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

[SanaChan]

When Raina left Mary went to follow Hotaru back to the bedroom, "I... I can help you get an actual person here... I can tell you need it, especially after getting singed," she murmured.
"I would prefer to avoid that if I can-"
"I hate to sound forward, but she has more power and more affect over you when you're weak. Birds blood can't satisfy you in a way that can keep her quiet."
"I keep forgetting you're not actually as young as you look," Hotaru looked at her,a bit annoyed.
"I'll try and find someone low enough on the totem pole to assuage your guilty conscious. But it's better to do this than to lose control either to your needs or to her and creating a massacre," Mary told her before starting back out of the inn as Hotaru unlocked the door to their room. She sighed, rubbing her forehead, opening the door, peeking inside to see where the sunlight was going. She turned her back to the room, sliding in that way since the light was pointed at the doorway. She got in to the corner,holding her cheek since she had singed it when trying to figure out where the light was. She sighed as she sunk in to the corner, pulling the cloak around her, the hood back up, curling up a bit.
What she hadn't said was the constant reminder she had been receiving since the first time she got singed about how weak she really was. How much she allowed her humanity to interfere and if she just gave in, things could be much easier. Though the sun hadn't been kind to Tsuta either, when he was well satisfied, he could be out for a period of time without getting burnt, and he wasn't even on the same level as Hotaru. Sybil kept telling her if she just let it happen, to just give in and drink her true fill, she might be able to stand the daylight for hours.
Hotaru pressed her fingers to her temples, "Be quiet," she hissed, "Just shut up and leave me alone..."

Mary went out in to the street, looking around, taking a deep breath, 'Larel, I hate to bother you and I hope me addressing you this way makes it a little less uncomfortable for you... I think Hotaru's being a little dishonest about what's going on in her head. I'm going to find her someone to help her, but once you finish eating you might want to try and find something you can get to help us keep some on hand,' she sent him as she looked around, but she grabbed her head afterwards, "Too soon..." she grit her teeth, trying to shake off the searing pain in her skull. She sucked in a breath to try and put it in the back of her mind so she could focus on her task at hand. Once she could see straight, she started walking again, heading towards a local pub, figuring she could find a swindler or gambler that wasn't so inebriated that it would affect Hotaru's behavior.

Eryn smiled a bit when Kaori started talking about why he enjoyed his particular art choice and nodded several times throughout, smiling a bit more as he finished, "It's so nice to ear you have such an unshakable passion for your art. Too many times throughout my time have I seen such a blossoming talent get crushed because no one would accept them for their vision," he said, shaking his head, "Even if your choice isn't something most people would publicly be able to admit they enjoy, I'm sure it is a fairly accurate capture of the human form," he nodded. He took a deep breath as he thought about it. It was rather refreshing to see such enthusiasm again and Kaori was rather naive in a way that he could understand why it made Larel uncomfortable. He had to admit that half his comments about Hotaru weren't unintentional, he was usually trying to get her riled up because he just liked to see when people were really animate, really excited about something, even if it because they were angry at him for pointing out the fact she didn't act like the nobility she ought to. He looked back at Kaori as he brought his focus back in again. He put a hand on his shoulder, "People will try and put you down for your passion, because it's not something they're completely comfortable with seeing in public, because they feel it's only something that's supposed to be an intimate scene.... but don't ever let it discourage you. I would hate to see another passionate person lose their spark," he said,shaking his head before crossing his arms and looking towards the village.

Mera looked at Alari when he told her where he was going, actually and obviously surprised he was actually telling her. She didn't seem pleased that he was using himself as bait, "Are you sure you're actually up for that kind of thing? After everything that just happened back there?" She motioned in the general direction they had come from. She held up her hands after she did that, "Sorry... I suppose it doesn't matter, you'll just do it anyways," she murmured, taking a deep breath, putting her hands on her hips, shaking her head a bit. She let out a sigh before she looked back up at him, "I asked for the truth and you gave it, even if you've made it clear I shouldn't always expect that in these situations, but thank you regardless....Is there anything I can do to help make it easier? If that's even possible..." her tone sounded a bit more distant this time as she was doing her best to keep herself from protesting further. Alari wasn't the kind to really hear it out anyways, she'd figured that much out. If he had it in his mind that it was the only way something could be accomplished,there wasn't much that could be done to convince him otherwise, if anything. She couldn't criticize him for it really, since it was practically the same way she acted on a lot of things, but that didn't make it any less irritating, especially since in the very least, she usually made it clear that's what she was doing. She highly doubted he would ever tell her all his secrets, if he would ever actually fully tell her one, "I find it highly unfair you've had such a peek in to my mind and myself and I've yet to truly receive reciprocal information," she said, a little bit more force in her words than she intended, since she was trying not to sound childish since she used the words "unfair," "I'll hold you to eventually telling me something, so don't think you're going to get out of that easy," she pointed at him before lowering her arm.

[Mizos]

Larel was on his last bowl when he heard Mary's voice in his head, he shivered a little but made sure to listen to her message. He wasn't sure how to explain it but he felt like she was right next to him when she spoke to him like this, strangely he didn't mind it otherwise. Larel sighed as that meant he was used to someone speaking in his head but he put that aside and raised his bowl downing it in one go before standing up. He stuffed a dango into his sleeve before walking out the building. Hotaru wasn't telling them everything going on in her head that's what Mary said.
A small sigh escaped from Larel as he walked away making his way to a place where he could find someone the world wouldn't miss, he couldn't blame Hotaru for not telling them everything, until his master came along he never talked about Zenmaru even when she killed someone. Larel shook his head pushing the thought aside, in the end it didn't matter why Hotaru didn't tell him she just needed help so that was enough for him to do something.
Larel stopped in front of a medium sized building, it was one of the few places he hated almost as much as Alari. He could feel a nauseating feeling in his stomach just standing in front of it but he made a fist as he needed to help Hotaru and this place had the information he wanted.
"Alright Larel it's to help Hotaru," Larel said more to himself than out loud. "It's just a building.....with women."
Larel walked into the brothel hesitating for a moment but quickly moving inside changing his appearance back to Mela, once he was fully in he handed his sword to one of the women before heading into the main room, once he was inside a courtesan came to see him, she offered him something to drink but he declined saying he just wanted to get down to business. The courtesan nodded and sat down very formally a few feet in front of him. She gave a deep bow before lifting her head, Larel had to accompany some of his masters into places like this often which is the only reason he could step into it now.
"Feel free to stay at that distance," Larel said holding his hand up.
"A shy one how adorable," the courtesan said smiling.
"I'm just here for business not pleasure," Larel said deciding to ignore her comment.
"Pleasure is my business young master."
Larel's eye twitched seeing that smile on her face, he closed his eyes for a moment before speaking again.
"I'm sure you got a recent...addition to your little family here, I would assume for an unpaid debt from a father or boyfriend. I'd like you give me a name and location of one of them."
The courtesan's smile faded and she gave a small shake of her head before shrugging slightly.
"I'm afraid I can't share our business with strangers," the courtesan said staring at him a dangerous look in her eyes. It was a look he was used too seeing, a silent way of telling him not to pursue the matter any further.
Larel reached in his sleeve and pulled out the gold coin he was going to use for the blacksmith, seeing it the courtesan slowly stood up and against Larel's earlier request walked over to him and took a seat. Larel leaned away slightly as she reached over and took the coin from him before her smile returned.
"We did get a young lady here not too long ago, her father's drinking and gambling habits caught up to him and she ended up in our employ. His name is Kimura and he's more than likely at the pub at this time of the day."
Larel stood up and with a small bow thanked her before going to leave, however as he took a few steps away the courtesan spoke to him.
"Feel free to come by again," she said waving to him.
"Oh trust me I will," Larel said glancing back at her. "Next time I walk in you may want to run."
The courtesan arched a brow as Larel walked away, he grabbed his sword on the way out making a mental note on the location of it. Next time he came back it wouldn't be able to serve as a brothel anymore.
Larel walked outside changing back to his normal appearance before falling to his hands and knees, he let out a very long sigh hating every minute of that situation but courtesans met with all kinds of people, powerful and corrupt sometimes both. He went to them when he needed to find high class target's and it never failed that they had the information, of course a little gold was needed to make them remember.
"Alright...better head to the pub," Larel said standing up and making his way there.

Kaori grinned and clapped his hands together glad someone was willing to listen, when Eryn mentioned getting crushed Kaori brought a hand to his chin. The idea of someone's art being lost because of others actually made his heart hurt, he put his hand over his chest closing his eyes for a moment.
When Eryn spoke to him again he looked over at him and smiled as it was true not many openly liked his artwork, though he did find very few that thanked him for his work, it mostly elders sadly.
Feeling Eryn put a hand on his shoulder his brow arched a little especially at the intimacy part, if it was such a thing then why didn't people want to see it that whole thing bothered him but at the mention of losing his spark Kaori's eyes looked at the ground.
He gripped his kimono with both hands as Eryn looked back at the village, he lifted his head and stared into the forest a distant look in his eyes as he released his grip.
"I won't lose it," Kaori mumbled. "It'd be an insult to my sensei and myself if I stopped now and all the suffering I've endured....I've already lost the person I trusted."
Kaori clenched his fist before letting out a long sigh taking a moment to calm himself before folding his hands behind his back, he would create his masterpiece and when that time came he would show it to his sensei and show him how far he's come along.
"Still I gotta say Eryn-san you seem to able to bring the beauty out of people, well not saying Taru-chan and Mera-dono weren't already but it was impressive."

Alari smiled a little as he listened to Mera, he was still getting used to others being concerned for him and he couldn't say anything at the mention of him doing it anyway. Sadly it was true as he intended on going. He was well aware he wasn't back at full power yet but he didn't have time to hesitate, Alari would do what he needed to make sure Ai and Larel never met, he couldn't risk the consequences that would follow if things went too far.
His eyes widened a little when Mera mentioned helping, he wasn't sure what to say to that so all he could was stare in silence but he did catch that her tone seemed to shift a little as she spoke to him. Alari brought his hand to his chin before leaning back a little catching the 'unfair' that came from Mera deciding not to comment. Alari rubbed the side of his head not exactly able to disagree with her, he had learned more than he could have imagined about Mera, he literally got to see her as a child playing with her siblings, learned about her family and he knew things about her as well. There was still so much he wanted to know but it was true he hadn't shared much about himself.
When she pointed at him he chuckled a little putting his hand over his mouth to try and hide it a bit, once he stopped he removed his glasses and gave a small nod.
"I'll make sure to return the favor," Alari said smiling. "I'll be alright going off and just having someone a little worried is enough. It'll be a good reminder that I shouldn't take unnecessary risks. Ah that's only if I'm not assuming the wrong thing."
Alari messed with his glasses a bit at the idea, it was a strange feeling he didn't want to worry Mera but he was also happy at the possibility, he didn't quite understand it so he decided not to say anymore on it.
"Oh since no one can hear us my favorite food is Miso soup," he said with a small smile. "Its simple but it's good for you and easy to make so I ate it often when I traveled on my own, there's a certain art to it in a way. It's not much but I hope that shows I'll keep my word."

