"There are other things you can teach than just what you learn from the book and the bed, Tarou." he says, rubbing the green haired man's neck, "And I think you need to give yourself more credit. Your sensei would have been proud."

He gives their pupil a warm smile as he enters, gesturing for him to sit in the shade, offering him a drink from his canteen, "Just discussing the merits of fatherhood. The shrine is looking much better already. You all do good work."

edited 6th Jul '17 8:49:27 PM by GhostElm

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Sonome Village

Shrine Construction Site:

As the Outlander focused on shaving his head, he overheard some of the conversations around him. He didn't want to risk cutting his head, so didn't respond to anything and instead tuned himself to the light breeze, feeling it occasionally cool off his back and sensing what parts of his head still needed to be shaven. He learned to use this trick years ago back when he shaved his own head for the first time at the age of 8, when most men in his former city-state learned how to shave when they were 10.

It would be a time-consuming process, but eventually The Outlander would finish was he was doing, brushing the crown and back of his head to sense for any stray hairs. After feeling that his head was near clean-shaven, The Outlander briefly smiled before donning his straw hat once again soon, both to signal that he was ready to work again, and because he now needed the extra warmth. He then focused on performing a series of stretches not unlike thai chi if it were mixed with yoga for the next few minutes to ensure he wouldn't hurt himself getting back to work.

Living The Fever Dream

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge

Kokoro looked over to Rhylu and then Minami before shortly looking outside, also not finding a trace of someone, then again she was not all the closely attuned to the spirit world so she had to rely merely on her own normal sight. After finding nothing she bowed in Date's direction "Of course Master, I will do this at once." And indeed she quickly went to work. "Uh, Master? Could you teach me in the use of swords then? I'd like to be able to prevent such a mistake the next time."

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Sonome Village

Date's Hut: Forge

Rhylu scans and then stops his eyes returning to normal. "Something was following her.. Its gone now but it was there." He frowns a little bit, a serious tone to him before he relaxes a little, seemingly lowering his guard again.
He watches the weapon test closely.

Tavern: Bar

"Oh wont you? I could try and change that." Mana clearly jokingly states in response to his defiance. Ofcourse Ren wouldn't let her try anything. "Hmm, well..." Mana pauses. "I'm not sure how well they'll fit but my brother might actually have something in his stuff that's close to fitting you."

She blows on her tea she ordered before sipping on it. "It should be a little better for you. Especially if you wish to join him in the forests again." She proposes, a slight glint in her emerald eyes.

"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."

Sonome Village

Shrine Grounds: Wooded Enclave

"I...Suppose that's true. Life can be a pretty effective, if not cruel teacher as well, unfortunately." He nods. He then blushes a bit at Sasuke's secondary comment. "P-Perhaps..." He answers simply, looking over at Tenzo as he joins them. "You seen to be working quite well. This is a good way to train your body on your own, just try not to overwork yourself, okay? I plan to give you a little lesson later." He nods to him.

---

Date's Hut: Forge

Minami looks back out the door. "I knew I felt something...I hope it's gone for good..."

Date glances to Rhylu. "Do me a favor...And be sure to keep an out for that presence. If you feel it return at all, let me know.

He returns the sword to Kokoro's possession, and actually looks a bit surprised at the response. "Oh? I'm actually a little surprised you don't have such training already. Then again, not all blacksmiths have spent part of their lives as soldiers." He replies. "That said, I'd be glad to teach you. I was actually considering getting around to begin those special lessons I've been talking about recently. If you all are interested, of course." He concludes with a smile.

---

Tavern: Bar

"D-don't be ridiculous..." Yoshiki responds to Mana, knowing full well she probably had the means to make him stop aging if she truly wanted. But he'd rather not find out either. "Also, he does? Well, I can try them." He nods. "And yes, I plan on helping him more, if he wants it. Becoming acquainted with herbs and stuff would be good for when I become a merchant."

edited 8th Jul '17 2:26:16 AM by BaronGreen

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge

Kokoro shook her head "No Master, I never had any formal training with blades, I got taught the basics about balance and which types of blades are good for cutting through armor and which are good to cut through flesh." She pointed at her weapon "I always used a Naginata so I do have some training with weapons." After a short pause she added "Of course, I'm very interested Master."

