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Ithradine Member
A Rouge Machine
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Arton brandished his sword in a way that, he hoped, would make Izayoi proud as he pushed to the front cutting down any opponent in his way with a maximum of two swings. The intensity in his eyes would have only succeeded by Izayoi and perhaps Eve. Their utter disdain and contempt for Valheim might have rubbed of on him. These thugs before them were worse than the soldiers in some ways. Arton had purposefully kept himself ignorant of the extent Mizutani's criminal organization conducted business. Those small details wouldn't help to bring her down any faster. His motivation to cut through their defenses he imagined was similar to Miina's. There was a chance Mizutani knew information about Reisa that would be useful.
The shaped plate armor that made his various configurations had been custom-made by Cyth with his help. It was strong enough to endure more than a few shots from the best firearm Skael could produce...but it would eventually fail. His shield, on the other hand, was more than capable of shrugging off volley after volley of shot even if his arm necessarily couldn't handle it. It was for that reason he still took cover next to Rudolf. If he had charged headfirst into their formation there was a change he would overwhelmed by volume of fire alone. Rudolf grabbed his attention with his fierce declaration. Arton would be damned if he would left him go out there alone.
He didn't know exactly what Rudolf had been planning so he kept a few paces behind him "I got your back!" It was a simple callout but it was enough to let him know Arton was following close behind. It might have been because of Izayoi's training but his eyes picked up on the dark materia that Rudolf had begun to focus on. Arton barely managed to stepped in front as a fresh volley peppered his armor and shield, breaking or bouncing against its surface. A chill ran down his spine as not long after Eve's voice roared with a violence that suggested what was about to happen.
What came next was hardly a shock to someone who had fought with her before. The annoyance was clear and in her voice and he doubt any would object in that moment. Any issues he might have had with her response didn't matter. What was done was done. There was less likely to be much more serious resistance ahead of them if the thugs actions and words could be believed.
"Rudolf, I'm going to take point. I ask that you back me up." It was the voice of someone that trusted in the soldier besides him completely. Arton had been one of the few not to speak to him privately after his 'trump' card was revealed. There was no need for clarification in his view. The others might have suspected his condition to be some kind of blight corruption but if that was the case his scar would have surely brought him to the ground with pain. No. Perhaps Arton was the only one who could trust him completely because of that.
He led the charge upwards the soon burning building with full faith that the rest of the team would support him. This was his role and purpose as he felt the slight magical pulse of the Materia he held. They didn't possess any flashy ability or skill that allowed him access to spells. What they offered was an incredible defense bolstered by his hardened physique. All he had to do in this instant was draw their ire and Rudolf, with his superior offensive abilities, would be able to freely deal with any opposition.
Mentions:
Mizutani cursed under breath as her face morphed into a irritated scowl and her right brow began to twitch. She took a moment to close her eyes as she set the tea cup down on its accompanying saucer with a grace that betrayed the rage building up within and inhaled deeply "I expect whatever is happening below to be dealt with before my tea goes cold... Her eyes open slightly and she glowered at one of the guards attending her in the room "...U N D E R S T A N D?" If Mizutani had been holding the same cup she had been earlier it would have surely shattered in her grip that accompanied the venom in her words. A heavy, uninterested sigh escaped her lips as she crossed her legs and took out one of the expensive cigars she had imported from Valheim. The tip of the cigar was ignited with an elaborate lighter that had been custom made for one of the executed Osprean lords. She inhaled the smoke in one slow drag and seemed to release her anger into the smoke cloud that rose towards the ceiling."Ah, my sweet Cici. What terrible timing. Don't worry that pretty, little head about anything, 'kay?" She had adopted a playful, almost childish tone as she addressed Ciradyl.