[SanaChan]

Mary was finding containers that might be best to store extra in, figuring it would be better to have something on hand if one of the urges hit. Normal gypsy blood could reverse what a pureblood's venom usually did to their victims, Mera's managed to nullified it, she had no idea what her blood might do her, and Larel might actually get a taste of the enzyme that caused their victims to go weak in the knees, begging for more. She found a good sized gourd, something that wouldn't show off its contents, and started back towards the pub.
They couldn't just use one victim to satisfy Hotaru know and prepare more for later. She had to find another for this and it wasn't going to be easy not to be repulsed. She found a particularly.... lovely gentleman who gave her the kind of looks that made her wonder if his blood would be tainted or not, but he was the easier target to get at the moment.
She started down an alley, reaching in to the sleeve of the cloak. It was Mera's old cloak, so digging around enough turned up a small blade sewn in to the hem of the sleeve. Whenever she reached the end of the alley, the man came up behind her and went to grab her. She made so rue to use Mera's old training advice to him and managed to pull him forward and knocked him out. She glanced around and she hoisted up his arm, opening the gourd.

Eryn chuckled a bit, "It really isn't too hard to do. As you said, they are beautiful, in their own ways, and all I did was find a way to accent what they had. Could you tell Hotaru was nobility for once?" he smirked as he looked over at him, "I tried really hard to give her the nice clothes and then she went and sliced my kimono," he sniffed, crossing his arms, "One day I will find a way to show off some of the best tattoos on Mera, though some of them will only by seen by her one day husband as they were put on by Ferran to hide some damage done to her," he mused, "All but Mary has one or two of those kinds of tattoos on us," he put his hand on his arm as he thought about it, seeming a bit distance for a moment, then shook it off, "But the bush on her back is really the best one she's got. Ferran started it and I finished it. She's got flowers representing different family members," he explained, nodding.

Mera sighed a bit when he mentioned that having someone worried about him would be a good reminder, "Of course I worry about you, you idiot. It's your fault I'm so worried about you," She mumbled, not exactly wanting to admit it, much less to his face, "And I suppose it's a start," she mumbled, meaning him telling her about his favorite food being the soup, "How long am I going to be babysitting that one?" she asked, nodding her head towards Kaori, since Alari had already made it clear that Kaori wasn't a part of this dangerous scheme that seemed like it was the only possible answer in Alari's book. She figured Raina would be gone soon enough, but Eryn would probably wait to find a place where he could take up his business again, and soon enough their numbers would have dwindled back to their original group. She didn't know how long she could keep Mary close, out of harms way... or at least in a way that she could protect her from the harm.

[Mizos]

Larel entered the pub and covered his nose as the smell of sake filled the air along with a few other notable scents, he started feeling lightheaded just from the atmosphere. He walked in deciding to hurry this along before he passed out just from being around so much of it, the place reeked of it and he was surprised it wasn't drifting outside.
Larel realized on the way that he should have asked what Kimura looked like but she probably would have charged him extra for it, with a sigh he took a seat and motioned to a young girl walking around the place. When she walked over she asked what he wanted but shivered as he glared at her, he noticed it and raised his hand slightly as an indication he wasn't going to do anything. It was an instinct when anyone of the female gender got to close to him and it was hard to keep from doing it, he couldn't count how many times he scared kids away.
"Do you have a man named Kimura in here?" Larel asked looking back into the pub. "I have business with him."
The girl seemed to hesitate for a moment glancing in a direction, he had been expecting that response if he was a regular they weren't just going to sell him out so he needed to give them a reason. When the girl looked back at Larel he grabbed the hilt of his sword not really caring that some eyes had moved to him during their conversation.
"I'm only asking once," he said narrowing his eyes at her. "I'll just start....'guessing' if you don't answer me."
It had been awhile since had to act like this, personally he didn't like doing it too often but it got the job done sometimes.
The girl and a few other patrons pointed at a guy who had lowered his head and was trying to hide his face a few feet away, Larel stood up thanking the girl before walking over to Kimura, he stood next to him staring down at him.
:"Are you Kimura?" Larel asked staring at him.
The man was middle aged and had short black hair though Larel could see he was balding a little on the top, when he met eyes with him Larel glared at him before grabbing the front of his kimono.
"I'm not sure if you heard me before, I'm not asking again."
"Y-yes I'm Kimura," the man said holding his hands up.
"Good come with me."
Larel dragged Kimura outside into an alley before slamming him against the building, he lifted Kimura up until his feet were off the ground, before he took him to Hotaru he figured he should ask some questions since his blood was going into her after all.
"You sold your daughter to a brothel correct?" Larel asked.
Kimura went wide eye at him but just averted his eyes instead of answering, Larel drew his sword and pointed it at his eye holding him up with one of his hands.
"I don't need you to see for what I need you for, answer me Kimura."
"Y-yes," he said quietly.
"Have you used the brothel often or taken any kind of drug?"
"N-no considered it a waste of money and didn't want Mika expecting me to help her."
Larel had checked him when he came out disarming him of a dagger he kept on his person and he didn't find a kiseru pipe on him so he was sure he wasn't lying at least.
"....Not a waste on sake though, good I'm glad you're a horrible person I won't feel bad for what'll happen," Larel said. "You deserve to just be killed for what you've done and honestly I might kill you myself but for now you have your uses."
Larel put his sword away and punched Kimura in the side of his head causing him to fall to the ground, Larel kicked him in the side of his head knocking him fully out.
"Zenmaru," Larel said crossing his arms.
Larel's shadow moved and pulled Kimura into his shadow until his body was fully submerged in it, he glanced to his right and told Zenmaru not to do anything to him since he was needed for Hotaru later.
He turned and made his way back to the inn wondering if this is what Mary meant by keeping some on hand, he would ask her later as he was sure Hotaru may not want to look at the person while she's doing so he certainly didn't want to see his face again.
"I missed this side of you," Zenmaru said in his mind chuckling a little afterwards.
"Don't expect to see it too often," Larel said.

Kaori tilted his head as Eryn spoke to him, he smiled a little as he listened though when he mentioned Hotaru being nobility it faded and he shook his head slightly as he didn't believe it at first. Kaori admitted he wanted to see some of the tattoo's which if he ever completed his masterpiece would happen, Kaori had actually drawn tattoo's before though he wouldn't openly admit it. He drew them mostly from criminals and samurai but normally they weren't too extravagant so he liked the challenge of painting one the size Eryn mentioned. Ferran was the woman they saw in that dream world so he was a little curios of her work but Alari would probably make it so such a thing didn't happen.
When he mentioned that the tattoo's hid some wounds his eyes narrowed a little, he supposed they meant from their father. Kaori would have asked to see them earlier but even he understood it wouldn't be polite to ask with memories tied to them, Alari at the very least taught him that.
"The one on Mera-dono's back must be very beautiful especially with the meaning behind it," Kaori said closing his eyes. "My curiosity aside I'll admit at first I didn't believe Taru-chan was but I heard it myself so I can't really deny it."
Kaori nodded a few times as it was true, strange as it was to admit anyway. His eyes opened as he remembered something slamming his fist onto the palm of his hand.
"Oh I remember one of her tattoo's, she had that rose on her shoulder," Kaori said pointing to his own. "Back at the festival...."
Kaori trailed off before he reached up and put his hand over his face, a small sigh escaped from him remembering how Alari sent him away.
"I wanted to capture that moment in my art forever, I would have done everything in my power to make sure future generations would get a glimpse at such a wonderful moment....but I had to hold back with everything going on."
Kaori lowered his hand and crossed his arms, he hated having to be responsible in such situations but it showed he at least cared enough not to force the matter, though it was extremely tempting.
"Oji-san owes me for that one," he said pouting a little.

Alari felt heat flow into his face hearing Mera openly say she was worried about him, he ended up looking away from her rubbing the back of his head at a complete loss for words. He wasn't expected her to actually say it so it caught him off guard, he felt the heat grow when she mentioned it was a start. He closed his eyes trying to regain his composure but when Mera spoke to him about Kaori he looked in his direction before crossing his arms. He wasn't going to try and be gone too long, he still had other duties to attend to that required him to be near Larel and he had to keep an eye on Zenmaru as well. Alari brought a hand to his chin for a moment considering the length before looking over at Mera finding an answer.
"Don't worry about Kaori," he said smiling a little. "He always stays hidden when I'm not around and that's one of the things he's good at. Besides he's too afraid of Larel and Hotaru to stay near them for long without another around to...'help' him. Enjoy the time with your family I'm not sure how long they'll be accompanying us after all."
Alari put his glasses back on as he wasn't going to leave until tonight and he would make sure Kaori was asleep and hidden first so Mera wouldn't have to watch him as well, he was sure she wanted to spend more time with Mary and didn't feel it right to rob her of that time.
"Oh right," Alari said putting his hands in his sleeves. "There is something that would help me Mera. It would help immensely, I'm sorry to ask but it really would assist me."

[SanaChan]

Mary left the man in the alleyway, carrying the gourd, which she had closed up proper again as she made her way towards the inn as well. She saw Larel and sighed, having hoped to avoid him. She disliked making him uncomfortable, but it was also a little annoying to be seen in such a negative seeming light. She hadn't done anything all to earn him keeping her at arms distance like some pariah. She turned and started walking again, decidedly not engaging in any sort of awkward conversation with him, headed right for the inn. She walked in to the place and went towards the room, opening the door only to find Hotaru balled up in the corner, "Here," She walked over to her, holding out the gourd, "Hopefully he's got something as well, but this should help for the moment with some of those burns," she said.
Hotaru glanced up at the gourd, giving Mary a confused look before opening it. She caught the whiff of what it was immediately but Mary actually had a rather severe expression on her face that kept her from arguing and she took a deep breath before starting to drink. It was easier now to tell the difference between the contents of this and what had been slipped to her the night before to replace the wicked voice in her mind, but at the time, she had found she was practically parched, mostly because there were so many people around her. She drank just a bit before closing it up and pushing it aside as she thought about that coming from a person.
"Oh stop it," she looked at Mary surprised, "You cannot survive without it. And as I said if you don't have enough, she" Mary thumped Hotaru's forehead, "Has more say so in what happens," Hotaru rubbed her forehead with a grunt, "I may not have as much authority in your books as my sister, but at the very least I'm trying to make it where it isn't a big deal for you. She would be pouring it down your throat, and you know it."
"Why are you suddenly being so bossy?"
"Why are you suddenly being so childish?"
"I'm not being childish, I don't understand how this could be perceived to be so," she shook her head, confused.
"Because. You don't want to do it, so you're not going to. It's childish. Like not eating your vegetables just because it's good for you and will improve your health. Same here. Except this time you don't have sweets or meats you can run off to. It's all or nothing," Mary crossed her arms.
"How long have you been traveling on your own?"
"Stop deflecting."

