Sienna leans in over Hijiro's shoulder to read the note. She knows that she probably can't read anything that is written in it but doesn't care. It is a reason to lean in closer under a pretense.
Hijiro reads the entire letter through silently to himself in Minkaian before translating it for the party very very quietly, not mentioning the actual location of Brinewall Castle in case they might be overheard. He merely mentions it as 'a secret location'.
When he's done translating into Common, he folds/rolls up the note and sighs... "This indeed belongs to Ameiko, though I'm not sure what she will take from it as far as what she wants to do. Perhaps she will go to this secret location to recover what is hers. In which case, I will offer to accompany her and aid her in her quest. I hope you would all make the same offer, but I cannot compel you. It seems if she DOES make such a decision, this is something that we have set into motion and it is a matter of honor to see it through to completion."
He sighs, then shrugs. "First, though, we have to give the note to her, along with the blade, as she may want to claim that as well, since it seems it likely belonged to a samurai who served the writer of the note."
"Brinewall. Why does that name sound familiar?"
Wanwa'lasse's brow furrows as she ponders the name.
"'s'a dead place now. Lief said something bad must have happened there 'cause no-one ever tried taking it back. We was thinking about taking a look before..."
"Do you think that undead we fought was the Samurai?" Sienna wonders. "I'd say we tell Ameiko before we think about going to Brinewall after all this seems pressing."
"He either was the samurai or took the samurai's armor and weapon. Either way, the sword and armor might be something that Ameiko will claim when she has read the note. Of course we will tell Ameiko - we'll show here the note and let it be her decision whether or not to go to Brinewall Castle. She might want to go herself. After all, it is for the honor of her family."
"TSAM-OO-Rye? What the heck kind of name is that to saddle a guy with?"
No wonder he got all cranky, I would too if somebody called me a stupid name like ."
"Samurai is not a stupid name...it means he was an honorable warrior who lived by the code of bushido." Hijiro frowns slightly, scowling.
"Oh...
I thought maybe his parents lost a bet or something."
"So it's more like a job description, like Watchman or Chief or something?"
"Hai... more like a job description."[b] Hijiro can't help but chuckle at the comment about parents losing a bet though. [b]"It's a Minkaian word, be nice. Irnk would sound very funny to Minkaian ears."
"What's the likelyhood of Irnk ever going to Minkai? He's a worshiper of Erastil, he'd likely live around here if the town doesn't run him off."
"True, likely none of us will ever go to Minkai, me included.. " He sighs deeply, looking saddened by the thought.
Rising from his seat, he takes the note and sword and goes off to find Ameiko, hopefully with the rest coming with him.
When he finally finds her - wherever in the inn she might be, he hesitates shyly a bit before bowing deeply and addressing her in Common.
"Ameiko-san, we have this sword that we found on a skeleton in a cave in the marsh. In the hilt of the sword is a letter in Minkaian. The letter is signed by someone named Rokuro Kaijitsu. Though the name is westernized, I recognized that it is most likely a relative of yours and we all thought you might wish to claim the note and perhaps the sword as well."
He blushes and goes on. "The note... it's in here..." He opens the hidden compartment and slides the note out partway and hands her sword and exposed note.
"Well you never know where the future may take all of us, might as well be a little optimistic. A journey might be waiting around the corner for all we know" Sienna muses excitedly.
Why do I continue to sound like my brother dearest..?
"Perhaps."
Wanwa'lasse follows Hijiro, if only to help him extract a foot from his mouth if he should say something silly.
"I think I am honored that you would ask me, Ameiko-sama. Thank you for that." He bows deeply, and blushes. "I cannot answer for all of them, but I will come with you of course."
He turns to the others and tilts his head to one side, questioningly. "Well, what do you all say to joining Ameiko on this quest to Brinewall?"
Irnk's aggravation with Hijiro & Sienna eases significantly with Ameiko's arrival & reception of her family's relics. At mention of Shalelu's name, his own ears take on a more rigid attitude & his facial expression hardens somewhat. "This was to make certain the dead weren't to be an on-going problem. I wouldn't say no to loot, or better yet a decent breeding pair of hogs, but I have a feeling between your Sheriff & the Licktoad, I'm likely going to be busy for a bit."