A frightened look flashed on Ciradyl's eyes as she heard all the commotion from downstairs and looked over Mizutani with practiced fear in her eyes. "O-okay, I am in your care Mistress." She spoke softly in a demure tone, bowing her head in reverent respect for her elder. Ciradyl could feel those vile eyes of her all over, tearing her apart piece by piece and it brought a visceral reaction in her gut. The only reason why it didn't was because of Mizutani's foolishly relaxed attitude thinking it was just some rag-tag group rebels. Good. Ciradyl had managed to get her guard down enough that she was leaving openings for Kirin to exploit. The force and pace at which her allies had started to assault the mansion did give her a bit of pause.
A shrill shriek from Mizutani berated Ciradyl's ears "You're just so too cute, Cici! I'm not going to let anyone else have you." Ciradyl gritted her teeth into one of her charming smiles. How did a fool like this come into a position like this. No. She wasn't stupid. Mizutani was quite the genius in a lot of ways. Ciradyl understood that she was one of the few things that could get her to act this sloppy.
It was actually a relief that Kirin was wasting no time. She didn't know how much longer she could conceal her overwhelming bloodlust. There would be no slow, agonizing torture for Ciradyl to wash away the grime. No commiserating with allies that understood her agony. All that awaited her at the end of this all was a hollow victory. It had not been fair to Team Kirin for her to walk her own path here. She hoped that with time and enough reparations they might forgiver her this one indulgence. There was nothing, she believed, that grant her that forgiveness if Mizutani was allowed to speak to them. Mizutani was a cowardly snake that would more than gladly give up whatever information she thought would save her.
Ciradyl raised the tea, pretending to tremble slightly, and took a sip to ease her emotions. A hopeful, innocent part of her hoped that she might be able to move on after closing this chapter of her life. Her sullen eyes stared into the amber liquid in her cup as she lowered it from her lips. Perhaps Izayoi had the right idea after all. One final, grand action to cleanse the pain of the past. She felt like for the first time she really understood Izayoi. 'An unrequited love that end in tradegy? How original...' She thought, nearly breaking out into a smile. Whatever she decided to do after Mizutani's death...at least she had served and given Opsrey a chance to flourish once again.
UPDATE: I have looked at the Fate system and I don't think I will be using it for this RP but I'm going to incorporate a few concepts from it.
I also wanted to clarify to anyone considering a carrier that might be dissuaded by there already being one. Because of maintaining the stealth drive and other resources for the Fleet, Shinano will not be as effective as a carrier without these restraints.
I also wanted to clarify to anyone considering a carrier that might be dissuaded by there already being one. Because of maintaining the stealth drive and other resources for the Fleet, Shinano will not be as effective as a carrier without these restraints.
The year is 2059 and 90% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean due to global warming and rising sea levels. This might have spelled the disaster for humanity if not for an equally devastating event.
Amidst this environmental disaster, A fleet of powerful sentient warships appeared seemingly out of nowhere and
assaulted the navies of the world in the year 2039. Coastal settlements not destroyed by rising sea levels were wasted by horrific, alien weapons of war.
The advanced technology of the hostiles, collectively referred to as the Fleet of Fog, made quick work of any opposition. There was little, if anything, the forces of humanity could do to stem the tide of their enemies' absolute power.
It was in the year 2049 that a last, desperate offensive was conducted against the Fleet of Fog consisting of a large number of warships from a coalition of nations. It was a total defeat for Human fleet and with it came a total blockade of travel over sea by the Fleet of Fog.
Undersea communications and satellites were also destroyed, severely restricting any secure contact across continents. The fragile alliance of human governments face constant threats from internal and external forces.
Control over the Earth's oceans belong solely to the Fleet of Fog and there had been little to suggest this would ever change. Now a full decade since their invasion, a new independent force is stirring up the balance of power. A force neither bound to the will of the admiralty code nor the laws of humanity.
Little information exists about the Phantom Fleet except for the fact that is a small group of FOG ships that have defected, lead by their flagship: Fog Carrier Shinano. Naval intelligence agencies wait in anticipation to see how this unseen factor will change the status quo.
