*shadow Ninja*

Leo got starry eyed upon hearing about the potential of a unicorn. “a... a... A UNICORN!!!!” Leo shouted loud enough to be heard back in the town. He couldn’t contain his excitement. “RED YOU’RE A GENIUS!” He practically started sprinting with the man on his shoulder and red matched his pace. “I believe we have to bring him to like a clinic or something. I’m sure we have one of those somewhere.”

After around 20 minutes Leo and Red had approached the tavern, “Look right there Red! That’s looks professional enough to be a clinic. Let’s go in with this guy and get back to our job!” Leo and Red barged through the tavern door too drunk to realize it was the same bar they had just come from. “DOCTOR! DOCTOR!” He shouted towards the barkeeper. “DOCTOR! We have an injured man here for you to look at! He might be dying, though I just think he can’t handle his alcohol Red here seems to think otherwise, He just kinda stumbled towards us and talked about some milf sister of his that he was looking for, now Red and I are also looking for her, maybe she’ll reward us or something.” He tossed the man onto the counter and turned to red. “Give me your booze water skin I need a drink after all that heavy lifting I’m pooped.”

OOT: hope you don’t mind the light puppeting. You can always do that to me if need be. :*​

 

Leo looked up from his seat, back to the strong buzz he was had once lost and gazed upon Katsume, it was a look of confusion and happiness. He smiled towards her while she was going on with friend mumbo jumbo, and it dawned upon him. “damn, she is beautiful.” It echoed in his head. And he came back to his senses when she cracked her knuckles. Though he ignored her when she was clearly looking for a fight.

“Look I never caught your name, I’m Leo. And with someone speaking so sternly and with anger I just admit, it is damn sexy, and I am quite enjoying it. As for suggesting that burned man is our friend, I’ve never seen him in my life. He stumbled across us and we just decided to be good samaritans and helped. I wanted to leave him on the side of the road, but my buddy here.” He pointed to Red. “He explained the potential to me that he could be a unicorn!” Leo went starry eyed again and had much enthusiasm in his voice. It was as if he was talking about a god he had saw. “Anyway, thanks for treating his wounds babe. It was a real kind thing if you to do.” He paused and looked Katsume up and down. “You look like you can hold your liquor, and with your knuckle crack It sounds like you’re interested in knocking down a few with My buddy Red and I, If that is the lesson you’re trying to teach us!” he smiled at her and pulled out a seat closer to him in case she decided to join.

Leo had turned his attention back to the Liquor and was drinking a little bit more.

 

OOC: So I was playing LoL, then I decided to check to see if anything happened, then this happened. Well, that was an unexpected flurry of activity to me, at least.

Haru looks up, seemingly realizing that it's night, and sighs. "Well, I guess it can't be helped, I should probably get some sleep anyways. I've been running for a while, and keeping up my technique is tiring. I'll go find my room, then."
With that declaration, Haru goes off to the room prepared for him, puts his bag down to rest, changes into some blue robed pajamas, and goes to sleep.

 

Wulfred shook his head at Leo's...rather uncouth behavior towards the lady who had just been lecturing himself and Leo. The alcohol had worn off a little at least, enough for him to tell that this probably wasn't going to end well for him. So rather than backing his friend up, he was going to preemptively back out because he was still way too drunk for this shit.
"Yeah, so, I don't want any trouble and I'd appreciate being left out of any "lessons" that are about to happen, alright? I appreciate you helping that guy out, 'cause...yeah, we were pretty hammered and we could barely take care of ourselves, much less anyone else."
He took another sip of his drink and chuckled.
"It'd be cool if he was some kind of unicorn, though. Maybe he'd turn us into wizards...unicorn wizards!"
Even though he's slightly better off than he was before, it's pretty clear that the lights are on but there's still nobody home.
"Unicorn wizard..."
He smiled and let his mind drift off far away.