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Sonome

Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave

Tenzo takes a seat under the trees, receives the drink from Sasuke and takes a sip. "Thank you. I did not expect myself to be so good at... honest work," he says, thinking back to when he first came here - as a thief. "I don't feel very tired yet, but alright. What kind of lesson did you have in mind?" he asks Tarou.

Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave

Sasuke takes Tarou's hand, interlacing their fingers together and patting his leg while looking to Tenzo, "I can relate to that sentiment. Amazing how something like scaling walls at night can translate into navigating a busy construction site."

At Tenzo's query, Sasuke looks over at Tarou, pensively, "Well, your magic is looking pretty solid, from what I've seen. I think you need to work on your swordsmanship still, and I could start giving you lessons on hand-to-hand today, if you'd like to move on from spellcraft for a bit."

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Sonome Village

Shrine Construction Site:

After he finished his exercises, the Outlander took in a deep breath before exhaling. He then began walking, using his bowstaff as support before he approached Sasuke, Tenzo, and Tarou's location and asked, "Is the work day over, or are we just taking a break?"

Living The Fever Dream

Sonome Village

Shrine Grounds: Wooded Enclave

Tarou nods in agreement with Sasuke. "It's as Sasuke says, actually. Working on sword techniques was what I had in mind." he says with a solemn nod. He looks over in the direction of the Outlander as he approaches. "Ah...Outlander." he says in greeting, but seems a bit bothered having to use such an informal term of address. "Well, Sasuke and I weren't really working. We just came up to check on Tenzo, more or less." he explains.

---

Date's Hut: Forge

Date nods to Kokoro. "Ah, I see. Well, if that's the case, I'd be happy to. I'm old, but I've still got a few moves under my belt." he says with a toothy grin.

Minami clasps her hands, looking eager as well. "Are you going to show us your special smithing technique as well, Date-sensei?"

Date gives her a knowing look, merely chuckling in response. "...Perhaps. "

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village

Date's Hut: Forge

Rhylu blinks, shaking his head distracted for a moment. "Will do Date-sensei. I'll be just outside practicing." He responds with a thought on his mind moving out of the hut.

Date's Hut: Outside

Outside the hut he draws out his Katana and holds it prime and armed. Taking a step forward and slashing the air with it, quickly moving to redirect the force. Practicing his form. His technique. He was no master, he did however wield it despite his appearance with many years of practice and learning. He was a trained fighter.

His technique here, defensive, move focused to move quickly and avoid. To knock the enemies attack away.

Tavern: Bar

Mana grins evilly for just a moment before softening. "He should indeed. They haven't been worn by anyone in a long while. Not since... -Well that's not important. They should be warn, keep you dry and be good for walking long distance. Strong as well, given the tailoring." She herself seems to hesitate a little, her mind thinking about something for a few moments.

Then she smiles again, softly her voice filled with superiority as usual. "You want to become a full time merchant? What sorts of things are you wanting to stock?"

edited 12th Jul '17 4:11:42 PM by darkdestinysoul

"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge

Kokoro looked quite eager. "Thank you so much Master, I'll make sure not to disappoint you - I may be young, but I have much space in my sleeve for new tricks~" She said with a chuckle, mirroring Date's last statement while nodding confidently. As she had finished she presented the sword again. This time with a slightly heavier grip. "Here, this time it should be as perfect as I can make it~ Would you give me the honor to test it for me, Master?" With that she held the sword out for Date to take.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Sonome

Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave

"Alright. When do we start?" Tenzo asks his teachers. He then looks to the Outlander as he approaches. "I'm mainly here to learn from Tarou and Sasuke. I just help the workers in my free time."

Sonome Village

Shrine Construction S Ite:

"I see...I am here because regardless of what these people preach or believe, I have great respect for the Spirits. You could say that my people were a very spiritual society, as our finest warriors were often monks or priestesses. The Outlander replied after taking a few moments to think of his response. He thought to himself again before wondering aloud, "I could continue helping with this shrine's restoration, but I've also done a lot of work today. What were you all planning to do?"

Living The Fever Dream

Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave

"It's as Tenzo just said, Outlander," Sasuke says, standing up, "we're here to train him. Refining his powers and skills best we can, primarily. You may observe if you like. Or partake, I suppose. So long as you don't impede his studies. And it is best you respect the spirits, yes." He snaps his fingers and a shower of embers descend upon him and his outfit changes to his coal black instructor's gi. Having also sprouted his fox ears, he smiles to the Outlander, "There are more of us here than you may realize. I'm rather traveled, and I long lived in the north where they worship one eyed prophets and tricksters and behammered men, where a great mead hall awaits fallen warriors and women who die in childbirth, where all fear the ice giants and the serpent who gnaws at the roots of the world. Where the great dark wolf stalks the night awaiting the end of days. Are those the same spirits that live in your own land?"