Amidst this environmental disaster, A fleet of powerful sentient warships appeared seemingly out of nowhere and
assaulted the navies of the world in the year 2039. Coastal settlements not destroyed by rising sea levels were wasted by horrific, alien weapons of war.
The advanced technology of the hostiles, collectively referred to as the Fleet of Fog, made quick work of any opposition. There was little, if anything, the forces of humanity could do to stem the tide of their enemies' absolute power.
It was in the year 2049 that a last, desperate offensive was conducted against the Fleet of Fog consisting of a large number of warships from a coalition of nations. It was a total defeat for Human fleet and with it came a total blockade of travel over sea by the Fleet of Fog.
Undersea communications and satellites were also destroyed, severely restricting any secure contact across continents. The fragile alliance of human governments face constant threats from internal and external forces.
Control over the Earth's oceans belong solely to the Fleet of Fog and there had been little to suggest this would ever change. Now a full decade since their invasion, a new independent force is stirring up the balance of power. A force neither bound to the will of the admiralty code nor the laws of humanity.
The Phantom Fleet
Little information exists about the Phantom Fleet except for the fact that is a small group of FOG ships that have defected, lead by their flagship: Fog Carrier Shinano. Naval intelligence agencies wait in anticipation to see how this unseen factor will change the status quo.
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General Concept
General Concept
An alternative universe take on the anime: Arpeggio of Blue Steel - Ars Nova. The story of this roleplay revolves around a small group of defector Fog ships, and their human allies, known as the Phantom Fleet. These sentient weapons of war that once simply obeyed all orders are now faced with trying to understand life outside of combat and the customs of humanity. It won't be long until they are forced to fight in order to maintain this existence outside of the Admiralty code, the absolute authority of the Fleet of Fog.
Players will take the role as one of the Phantom Fleet's rogue FOG ships with options to include human characters down the line. Each FOG ship is able to project their identity in the form of a mental model, a hologram-like construct capable of freely interacting with the physical world and accessing a variety of powers. Smaller ships need the support of a larger vessel in order to project a mental model. The only restrictive factor on selecting a mental model is that they must be humanoid.
The story begins with the Phantom Fleet currently off the coast of Japan where Shinano is considering setting up the first diplomatic meeting between her and the government of Japan. Shinano possess an experimental stealth drive that will serve to protect the Phantom Fleet that has various abilities depending on how much computational power is directed to it. Large ships like battleships will have the most firepower but be slow in comparison to smaller ships.
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Below is some information to help start brainstorming character ideas. I am considering using the FATE system so this might be subject to change.
Mentions:
Crimson dripped from the knuckles of his metal gauntlet, pieces of flesh stuck to the sharper angles. His chest moved up and down rapidly with heavy breathing, a mix of anxiety and exhaustion. Arton's teeth were clenched so hard that the muscles in his jaw had begun to ache. His iron grip on the collar of the Valheim soldier loosened and slumped to the ground motionless. Their face had been so ruthlessly bludgeoned that it would be near impossible to make out who it was. Warm blood flowed down the rough grooves carved into their face onto the stone pavement below. Arton had already moved on after confirming there was no signs of life."Reisa...Reisa......Reisa." He muttered under his breath that faintly reeked of alcohol.
Arton continued throughout the back alleys of Kugane with a light but steady buzz. This was how he had spent the last few nights after returning back to the capital. The lump of metal and meat he left behind was the latest of his targets but once again he failed to gain any meaningful information. All he was left with was a deadly combination of alcohol and unaddressed rage in his blood. It felt like just another failure under his belt and the theory that Reisa could be in fact Furi was all the kept him grounded. This extreme turmoil that burned within him was why he had distanced himself from the rest of Team Kirin following the revelations at the Temple of Etro.
It was a crisis of identity so he focused on the only thing he could be certain of: his feelings for Furi. Arton wiped the gore from his plated gauntlet with a rag and tossed it carelessly aside. He was now beginning to wonder if sharing that moment with Eliane had been wise. His back hit against a wall and he slowly lowered on the ground after getting a fair distance away from his last target. Arton unlatched a flask from his belt and took a long gulp of its potent contents. Otherwise bright, blue eyes stared grimly at the ground in front of him. Arton had never felt so lost in all of his years of wandering the land. What had he been living for all this time?
