[12:39 PM] Kwakado: Shimi's hooves touch down on Khlinese soil, in the party's camp outside Fort Ikkigane. Her master, having just finished meeting with the rebels, dismounts, and looks up to the hot sun.
The pair walk over to Sula's dark green tent, and he hums to the horse while packing and unpacking.
[12:42 PM] M I K A: Vivianna pants a little as she finally makes her way over to him..hopefully those two didn't see it as her looking for a chance to get away. She stops and sits down by the tent.
[12:49 PM] Kwakado: The Dwabi emerges, his robe looking a little straighter than usual. He's carrying a little box, ornately wrapped and tied with a big gold ribbon.
"Ha! Vivi-e! " He had just been wondering where she'd been. "Kwemo, sweetheart."
[12:52 PM] M I K A: She jumps at his bright tone. "S-Sula! Kemo to you as well." She smiles and stands up, spotting the box. "What's that?"
[12:57 PM] Kwakado: "You remember my student, I told you of?"
[12:57 PM] M I K A: "The little girl?"
[1:00 PM] Kwakado: Sula nods proudly. "Her name is Nadia... And this month... She had her birthday."(edited)
[1:01 PM] M I K A: "Oh how lovely..but how are you going to get that gift to her?"
[1:05 PM] Kwakado: "It isn't far to the capital, now... With Shimi-e, we should make it while the sun is still up."
He lowers his head, giving a deep smile.
"Lots of time to show my love, the most beautiful city in Khlin."
[1:08 PM] M I K A: She was about to question it but her face turns a rosey red at his following words. "Ohh well..I suppose it would be nice to give her the gift in person...and..another date would be fun.."
[1:14 PM] Kwakado: He shoots her a knowing wink. "Better than waiting around this fort, to be true." Sula stows the box in a saddlebag, looking it over one last time. "That kitsu-ne girl.. Your maid friend. She helped with this, ha ha."(edited)
[1:14 PM] M I K A: "Oh she did huh..well she is very crafty..she made those teddies we use to have."
[1:16 PM] Kwakado: "Yes, yes...I think someone took mine, during the attack." Sula looks back to her. "But, I found one much more cute."
[1:19 PM] M I K A: She giggles, hiding her face a little in her hair "I should get ready then..I want to look good for the birthday girl even if it's already pasted..and you of course." She blows him a kiss before walking inside his tent to change.
[1:29 PM] Kwakado: Sula waits warmly, recalling all the landmarks he'd learned of over the years he had spent in Khlin. Which ones would she prefer?(edited)
[1:30 PM] M I K A: She bites her lip as she walks back out. "I'm ready honey."
[1:39 PM] Kwakado: Sula's eyes lighten, and he takes her hand eagerly.
"You truly are."
He helps her up onto Shimi, before mounting the saddle himself. And they set off southward towards Intetsu.
[1:41 PM] M I K A: "What is this girl like again?"
[1:46 PM] Kwakado: "Nadia loves to learn, to discover...very curious, very clever. And she does not like to follow, other people's rules, ha."(edited)
[1:48 PM] M I K A: "Huh..she's sounds cute..I wonder if she'll like me.."
[1:49 PM] Kwakado: "I am sure she will...Nadia won't get, jealous, ha ha ha."
[1:51 PM] M I K A: "Oh you don't know that."
[1:52 PM] Kwakado: "Vivi-e, I can see the future, you know." He looks back for a moment to give her a stupid grin. "Trust me."
[1:54 PM] M I K A: She laughs. "Ok I will."
[1:57 PM] Kwakado: They pass by some heavily fortified camps along the road. Shimi's altitude raises quite a bit. "What were your birthdays like, as a child?"
[2:01 PM] M I K A: "Mine? Oh I was a spoiled little thing and they were always lavious. I remember my 13th birthday. The maids had made me up so pretty and mother had invited plenty of men whom I could marry. I was presented with many gifts and sweets..of course I didn't eat but one as sweets aren't good for a growing girl. I even got to ride a wyvern..fell off but father caught me. "
[2:06 PM] Kwakado: "The same thing happened at Leo-e's fourteenth, you know!" Sula gives Shimi a pat. "Only it was a silly old Dwabi that caught him, ha ha ha."
