
"Alright, alright," Eryn waved his hands, "I certainly don't have what I need to do them now and I'll be lucky if one town has it all, so once I've got it all, you can tell me what it is I'm decorating you with next," he said, sighing a bit as he sat on the ground, "Now give me a chance to get feeling back in my legs. You all run too much."
"You've been lazy too long, little brother," Mera poked his forehead and he dramatically fell back on the ground, to which she rolled eyes and stood up, "You two may go on if you don't want to wait on this lazy sack of bones," she said to Alari and Kaori, "He wants to rest on his laurels while the whole rest of the world has to move on," she sighed, nudging him with her foot, to which he did not respond.

[Mizos]

Larel walked ahead glancing over in Mary's direction judging her distance from him, sad as it was to admit Alari was right he felt more comfortable this way. He wondered if he shoud try to say something to Mary but he feared he'd just end being rude again. He decided to focus on looking for the inn, getting Hotaru inside would be a good idea with the sun still up and Mera said Mary needed to rest.
"Mary...san," Larel said keeping his attention forward. "It doesn't have to be now but I'd like to ask a favor later on, I think getting Hotaru and you inside is important so we'll talk about it later."
Larel kept looking around the village which didn't seem all that large to him, at least compared to the one they just came from. He came to a complete stop as a smell hit his nose and his head quickly turned to find the source. His eyes landed on a small building a few feet away and he found it hard to pull his attention away. Larel would recognize that smell anywhere, there was dango in there and now that he was looking inside he could see people eating udon. His eyes twitched as he felt his hunger starting to surface again, Larel put his hand to his stomach he could hold out just a bit longer after just eating.
"I...may leave after we find the inn," Larel said walking forward again. "Oh there's the inn right there."
He pointed at the building before making his way over to it putting his hands in his sleeves, he couldn't get his mind off the food now which was making it even more difficult to ignore. He did find something else was occupying his mind and he could pursue it at the very least.
"Are you doing alright Hotaru?" Larel asked glancing back at her. "Unless she's been quiet you've probably had to deal with Sybil, if you want to talk about it just say so that's something I didn't have for a bit. Oh and we'll play some Go tonight, it's a good way to keep focus and it's even better under the moonlight."

Alari glanced over at Eryn and Mera seeing her point to the back of her hand, he smiled a little remembering what she had planned to put there. He leaned against a tree and crossed his arms as it seemed Eryn knew how to put tattoo's on Mera. Kaori looked over at Alari seeing his smile and felt like he was missing out on something, he'd normally ask but Kaori knew Alari wouldn't answer it so he just set the medicine box down and took a seat on top of it.
Alari's eyes twitched hearing the front of her torso was mentioned but he adjusted his glasses keeping his eyes closed, there were way too many things on his mind at the moment he needed to regain his focus. Kaori glanced over at him arching a brow seeing Alari look pensive, he'd seen that expression before something was weighing heavily on his mind. When Mera spoke to them Kaori looked over at Alari as he was just going to follow behind him.
"I don't mind waiting," Alari said opening his eyes. "The area's okay thankfully so Larel will be alright on his own for a moment. Besides tonight I'll have to check on a few things so I'd like to enjoy your company for a bit longer since I'll be away for a bit."
Alari looked over at Kaori who blinked as he stared at him, reaching over Alari put his hand on Kaori's head offering a small smile.
"I'll need you to keep an eye on everyone while I'm gone, I won't be gone long but knowing Zenmaru she'll attract trouble sooner or later. You know what to do if something happens."
Kaori lowered his gaze for a moment but nodded and Alari removed his hand, he didn't want to leave Kaori alone but things were too quiet on the youkai side near this village and he had a good feeling why.