"The rose is part of the bush," Eryn explained, "It's the flower meant to represent Mary. Mine is a kind of lily," he laughed shortly, "It's different that the kinds of things we put for Thanos and Nero, but I'm still a part of the picture," he smirked a little as Ferran had explained it that way to him as she was putting it on Mera, "In a way, you could say Mera has her own idea of a masterpiece. Her tattoos explain to herself who she is, and it hides the parts she doesn't like," he smirked at him, "You remember people by the art they inspire. She remembers people and events by tattooing them to her, a way she will never be able to forget it," he said, with a nod, "But enough about that. Shall we go back and see if those two are done, or shall we head on and let the lovebirds catch up?" he smirked as he looked back towards the two of them, trying to see if he could see them from where they were standing, "They would make a rather interesting couple. Maybe she could finally let that go..." he mused, putting his hands on his sides, getting quieter as he was trying to hear their conversation since they weren't in all honesty that far from them, but he didn't want to get caught snooping cause Mera would most definitely hurt him.

Mera had turned and was about to move towards the other two, figuring their conversation was basically over, but she stopped as Alari spoke to her again, "Hm? What is it?" she turned to face him, crossing her arms as she wondered what would be such an "immense" help that he only thought of now. She was, however, glad that Kaori was capable of managing himself. Larel and Hotaru were on the verge of murdering him, and she honestly felt like he needed a good lesson in manners, and she didn't have the patience for it most of the time. She'd have to employ Mary in to trying to teach it to him before she ended up hurting him for running his mouth again, "And to answer the part about how long they'll be accompanying us, it wouldn't be long. Unless we live in a camp, gypsies usually don't travel together for long periods of time. Too much to see and explore, more of ourselves to find and develop, or too much of a past that need not be dwelt on," she said simply, glancing towards Eryn, "Next big village we find, or goddess forbid we find a city, he'll find a way to settle down again. Raina will be gone by morning, and I'm sure, unless Mary can think of a reason to stay, once she's healed, she'll probably go again. She's old enough now to be traveling on her own," though it was clear Mera didn't like that idea one bit as she bit her nail as she finished saying it, looking towards the village

[Mizos]

Larel noticed Mary on his way back and let out a small sigh as he was hoping to get back before her, he walked a few feet behind her keeping enough distance to remain comfortable. Once he made it back to the inn he made sure to follow where Mary went to find the room before he watched her walk in. Larel walked shortly after her and leaned against the far wall, he came in around the time Hotaru drank from the gourd and watched taking a guess what was inside of it.
Going off her reluctance to drink it he guessed correctly, he wondered if Mary had any extra's of those since his wasn't exactly 'contained' in anything.
He said nothing as the two conversed closing his eyes and lingering in one of the shadows, it seemed Mary could take charge when she needed too, he didn't expect to see such behavior out of her, at the very least it made it easier to be in the same room as her and he believed she did so out of some care for Hotaru.
He opened his eyes and stared at her crossing his arms as the two finished speaking, he tapped his finger on his arm before walking out of the shadows deciding to speak up.
"I brought more Mary-san but I didn't really have anything to put it in so..." Larel trailed off before looking at his shadow. "I stuck him in there, he won't die anytime soon but I should probably find something to put it in sooner or later, Zenmaru's not going to ignore him forever."
The guy in his shadow was the type he would assassinate for half price if given the opportunity, if Hotaru didn't want him he was seriously considering killing him anyway, that or just letting Zenmaru have him. He was still considering it but he couldn't deny that the idea was incredibly tempting the more he thought about it.
Larel glanced over at the door starting to worry a bit about Mera, Alari was still there after all and he doubted he was going to keep the ten feet rule. There were other things on his mind to attend to one being Hotaru that kept him there. He also found some comfort knowing Mera could hurt Alari if she needed too, though he considered it his job to make him suffer.
"Your body will start beating your mind if you don't drink Hotaru, having Sybil in there probably doesn't help," Larel said bringing a hand to his chin. "Drink enough to satiate your hunger and avoid that possibility. I'm here to help anyway I can but if you lose yourself it'll take me awhile to bring you back and I don't want you to do something you'll regret during that time."
"I say let it happen."
Hearing a familiar voice caused Larel to glance back as his shadow slowly lifted up forming the dark silhouette that was Zenmaru, the familiar toothy grin formed on it as she shrugged what he assumed was her shoulders.
"Let her eventually snap and Sybil take control, tear apart anything unfortunate enough to be in your way. It's not like she won't come back once she's done feeding. She'll just be covered in the blood of most of the people in the village. If she doesn't realize the necessity of it at the point she never will."
"Zenmaru your opinion isn't necessary in this discussion," Larel said looking over his shoulder at her.
"I'm just saying it's an option, I mean her mind might not remember but her body certainty will, you can't wash that scent off either. Oh there is the possibility her mind will be active but her body won't be in control, that would be even be-"
"Zenmaru," Larel said turning fully towards her.
With a shrug Zenmaru sunk back into his shadow causing Larel to reach up his and rub his forehead, she always came around when it wasn't needed and added to the conversation in the worst way.
"I'm sorry about that," Larel said shaking his head. "I was focused on my 'guest' I won't let her come back again. This goes without saying but don't listen to her Hotaru."
Larel checked his shadow once more to make sure she wasn't moving before walking over to Mary and reaching in his sleeve; Larel pulled out the dango from his meal and held it out towards Mary glancing over at her.
"Here Mary-san," Larel said. "Its not much but it's an apology for my earlier behavior."

Kaori crossed his arms trying to wrap his head around what Eryn was telling him, as he listened he nodded his head slowly coming to understand what he meant. Hearing it was her masterpiece just made him want to see it more. Kaori repeated the information to himself to try and understand it better, it seemed to work for the most part. Mera's tattoo's explained who she was and it was how she remembered the things present in her life, that was certainly beautiful in its own way. Kaori closed his eyes envisioning the rose again, it was subtle back then and he noted then it was detailed but knowing the meaning behind it gave it a bit more life and he wondered if there was a kind of weight too it perhaps. He was curios if Mera ever felt sad when she thought of the tattoo's of those that have passed on, but in the end his head started hurting causing him to stop thinking about it.
He looked over at Eryn before looking back at the two, he couldn't really hear them but he focused his attention on Alari since he seemed to be more honest with his emotions when he was around Mera, he still hid most of them but all he needed to catch was his embarrassment.
"It seems like they're done I think," Kaori said folding his arms under his chest. "If not we can just go on ahead and give them more time."
He caught what Eryn said as he trailed off about Mera and everything in him told him to inquire further but Alari's words echoed in his head as he attempted. Alari told him not to ask about Mera behind her back. Kaori didn't realize it was because he would ask questions that shouldn't be asked but Alari made it clear he shouldn't do so without asking her personally first.
"They would make a fascinating one wouldn't they," Kaori said smiling a little. "I wish Oji-san would be a bit more honest though."

Alari took a deep breath when Mera stopped and turned back to him, he had a bit of difficulty finding the right words to explain the favor. While searching for the write explanation Mera gave an answer to how long the three would probably be staying with them. Hearing it wouldn't be too long his eyes drooped a little and he gave a small nod sad that it would happen so soon. He knew Kaori wasn't going to like it when Mary was going to leave, not that he was either and looking at Mera he could see her already worrying over her eventual departure.
Alari brought his hand to his chin, seeing her expression like that he wasn't going to ask for his favor it could wait for another time after all. There was still something that would make his work a little easier and it'd give him more than enough reason to finish as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"Well my favor is when you see me again I'd appreciate a 'welcome back'," Alari said adjusting his glasses. "Kaori always gives me one...but I would like to hear one from you... It'll make me come back faster so I can hear it sooner."
Alari offered a small grin already excited at the possibility of it, he looked back toward the village digging in his sleeve before pulling out the flower that Mary had made back at the village, when he took Rin back the flower ended up in his possession.
"Spend as much time with her now then Mera," he said holding the flower out to her looking back at Mera. "Why don't we head back so you can do so?"

[SanaChan]

Mary rubbed the back of her head, supposing she could just go get another gourd, since it would be better to keep a good amount on hand. She took a deep breath as Larel spoke to Hotaru, narrowing her eyes as Zenmaru decided to put in her two cents. She sighed before looking at Larel when he addressed her. She looked at the dango surprised before shaking her head, holding up her, "Thank you, Larel, but you need it more than I. Instead, I'll go get another gourd to keep whatever it is you're caught. I'll be back soon, so try not to let it get eaten. There should be a little bit more room in that one," She pointed to the one of the floor. She walked back out of the room, heading towards the place where she got the last gourd.
Hotaru, on the other hand, had looked away when Larel came in and hadn't so much as blinked throughout the whole of the conversation. She did grimace a little when Zenmaru spoke, mostly because of the visual Sybil gave a long with her scenario. When Mary left she glanced over at him, "I'm not that bad off," she said, sounding a little irritated, "So if everyone could stop trying to shove the shit down my throat, that'd be awesome," she mumbled, looking away again, "It's not that that's my problem and I think we're all aware of that. It's the bitch in my head that I can't ever get to shut up anymore," she hit the palm of her hand to her forehead as if she could knock the voice out.

"Maybe he's honest with her, he just decides the rest of us have no business knowing any of that stuff," Eryn suggested before looking at Kaori, "Don't say anything to Larel and about those two being close," he said, pointing at him, "He hates Alari and there's not much any of us can do to fix that and if he finds out Alari likes Mera in that capacity, regardless of how she feels in return, that ten foot rule is going to turn in to like a hundred mile rule real quick," he sad shaking his head, "So as far as we know there's no such notion of those two being a couple, got it?" he put his hand on Kaori's shoulder, wanting to make sure he understood the gravity of it. He knew Mera was having issues with accepting how she felt because she had become particularly attached to Hotaru and Larel and she didn't want either of them to lose their trust in her, which Larel undoubtedly would if he knew she was harboring romantic notions for the person he seemed to regard as his worst enemy.