[2:07 PM] M I K A: She grins. "I bet he was embarrassed."
[2:11 PM] Kwakado: "Ah, we all were. Except Shimi-e, ha." Sula shakes his head. "But I am glad, that birthdays could be a happy time for you."(edited)
[2:14 PM] M I K A: "Me too..it makes me miss home a little."
[2:14 PM] Kwakado: "I'll take you back, someday. Then you can show Sula-e the all the other pretty sights of Nohr."(edited)
[2:15 PM] M I K A: "Really but I thought you hated Nohr?"
[2:18 PM] Kwakado: "...I hate Khlin, too, to be true. Not its people. But..." He motions to a glittering azure temple below, standing tall over the surrounding village. "Even a cruel land, can have some Kwemo to it."
[2:19 PM] M I K A: "Oh wow! What is that Sula?"
[2:22 PM] Kwakado: "One of the Seven Blue-fang Temples. People come from all across the land, to pray to their ancestors for good fortune. Even the rebels could not bear to knock these buildings down."
[2:30 PM] M I K A: "Oh wow..have you been here?"
[2:31 PM] Kwakado: "Just once...to talk to some nobles who were hiding out. Business, ha."
[2:32 PM] M I K A: "Business?"
[2:33 PM] Kwakado: "Stopping the war, I mean."
[2:34 PM] M I K A: "Ohh..are we close?"
[2:37 PM] Kwakado: "Just a little further. If you look, that way..."
Sula points to a gray glimmer in the distance.
"You can see it soon."
[2:39 PM] M I K A: She squints to where he points.
[2:45 PM] Kwakado: "Ba."
Shimi's wings give a heavy flap, and she glides faster towards the city. Before long, Vivianna can see an ostentatious metropolis below them, surrounded by imposing iron walls. Within their cold embrace is a resplendent rainbow of roofs, draped over mansions, shrines and towers.
Though it is not nearly as large as Amaterasu, the city is densely packed with art and artisans, patrolling knights and pompous nobles, who all seem quite distant from each other for how tightly packed they are.
This is Intetsu, the capital of Khlin.
[2:49 PM] M I K A: "Oh it remind me of home!"
[2:51 PM] Kwakado: "You like it?"
[2:52 PM] M I K A: "I do!"
[2:55 PM] Kwakado: "..Ah, one moment. Hold still." A row of ballistas starts turning towards them, and Vivianna sees a row of archers move into formation along the wall's edge. Sula waves his whole arm back and forth, and his wide golden sleeve flows like a flag. He gives a hearty shout to the soldiers.
"KWEEEEEEYMOOOOOOO!! Ha ha ha!"(edited)
[2:56 PM] M I K A: "Sula! They're going to shoot!"
[2:57 PM] Kwakado: "No, no! Do not worry!" He keeps waving, grinning big. "They know me."
[2:58 PM] M I K A: "But...they..don't seem to know you.."
[3:00 PM] Kwakado: "They're just, ah, being very careful."
As the falicorn comes closer into their sight, the bows lower. After checking to see that the Stormblades' Mage Flier isn't being followed, the archers file back into the guardhouse, and the ballistas turn back in the direction of the rebel camps just out of range.
"They are always waiting for an attack, so I try not to be offended, ha ha ha."(edited)
[3:04 PM] M I K A: "Ohh.." She calms.
[3:08 PM] Kwakado: Shimi glides easily over the walls, with even less hesitation than Sula.
"This is a city of the Nobili-ti. Shops, shows, restaurants...they are not lacking in any of these."
[3:09 PM] M I K A: "Its so pretty..where is Leo house?"