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The mention of an "order" did not escape Theodoric's notice, but he decided to leave any questions about it for later. For now, he had to focus on the situation at hand.
"I appreciate your kindness, friend. Ah, if only I had the time for rest, but this matter cannot wait."
He leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone, looking Kaname directly in the eyes with a grim expression.
"War is coming, Kaname. It might not be tomorrow, it might not even be a month from now, but make no mistake, war is coming."
He leaned back, leaning his chin on his folded hands.
"I have reason to believe that enemy spies from Eirgaror have been spotted in distant lands, near the border...but still within the Empire. After all the long talks we've had of the White Lions' former home, certainly I need not explain why this poses a grave danger to our lands, to our very way of life."
Ever since walking to the village with Kaname, something has seemed...strange to Theodoric. He could not place his finger on it, but for some reason, he did not feel as though he were greeting an old friend again. He dismissed it as the side effects of stress and worry, but he could not ignore it entirely, so he decided to test his hunch.
"You do remember, do you not?"
He paid close attention to Kaname's answer.

 

“Well I don’t have any plans with him other than to force him to tell us where the unicorn base is so we can be turned into wizards.” Leo smiled at Katsume, It was no secret he was entirely off his rocker at this point so much so that he decided to cut himself off. He needed to sober up, he had a feeling that she was looking for a fight but since she didn’t get it, she is playing friendly.

Leo lightened his voice speaking in an almost dreamy tone. “Katsume, you said your name was?” He turned over to her entirely and peered into her eyes, his tone and body language welcoming and caring as he always tried to be. “Tell me, what is the lesson you wanted to teach us? If I was a fight I can assure you. I know you’re a warrior, Your body is scarred, and you can dress wounds with no medical equipment. These are traits of a fighter not a housewife.” Though Leo seemed to be instigating he was actually trying to soothe her disappointment and anger. “Let me show you something.”

Leo lifted his shirt, it was not to show off his body, instead it showed a scar from his sternum down to the starting of his stomach. The scar tissue was on both sides, this being the first time Red has seen it as well. “I fought in many wars, and this wound was from a battle I had won. I was impaled, but I refused to fall. I kept fighting until I was either the Last one standing or I had passed out from blood loss.” He pulled down his shirt. he never mentioned the man who gave him the scar though he remembered damn well who it was. “I got lucky, none of my vitals were hit. You truly learn to appreciate life when it is almost taken from you. That isn’t the reason why I deserted though.” He stopped before he got into to much depth.

“So Katsume, I have no interest in fighting, not for fun, not for game, and not for sport. I value life, and only hunt out of necessity, and kill if the people pose a threat to the community at hand. I believe you are a mighty warrior, but I also believe you’re wasting your time getting into bar fights for a challenge.” Leo stood up and walked behind Red, he placed his hand on Reds left shoulder when he turned his head to look at him he waved his hand toward the door.

“Come on red, We have a contract to finish killing these cannibal bears! We can get the unicorn to take us where we need to later. But for now I don’t wanna lose all the sweet cash we’ll get from finishing this job! We got em to pay double, Remember?!” Leo started walking towards the door and placed his hand on it to make sure Red was ready to go.

 

Shizukesa and Cinder listened to Akelda's recruitment proposal. As it was, they were unemployed, and had enough funds to comfortably live for quite some time. However, not doing any work seemed to be too dull of thing for both of them. When they heard of the clans in this area, they thought it interesting to take up special work from whatever clan they happened to find.
"Work for a clan? That catches my attention." Cinder looked from Akelda to Shizukesa. "What about you? We don't have much skill for anything else. Well, I don't, really."
Shizukesa played with a long lock of hair that ran down in front of her right ear. This was usually a sign she was ready to accept something and waiting for her chance to say so. "This opportunity seems suitable for us. Let's take a chance on this, and see if it will entertain us."
Cinder nodded, knowing that they were in agreement on the matter. He looked up at Akelda. "Seems like we are both the ones you were looking for. We're ready to join and put our swords to use." He looked at Ranulf now, paying him mind for the first time. "By the way, watch out for that overconfidence. Ugly lessons are learned because of that."
"Otherwise," Shizukesa added, "Your name may be preceded by the unflattering title of 'Here lies'."