Mera looked over at him, "That wasn't the original favor, was it?" she raised a brow at him, but smirked a little at the favor he had asked of her, "I'll think about it," she said before looking at the flower as he held it out to her. She lightly pushed his hand back towards him, not taking the flower, "Those flowers have a strange tenacity," she said as she turned and started walking towards the village, "That field you saw in our heads? Those flowers come from that field, and yes, it really did get burned. I have no idea how those even exist," she motioned towards the flower, "But it's nice to see that in the end, nature has the ability to conquer just about anything," she smirked a bit at that as she looked back at him, "You've got until we reach the edge of the brush here to tell me what the original favor was before you lose your chance for who knows how long," she said, turning on her heel to face him, slowly walking backwards, making a rather dramatic shrug, rather curious as to what he was going to ask her and why it seemed he changed his mind.

[Mizos]

Larel retracted the dango as Mary spoke to him shrugging and eating it himself, he watched her go offering a nod to her as she mentioned the gourd. He watched her leave before turning back to Hotaru to hear her talk; he rubbed the side of his head as he listened before taking a seat near her.
He listened setting his sword down and resting against the wall watching as she tapped her forehead, he reached up ran a hand through his hair as there wasn’t much that could be done about her right now. He’d love nothing more than to personally reach in and rip Sybil out…but he knew that wasn’t an option.
“I think everyone will keep trying until it becomes second nature to you,” Larel said looking towards the ceiling. “Until we can find a way to remove her there’s not much that can be done other than keeping her from doing more than just talk.”
Larel crossed his arms lowering his gaze to floor, the last thing he wanted was Sybil to hold Hotaru’s body hostage again, if not for Zenmaru he would have lost it then but there was always a catch when it came to her so he wasn’t even sure why she stopped him not that he didn’t appreciate it.
“Just don’t let Sybil make you believe what she’s saying is what you want,” Larel said looking over at her. “They can only get to you as much as you let them. You should hear the things Zenmaru calls you but I know they’re not true so I can ignore them. Though I couldn’t ignore her at first, it’s a temporary situation so don’t let her get to you. We’ll find some way to get her out of there, if I had more knowledge on such things I’d be able to help more but I only know how to deal with it, not get rid of it.”

Kaori nodded in agreement with Eryn, from what little he knew Alari had told Mera more than he had informed him of, but he picked that up mostly from the few conversations he heard between the two of them. When Eryn started speaking of keeping such a thing from Larel he put his hand over his mouth averting his eyes for a moment. It may have seemed like he was against the idea but there was a smile under his hand at the idea of keeping it from Larel. His smile did fade when Eryn put his hand on his shoulder making sure he understood what he meant.
“I won’t tell Larel about them, I mean this isn’t something you see everyday it’s almost out of a story.”
Kaori looked back at the two folding his hands together a dangerous twinkle in his eyes.
“The mysterious man with a heart of gold in love with the woman the ill-mannered but protective ninja has sworn his life too. The occasional glances at one another, the flushing of cheeks as they think of one another, slowly they change one another in ways they couldn’t imagine. The man torn between his love and his duty to the ninja Alari stares off into the distance his heart speaking to him for Mera-dono his mind for Larel. Will his feelings be reciprocated or will he wander forever alone a distant look in his eyes at what could have been.”
Kaori let out a dreamy sigh before lowering his hands looking back at Eryn.
“I prefer happy endings so there’s no way I’d let Larel know anything, besides I like Oji-san like this, he’s always in a good mood after speaking with Mera-dono, he makes tasty dinners when he’s in a good mood.”

Alari smiled a little and gave a small shrug of his shoulders as Mera caught it wasn’t the original favor, she was sharp so he wasn’t surprised she caught him though he did rub his arm at her finding out so quickly, he wondered if she was able to read him better now, that made him happy and worried.
He closed his eyes mentally celebrating hearing she would at least consider it, perhaps he was letting his hopes get a little high but he was alright with that.
When she pushed the flower back he felt his heart skip coming in contact with her hand, he did what he could to keep his face as blank as possible making sure to listen to her.
He looked at the flower as she mentioned the field of flowers, seeing her smirk he smiled to himself and put the flower gently back into his kimono. He decided to hold onto it for a while, Kaori had one as well so it made a little happy to carry one on his person, but he decided not to openly express it.
He looked over at Mera his eyes widened a little as she mentioned the original favor, he put his hand over his face feeling it start to heat up, he had the courage earlier but he thought about it too much.
“I wanted to hold your hand again,” he said lowering his hand to his mouth and averting his eyes. “That’s what it was.”

[SanaChan]

"She's been telling me for the past few minutes that if I were to just feed more, to take the whole person's blood, not drink it from a gourd and not to spare anyone I could walk out in the light and it wouldn't burn, at least not for awhile, " Hotaru muttered after a couple minutes when Larel finished talking, "If I didn't have such issues with blood I think my resolve wouldn't be so hardened against it," she rubbed her eyes, "And she's so much louder than she used to be," she put her head back on her knees, "It's almost as f she's sitting next to me saying it right in my ear," She put her hand over her ear, shaking her head, "I don't think drinking that," she motioned towards the gourd, "Will make her shut up," she shook her head, putting it back down again, though she glanced over at him, "Wait, what does she call me?" She raised a brow at him, wondering what Zenmaru was calling her that he was having to ignore. She knew Zenmaru wasn't her biggest fan, but him saying he was having to ignore things she called her had her confused.
Oh the possibilities. I'd die for a hands on fight with her though, you should offer it.
Hotaru couldn't resist rolling her eyes at her, shaking her head as an answer.
Kill joy.

Eryn laughed a little at Kaori describing the two as if they were character's out of a story, "Don't tell anyone at all that I said this but I think they might be returned. His insistence might have helped him crack through her impenetrable shield and he's not showing any signs that his personality might be different from what we've seen, which is something she's dealt with in the past. I think in a way she trusts him, but she may be afraid he'll pull another stunt as he did in the last village and next time it won't work out so well. If anything were to actually happen to Alari, my sister would truly be lost to us emotionally," he said, speaking a little faster as he realized they were starting to walk this way. Luckily for him, Mera was too focused on hearing what that original favor was to really pay attention to what the two gossiping hens had to say about the two of them.

Mera looked over at him, smirking a little bit as she heard the original favor, "You're such a sap," She shook her head a bit as she saw how nervous he was about asking her to hold her hand. She walked over and took hold of his hand lightly, "Afraid to ask for something so simple, how will you ever endure if you blush so much over that?" She put her other hand on her hip, though in all honesty after she took hold of his hand, her stomach had gone in to butterflies. She wasn't unaware of just how much she had divulged to him before in her rather emotional state and how close she had allowed herself to get but something about him just brought forth the emotions she had so carefully tucked away before. She had to admit having so many emotions tumbling through her mind again was unnerving. To allow herself to feel happy to be there holding hands with him, to feel worry for what crazy idea he'd decided was the best solution to the probably following behind Larel, and there was still a lingering fear that they had lingered too long in the forest before while everyone was resting and that their father might come still, as she hadn't wanted to look and see if it was true. For once she had preferred to stay oblivious to his position, and therefore she had no idea that no one would be coming after them from that place for a long time yet.

[Mizos]

Larel crossed his arms as he listened to what Sybil was telling Hotaru, he closed his eyes nodding his head as a response. He looked back at her hearing she was getting louder, his eyes narrowed as worry crossed his face for a moment. He put a hand over his mouth hearing the blood probably wouldn't quiet Sybil, Larel closed his eyes a part of him afraid of that, it seemed too simple to stop someone like Sybil, but he wanted to believe it. He wasn't sure if she was correct or just messing with Hotaru, either way from what they knew Hotaru had to drink at last a little to keep Sybil from having more control, having her mutter such things in her head probably didn't make any of that easier. When Hotaru asked him what Zenmaru called her his eyes widened a little and he shook his head slightly.
"It's not something I'd like to say out loud," Larel said holding a hand up.
He glanced to his right his eyes narrowing as Zenmaru spoke to him, he noticed his shadow twitch and he promptly glared at it, a smile formed on it but Zenmaru stayed in the shadow the smile fading.
"I suppose she'll just tell you herself even if I didn't say anything," Larel said turning back to her. "Ignoring the comments she makes on your character which aren't true she generally tells me you aren't my friend, that you'll betray me like everyone else and things like that. Under different circumstances I believe her...she's known me long enough to know which buttons to press but you and Mera-sama have proven that's not true so I don't have to believe her thus I don't. That doesn't stop her though, arguing with her doesn't do anything either, it's like....what she has to say must have some merit to it if I need to defend it so much, something like that."
Larel reached up and rubbed the side of his head at the thought.
"It's thanks to her words that I've killed others, I won't let that happen with you two," Larel said with a firm nod. "Anyway Hotaru I agree that drinking blood probably won't make her be quiet but as far as I know the only thing keeping her from doing more than that is drinking. I wish I knew more about this stuff, then maybe I could find some alternative that could make her stop."
Larel crossed his arms knowing Hotaru had a resentment to blood which more than likely didn't help.
"You're still getting used to everything right Hotaru? A part of the reason we're travelling is for answers after all, don't let Sybil tempt you with possibilities. Even if she was right you don't want to consume a person entirely right, you didn't back then either when I first saw you drink someone, you held back. I know you don't like blood Hotaru, I think that's a good thing actually, you don't have to like something to do it. It's also one of the reasons I don't cut Alari up whenever I see him tempting as it is."
The other reason is that it was a mess to clean up and he'd just come back anyway but that wasn't important at the moment.
"I think everyone's trying to help Hotaru. I can see not liking the idea of everyone choosing what's good for you but unlike Sybil they actually care for you. Anyone that put's a sword to your own throat isn't someone worth listening too, someone to be cautious of but their opinion shouldn't even be an option anymore. I hope we get her out of there soon, I'll make sure she doesn't' come back this time personally."

Kaori smile formed into a wide grin as the possibility of his feelings being returned, at the very least that meant it would have a happy ending or at least one where they wouldn't be alone. He looked over at Alari and Mera as Eryn talked about Alari's personality. He couldn't disagree with him Alari was secretive but he was a good guy, he was apparently a fool when he was younger but he wouldn't go into detail about it, still anyone that did everything for a person that hated him so much couldn't be a bad guy. Also he protected Kaori which in his opinion made him a good person. His smile faded and he brought a hand to his chin as he spoke of Mera being lost, Kaori nodded lowering his hands to his sides, he didn't want that.
"I'll have to keep an eye on Oji-san then...though I don't think he'll do something like that again."
He saw the look on Alari's face when he realized what followed after his departure, he understood what his actions did, it was a shame that Larel didn't.