[3:18 PM] Kwakado: "That way. We'll be heading there tonight." Sula points to one of the city's walled-off sections, with gold-plated roads and ostentatious pagodas. The streets have more wagons there than they do walkers.
[3:19 PM] M I K A: "It's so different here then where we came from..huh where are we going right now then?"
[3:28 PM] Kwakado: They float down into a small park, nestled in between all the bustle of the rest of the city. Carefully-landscaped little hills surround the cobblestone paths, filled with falling leaves from the elegant trees all around them. Sheltered elites wander along these paths, gazing into the koi ponds and chatting about recent trends.
"Just a little walk, to rest Shimi-e's wings. We could go to the merchants next, or the entertainers. Whatever you'd like, sweetheart."
[3:31 PM] M I K A: "I..I show me around then..take me to places you like."
[3:34 PM] Kwakado: Sula nods, relaxing on the reins as he turns over to her. Shimi continues walking, stopping at one point to shake off a leaf that fell on her head.
"We go here often to relax. The air is a little cooler, here, and it is never too lonely. Never too loud."
[3:36 PM] M I K A: She leans on him. "What was your life like here love?"
[3:40 PM] Kwakado: "Ah, it was busy...so many things to learn about this kingdom. But, it got easier once I gave up trying to blend in."(edited)
[3:44 PM] M I K A: "I can't ever imagine you blending it..your much too..special." She laughs
[11:53 AM] Kwakado: "Special? You mean, because I am Dwabi?" They ride further out toward an archway at the edge of the park
[12:20 PM] M I K A: "No..your pesonality is just..way different from any one I've meet. You stand out love."
[12:38 PM] Kwakado: "Perhaps. Maybe that is why I came here often."
Shimi walks them out into a fenced-off botanical garden, where each path was lined with a variety of interesting plants. Some were from Dwabi, others from Nestra, but most were native to Khlin.
"A place where every plant stands out, ha."
[12:41 PM] M I K A: "Oh Sula this beautiful." She lightly touches some rose like flowers.
[12:46 PM] Kwakado: Sula traces his hand over hers, down the stem of the largest flower...and plucks it out for her. "Just for you."
[12:52 PM] M I K A: Her face is hot as she intertwines it in her hair. "Thanks.." She takes his hand.
[1:00 PM] Kwakado: "Of course...no one will notice it, next to you." He smiles softly as they ride out into the city proper
[1:06 PM] M I K A: "Sula..." She gives his cheek a peck. "Every time we together like this I remember why I fell for you."
[1:21 PM] Kwakado: "And I love you just a little more every time I see you, Vivi-e." They cut in front of a line of patrolling cavaliers as they cross the road. Sula, preoccupied with his passenger, gives them a little wave over his shoulder as they pass.
[1:28 PM] M I K A: She laughs. "You always know what to say and you know o hate that love."
[1:41 PM] Kwakado: "It is the truth! Hate it all you want..."
A wing of sky knights passes overhead along with a single falicorn, who breaks off to descend to the avenue in front of the couple. Its rider is a brown-haired woman in a reasonable red robe, with light armor padding her shoulders and a thunder tome in her hand. She's got a rowdy smile on.
"Hey, Sula! Kweymmo! Where have you been?!"
[1:43 PM] M I K A: She blinks staring at the woman
[1:47 PM] Kwakado: "Ha ha, Kwemo, Sayu-ri! Just went out a little business in Amaterasu...and a little pleasure too!"
"For months?! ...Ah, ohh, yeah, guess that sounds about right."
The fellow mage flier's look of confusion fades into a blank grin as she gives a theatrical shrug, reins still in hand, while the falicorns stare each other down.
[1:50 PM] M I K A: Vivianna waves. "Um hello miss."
[1:54 PM] Kwakado: The lady squints through her monocle a bit, trying to recall this strange girl could be. Sula interjects before she can come to a conclusion.
"Ah, this is Vivian-na, of Nohr. We met in the capital." He turns to Vivianna with an oblivious smile. "Vivi-e, this is Sayu-ri, knight of Khlin."