He gives the Outlander and Tenzo polite bows, and Tarou a deeper one, "We may begin now, if you are ready, Tenzo-san."

edited 21st Jul '17 1:42:10 PM by GhostElm

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Sonome Village

Shrine Grounds: Wooded Enclave

Tarou takes the sword at his side, a plain wooden one used for training, and juts it into the dirt as he stands. He glances over at the Outlander. "Well, I'm sure no one would be against you stopping for now. The shrine will still be here tomorrow." he starts. "Well, unless another fire starts. Though, that's fairly unlikely."

"...Black is a good color on you." He glances to Sasuke noting his appearance change, his eyes lingering for a bit before going back to focusing on the task at hand. "Anyhow, as he says...if you are ready Tenzo, we can begin right now..."

---

Tavern: Bar

"Well, okay. That's fine with me. Thanks." Yoshiki says with a nod and a smile. At Mana's question, he thinks for a moment. "Well...I don't know. Some of everything, I think. My parents have travelled to losts of different places on and off Keijo, gathering goods from all over. I think that sounds like it would be a good way to do it!" he says eagerly. "And that way I can see the world, too. After all, every good merchant should be well-travelled!"

---

Date's Hut: Forge

"Hmm..." Date accepts the sword from Kokoro, examining it again. As Rhylu mentions going to train, he gets an idea. "I've a thought. Come girls, let us go outside, around back. I have something in mind that can make testing out this weapon better. Follow me." he says to Minami and Kokoro and heads out the front, watching Rhylu's form for a moment. "Hey, Rhylu. Come with us. I have quite the fun idea." he says with a smile, before heading around the side of his home, ushering for everyone to follow.

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge

Kokoro bowed with a smile "Of course Master~" She followed, taking her Naginata with her just in case. "I hope this time the blade is better." The confident smile on Kokoro's face as she said this clearly showed that she predicted a positive answer on that. As she walked Kokoro looked over to Minami and Rhylu with a smile, eager to begin the training.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Sonome

Wooded Enclave

"That's... an unusual place you're talking about," Tenzo remarks to Sasuke, trying hard to imagine what it would look like. He grabs his pouch and takes the group a bit further from the shrine, but still within the wooded area. "Alright, what do we start with?" He asks.

Sonome Village

Date's Hut: Forge

Rhylu makes one final swing of his sword before sharply returning it to its scabbard and looking over. A curious eyebrow raised but without a word he starts to follow Date and Kokoro over to wherever they were going.

He flicked his head back as they went, his senses heightened by a minor amount of magic as he scans for the presence earlier..

Tavern: Bar

"A wanderlust..." Mana smiles a little softly at that looking out the window as she enjoys her tea. "Well you'll get some practice at least, given we plan to trade whatever things we run across. Ren doesn't want us just spending money on our travels when we could be trying to earn what we spend."

She seemed in thought before turning and getting up with a brief spin and walking towards the door looking back at little Yoshiki "Would you care to see what Ren has prepared?"

edited 7th Aug '17 6:51:57 AM by darkdestinysoul

"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."

Wooded Enclave

Tarou follows after Tenzo, ushering for Sasuke and the Outlander to follow, should he wish to do so. Once Tenzo's reached a suitable area, he stops. "Catch." Lifting the wooden sword, tosses it to Tenzo for him to catch, leaving him weaponless. "I want to test your skills with the blade. Come, try and land a hit on me." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a blindfold, proceeding to cover his eyes with it, before taking a more combative stance.

---

Tavern: Bar

"That's a good practice. You might not always be in circumstances where money is available, after all..." Yoshiki nods in agreement. The amount of maturity he displayed at times was a bit surprising for one his age...But said maturity quickly goes out the window at Mana's offer. "Ooh, yes, I wanna see!" He says and nearly falls off his barstool with how fast he jumps off.

---

Date's Hut: Outside

Date continues forward, leading them around the side of his home and towards the back of his house. Which, someone wouldn't have even known was there, as there didn't seem to be space for a rear yard, or anything of the sort at all...Yet somehow, here they now stood in front of a high fenced yard, that's seemingly materialized out of nowhere.