"If Poi-
mistress Andosana wants to keep an eye on me, I'm sure she can manage it somehow."
Wanwa'lasse looks at Hijiro then at Ameiko.
"I'd have to be mad to not go with you. Never been out of the hinterlands, and I'm starting to go a little stir-crazy."
Hijiro grins from ear to ear, glad to hear his friends volunteering to come along on the mission, whatever it may turn out to be. He turns to Sienna and lofts a single brow as if to ask her if she plans on coming as well, but as he does so, he blushes slightly.
When Hijiro first starts talking to Ameiko and seeing him blush she panics a little in her head.
Wait why is he blushing? What is.. no that .. shut it out shut thoughts no, stop thinking.
She quickly looks away pouting a bit unsure what to make of the situation. Trying to ignore the conversation she glosses over that Ameiko would like to actually go on a journey until Hijiro looks at her. Taken aback at first.
He's blushing at me now.. what do I say.. something .. anything...
Er.. Yes, I would like to do .. that.. thing.. we were talking about, yes that would be good. Heh. She scratches the back of her head awkwardly, smiles and closes her eyes trying not to embarass herself. Though that fails to succeed as blood rushes to her cheeks. Despite her darker complexion it doesn't hide the fact that she is blushing furiously. She does realize this but is at a loss at what to do.
.. Pintsize if you begin snickering... I swear...
It's not Irnk, but Wanwa'lasse that began to snicker.
"So I guess we're all doing 'that thing' and going with you to Brinewall."
The half-elf is grinning from ear to ear. For the first time since she was brought to Sandpoint, she's just enjoying the moment.
As it happens this was the exact moment that Irnk was taking a swallow of beer.
The spray of frothy, mucus-laced spew as Irnk hacks & chokes is awe-inspiring in it's potential for gutter humor. Several of the other patrons of the Rusty Dragon are dumbfounded & only just manage to avoid their own chorus of snickers & guffaws at the sight.
Aw crap! So much for a breeding pair of hogs...
And just like that, Wanwa'lasse's head is buried in her hands.
"Is it too late to claim I don't know him?"
Hijiro blinks in surprise and has almost the same reaction as Wanwa - burying his face in his hands, slowly opening his fingers to look sidelong at Ameiko for her reaction. His face turns a brilliant shade of red at the affront, and he glares at Irnk over the top of his fingers.
"Wha? Oh Ameiko-sama! Most abject apologies on behalf of our pint-sized one." He bows deeply a couple of times. Then turns his full glare towards Irnk, who has yet to apologize on his own...
He looks like he's not sure if he's going to explode in anger or tears...
Hijiro smiles when Ameiko finally laughs, still flustered, but relieved as well. "Yes, Ma'am, it looks that way. We are all going, yes?" He turns to look at his companions, questioningly even as he answers sorta for them.
Through the whole exchange Sienna does try to stifle a giggle. When she does regain her composure she nods. "Yes Jiro, I am definitely up for a little adventure."
Great, even Ameiko noticed... can people truly read me that easily?! Oh well.
Sienna gets up and says "Unless we have anything else to discuss I suggest we get ready for the journey, who knows how long it will be."
It'll also save me some embarrassment today, I think I've had my fair share already.
Hijiro nods to Sienna. "Hai, I have a few things to do before traveling too." He bows to all present and slips out of the Dragon, heading for his meager lodgings.
Once there, he starts packing his few belongings that he plans on taking with him. The things he cannot take on a long journey, he gathers up and takes outside, giving them out to the poor in town. He stops by to see his landlord and let him know he won't need the room anymore and then heads back to the Dragon, his remaining belongings packed and ready to take on the road.
He arranges to sleep in the common room at the Dragon until the group departs for Brinewall.
"Well, I think if we wear rain gear when Irnk drinks, we might be okay. I can be ready to leave in less than an hour, but I think it's going to take longer than that to actually go."