[1:58 PM] M I K A: She curties. "Pleased to meet you Sayauri."
[2:04 PM] Kwakado: "Nah, the pleasure's all mine!" Sayuri bows in return. "So, you're here for some classified diplomatic matters, I take it?"
[2:07 PM] M I K A: "A..ah yes! Yes of course!" She plays with the end of her dress.
[2:12 PM] Kwakado: Sula lifts an eyebrow, but plays along. "Uu...of course! I am her, escort, to Intetsu. Very important, ha ha. Many bandits on the way."
"No way! A rookie like you?!" Sayuri adjusts her eyeglass, looking him and Vivianna over one more time. "Guess you finally got that old girl under control, huh."
[2:22 PM] M I K A: "Are you talking about Shimi?"
[2:26 PM] Kwakado: "Yeah!" Sayuri leans in. "You might not know it, but that pegasus you're riding has a hell of a temper. She didn't let anybody but him ride her, last I saw."
"That is because Vivi-e is...special." Sula gives his fiance a knowing look, as the falicorns walk aside each other down the road.
[2:29 PM] M I K A: She giggles at his look. "I'm not that special..I just fed her." She moves closer to Sula.
[2:37 PM] Kwakado: Sayuri finally notices their intertwined hands, along with one of Sula's stolen plants in her hair. "Yeah, sure...Actually, Sula, I've been meaning to say this for a while. Thanks for putting in a good word to Artemis for me - it really paid off."
"Kwemo! Truly?"
"Yeah, she made me a squad leader! I'll be flying with the Sky Knights on the army's next mission - whenever that is...."
The soldier pouted, eager to finally prove herself.(edited)
[2:47 PM] M I K A: "Sky knights, wow that sound exciting. H-How long have you two known each other?"
[2:54 PM] Kwakado: Sensing her anxiety, Sula gives Vivianna's hand a little squeeze. "Almost four years, now."
"He was really struggling with the basics, so I decided to show him the ropes!" Sayuri's elbow dabbed outward, bringing her tome proudly to her chest.
"..Na, it was, you who came to me, for help on your scroll training, Sayu-ri."
"Ehh, whatever. Listen, uh, Vivai? Congrats on your..diplomatic business, and all." Sayuri raises her tome to her mouth, stifling a snicker.
[2:56 PM] M I K A: Her face flushes bright red as she finally realized they are still holding hands. "I-I I-...um.." She drops his hand and looks away. "T-Thanks I-I'm sure it will go well."
[3:02 PM] Kwakado: Sayuri's gaze shifts to Sula. "And don't waste too much more time, mister. You didn't hear it from me...but Artemis is getting pissed off. And I don't wanna imagine what she's thinking--"
"Do not worry." Sula cuts her off abruptly with a harsh voice and a harsher smile. He nods to Vivianna in agreement. "I'm sure it will go well, too."
[3:05 PM] M I K A: She looks confused at them both, uttering the name Artemis under her breath..an ex maybe
[3:09 PM] Kwakado: "Wellp!" Sayuri laughs at their discomfort. "Looks like we all got a lot on our plate right now, eh? I'd better get going. Come on, Zaigado!"
With a sharp crack of her reins, Zaigado the falicorn takes to the skies with an annoyed whinny.
"Kwemo, Sayu-ri!"
"Yeah, Kweymmo!"
And the woman flies off to prepare for what would be her final mission.(edited)
[3:12 PM] M I K A: She watches till she can't see the woman anymore. "Who is Artemis?"
[3:14 PM] Kwakado: "Oh, she is retainer to Leo-e's father, Erik. A hunter from the Dwayi-Pele-- uu, the Water Tribe..." Sula shakes his head a bit, trying to forget his vision of Artemis being attacked by Conri. "..maybe we will see her tonight!"(edited)
[3:16 PM] M I K A: Her smiles turns a little bitter. "She must be very lovely..and far from home like me."
[3:20 PM] Kwakado: "Mmm...but she does like to travel. Leaving people, does not seem as hard for her, ha."