 

Red took another drink, thinking deeply to himself even though he had a blank, glazed-over look in his eyes. After a quick hiccup, he stood up (somewhat unsteadily) and replied.
"She's got a point, ya know. If one of us isn't there when he wakes up, we might lose our chance."
He walked over to Leo and placed a hand on Leo's shoulder, giving him a serious look...at least, as serious a look as he could give in his current condition.
"Alright, hold up, hear me out on this. We gotta do two things at once, right? So, here's the plan."
He pointed to himself, then to Leo, then to himself.
"So, you and me, we split up into two groups. You'll be part of Group One, which consists of you, and I'll be part of Group B, which is made up of me. Group Alpha will move to assault the enemy bears in their encampment while Group Deux awaits the awakening of Unicorn Charlie. You follow me? And when Group Drei-- that's the Unicorn, he's a group now-- wakes up, Group Two will rendezvous with Alpha to assist with the ursine exterminationication. Whaddaya think?"
He looked over to Katsume.
"You can be a group, too. But ya gotta come up with your own name. It's part of the strategery."

Ranulf scoffed at the wise and perfectly reasonable advice.
"Man, if I had a silver piece for every time I heard that."
At this point, Alkelda didn't even try to hide her annoyance.
"Then maybe you should take it to heart instead of brushing it off."
"As you wish, oh captain, my captain."
"Very funny. If only your blade were as sharp as your tongue, you could rend the skies and split the moon in twain."
There was a moment of silence as the two stared each other down, Alkelda with a very content smile and Ranulf with eyebrows raised in surprise. The silence was broken with a quiet laugh from Ranulf as he shook his head.
"Well...damn. Alright, fine, you win this round."
Alkelda's smug look quickly turned back to normal as she addressed the two warriors once again and gave a quick bow.
"Thank you very much for agreeing to aid our cause. Our lord, King Theodoric, wanted to meet with the two of you in person but unfortunately, urgent matters have him occupied at the moment. However, he is expected to return home within the next few days and when he does, you can meet with him to discuss all of the details. Naturally, we'll give both of you a chance to demonstrate your skills before everything is agreed upon."
She pulled out a map and a small piece of paper bearing the White Lions' emblem and presented them to Shizukesa.
"The map will lead you to our training grounds. There's an inn nearby; King Theodoric has made arrangements for you to stay there when you arrive, just show them that note. You'll also need to present it to the guards when you first arrive in our territory. Do you have any questions?"

Theodoric nodded in reply.
"I appreciate the offer. However, I traveled here to propose something...more than what you may have expected."
He looked around at the various artifacts and decorations in the room, taking in the history of the Nagasaki clan.
"I know all too well that you take great pride in what your people have built here, and rightfully so. Your clan may be small, but your warriors are highly skilled, your retainers are fiercely loyal and your people live in harmony. Many leaders have striven for and failed to grasp what you have attained here."
Looking directly into Kaname's eyes, he continued.
"Even so...the harsh truth remains that your clan is small, and though you strive for peace with all other clans, one can never know when those clans will turn on you and seek to devour everything you hold dear. I have considered this very proposal many times, but each and every time I held my tongue because I did not wish to offend. But the time for such hesitation has come and gone. Our very way of life hangs in the balance, and so I will be direct. Kaname...I ask that you and the Nagasaki clan join together with the White Lion clan. You often told me that food and supplies are difficult to come by, and I can offer you aid. Your enemies will be my enemies, and your friends, my friends. We will stand against the darkness together."
He pulled out a ceremonial dagger, adorned with gold, jewels, and a pommel shaped like a lion's head.
"Together, as kinsmen, bound by our sacred Blood Oath. What say you, Kaname?"

 

Leo turned his head slightly to red. “If you don’t want to come with me Red, I will take Katsume, she may not be a milf but she is a good enough distraction to make sure I fulfill this contract.” His eyes still lighting up though no one could see it.

“And you, you make sure the unicorn wizard is safe and sound, tie him to the bed to make sure he can’t change and escape, we need his unicorn powers!” He shouted loud enough to silence the bar. “Anyway, I’ll be taking my leave with Katsume now, if I don’t return well either the cannibal bears got me or Katsume and I took off into the sunrise to a super secret island with treasures galore.”

Leo pushed open the door and began to walk out, pacing slowly for Katsume to catch up.