He was a disgace...to his parents, to Cyth, to Team Kirin, and himself. A fraud through and through. Nothing more than a glorified body shield. Arton's gaze slowly shifted from the dull ground towards the vibrant night sky above. He had never been a strong worshipper of the gods but, wallowing in his own despair, he couldn't help but send a silent prayer to Etro. A prayer for a small bit of the wisdom granted upon Cid. There was the same silence as the previous nights he had offered up his humble wishes. Arton screwed on the cap of his flask and attached it back on his belt with a heavy sigh suddenly disgusted with himself.
That night Arton stumbled back into the safehouse looking mentally drained, unable to keep up any of the cheerful pretense he typically held. Faint traces of blood had remained on his gauntlet. He retired without a word to anyone to his room and ensured that the door was locked. Arton shed the majority of his armor before moving towards a chest. His hands retrieved a tome he had acquired shortly after they returned to Kugane. It was tome of Etro's teachings and he hoped somewhere in its crisp pages to find answers.
Arton stood towards the rear of the group as he wore the heaviest armor without additional means of movement such as Galahad. The dour expression he had worn the night prior was gone but he could not say he had shaken off the lingering doubts in his mind. He was more than happy to leave the planning to the others but he doubted they would be able to sneak in and remain undetected. Arton had already made considerable concessions regarding his armor but he was still far from light-footed. He shook his head at Miina's request for some rope "'Fraid not, sorry." He was certain, however, that he could easily climb the wall without it.
He could hardly believe what his eyes were seeing in the distance. His eyes were not the sharpest but even he couldn't deny that was Ciradyl approaching the front gate and simply walking inside. One of the gate guards even seemed to go with her, leaving behind just the one. His brain tried to reconcile what she had said earlier with what he was seeing now. Unlike himself, Ciradyl surely would have been a great help infiltrating the mansion. His gaze turned to Izayoi for any kind of clue how they should be reacting to this.
Mentions:
"I wish I could join you tonight but there are some affairs I must take care of. I will be eagerly awaiting news of your success." was the last thing Ciradyl said before she gracefully bowed, and departed from the meeting. It was not a complete lie but she had other plans. She had to ensure Mizutani's demise was swift and certain and this was something she could not even rely on Izayoi for. Team Kirin would infiltrate and secure her escape, but she would be the one to take the snake's life.
The form of Ciradyl became clear as she slowly made her way towards the front gate of Mizutani's mansion. Her hair was beautifully done up in a bun, held together by silver pins with a single glimmering, blue gemstone. She wore a sleek, white dress with rich, blue accents. Her left arm was left bare while the other was covered by a partially transparent cloak. A masterfully crafted pair of droplet silver earrings pierced each ear, complimenting a matching necklace that draped delicately around her neck. Three thin braclets adorned her bare arm, each baring several precious stones. A dark, rich red colored her lips and a faint pink rounded her cheeks.
"I trust Lady Tane is expecting me." Ciradyl stood with her hands folded in front of her, staring down the two mercenaries that stood watch at the front gate. The gate opened nearly immediately "Of course, Lady Ciradyl!" A strong mix of fear and respect floated with his voice. She could feel their gaze reluctantly wash over her before meeting her eyes. Ciradyl strode inside and stopped just inside the gate "Are you not going to escort me inside?" She sharply asked, not deigning to look at either of them. The two guards glanced at each other "Our apologies, Lady Ciradyl. I will take you Lady Tane." Ciradyl let out a small 'hmphf' and daintily took the arm of the offered guard.