Alari couldn't say anything mostly because his attention was extremely focused on the warmth in his hand that was slowly moving up his arm threatening to consume his whole being. He knew he was blushing but he could only smile as he listened to Mera, but he was happy and he felt more invigorated now, his earlier stress seemed almost nonexistent as he held her hand his shoulders drooping as his entire body relaxed showing it. He would do what he needed to help Larel but he would make sure to come back as soon as possible just to be near Mera.
"I can't help it," Alari said rubbing the back of his neck. "You're the only one that has such an effect on me, I can't do anything about it...not that I necessarily want too."
Alari found himself feeling more conscious about his actions nowadays, he'd normally just act knowing it was for the better of Larel but lately he's been conscious that his actions may worry someone else. He actually couldn't help but smile at this as he believed having such emotions would be problematic and he didn't want to worry anyone, but it was thanks to these emotions he didn't take unnecessary risks that he once thought was needed. A part of him wondered if this was a bad thing but standing here now it didn't seem to be the case.
Alari took a deep breath and with a bit of hesitation let go of Mera's hand before moving it into his sleeve, mostly to keep himself from thinking too much about it.
"Thank you Mera, I feel a bit more relaxed now. I think I've pushed myself a bit too much lately, once I finish with the commander tonight I'll take the time to relax a little."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru listened to Larel, giving an eye roll when he finally said what Zenmaru said. When she first encountered him, when he was after the bounty on Mera and he was so easily persuaded to their side, she wasn't sure whether or not she could trust him. There was something to be said about a man whose loyalty wasn't firm. But they had been through quite the hell and back trip since then and it wasn't over yet, and still he was here. Sybil commented it was probably for the food since she was under the impression he would starve to death on his own, but Hotaru knew that wasn't the only thing that would keep him at their sides. He had survived well enough on his own for a time, so he had proven that loyalty had to be the reason he was still with them.
She took a deep breath, rubbing her forehead, "Sorry for complaining at you, Larel. I must sound unbelievably childish after all, since you deal with Zenmaru all the time quite gracefully, and, regardless of how long she's been in there, I highly doubt her company is much more appealing that my own," she said before Mary walked back in with a second gourd, about the same size as the first, both with were of ample size that she was sure would be enough to sustain Hotaru for a time, though the idea of toting them along suddenly dawned on her as she walked in the room.
"Hm. I suppose Mera can come up with a solution for traveling with these," she murmured before tossing the gourd to Larel, "There. That's for whatever it is you've stashed away," She said before looking at Hotaru, "Are you done sulking about the lot you've been given?"
"Yes, so you can quit imitating an angry Mera," Hotaru muttered, giving her an annoyed look.
"Mera's the only one you'll listen to so I figured if I acted more like she did towards you, you might take me more seriously. Plus Larel has no problems with Mera so I hoped I might make him over all less uncomfortable," Mary explained, motioning in his direction, "I'll leave getting the cloth to Mera as she'll know what would best protect you form the sun."
"Of course because Mera's been around long enough to know when half of those materials were first introduced, if she didn't have some influence on them."
"No she wasn't," Mary rolled her eyes, "Even elves had clothes."
Hotaru just smirked since Mary didn't realize until after her correction that Hotaru was merely poking fun at her and a little at Mera's expense, which made Mary turn a bit red in the face, huffing in annoyance.

Eryn put his arms behind his head as he sighed a bit, "Let's talk about some people that aren't here and therefore won't kill us for not knowing we've talking about them," he said with a smirk as he looked at Kaori, "You so gracefully depicted Alari and Mera's relationship, what do you think of Larel and Hotaru? She was so very embarrassed to where those clothes around him, though I think after all this she's forgotten that she's still wearing them, Mera too though she's fixed hers so her shoulder aren't showing anymore- what a shame," he sighed dramatically, tilting his head to the side as he remembered how hard he had at making the two of them actually look lady like, "I suppose knowing Larel's disposition better now, all that make up probably made things a bit uncomfortable as she looked too much like a royal lady ought to, though for a moment, I think she liked being able to wear such nice clothes so openly," he nodded before looking at Kaori, "If the two of them didn't dislike the two of us so very much I would be completely keen on trying to "play cupid," as my sister says, on them," he chuckled, picturing how awkward a date between the two of them would go.

Mera gave a short smile when he thanked her, crossing her arms behind her back, "Good," she said to his deciding to take some time to relax, "We could all profit from some relaxation, I imagine," she murmured before turning, "I guess we should go before Larel decides you've done something horrible, goddess knows where he gets those crazy ideas from," she glanced at Alari, raising a brow, still trying to determine how baby killer ended up in the insult list. She started walking back, grabbing Eryn by the ear as she reached him, "Have you had your fun being a gossiping old woman, conniving to trifle in other's lives?" she asked as she walked, still holding on.
"Ow, conniving is such an evil word, dear sister," Eryn said with a nervous laugh, holding on to her wrist that had his ear, "I merely do what I feel will help others to find their happiness, even if they must first experience a good deal of discomfort- I contribute it to nerves- can you let go ofmy ear? I meant nothing vile in any of my plans-"
"Schemes are what you have, brother, not plans," Mera corrected before releasing his ear. Eryn held his ear, pouting as he was quite upset at the word scheme being used, as he considered it as bad as conniving.
"I'm just trying to help," he muttered sourly, crossing his arms as he followed and Mera nearly laughed, "What?" he narrowed his eyes as he heard her stifle it.
"You just remind me of when you were a child when you look so very grouchy as you do now," she said, her hand to her mouth still as she shook her head. He tried not to smile at it, wanting to be angry at her, but their childhood brought back pleasant memories that he found hard not to think happily on.
"Cheater," He muttered as he relaxed his stance a bit, though still somewhat peeved that she couldn't just let him help as he so desperately wanted to to help people find their happiness.

[Mizos]

Larel smiled at Hotaru waving his hand to show it was alright, he could understand at least part of what Hotaru was going through so he didn't really mind, the least he could do was listen after all. When Mary returned he caught the gourd inspecting it, he nodded standing up as the two of them talked to one another. Larel couldn't help but nod at Mary's observation as it was easier to be around her like this, though he still preferred Mera, with a shrug he dropped the gourd into his shadow before it started twitching as mumbles came from it; he waited as Zenmaru filled it with Kimura's blood. He glanced over at Mary seeing her huff in annoyance a small smile forming on his face for a moment before it went blank again as he looked back at his shadow crossing his arms in the process.
"It's easier to be around you but I still prefer the old you," Larel said bringing a hand to his chin. "I'm used to that one anyway, still I don't mind this side either."
He gave a firm nod before his shadow shivered, the gourd popped out of it and Larel grabbed hold of it, he glanced to his right as Zenmaru spoke to him, and he responded to her his eyes drooping a little clearly against whatever she was talking about.
"Hotaru you can complain to me whenever you want too," he said looking over at her. "I couldn't always deal with her the way I do now, at least in the beginning. I think it's thanks to someone always listening to me that helped me get through it. Though there's not much pride in getting used to the voices in your head it's at least a step in the right direction to keeping your sanity."
Larel glanced to his right again before squeezing the bridge of his nose a small sigh escaping from him.
"I just said you can't eat him," Larel said pointing at the shadow. "I'll deal with him later so don't touch him."
Larel opened the gourd with a sigh and poured a bit into his palm, he brought his hand to his mouth and took a drink of the blood closing his eyes for a moment before putting the top back on.
"You're company is far better than Zenmaru's Hotaru," Larel said wiping his mouth. "Who to my surprise didn't try to mix anything in this, I kind of expected it."
He glanced to his right again shrugging his shoulders before dropping the gourd back into his shadow.
"Do you really blame me for doubting you?"

Kaori crossed his arms as Eryn mentioned Hotaru and Larel, he admitted that he was a little curios about them and he enjoyed the possibility, the two had always been together even when Mera left back then. He supposed it was something worth looking at a bit more, especially when Eryn mentioned Hotaru at the festival, he did see Larel's reaction back then which brought a small smile to his face.
"It would be nice if she wore them more often," Kaori said nodding. "If not just to see that look on Larel's face again, though I think playing cupid would be harder with him involved."
His doubt came mostly from what he heard Alari talk about, Larel had to work on focusing his attention on the things around him a bit more. Since he mentioned it Kaori found it hard to disagree, once his attention was focused on something almost everything else became non-existent, though he was getting slowly better at it.
"The challenge is what makes it interesting though," Kaori said nodding.

Alari nodded to Mera doing what he could to calm his still rapidly beating heart seeing her smile once more, he offered a small smile glad to be able to relax himself, he regretted that it couldn't be for very long. A weak chuckle escaped from him at the mention of Larel as he didn't want to get attacked again, and sadly he had a good idea where some of them came from but some of his other insults were...creative.
Alari followed behind Mera watching her grab Eryn's ear, Kaori and Alari flinched as he was dragged along by, the two looked at each other before Alari shrugged and the two followed after them.
"Were you involved in such a discussion Kaori," Alari said seeing the two were alone for a moment.
"Of course not Oji-san."
Kaori averted his eyes and shook his head, Alari reached up and adjusted his glasses causing Kaori to turn his head a little more. Alari was pretty sure he was involved in it somehow but he just smiled and turned back towards Mera and Eryn. Seeing Mera like this made him happy, he hoped it could stay like this for a bit longer, Kaori couldn't help but smile seeing the two happily interacting with each other.
"By the way we're having plums and red beans for dinner," Alari said.
"W-what but I don't like eating that OJi-san," Kaori whined looking over at him.
"Really now? I didn't know that."
"You're evil Oji-san."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru picked up the gourd Mary had brought her to start with, feeling a bit self conscious about the fact she kind of wanted more but they were both in there. She thumbed at the cork as she looked up at Larel when he said she could complain to him, smirking a bit when he mentioned not being proud of getting used to the voices. She looked down, though she raised a brow at the continuation of the conversation. Even Mary was suddenly a bit curious about who was in his shadow with Zenmaru, but Hotaru blanked a bit when he tested the blood for anything in it. Mary put her hand to her mouth to hide her smirk, finding it quite touching he actually taste tested it for her to make sure Zenmaru wasn't out to get her.
"I'm going to go watch for Mera," Mary said and stepped out of the room, not missing the 'traitor' look on Hotaru's face.
Hotaru sighed as the door closed behind her, before looking at the gourd again, "This sucks," she muttered before opening it and making a quite displeased face as she drank more, quickly closing it again once she had enough, "Awful," she made a different kind of face before looking at Larel, "Who do you have in there?" she asked, wondering why he was having to keep Zenmaru from eating them.
Mary walked outside, standing outside of the inn as she waited for the others to arrive. She knew Raina was still inside, but she didn't imagine they would see her again before they left. She was surprised Raina had stuck around as long as she had, but being beat by Mera was her usual last straw of being friendly- even if she always brought it on herself. She knew she should get on her own way again soon, but she couldn't find herself really wanting to leave without seeing the happy endings that Eryn kept proposing. She sighed, looking over her shoulder in the other two's general direction, "Maybe by the time I get back they'll figure it out," she smirked.