Sula returns his hand to hers.
"Are you worried?"(edited)
[3:22 PM] M I K A: "No..No why would you even ask that."
[3:23 PM] Kwakado: "This city...it must be reminding you of many things, of home."
[3:27 PM] M I K A: "A little..but just on the surface..this place is very different." She leans on him. "Like the fact I'm much happier here right now then I ever was at home."
[3:42 PM] Kwakado: "Oh, truly!" He plays with her hair as they ride. "I have never had as Kwemo of a day here, as now." A hopeful look washes over him, as they move into the Entertainment District of Khlin. Rival theaters, posh taverns, and desperate dancers line these narrow streets. A small crowd gathers by an open-air stage, where a greasy bard is playing wild riffs on his shamisen.
[3:45 PM] M I K A: She looks around entranced. "I've never seen a part of town like this before. It's very fun here."
[3:49 PM] Kwakado: "It...can be, yes." Sula frowned empathetically at the performance. "Entertainers come here for a chance at honor and fame. If they are Kwemo-ko, sometimes a noble will take them on." He gives a rhythmic laugh. "I tried the same here, too many times, ha ha."(edited)
[3:51 PM] M I K A: "Ohh really? And what was your act?"
[3:52 PM] Kwakado: "Singing, dancing. The Khlin-i found, much laughter in it, but that was all."
[3:56 PM] M I K A: "Singing and dancing, really..you..I can see it..but are telling me you didn't start out here as a retainer?"
[4:01 PM] Kwakado: "No, no! I stayed first with the holy mountain men to the west, then went looking for work around the country. It is not easy to start out here, for Dwabi."
He laughs, remembering how much Sayuri had struggled too.
"Or anyone."(edited)
[4:10 PM] M I K A: "Huh..it's good that you found Shimi...else who knows what would have happen to you."
[4:15 PM] Kwakado: Sula nods soberly. "I owe her my life."
They passed by some red-bannered, dubiously-unmarked buildings, then back to some more conventional venues.
"How about a little shopping, while we are here? The Stomblade family owns much of the property in this area..." Sula smiles to his young lover.(edited)
[4:16 PM] M I K A: "Was that a..nevermind..sure I'd love to pick up new boots."
[4:20 PM] Kwakado: They stop at a painfully gaudy store, something between high-end fashion and a costume shop. A massive, multicolored kimono is displayed behind a glass window, spilling out like a flower from another world. Helping her down, Sula starts securing his mount, but motions to the door.
"Take a look around! I'll be coming behind you, ha."
The shop was filled almost exclusively with avant-garde, horrifically-expensive clothing - and their selection of boots was no different.(edited)
[4:28 PM] M I K A: She wander back to the kimono. "It's so beautiful."
[4:36 PM] Kwakado: The Dwabi finishes hitching his falcon, taking a moment to watch the crowd with his eyes and his uncovered feet. When he left these people, there had been an air of anticipation and dread, waiting for news of the election to arrive. The attack on Amaterasu had only brought further tension, it seemed - conversations were softer, paces were a little more brisk - the entire city seemed to be bracing itself for something big.
Inside the store, some flashy nobles browse the items, rattling off some chatter about their family's honor and laughing to each other.
[4:41 PM] M I K A: She didn't mean to try it on but the sales girl has persuaded her and it was really pretty and she even got a pink sash to match her hair to tie it. She giggles as she looks at herself in the mirror..she looked a little like a khiln noble. Vivi pins her hair up and walks out into the store, maybe she could find some shoes..and wear this thing a little longer cause she felt really pretty right now.
[4:43 PM] Kwakado: "--Vivi-e!"
Sula stops, stunned by the new look.
"You...you like that one?"
[4:45 PM] M I K A: "S-Sula! No I..I was..trying it on..really..Does it look..g-good?"
[4:47 PM] Kwakado: "You look like a queen, love.."
[4:49 PM] M I K A: She stumbles. "S-Sula! T-That's...really?"