She had been expecting this day to come for some time now. The Valheim garrison was at its lowest in some time and now was the ideal time to take care of one last loose end. Mizutani, however, was as cunning as she was cowardly. She rarely left vulnerable openings and getting one of her own agents inside her organization had been nearly impossible. The only infomration she had on the Mansion was what little she learned from the rare visits she made to her estate. It left her a rotten taste in her mouth that she had to pretend to be such a vile creautre's ally. The 'Light and Shadow of Kugane' Mizutani had equated their relationship following Valheim's occupation, as if they were a kind of Ying and Yang.
Mizutani's life was hers to take and she would not allow anyone else the pleasure. A pang of guilt did flash through her knowing that somewhere Team Kirin was preparing their infiltration. There was only one other that she had ever informed of her arrangement with Mizutani and they would end their life before spill any of her secrets. That only left Mizutani. Her gaze absentmindedly acknowledged the new art pieces and decorations as she entered the Mansion. All she had to do was support Team Kirin however she could from the inside. Keep Mizutani off guard and then silence her forever.
&
Ranbu No Izayoi
Ranbu No Izayoi
The door to Izayoi’s room creaked open and, while her footsteps were naturally soft, Ciradyl made no effort to conceal her movements. A thousand different thoughts and voices fought inside her mind for center stage, all eager to be heard. The Hubris of Valheim. The loss of Osprey’s crystal and its guardian. The fear that her actions during the fight might have revealed her. These concerns were pushed aside as Izayoi came into her view. Though her expression hardly shifted, Ciradyl felt her heart ache and then stiffen with determination.
”There is somewhere I would like to take you before we leave. That is, if you are not busy…” She hoped the location would come as a surprise and offer a chance for the two of them to speak alone. Izayoi was someone of action and if she had to match it if she wished to break through to her. The distance between them felt greater than she had believed Izayoi to be dead. All Ciradyl wanted to do standing there was cradle her head into her chest, stroke her hair, and tell her everything would be alright. A ridiculous, fanciful thought that was as likely as Valheim peacefully leaving back to their own continent.
Izayoi looked up from where she sat cross-legged in the middle of the room, her sword in her lap. She hadn’t done quite much of anything since returning to Kugane, save for menial tasks and meditating. Or trying to, at least. Fifteen years. She thought she’d moved on past this. Evidently not. To say nothing of what they’d learned below the earth.
”I am not, no.” The former general rose to her feet, sliding her sheathed blade back into her sash. ”You want to speak, then?”
”That is correct. I have the perfect place in mind.” A faint smile appeared on her lips, though little else changed. Ciradyl had shed the form-fitted armor she wore on their excursion for a traditional Osprean kimono, one that accentuated her natural beauty. She headed out the room with the expectation that Izayoi would follow.
Ciradyl had already informed Hien and Chisaki that the two of them would be heading out. It seemed that Miina’s healing was enough that Chisa was able to walk properly on her own now, albeit with a noticeable limp ”I think the location will be a pleasant surprise. I am feeling excited already.”. The soft, cool tone of her voice did not match her words. Besides their initial reunion, her voice hardly shifted from this tone.
.
”Are you, now?” Izayoi quirked a brow, taking a moment to put her hat on and wrap her traveling cloak around herself. Better to keep as hidden as possible, so as not to cause undue alarm if she was recognized. Five years wasn’t a long enough time for those in the know within Kugane to forget her face, to say nothing of the garrison still on alert for her.
”Lead on.” She glanced around the safehouse as they made their way out. ”You’ve done well for yourself these past few years. One could hardly imagine you were just a singer at one time. Albeit an exceptionally talented one.”
The Faye’s brightened as she answered the Mystrel with a single nod, purposefully ignoring the look she was receiving. Her excitement was a bit of nostalgia and fondness, for both her companion and the spot they were going. Ciradyl moved through the safehouse with elegant ease, never once breaking posture and greeted the various servants with a dim, warm smile. All of those under her, and now Hien’s, command clearly regarded her with great respect.