[SanaChan]

Mary looked at Larel, really surprised he was addressing her directly, but she nodded, looking back forward again to try and keep him from being uncomfortable because of her. When they reached the village and his attention went to the food scent, both Raina and Mary looked at him, raising their brow/brows at his behavior. They both decided to talk to each other over something as Larel addressed Hotaru, who looked at him, her attention seeming a bit strained, "No, she's not bothering me much, though she has something to say about everything and it's like a child on a trip constantly asking when is it over," she muttered, "Nothing's interested her enough to cause serious problems, though she just says she's waiting for the right opportunity to strike out, whatever the hell that means," she shook her head, then looked around when they walked in to the inn, seeming quite relieved when they were out of the direct sunlight, "And I look forward to the game," she added with a nod to Larel before getting out her coin purse.
She got out a few gold pieces and put them in Larel's hand, "Go get your food. I can handle securing a room. I'll try and get something for us on the first floor," she said before heading over to the counter. Mary came in and stood off to the side so as to not bother Larel, and Raina went with Hotaru to secure her own room, not wanting to be a part of the group if she could avoid it. Hotaru was being sure to get a second room for Alari and Kaori, figuring they weren't going anywhere any time soon.

"Away?" Mera raised a brow at that, "Where are you going this time?" she walked a bit closer to him, "Or am I going to get the same treatment as this one and Larel?" she motioned to Kaori, meaning where Alari avoided the question by giving some obscure answer, "Which I can tell you right now I will not enjoy that kind of response."
"Awww, you want him to be open and honest," Eryn crooned to which she rolled her eyes, though the slight tint of her cheeks betrayed her to be saying yes in response to that, "I bet you were really wondering what the answer to his favorite food was," he sat up, loping over at Alari before looking at Kaori, "Perhaps we should walk a few paces away so the lovers can have their conversation," he said and Mera put her hand to her face.
"Shut up, Eryn, honestly," she mumbled.
"What? Just admit it!" He stood up, dusting himself, "Come, Kaori, you can walk over here with me and tell me what it is you like most about what it is you choose to paint. And don't worry, you shan't get any kind of negative responses. I've been around long enough to know there is a beauty in all varieties of art," he smiled, starting to walk, motioning for Kaori to come with him.
"He seems to believe he's some sort of cupid. I don't know why everyone seems to think I need one," She mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck, shaking her head as she went a couple steps to the side, not wanting make eye contact now that Eryn had gone and created that atmosphere. She could honestly say she wanted straightforward answers from him and was quite tired of whenever he wouldn't give them, but she supposed she would have to get over it. She wasn't expecting her brother to pull that stunt, but he was bored, apparently. Whenever he was bored, he was about as tricky as the twins in doing what he had to do to get what he wanted and he had made it apparent he wanted nothing more than to see Mera end up happy with someone and Alari seemed keenly interested in Mera which tickled him pink. As she said, he was trying to play cupid, to help her get closer to Alari whenever and wherever he could.

[Mizos]

Larel listened to Hotaru bringing a hand to his chin, he was glad at least Sybil wasn't causing too much trouble but the 'strike out' part bothered him a bit. Larel rubbed the side of his head as they walked in the inn a small sigh escaping from him. When Hotaru spoke about the game he offered a small smile as she took out her money, he admitted he felt a bit bad he couldn't pay for the room. It was part of his employment of course but every now and then he wondered if he should return the favor, his thoughts were pulled from the idea when Hotaru handed him the coins. He blinked a few times not sure what it was for until she mentioned the food, his eyes widened as he stared at the money in his hand, he only offered a nod as Hotaru mentioned getting the room. Larel watched Raina leave with Hotaru before he looked over at Mary, just staring at her sent chills up his spine and he ended up averting his eyes.
He knew he couldn't ignore her she was Mera's sister but trying to talk to her wasn't an option either, normally he just wouldn't bother with interacting but Mary was an exception. Larel had a duty to her sister and Mera cared for Mary which meant protecting her was a part of his servitude. In order to do that he had to be able to at least speak with her.
"Mary-san," Larel said looking over at her.
He felt himself pause as that familiar sinking feeling filled him, he took a deep breath glad she kept some distance from him, it definitely made it easier.
"If you feel hungry I'll be at the restaurant, I'll probably buy eight bowls of Yakisoba so I can give you one. I mean I'll have to ask you to sit a table away but I'll share with you. If not Hotaru's taking care of the rooms so just go with her."
Larel turned around and walked out of the inn before heading towards the building sticking the gold coins in his sleeve, once he made it to the building true to his word he ordered eight bowls of yakisoba and five pieces of dango along with some tea. He held onto one of the gold pieces in case he had to go to a blacksmith later before clapping his hands together.
"Thanks for the food," he said picking up one of the bowls and digging in.