"Why are you so set on fixing everyone else?" Mera asked Eryn as she crossed her arms and Eryn quickly shook his head.
"No, not fix. Improve," he corrected, "I just want to see people happy and as the usual outsider of a situation, I can figure out what they need better than they can-"
"What you think they need," she interjected, "Have you never tried "improving" someone who just wanted to be left alone?"
"More than a few times."
"And yet you continue."
"Because I've been at this awhile and I've had more success than failure," he smiled, nodding and she rolled her eyes.
"Just don't going pushing the buttons of people who could legitimately hurt you for poking your nose where it doesn't go," she sighed, shaking her head. Though she thought his trying to be "cupid" was silly and not nearly as appreciated as he thought it was, she was worried he really would get himself hurt trying to mess with things he ought leave alone.
"Still trying to mother all of us?" he teased her and she punched his arm in a way that made him have to stop and hold it, "OW!" he said after a moment of looking at her agape, "Not necessary!"
"That's for gossiping about me. I heard you telling things that are no one else's business. I was going to let it slide until that," she pointed at him before looking up as they got close to the village. Eryn pouted, quite upset at being hurt.
Mary waved as they got closer to the inn, smiling seeing they were all together. She walked back towards Alari and Kaori, holding out a key, "Here, Hotaru went ahead and purchased your room while Larel was out eating," she said.
"Raina's here too. You stay with her tonight," Mera said to Eryn who agreed, not wanting to get hurt anymore tonight. He went to the room Mera said as she looked down the way, trying to see if there were any good places that sold fabric still open

[Mizos]

Larel seemed stuck in a conversation with Zenmaru as his attention remained focused on the right his arms crossed, he kept the conversation internal as he didn't want to bother the two of them since for the most part it was just her trying to defend herself. He couldn't help but sigh a little as he listened before his attention moved over to Mary as she mentioned Mera. He nodded his head as a response and watched her go, once she was out of the room a small relieved sigh escaped fro him. Hearing Hotaru his attention turned to her seeing her take another drink, he offered a small smile as he knew she didn't like it but did it anyway. Larel walked over and took a seat near her as she asked who was in the shadow. He wasn't sure what Hotaru would think if he said it was the man whose blood was currently in the gourd, but he didn't want to lie about it either as he knew that wouldn't really solve anything and might make it worse than it was.
"A man the world wouldn't miss and one I should end right now," Larel said crossing his arms. "....I suppose that's a tad cruel, but I wouldn't call someone who does what he did a man. I got some spare blood for you and it came from him, I made sure to check him before I did so of course."
Larel stopped for a moment to listen to Zenmaru before offering a nod continuing where he left off.
"Anyway I didn't have anything to put it in so...he ended up in there. He'll remain unconscious until I pull him out...actually he doesn't need to stay in there anymore...Zenmaru."
Larel's shadow expanded before moving out the door, it went down the stairs before moving outside, the moment it was out Kimura was thrown out of the shadow waking up as he saw light again. He quickly stood up looking around and pat his body before he turned and ran away away from the tavern, after what happened he probably wasn't going to drink for a bit if ever again.
"There we go," Larel said his shadow returning to normal. "Anyway Hotaru it's not easy to do something you dislike, if it's anything you got my support. Maybe I should carry some tea on me so you can drink it afterwards....or maybe you could mix it with it...."
Larel shook his head realizing that was a silly idea and leaned against the wall deciding to leave those thoughts alone.
"Excuse that it'll take a bit of planning and time but I'll figure something out...I think."

Alari and Kaori looked at each other as Mary and Eryn spoke, Alari offering a shrug only to smile as the two listened to them. It seemed Eryn had a penchant for getting involved in others affairs though this was something he already knew Alari couldn't help but smile a little hearing it again.
Alari couldn't really complain about it as he did owe Eryn a bit of thanks for his 'improving' especially since he was involved with Mera's kimono. He still had to thank him for that, he wondered if he should do it now but seeing him get punched in the arm he decided to wait until later not wanting to interrupt the two, though he was curios what exactly that gossip was. Alari looked over at Kaori who just averted his gaze, he adjusted his glasses seeing he knew what Mera was talking about, he turned his attention ahead deciding not to push the matter.
Kaori pointed ahead as Mary waved at them offering his own wave in response, Alari smiled as they got closer before his eyebrow arched as she held a key out, reaching forward he took it before handing it to Kaori.
"Make sure to thank Hotaru Kaori," Alari said moving his hands into his sleeve. "You know where I'll be."
Kaori nodded and put the key in his kimono knowing he meant outside before Alari looked back at Mary, his eyes narrowed a little and he reached over before putting a hand on her head.
"You're not pushing yourself too much are you?" Alari asked. "Are you okay?"
"Oji-san you're being an Oji-san and Mera-dono's....right there," Kaori said pulling his sleeve. "You're normally not this open."
"Huh...oh you're right," Alari said removing his hand. "Sorry Mary...well if everyone will excuse me I'm going to go ahead and get ingredients for dinner."
"Do we really have to eat that Oji-san?"
"That is correct Kaori, it's good for you so stop moping," Alari responded and raised a hand to everyone before heading further into town, he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He needed to take his own advice it was getting harder to think straight lately, his mind was too occupied with thought of Ai. Everything was thankfully still in place but there were too many unanswered questions that still bothered him.
"Oji-san needs to relax a little," Kaori mumbled placing a hand on his hip. "I should make some tea."

[SanaChan]

"Maybe it would be easier if it was in some seriously heavy alcohol," Hotaru muttered as she put it to the side and laid on the ground in the shadow of the room, "But thank you for being understanding and all that... I was afraid... you might think badly of me if I actually accepted it... accepted that I have to drink it," she took a deep breath, looking away, "I hate to have to thank you for helping me get it as well, but you did do it, so thank you for that..."
My god, you are pathetic.
"I wonder if there's any magic that can shut her up," she sighed, sitting back up and looking over at him, "How nice would that be? To at least muffle her so all her snide comments don't sound like it's someone sitting right next to me?"
And here I thought it was the start of something beautiful.
Hotaru rubbed her forehead before looking at the gourd, wondering if she drank more, if it could make her quieter.
You could always try. But I wonder what I could be able to do if you had too much.
Hotaru visibly paled at the thought as Sybil cackled away in her mind and she pushed the gourd away from her, shaking her head, telling herself that she could never let herself be careless. She wouldn't find out if she could help it, "A-anyways, was the food good?" she asked, meaning when he went to the restaurant, wanting to change the subject, wanting some different line of thought.
Ignore me if you like, but my siblings are still out there. One of them will help me have my fun.
"Do you have any of the gold left? I-I can give you more so you don't have to ask for it or anything," she trailed off a bit, having been trying to talk over Sybil.

Mary smiled softly as Alari put his hand on her head, shaking her head a bit at Kaori's admonishment of his behavior, not finding it necessary. She watched him leave, noticing Mera was watching him as well, and looked over at Kaori as he spoke again, "After everything, we could all use one," she said, taking a deep breath, "Do you need anything Kaori? I know Mera's going to get fabric to make Hotaru a new cloak and you don't seem to be keen to what Alari's making, so I could get you something else?"
"No," Mera walked over, putting her arm around Mary's neck, giving Kaori an annoyed look, "He deserves what he's getting. I might make Eryn eat something like it," she said as started to pull her away, heading towards a place that had some fabrics she could use.
"What did they do?" Mary looked at her, confused.
"Gossiped like old women on things that are none of their concern."
"About you and Alari?"
"Don't go blabbing that," Mera glanced up at the inn.
"He'll find out eventually, you know that, right?"
"I know... I just don't think right now is the best time."
"The best time might pass and then he'll be hurt that you hid it from him since he trusts you."
Mera looked at Mary, the anxiety of it clear in her eyes, "Stop reminding me you're not so young as you look," she murmured, leaning her head against her sisters, "I like to believe I can still save some of your youth."
Mary smiled softly, "I would hate to remind you of the truth, sister," she murmured.
Mera and Mary reached the fabric store but Mary sat out front on the bench, letting Mera go in and get what she needed. She wasn't just making a new cloak, she was going to try and make kimonos for her and Hotaru so they could get out of the garbs that Eryn had given them for the festival. Mary allowed herself a moment, just to watch people pass, not thinking about anything, giving her mind a chance to really just settle and perhaps the truth of what she said to Mera to sink in without making her want to cry. Mera glance out the window at her before leaning against a counter, putting her hand to her head. She had tried so hard to protect her, to keep her from suffering, but perhaps she had only made it worse for her. And that thought made her feel sick, as well as the anxiety from Larel finding out about her ridiculous feelings for Alari. She heard a slight rip that reminded her of what she was doing and looked down at the fabric her nails had ripped through.
"Damn."

[Mizos]

Larel let out a small chuckle at the mention of alcohol, he shrugged his shoulders at the possibility, however as she continued his eyes widened a little not expecting those words. He even ended up averting his eyes when she thanked him a little embarrassed. He looked back at Hotaru as she spoke of silencing her and Larel let out a weak laugh wishing he knew something like that himself but that would be too easy wouldn't i? In the end he'd still take the time to go looking for it, and he had an idea who to ask though it didn't bring him much joy at the thought.
Seeing Hotaru pale he tilted his head a little before she spoke his eyes narrowing as he listened to her, he was pretty sure something was bothering her. Since no one else was in the room he was pretty sure Sybil was the one causing it, he wasn't sure what she was saying to make Hotaru so nervous but seeing as she knocked the gourd away it probably had something to do with drinking.
"I'm alright on money Hotaru and the food was delicious thank you," Larel said bringing a hand to his chin. "Also Hotaru just so you know I won't think badly of you, you're my friend and you accepted me what kind person would I be if I turned my back on you when you gave me a chance. Besides neither of us really asked for...well...."
Larel trailed off and pointed to his head with a smile to mean Sybil and Zenmaru before lowering his hand and continuing.
"I'll ask Alari if he knows anything about silencing Sybil, much as I hate the man you're more important than the hatred I have for him...just by a little. I mean he put this thing on my head so he has the knowledge at least."
Larel crossed his legs indian style before resting both his hands on his knees with a firm nod.
"Don't let Sybil bother you Hotaru, for how powerful she thinks she is a mere human did trick her after all," Larel said grinning a little. "Anyway let's talk about something, about yourself or me I can even talk about my time on the battlefield, or the times I had to disguise myself pick anything you want. "
He smiled having a feeling Sybil was causing problems, at the very least he could offer a bit of a distraction.