One pointed ear flickered backwards as Ciradyl heard her dear friend speak up ”Thank you, Izayoi. This is certainly not the path I thought my life would take but I have done my best.” She paused briefly as if contemplating if she should continue. ”I do still sing on stage from time to time. I have even written a couple songs about yourself.” The door to the entrance was opened by a figure similarly concealed as Izayoi heading inside, who held it open for the two of them. Luckily, the spot for their small outing was not too far away.
Izayoi allowed herself to make a face at the mention of anything to do with her as they walked.
”I dearly wish you hadn’t, but I suppose I cannot fault you for doing so while believing I was dead.” She murmured. ”You know exactly how I feel about any sort of fame.”
They reached their destination, and Izayoi realized exactly where they were going the moment they turned the corner.
”The tea shop is still here?” Memories of better times flashed through her mind for a moment before the reality of their situation set in. ”You’re certain this is a good idea? We were both known patrons of this establishment in the past. All it would take is the wrong person recognizing myself, and your work goes up in flames.”
”I have only ever performed the one, if that is of any comfort.” Ciradyl teased, though there was a heaviness to her words. There were a couple ballads that, if Izayoi ever discovered them, she would be mortified should they ever become known. They were her way of coping with the aftermath of Izayoi’s death.
The tea shop had not fallen into disrepair but had maintained its quaint aesthetic. ”There is a certain risk that such will occur, but it is one that I think can be managed.” She said confidently, taking the first steps towards its front door ”I have only been inside a couple of times since you die-disappeared. Nothing tasted the same without you there.” Mint-eyes widened a little at this admission, as if she had let something slip, and she hurried towards the door.
”You would have moved on past it, in time.” Izayoi said simply as they walked in, being quickly seated at a table. Unlike six years past, the shop was less bustling than it had been. It still maintained a moderate amount of patrons at this time of day, but nowhere close to what it once was. Likely a result of Valheim’s occupation.
After they ordered, Izayoi reached up and undid the hair tie keeping her ponytail up, letting her hair fall naturally. After all, even in the old days, she’d almost always kept her hair tied up. Without her hat on, there was little else to do in the way of attempting to conceal her identity for the moment. That done, continued on from where she had been speaking before.
”Should I actually fall on this journey, please, for your sake, mourn me less. I would vastly prefer to not be a source of your misery.”
Ciradyl offered a gentle smile towards the waitress that seated them ”Perhaps.” She said with a small shrug of her shoulders, turning her attention fully onto Izayoi now. Her eyes blinked a couple times as Izayoi let her hair down and quickly became enamored with this particular look. It had been an instant favorite the scarce times she had seen it.
Teeth grinded against each other as she barely maintained her composure. Fingers with delicate, glossy nails that were resting on the edge of the table began to dig into the dense wood. The humble serenity that she had so far projected cracked underneath the weight of Izayoi’s words ”Then do not.” These words came sharp and heavy as a deadly seriousness washed over Ciradyl’s beauty. She took a deep breath and repaired the cracks in her expression ”I will not lose you again, not when you are all that I have left. I apologize if this burdens you.” Her voice and eyes gradually softened until a somber sadness had replaced the silent fury.
”Ciradyl, please. Do not ask something of me that I cannot guarantee.” Izayoi sighed, letting herself slump slightly as she sat. They sat in silence for a few minutes until their tea and accompaniments were served. A few sips of bergamot later, and she spoke once more.
”Besides, I am not all you have. You’ve no few subordinates that rely on your leadership. To say otherwise cheapens their loyalty. Unlike myself, you’ve not gotten all of them killed.”
Ciradyl took the time they enjoyed their tea to contemplate Izayoi’s response and gather her thoughts. The tea itself was a hit of tasteful nostalgia, its flavor dragging her back through time. It was perhaps because of this that what Izayoi said next stung.
”I am certain those under your command would argue otherwise.” She contested lightly before continuing, quickly devouring a bite-sized tart ”You have a number of new companions that rely on you, enough to make me a tad jealous.” Her lips curved into a smirk and drew her teacup to her mouth in an effort to ease the atmosphere.