[4:50 PM] Kwakado: He steps boldly forward, taking her arm to keep her from falling. With a soft voice...
"I think you should keep it."
[4:52 PM] M I K A: "I mean it's..very expensive..and..I..were would I even wear it..and..I'm going to get it."
[4:54 PM] Kwakado: "And some boots, yes?" Sula waves a palm. "Do not worry about the cost, ha ha ha ha."
[4:56 PM] M I K A: "Yeah some boots too." She's glad she saved her money now. "Do..do you mind if I keep wearing this Sula?"
[4:59 PM] Kwakado: "Mm...may be hard to ride in it...just hold on tight."(edited)
[5:03 PM] M I K A: "Ok..I'll make sure to hold on to you very tight." She tips toes and gives him a light kiss. "Aren't you going to get anything?"(edited)
[5:09 PM] Kwakado: "Just two things." With a little wink, Sula makes his way to the counter, motioning back at her outfit. "You know the tab, sir."
The confused clerk nods, knowing better than to question it, and thanks the couple as they depart.
[5:11 PM] M I K A: "The sun starting to wane. Are we close?"
[5:16 PM] Kwakado: "Of course." They ride back into the Gilded Ward - the first area Sula had pointed out. It's every bit as opulent as the rest of Intetsu - but more hostile somehow, as if the sculptures and roofs themselves are looking down on the denizens with scorn. Lanterns hang from clear strings, appearing to float in the air around them.(edited)
[5:19 PM] M I K A: "Ah are we close? The houses here...seem richer."
[5:25 PM] Kwakado: Shimi rides with much more confidence, aloof to the difficulties of Vivianna's current dress. Sula all but gives up on guiding her walk, as he focuses on keeping Vivianna from falling.
"This is the Gilded Ward. Many of the greatest business owners and generals live here. And that..."
Sula's head waves in the direction of the largest mansion in the entire neighborhood, set apart from the rest of the buildings by a wide tiled courtyard. It glitters coldly in the evening light, and elaborate red-gold flags hang from its spiked roof. Their fabric bears the same exact shades as that of Sula's robe, and Leodin's cape.
"...is Stormblade Manor."(edited)
[5:28 PM] M I K A: "Woah..so this is Leo home.."
[5:36 PM] Kwakado: Shimi rides up toward the house, stopping on her own right before the imposing iron gate.
"This is where we will be having dinner, tonight."
Sula straightens up, and his smile sharpens, looking a little more official than usual.(edited)
[5:38 PM] M I K A: She looks at him. "Sula are you nervous?"(edited)
[5:48 PM] Kwakado: "I, ah..." He lets out a laugh. "I told Nadi-a, that I would be back in time for her birthday."
[5:52 PM] M I K A: "Oh.. I'm sure she'll understand..I mean we all thought this would be a shorter venture then it turned out to be. It feels like things are dragging on..I hardly know why I'm here anymore."
[5:55 PM] Kwakado: "I just want to make sure, that there is peace between Khlin and Lunare-a. That the future does not come...that a demon army does not come to destroy this country." His whole body tenses, and his distress is clear to her.
"You saw what happened to Amaterasu...to you..I...I can't let it happen again."(edited)
[5:57 PM] M I K A: She hugs him. "It won't..I won't say everything will be fine but...we'll get through this..all of us." Her head settles on his chest.
[6:03 PM] Kwakado: "You're right." His breathing deepens, and his stance settles. "The Queen just wants to keep moving. No one has to fight. And, no matter what happens..."
Sula lifts her head to look directly to her.
"I will not let you, or Paris-i...get hurt, in all of this. I swear it."(edited)
[6:04 PM] M I K A: She wears a light blush. "My hero."
[6:05 PM] Kwakado: After a moment of them simply staring, and blushing, an unseen mechanism pulls the gates aside, and Shimi trots through.
[6:08 PM] M I K A: "A-Ah..g-guess it's time." She looks away quickly.
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