 

Shizukesa took the paper from Alkelda. Looking it over, she saw the printing of a map, just as the woman had said. While the map was detailed, it was also designed to be easily understood so that even the unskilled viewer could read it and know where to go. This suited Shizukesa perfectly, as her understanding of maps were quite basic, as opposed to Cinder knowing them as if they were second nature to him.
"No, I think we have heard all that was necessary to know."
She passed it to Cinder, who looked it over.
"Same here. We'll head that way in awhile."

 

Wulfred gave Leo a thumbs-up as the latter made his way out with Katsume.
"You got it, man. Hopefully, by sunrise, we'll be rich AND we'll have a new unicorn friend. It's gonna be awesome."
He made his way over to the room where where the actually-not-a-unicorn unicorn man was sleeping. Just as he made it to the room, he stumbled a little and slammed his head into the door's frame.
"AUGH-- damn it, son of a--!!"
A great deal of uncouth language followed as he rubbed his forehead. While it was quite an unfortunate accident, the impact did help him shake off some of the effects of the alcohol, to the point where he might even be able to carry on a normal conversation now. So...silver lining, I guess? He opened the door and let himself in, sitting down in a nearby chair as he waited for the mysterious stranger to wake up.

Alkelda bowed respectfully, as was the custom of the land, and the faint yet noticeable smile on her face showed that she was pleased with Cinder and Shizukesa's answer.
"That is excellent news, thank you very much for hearing us out. If all goes well, then I look forward to working with both of you in the future."
Ranulf chimed in with a wry smile.
"Kickass. New sparring partners."
And just like that, Alkelda's face turned sour again.
"Must you speak in such an uncivilized way to our future comrades-in-arms?"
"Indeed, I must! Now, if you'll excuse me, I find myself quite parched after completely knocking out this mission in no time flat."
He turned to the two warriors and bowed deeply-- a very exaggerated bow, in fact.
"Thus doth our parleying come to an end, and verily must I take my leave; therefore I wish good travels and fair weather unto thee both ere ye depart! So it is with deepest gratitude and great fondness that I doth bid thee farewell."
"...You're mocking me."
"I don't know what your talking abooouuuuuut...!"
He voice trailed off as he turned and walked away towards the bar.

 

The two finished their meal, and after leaving a tip, left the tavern. It had grown darker outside, and the heat of the day had cooled considerably. Checking the map one last time, they began travelling to the location. To pass the time, they began to talk to one another.
"That man appeared to be excited by our joining him."
"'Sparring partners' is what he said. I'm looking forward to it myself. Haven't had a mock fight with someone for some time now."
"What!", Shizukesa responded in feigned shock. "Am I not a person? Numerous times have to practiced together!"
A wind blew, shaking the trees' leaves and making the bottom edge of her robe to be blown open, showing a portion of her shin and causing her long hair to be blown into Cinder's face. After briefly flailing, swatting and spitting, the hair was out of his face and mouth. He stepped away from her to be clear of the hair and responded to her.
"Yeah, but you are my wife, and I would rather not accidentally lop off a piece of you."
"You say that, but you know I am competent enough to not suffer such an injury."
"You are right, but I can't keep myself from holding back. I hate to say this, but I think I would be more comfortable if I had a safer weapon for practice."
"However, if you chose to do that, you would lack the true training of your own weapons. Yet I understand why you would find it difficult practice against me at your hardest. Let us hope the sparring partners are capable of meeting our standards."
"Yeah."
They continued conversing, and as time passed, the wind died down and Cinder was able to walk closer to Shizukesa's side. Eventually, they saw some buildings.
"Looks like we are close to where we need to be. Do you have the map ready to show to the guards?"
"What?" Shizukesa searched herself for the map. "I thought you had the map."
"What?! I could have sworn I had given it to you!"
Cinder's eyes widened. He quickly searched himself for the map. He checked this pocket, and found nothing. He checked that pocket, and found nothing. He choked those pockets, and still nothing. He even checked the one pocket he never used, and as always, that pocket had nothing.
Then he felt something poke him in the cheek. Looking to see what it was, he saw the rolled up map being held by Shizukesa as she wore a smirk.
"You did. I was just teasing you."
Cinder shook his head and sighed
"Sheesh."