Kaori offered a nod agreeing with Mary and almost beamed at the possibility of not eating what Alari was making, however Mera stopped the possibility causing Kaori to pout a little. He watched the two walked away letting out a small sigh as he pat the key currently in his kimono, he was stuck with the current meal but he'd take that over at Mera punch.
"Well everyone's doing everything they need too," Kaori said placing his hands on his hips. "I'm going to work on getting some painting done, see you Eryn."
Kaori walked off humming to himself as he waved to Eryn heading further into the village, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out one of his scrolls before he grinned feeling a fire in his heart Kaori's burning passion showing for a moment as he vanished into the distance.
Alari on the other hand had just finished his shopping and was wandering around town taking care of a few extra matters since he was moving around, he noticed Kaori had acquired a stand and was speaking with a few people, he smiled seeing the gron on his face and decided to leave him to his business continuing to taking care of his own.
Alari put the few things he acquired in his kimono before wondering if he should check outside the city once more and finish his scouting, he crossed his arms as he knew there was no reason to actually go out there now, thanks to what happened earlier the area was almost bare when it came to any Youkai that would bother Larel. He sighed realizing he was just making himself busier and that wasn't going to help at the moment.
He was purposefully keeping himself busy when he didn't need too, he had to be watchful not too do that often. Alari shook his head putting the thought aside as he needed to focus on what he needed to do right now everything else came later.
He came to a stop seeing Mary sitting outside on a bench, looking at the building he realized fabric was being sold there, he smiled a little seeing her and offered a wave to her before walking over and taking a seat next to her.
"Hello Mary I assume Mera is currently inside," Alari said before crossing his arms. "Do you mind if I sit here for a moment?"

[SanaChan]

"W-well, I've told you about me before, there's really not much else to say about me. Though apparently there were things about me that I was unaware of myself that we've both gotten to learn. So, tell me what your adventures were like before you were unfortunate enough to run in to us," Hotaru said, smirking at him. She was grateful for his distraction and willed herself to focus slowly on him and not on Sybil's complaints against Alari since he was probably going to ruin her fun for awhile and her hopes that a bloody massacre would give her one last chance to have some fun with Hotaru's body before the "jerk" did something. She did admit to the fact she had played right in to Larel's trap but now she knew he was willing to let himself get stabbed and she could guarantee she wasn't falling for that trap again. Hotaru, however, was finding if she just ignored her like she did Mera on those days when she used to lecture her for her acting out not long after Hotaru had come in to her care, Sybil was a little bit less of a nuisance.

Mary was lost in her thoughts before she heard Alari, looking up at him as he sat down, "No," she shook her head, "I don't mind. Mera is inside, probably getting stuff for new dresses as well as a new cloak," she said as she looked ahead, her spirits considerably dampened. She was quiet for a moment as she thought before giving a small smirk, "You know, you keep telling Kaori that I'm probably older than he keeps thinking I am... It's sometimes hard to remember myself just how old I actually am and what that age means... I know I shouldn't compare myself to my siblings, but they all left on this part of their lives much younger than me," she glanced at the door to the building then looked down at the ground, "They've spent so much time protecting me that I've never tried to protect myself. I've got to learn.... I can't be dependent on everyone else anymore. But... with what I have seen, being alone frightens me," she sighed and put her hand to her head, "I don't mean to complain, it just kind of dawned on me," she murmured.
Mera was standing right inside the door, leaning on the wall next to the frame, holding the fabrics she had purchased against her chest. She looked at them before looking around again and going and buying something else. She couldn't deny Mary that experience. She couldn't shelter her and hide her away forever like a part of her wanted to do. But at the very least, she could give her something to let her know that she wouldn't be forgotten about.
Mary looked over at Alari and smiled softly, "I'm really glad I've gotten the chance to become friends with you and Kaori. The circumstances we've been forced to deal with have been less than favorable, but I suppose they've been character building. And it's nice to know Mera's finally with good company," she nodded, smiling a bit more

[Mizos]

Hotaru was right as they had talked about her and he learned some things from Mera as well. He didn't want to pry too much into her past, especially since they didn't have quite all the answers to it right now, he didn't mind telling about his travels a little.
Larel tilted his head a little before bringing a hand to his chin as he tried to think of a story to tell Hotaru, he was silent for a moment digging through his memories for one that hopefully wouldn't be too boring. He smiled a little as one came to mind before grinning turning his attention to the far wall, taking a moment to collect his thoughts.
"Well one that comes to mind is when I was serving my first master....I don't think I have the right to say his real name after my actions and perhaps not even speak of him so I hope you won't mind if I refer to him as Kuroki-san."
Larel cleared his throat before crossing his arms over his chest and closing his eyes as he started the story.
"Kuroki-san was a daimyo I served, who was intent on unifying the land and during his campaign we encountered two other daimyo who were locked in a stalemate with one another for each other lands. Both were equal in terms of troops and had more than enough supplies individually, we found out that the two had actually been engaged like this for months and hadn't moved though their hatred for each other was well known among their people. Kuroki-san considered not getting pulled into the whole dispute but the people were suffering from their actions. Their samurai were causing trouble in the villages causing all kind of chaos and the men they put in charge weren't exactly much better as they were fine so long as they got paid, even if innocent lives were lost in the middle. Noticing that Kuroki-san decided to act and try to end the rivalry between the two, he called both of them to his castle and tried to negotiate. I sat in and watched with my sensei-"
Larel stopped for a moment wondering if he had mentioned the ninja who taught him, he nodded his head as he had talked about her before continuing.
"I mean my mother and the two daimyo had no intention of coming to an agreement and almost got into a fight right then. After that Kuroki-san told me we were going to take the land from them if talking wasn't going to work. We'd have more land and could stop the problems in the villages at the same time, I didn't mind the idea and started to get our troops together but Kuroki-san told me that I was going to do it on my own as he didn't want our troops getting killed over an outside dispute. I didn't know what he meant by that and when I asked he smiled and told me to think about it."
Larel brought a hand to his chin smiling a little as he enjoyed the next part of the story and remembering the events brought a small sense of nostalgia back to those days.
"It took me longer than I care to admit to realize what exactly he meant by it but it came to me while I was watching two birds fight over a piece of food, a third one came and swiped it while they fighting and by time they realized it the third bird was long gone. I needed to get the two of them to fight one another and then we could come in during their dispute. I got to work immediately and spread ill rumors between the two, simple things like one side was running low on supplies, the others troops morale was low, I sent false letters making sure the other side would get them and wrote bad things about their wives, daughters and sons and about them as well. I didn't think it'd work that quickly but Kuroki-san told me that by sunrise they'd attack each other....and he was right. At sunrise the two had gathered all of their troops and met on the battlefield."
Larel lowered his hand chuckling a little thinking back to the look on the two's faces as they stared each other down, but he shook his head needing to finish.
"Anyway the two went at each other relentlessly and right in the middle of the battle we attacked them on both flanks and forced them to surrender. Kuroki-san took their troops into his own and the two daimyo was added into his army. Back then I mostly handled things with my sword so I didn't understand why he wouldn't just kill his enemy and even volunteered to do so. Kuroki-san told me then that a daimyo that couldn't see the world around him wasn't fit for the title. The two men may not be good rulers but they had experience that Kuroki-san saw when he watched them fight, that is was important to observe more than the outer action of a man....hmmm....actually I had forgotten the meaning of that moment....I haven't thought about that in so long."
Larel reached up and rubbed the back of his head chuckling a little.
"I suppose I spoke more of Kuroki-san than myself but that was my life at one point, doing things like that was common. We took over a whole country in three hours using that once, the look on the daimyo's face was wonderful."

Alari nodded with a smile hearing it was okay before he glanced at the building having it confirmed Mera was inside, hearing what she was probably doing his shoulders drooped a little. He did like seeing Mera in her cloak but he was going to miss her kimono, a small sigh escaped from him but he didn't say anything as he noticed something seemed to be bothering Mary and he wasn't going to bring up such a thing right now.
When Mary started talking again he turned his attention to her his eyebrows lowering a little in worry as he listened, he folded his hands together as she mentioned their friendship and he smiled in response before turning his attention forward closing his eyes as she mentioned Mera as well.
Reaching up Alari removed his glasses before opening his eyes, a dull red glow coming from them as he cleaned his glasses with a white handkerchief.
"Would you mind if I mentioned something Mary?" Alari asked a small smile on his face. "It's merely my opinion but I agree that you should be more independent though I wouldn't say so in front of Mera and I can understand being frightened as there are many bad things in the world."
Alari put his glasses back on giving them a little push before he continued looking over at Mary.
"However I wouldn't put aside the dependence on your siblings, perhaps physically but not emotionally. It's okay to stand on your own two feet but doing so alone is hard and most times very painful. In the end everyone has to walk on their own eventually, but it's the bonds we make during our time together that helps move us forward when frightening things present themselves. It's the knowledge that though bad does exist in the world there's just as much good alongside it and you've got just a little bit extra of that from your siblings and hopefully from Kaori and me. You are right that you shouldn't compare yourself to your siblings, there's only one Mary and she's irreplaceable thus comparing her to anything else is an impossibility."
Alari shrugged at this with a smile considering it common knowledge before he reached over and put a hand on her head.
"You'll be fine because you are who you are Mary. Do what you feel is right as that what matters in the end. I believe in you, Kaori believes in you and I'm positive your siblings do too. Anytime you want and only if you want, you can complain to me anytime so don't worry about that. I'm sure your siblings wouldn't mind either...I'm sure Kaori would try at least but no guarantee....anyway I'll stop there I don't want to chew your ear off with all my talking."
Alari removed his hands and stood up from the bench before brushing off his bottom and stretching looking back at Mary once he lowered his arms.
"I'm happy we could become friends too Mary and I think Mera had good company before us if you guys were with her." Alari said with a smile. "I'll take any optimism over recent circumstances as well."
Alari crossed his arms closing his eyes for a moment as he didn't want to linger too long so Mera came out, it was their personal time together after all.
"During the fireworks Kaori saw something in you, he wouldn't tell me what but he took it upon himself to try and bring your smile back. He worries about you too Mary, and it takes something extremely interesting to keep Kaori's attention so that's a miracle in itself."
Alari turned to walk away but stopped for a moment and rubbed the back of his head.
"I suppose I worry too but that comes with caring about someone so it's a natural reaction. Having someone worry about you isn't something one misses until no one does it anymore....I'll just stop, I really will start sounding like an Oji-san if I keep talking."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru listened to his story, glad for the distraction and found it easy enough to listen since she felt she hardly knew anything about him. She smiled a little seeing the expressions on his face as he talked, almost laughing at his tactics of how he managed to get the two sides to fight each other. She went a bit wide-eyed at the part about taking over a country in three hours.
"Even if you were speaking more about them than you, it still say something about you," Hotaru smiled softly, nodding, "The way you decided to tell that story says the most," she leaned her head back, looking up at the ceiling, "You could have made Kuroki-san out to be a villain or over idolized him, but you didn't. Plus you just admitted at one point you were still learning the tools of the trade," she smirked at him.
She looked back ahead and sighed, "This journey has been the longest thing I've ever done. I've never done anything exciting, never had any real world experience... I get jealous when I hear you and Mera talk about the places you've been," she admitted with a sigh, "I almost hope my history is more than I remember specifically so I don't feel like there was a serious waste of my life... this vampire thing almost is my chance to do something with myself, to actually contribute to a world outside of my own.... if only it didn't come with such a bad tasting price," she made a face as she looked back over to him, then shook her head, "Sorry, that must have sounded fairly pathetic. Is there any other stories you feel like sharing?" she asked before there was a knock on the door.
"It's me," Eryn said loud enough for them to hear, "Mera's gone to get fabric. She'll be back soon," he said before going on towards Raina's room.
"Well that explains why she isn't here to share one of her stories, and I say that sarcastically since she rarely shares and they're always vague stories, but still....."