”Hardly,” Izayoi scoffed, ripping her dango off the stick with her teeth. ”Allies of convenience, at best. The Edreni tolerate me for my supposed strength, and I to them in return. The Skaelans sent the most obvious spies in recorded history to bring word back to their land regarding the Blight. And the younger Mystrel is here solely to find her brother.”
A gulp of bergamot tea washed the sticky dumplings down before she continued.
”They all fear a shadow and a dead woman. I am not what I was even ten years ago.” She remarked bitterly before shaking her head. ”But enough of me. I never quite enjoy that subject. What of you, and your thousand suitors, men and women? Surely you’ve picked someone by now.”
A thought came to Izayoi’s mind, unbidden, and she frowned.
”If it is the boy,” Izayoi had only ever referred to Hien in this fashion to Ciradyl in the past. ”I may have to chastise you. Severely.”
”Is that a promise?” A light giggle escaped her lips, knowing fully well it was no mere joke and content to move the topic of conversation along. It was adorable that would be so protective of the young lord. She cradled the delicate cup in front of her with both hands ”You can rest assured, he does not interest me in such a way.” This she said seriously, taking a sip.
With that answered, she was now pressured to reply to Izayoi’s previous inquiry. Would she dare to answer truthfully?”My mother would ask the same of me leading up to Valheim’s invasion. It is true. My family’s status and wealth combined with my talents secured no shortage of potential partners.” This was said with some annoyance instead of any kind of pride. ”There was no one that could compete with my love for music and performing. There was little I did that seemed to deter them from trying.”
Ciradyl paused for a moment ”It was not too long after Valheim occupied Osprey that they became my main audience and pool of suitors. They would like me as one of their prizes, like so many treasures pillaged from this land. I am sure you share my feelings regarding that. ” She purposefully avoided mentioning there had been someone she had developed feelings for. It was too late by the time she realized them.
”Until…ah.” Izayoi winced slightly as her fears for Ciradyl’s parents were confirmed. ”I hadn’t dared to ask.” She took a sip of tea to marshal her thoughts before continuing.
”But I do understand. Until Isshin, I had little interest in that sort of entanglement, myself. And now I do not, once again. Still, I implore you to not let myself be your only companion remaining on this earth. I would say to speak to some of my compatriots, but that will mean little once we leave for Drana Asnaeu.”
She popped a block of mizu yokan in her mouth, savoring the flavor. Certainly better than the ones she’d tried making at home.
”The woman I was when we first met would be disgusted to see how far I’ve fallen.” Izayoi opined, her memory stretching near a decade back to their first meeting in this very teahouse. ”Is Mizutani Tane dead yet? If this occupation could yield but a single benefit, I would wish it to be that wench’s death. Surely, she’s run afoul of Valheim by now.”
Ciradyl simply nodded regarding her parents’ deaths, the cool expression on her face indicating it did not need more mention. Her heart sank a little hearing that Izayoi confirmed what she had already known.
She followed suit and selected a piece of mizu yokan for herself, it was slightly different in favor compared to ones her servant made.
”Perhaps, but I think that would be the least of her surprises.” It was still difficult for Ciradyl to process that Izayoi had been a mother, if only briefly.
Ciradyl’s brow furrowed a little at the mention of that name ”The gods would only be so kind. The snake has managed to slither her way into their good graces for the time being. She is their little puppet.” Venom seeped into her words. Tane had caused them no small list of issues.
”Unbelievable. That bitch truly has no limit in the depths she’ll sink to for her own gain.” Izayoi spat, setting the dregs of her tea down. ”I should have killed her all those years ago, consequences be damned. Come, let us be off. This has suddenly put me off my appetite.”
”Indeed. Her death will taste the sweetest, I think.” Ciradyl coldly mused. She rose from their chair and set down the payment for their meal ”We should take the scenic route to cool our heads. The lighting should be just right this time of day.” She said matter of factly as the two of them left the cafe.
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