 

“Well...” Leo rubbed the back of his head and let out a slight chuckle. “Red and I accepted a contract while we were drunk out of our minds. Two of them, and we wagered that we could complete both of them before the morning while completely drunk. But...” he paused and sighed. “but the issue is, We have had a million detours. Such as my kite breaking, the horse toppling over, and the unicorn wizard who is dying. It is not a night I bargained for I can say that. And to top it all off.” He started to tear up.

“The alcohol is starting to wear off!” He let out of a shriek of sadness and wanted to cry, He was flat broke and now ALMOST sober! Unacceptable. “Katsume” he paused. “Why did you decide to follow me anyway? Is it because of my good looks and dashing charm?! You just couldn’t resist being around me could you!” He turned to her simply to see if she would blush or get angry with him. Letting out a smile for either reaction.

 

"The Order of the Blue Robes?"
Theodoric's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of their name, though he kept quiet for the moment so that he wouldn't interrupt.
"How strange...it is difficult to imagine Kaname working with them willingly unless he had no other choice. Is he really in such dire straits? He knows as well as anyone that they hold no true loyalty, only business transactions that they stand to profit from. Kaname...what are you not telling me?"
He kept his worries to himself for now, listening patiently.

"Hmm, yes, it seems we have more to discuss than I first realized. Hearing that you wish to join with the Blue Robe clan is surprising, to say the least."
His face relaxed and he gave a somewhat weary but genuinely warm smile as he nodded back to Kaname.
"However, as you say, such matters can wait until the morning and I would be more than happy to accept your hospitality, old friend."
He held out his hand for a handshake.
"May our bonds hold firm in these troubling times."

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Red tapped his foot, his drunken state making him more agitated and less patient than usual.
"Come on, Unicorn man...wake up and make with the magic already!"
He didn't want to disturb the man's sleep, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
"I don't know what kind of adventure he's gonna take us on, but I just know it'll be...glorious!"

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After having his fill of the local tavern, Ranulf went back to the inn that he and Alkelda were staying at for the night. He made his way to his room-- somewhat unsteadily-- before deciding to turn around and head towards Alkelda's room to ask her a quick question. He knew it would probably annoy her too, so that was a bonus in his mind. He reached her door and gave it a few quick knocks.
"At this hour...? Who is it?"
Alkelda, who was already planning out the next day's journey, stopped and turned towards the door as she heard knocking. The response from the other side made her slump her shoulders and sigh deeply.
"Whassuuuup!"
"Gods help me, I should've figured. What do you want? If you're feeling sick, please don't vomit on my door."
"Just wanted to check and see what we're doing tomorrow. We're going to visit those Blue Robes guys, right?"
"That's the plan, yes, but first we must wait for His Majesty's messenger to arrive and give us our orders."
"Why do we need to wait for that? Can't we just go?"
"We need to wait for confirmation. The situation might have changed since we left Shiroyama, and this is his majesty's way of making sure that we don't waste unnecessary time and effort--"
"Alright, alright, I get it. Still kinda sucks though, just waiting around."
Another heavy sigh.
"I'm sure you'll find some way to keep yourself entertained, no doubt causing all sorts of trouble in the process."
She heard a quiet laugh through the door.
"You know...I think you're starting to get me! Good night, Kelly."
As Ranulf's footsteps echoed down the hall, Alkelda picked up her pillow and held it to her face as she let out a noise that was somewhere between a groan and a yell.

 

Leo recognized he needed to sober up, so when he took the money from her he just pocketed it. Sobering up was probably beneficial for the next few words he had to say. “Y’know Katsume. If you were looking for a duel with anyone in this tavern you should have just punched them in the face. They’re all fighters, drinkers, and idiots alike. They all like a good fight whether female or male, though with someone who has a face as pretty as your’s I’d see why they’d hesitate.”

Leo seemed to believe he was being sly, and well sort of smooth. But his subtlety on anything never extended past the part of a natural disaster. As he noticed she was going to wake up the unicorn Wizard he got excited and waited eagerly to see what happens next.