Alari looked over at Mera his shoulders drooping a little as she asked where he was going, he kind of hoped she wouldn't touch on that. When she got closer his eyebrows arched but he didn't really have room to back away so he just ended up staring at her remaining motionless. He ran a hand through his hair at the idea of answering in his normal fashion with Mera, he didn't want to but he kept the truth to himself for a reason and he couldn't deny that.
When Eryn spoke Alari's eyes widened a little bit especially seeing the tint on Mera's cheeks, he pushed his glasses up a little ashamed he didn't catch what Mera truly wanted. He crossed his arms at the idea of speaking with her about it not completely against the idea. He did smile when she mentioned Eryn trying to be a cupid, he'd be lying if he didn't appreciate it a little bit.

Kaori followed Eryn his eyes shining at the idea of talking about his art, Alari knew he wouldn't be able to resist talking about that it was something very dear to him after all.
Once they were far enough away Kaori started speaking the excitement clear in his voice, there weren't many people willing to listen so he was glad to have the opportunity.
"I love the natural beauty of the bare body Eryn-san. The slight curves, the movements that seem almost mystical in a sense I never tire of painting it no matter who it is, young, old, male, female, noble, poor each body has it's own style to it that just pulls at me. I mean how can you not see it as beautiful, it takes two people just to make one and some say that higher powers help form them depending on who you ask. I love painting a bare body in any position possible, I believe front is the best but painting from the back can be mysterious yet alluring depending on how you present it. I found my love for it while I was still with my sensei, the natural form of all living things ah just thinking about it makes me happy. One day I'll create a piece that's beauty will cause wars to stop and people to weep in joy at a representation of beauty shown through the body. Nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of, an innocence that pulls at the heart. Even those who sin could look upon the work and see the pureness that lingers deep within them still."

Alari closed his eyes finding his answer before he looked over at Mera, reaching up he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Alari took a look around them glancing in the direction Larel had gone, he was far enough away by now and he didn't see anyone else in the area nor did he sense Zenmaru, he was sure Eryn or Kaori couldn't hear them so with a bit of hesitation he decided to give Mera an answer.
"I'm heading to the fishing village," he said putting his glasses back on. "Ever since I noticed it in the book its been on my mind, and something's been bothering me since it came up. Ai was definitely in the village, I'm positive she's not there now but one of her commanders probably is they're normally right behind her. When I saw Naria some time back I realized she was closer than thought, if her commander locates Larel and Ai finds out about it she'll come for him."
Alari brought a hand to his face at the very idea of it, he closed his eyes hating the possibility of it but it was literally a village away.
"Ai will kill Larel, he won't last three seconds against her," Alari said lowering his hand. "I've spent months just keeping her away from him, we've fought before and I wouldn't walk away unscathed from a fight with her which is inevitable, she views me as an obstacle and the sentiment is shared. I've tried speaking with her but she just attacks me without saying anything. I have to prevent any possibility of her meeting him."
Alari let out a long sigh and squeezed the bridge of his nose, he expected something like this eventually but the timing was worse than he expected.
"That's where I'm going," he said looking over at Mera. "Her men normally move at night so I'll catch them as they're traveling and lead them in the opposite direction of Ai. They'll know Larel is here but it'll buy more time at least and I'll be able to lead them in the wrong direction again, I already have Ai pursuing a ghost of Larel."
Alari let out a long sigh after his explanation and rubbed the back of his head, surprisingly he felt better letting a bit of that out but he knew he couldn't make it a habit.
"Please know that I don't want to keep things from you Mera. I have to keep my promise...but I want to tell you at the same time. Until Larel can open his eyes...I can't speak of anything."
Alari held his wrist with the bracelet his eyes drooping as he stared at it, he needed this constant reminder to do what was necessary and he couldn't allow himself to falter.
"I can't even answer his questions....he knows more about me than he believes," Alari mumbled. "One wrong word and his memory of me might return."
Alari quickly shook his head and slapped his cheeks, he couldn't permit himself to get lost in his thoughts like that he had a job to do.
"I apologize Mera you didn't need to see that," he said rubbing the back of his head. "I haven't allowed myself a moment like that so once it got out I couldn't stop. You must have some kind of spell on me I should be careful might start telling you all my secrets that'd ruin the fun of discovery wouldn't it?