Mary smiled softly when he spoke of being emotionally dependent on her siblings, laughing softly as he put his hand on her head. She smiled softly when he mentioned Kaori trying to listen to her complain, knowing it probably wouldn't work, not that she would want to complain to him anyways. It wasn't anything against Kaori, but his positive look on things helped her feel better from time to time. Though hearing that he was worried about her made her feel a bit guilty that she hadn't worked harder to hide her concerns. She laughed a little when he was worried about sound like and Oji-san, "I hate to tell you, Alari, but you have that wisdom when you speak that always makes you fall in to Kaori's "Oji-san" category," she gave him an apologetic smile, "And I'm sure you're aware Mera's been listening to the conversation, hardly anything escapes her notice, especially with her waiting in the doorway for us to finish talking," she glanced that way and Mera glanced out the door, raising a brow as it had sounded rather accusing.
"I was being polite."
"You're eavesdropping."
"And now I'm being lectured by my baby sister. How odd this situation is."
"Sorry, Alari, if you wanted this conversation to be private, but that rarely happens in this family," Mary laughed and Mera just shrugged, then had to fix her kimono when the shoulder fell.
"I'll just start back since the conversation isn't meant to include me."
"Not that you'll stop listening- you've got one of your fly traps around here somewhere."
"Just ruining all my attempts aren't you?"
"You'll scare him away if you're so clingy," Mera turned red at that and Mary smirked.
"I-I'm most definitely not being clingy!" she objected before holding her fabrics tighter as she started around the two of them towards the inn. Mary laughed softly at her response.
"I guess I should head back as well. I imagine you're doing some sort of personal errand since Kaori isn't tailing behind you," Mary stood up, dusting her backside off, "Where is he? He seemed rather disappointed in whatever you plan on making for dinner so I would think he would be trying to find himself something better," she smiled a bit.

Mera went back to the inn as she said she would, going back to the room where Hotaru and Larel were, using a vine to sort of break in to the room, not wanting to be patient enough for them to come open the door. She walked in and realized the sun was coming in through the windows walked over, dropping the fabrics literally on Hotaru, taking her cloak and securing it over the window to put the room in shadow. She then took the fabrics back, leaving Hotaru blinking in surprise and in confusion.
"Um... hi?"
"What?" Mera looked at her as she got the needle out of side bag, starting to look at the different fabrics, trying to make sure to pick the right ones for the right pieces.
"You..." Hotaru shook her head, deciding to let it pass, "You certainly got a lot of fabric," she pointed towards it, changing the subject.
"Well, I'm glad you're still capable of being observant."
"Geez, that was unnecessary," she grumbled but Mera just went about working on starting to make Hotaru a new cloak so she could have hers back.

[Mizos]

Alari turned fully towards Mary as she spoke to him a weak chuckle escaping from him as she mentioned Oji-san, he could only shrug his shoulders as he was positive his response would only make it worse. When she mentioned Mera Alari looked towards the door blinking a bit seeing Mary was correct, he reached up and adjusted his glasses as he hadn't actually noticed Mera was there. He ended up looking away from the two as they spoke to each other a little embarrassed Mera had heard all of that, he supposed since she was right inside he should have realized the possibility from the beginning.
Alari waved his hand in front of his face at the mention of it being private, though it wasn't his intention he didn't mind that Mera heard him. He did smile as he watched the two speak with one another, the two were close and it showed well enough in their conversation. When Mera went red Alari tilted his head a little before he watched Mera walk back towards the inn, he put his hands in his sleeves a small smile on his face. He didn't mind if she was a little clingy, but he wasn't going to say that out loud especially with Mera in earshot.
"Well I don't mind she heard our conversation at least," Alari said before turning towards Mary as she spoke again.
"Not a personal errand this time," Alari said bringing a hand to his chin. "I don't think Kaori wanted to come with me because I was getting food he didn't want to eat. Concerning where he is I'm not really sure."
Alari glanced over noticing a middle aged man walking by with a scroll, Alari arched a brow before walking over to the man and getting his attention, he pointed to the scroll before inquiring where he got it from. After a small back and forth he confirmed it was Kaori who had given him the painting.
"I didn't realize he was a guy but yeah he painted this," The man said. "It's actually really good, he told me I didn't have to pay but I had to give him something for it. You want to see it?"
"No no that's quite-" Alari started but stopped as the man opened the scroll and showed it to him, Alari's mouth formed into a thin line as his face went completely blank.
"I requested one of my back but he said a frontal would be better, I'm glad I took his advice it's really good. If you're getting one you better go soon, there was a line when I left."
The man turned and walked off and Alari watched him go before he calmly turned and walked back over to Mary, reaching up he grabbed his glasses and dropped them on the ground before crushing them with his foot. Reaching in his sleeve he put a new pair of glasses on before adjusting them with a sigh knowing he that could not be unseen.
"He's in the market painting," Alari said adjusting his glasses.
A small smile escaped from his blank expression before he turned and walked back towards the shops to get more supplies.
"I suppose I'd better go get some food he likes, better he not wander around late at night for a meal with the money he has. I'll see you back at the inn Mary."

Larel rested his arm on his knee as he looked over at Hotaru glad he was able to help distract her if only a little, when she talked to him he gave a small nod and smiled at the mention of Kuroki-san. He supposed it did give some insight which he was happy about and he liked talking about Kurok-san and his sensei, though he still found it hard to remember Kuroki-san's face, his smile faded a little when Hotaru mention jealousy causing him to fold his hands together as he listened to her. He averted his eyes for a moment feeling a little guilt for sharing the story but his attention went back to her as she spoke of being a vampire. Larel remained silent making sure to listen to Hotaru nodding his head a few times as she spoke, he offered small smile at the mention of other stories.
"I have plenty more but I'd have to think of another good one," he said.
He did have more but he wasn't sure if he should keep sharing them, thinking about it there were a few that didn't involve travel from the castle.
He started to respond but hearing Eryn knock on the door he glanced over at it hearing where Mera was, a small sigh of relief came from him glad to know where she was at least.
He looked back over at Hotaru when she mentioned Mera a small chuckle coming from him as he offered a nod, he wondered about one of Mera's stories but decided not to bring it up at the moment.
"Hotaru...you-" Larel started to speak to Hotaru but cut himself off as the door was throw open, he started to reach for his sword but seeing the vine he pulled his hand back seeing it was Mera. He watched in silence and a bit of confusion as she covered the window and got to work on Hotaru's new cloak, he wasn't sure what to necessarily say to her as something seemed to be on her mind. A part of him knew if he asked he probably wouldn't get an answer but this was his master at the very least and he had something to ask. However he had something to say first before he tried to speak to her as she held sharp needles in her hands.
Larel stood up and walking over sat on his knees in front of Hotaru, so he wouldn't have to speak too loud and disturb Mera anymore than he intended.
"I don't think it's pathetic Hotaru," Larel said. "Also you do more than enough to contribute being yourself. You've already effected my life, Mera-sama is my master but you are the one who found me after all."
Larel grinned though it was dark in the room and pointed at Hotaru before continuing.
"A story is better when you're not alone, and I think you've already started one right?"
Larel stood up having said his peace and took in a deep breath before taking a few step away from Hotaru and turning to face Mera.
"Mera-sama please forgive the interruption and this is going to sound weird but...have you seen Alari," Larel said ruffling his hair. "I don't like asking but he was near you, Eryn and Kaori last...and I don't want to speak to the other two no offense to Eryn-san. I have a favor to ask him so I'd like to find him as soon as possible."

Yuni walked in the room before she noticed the black silhouette sitting in the darkness leaning back against what she assumed was a table once more, she closed the door behind her and as always walked forward to the edge of the darkness before placing her hands on her hips. She waited for a moment but it was clear Nokori wasn't going to speak to her first, that or he actually was taking another nap which was a complete possibility.
"Nokori you called me in here?" Yuni asked smiling at him.
Nokori's eyes slowly opened and a small yawn escaped from him as Yuni realized it really was the latter before she waited for him to fully wake up, Nokori's yellow eyes stared at her slightly drooping as he responded to her.
"Indeed I did, I read over the report and I found out the explanation on the lapse on Alari's end. It seems he 'died' without Larel's assistance."
"Oh it's been awhile since that's happened," Yuni said crossing her arms. "That one moment caused the trouble didn't it?"
"More than even he anticipated, it's still being handled but that's not even the surprising part. Alari is....taking a small break."
Yuni dramatically leaned back in surprising causing Nokori to grin, Yuni straightened her body and grinned herself before placing a hand on her hip.
"Is Mera the cause of it?"
"That seems to be the case," Nokori responded.
"I actually want to meet this Mera now, she's created nothing short of a miracle."
"Very true but that means we have to double up on our side, he could use a breather so don't let up."
"Of course but I know that's not the only reason you brought me in here."
"Yeah...I have a bad feeling about something. Its just instinct but I want you to head there and meet them."
"You mean go see their little group? It must be serious if we're interacting with them."
"They need not know of our purpose, don't speak to them if it's avoidable but I have a gut feeling things are going to get ugly, and knowing how things go it'll probably be Zenmaru's fault. Seeing as she was able to get into a bit of Larel's memory doesn't help."
"You're right that's really got good should I hurry?"
"....She's contained for the time being so no and Alari may take care of it himself as he always does, but if he's this stressed he may not be thinking straight, you're my just in case."
"I'll leave immediately, should I tell deliver a message to Alari?"
"You know there's no need for that...and if Alari's there then you won't be needed. Let's hope that's the case."
"I understand....I hope you're off about this Nokori."
With that Yuni's body glowed before vanishing in a blink of silver, Nokori closed his eyes again hoping with her he was wrong about this.