Noticing the oddity, Minami can't help but speak on it. "...Wait. How is this...here, Date-san? I walk by your house all the time and I've never noticed this yard before now...Isn't your home flanked by forest usually...?"

At her question, Date turns around to face his three pupils with a wicked grin. "One of the perks of spirithood, my dear." He starts, before looking over to Rhylu. "Actually, I'm wondering if Rhylu here might be familiar with the phenomenon. Rhylu, my boy, tell me. Have you ever heard of Domains?"

edited 13th Aug '17 8:44:40 AM by BaronGreen

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Outside

Kokoro followed Date, her jaw soon dropping "Was I really that unobservant not to notice all of this?" As she heard Date explaining that this had to do with spirits one could quite clearly see how impressed she was. Kokoro quickly looked around to her own spirit, looking what he did or if this place somehow influenced him.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Somone

Date's Hut: Outside

Rhylu has a cunning smirk on his face listening to Minami and Date. Date for a brief moment would feel the lads divine aura flare before returning to be invisible and no different to a normal humans. "Domains? I guess i've heard of them."

He wasn't hiding his expression, he clearly had more than just 'heard' of them. He seemed honestly pretty amused looking at Minami and Kokoro's confusion seemingly entirely relaxed arms behind his head casually stretching.

Outside the Tavern

Mana smirks seeing Yoshiki's response heading outside and around the side. Ren and Mana's old horse plus an extra now stand being saddled and bridled up attached to pull a sizable wooden, closed roof carriage with a door on one side and a wooded window and on the other the ability to unfold a large window and counter that could be used as a shop without much in the way of preparation.
A large wagon for carrying goods and trade supplies is attached in train behind; a tarp across it to protect the few goods it had. Mostly food in this case. Ren seemed to be a busy bug right now, out of his noble attire in somewhat a lot more plane attire as he works on final touches and tends the horses.

Mana continues walking letting Yoshiki watch and ask questions as she heads around to the other side, where the door to the wagon is. This also all seemed very well made and slightly expensively done... Wealth of nobles going to use here.

edited 13th Aug '17 9:23:04 AM by darkdestinysoul

"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."

Date's Hut: Outside

Date smiles, chuckling. "It's no fault of yours girls, don't worry. There was no way for you to know this was even here. I concealed it with the power a Domain." he starts. "To explain it simply, Domains are basically localized areas of the Spirit World that exist in the mortal plane. They are created by spirits and are typically under their direct control, being able to control who can and cannot see and enter it. In this case, I am opening my Domain up to you all, which is the reason you are able to now see this area of my dwelling." he explains.

Minami listens intently, nodding as Date explains. "Ah, I see. That's really interesting.Though...is it okay for us to be here? It won't harm Kokoro and I, will it?"

Date shakes his head. "If my goal were to cause you harm, then yes, it would very much be harmful to humans. But, no worries, you are safe here." he says with assurance. Kokoro would note that her own spirit companion would feel right at home within Date's Domain, as the environment within is very comforting. "Now, with that out of the way. Let us go." he turns back to the high fence and touches the surface of it, the wall parts, allowing them entry. He steps inside, beckoning for them to follow.

---

Outside the Tavern

Yoshiki follows after Mana, around the backside of the tavern, extremely curious. As they round the corner and Yoshiki spots the carriage, his eyes go wide. "Oh my gosh!" he exclaims and quickly runs over to see it close up. "This is so cool! Mom and Dad's carriage was good, but is amazing!" he says, quickly making his way around and taking in every inch of the craftsmanship. "This is going to be what we travel in?"

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Outside

Seing her lantern spirit feeling so well Kokoro was relieved. Indeed the lantern giggled, flying around all over the place, sometimes comically bumping into the enviroment although not causing any damage, causing Kokoro to giggle slightly before following the others inside. "It's... it's so strange here... yet it's not entirely unfamiliar." She looked around, sometimes following her lantern with her eyes, watching it tumble around happily.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Wooded Enclave

Sasuke smirks at Tarou's assessment of his clothes, "With me around, it's likely wise to never think a fire would be unlikely. Though I'll try to be on my least flammable behavior."

As he follows, he nods with Tenzo, "Perhaps. But so is a land where cats grant you luck, foxes play with fire, and horned men repair shrines."

"And thank you, you look equally good blindfolded." He snarks.

edited 14th Aug '17 3:54:53 PM by GhostElm

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."