Wanwa'lasse takes the rest of the afternoon to gather her belongings from her room in the Rusty Dragon.
"Tell 'points' she knows where to find me when you lot are ready to head off."
Irnk snorts in acknowledgment of Wanwa'lasse's 'wit' & heads out to gather up what few items he possesses, then makes his way to bid farewell to the Licktoad before they leave for better 'pastures'.
Could have been worse. Leastways she had a sense of humour about it...
Sienna breaths a sigh of relief and bids the rest farewell for the moment. As she is about to leave the Rusty Dragon she glares at Ameiko reflexively, she ain't sure why she did that however. Likely Jealousy.
Sienna goes back home and gathers together her meager possessions then walks over to Koya and asks.
"Hello Auntie, tell me is Balthazar well enough to travel again? I feel he might have something to hear."
"Oh no you would likely be happy to hear this too, I think Ameiko will tell you soon as well. Ameiko is planning on heading to castle Sandpoint to uncover some things about her past. We found a note from someone her relatives knew inside of a sword. Ameiko was gathering a group of people to go with her and invited our band of friends. I'm guessing that means you too Auntie." She smiles.
"Will you care to join us Balthazar?"
"I thought we were going to Brinewall?"
Balthazar smiles at Sienna's invitation. "I would be honored to." He looks from Sienna to Koya and says "Well, Koya, this could be the adventure you've been looking for."
"Then I shall see you both in the morning." She closes the door behind her and keeps her back against the door. She remains pensive for a minute then sighs.
No, not going to see Jubaryl, screw that. I just pray he doesn't follow me closely.
Sienna goes off to sleep in her small room, paranoia kicking in she checks around for anybody who might be spying on her. She ends up barely sleeping at all before returning to the inn in the morning.
Wanwa'lasse takes her leave and gets her gear together in the morning. The others find her in the Dragon's common room sipping a warm cup of tea.
"Ready to go?"
Riding his donkey along the caravan, Balthazar sides with Hijiro and starts a conversation, curious about the chest the group presented to Ameiko. "So, Hijiro, tell me what became of the chest. Was the treasure really Ameiko's heirloom?"
Then, leaning over the kitsune, he winks and whispers in his ear "... or did you manage to keep a few coins for yourself?", he teases playfully, aware of Hijiro's interest in the treasure.
Hijiro grins conspiratorially at Balthazar. "There was treasure there for the taking, and Ameiko really only seemed to have an interest in the note that was found in the sword. It was a note from her grandfather, which is why we are on our way to Brinewall Castle, for the note indicated the true Kaijitsu family treasure is hidden in a vault there. The rest she showed no interest in."
He pulls out a piece of paper from inside his kimono and reads off a fairly long list. "What we found was a magical japanese sword, a cold iron japanese sword, two fine chain shirts, one of which was 'broken', five cure potions, 2 more powerful cure potions, three potions that restore lost abilities, a ring that assists with climbing, a wand to identify magic items with, 11 candles dedicated to Desna, 4 skyrockets, and a lot of silver coins, some gold coins and some jewelry. We never actually split these things among us, and the chest with all the items inside is with us in one of the wagons. Whenever we decide to split up the items, we can do that, though I know for me, carrying all those coins, even just my own share, would be a burden. I'd rather carry the things on the caravan. I guess we should have divided them up and spent the coins before leaving town, but never really had a chance." He smiles at Balthazar after reading off his list.
"Your share is as secure as everyone's so no need to worry about getting your due. I know I'm a bit of a rogue and don't have the best reputation, but I'd never steal from a comrade in arms."
Sienna is riding quietly alongside the group not too far away from Hijiro though every so often glances at him, then back to Irnk making sure he isn't looking.
Well here we go start of an adventure, I wonder what this is going to be like?
She gets her horse to trot over to Sandru as nonchalantly as she can. "Hey, Sany. You've had experience with. She whispers the next bit under her breath almost inaudibly stuff between 2 people, you know.. Then carries on in her normal tone of voice. "...how... how, does that work? Can you tell me?
Hijiro walks along, perfectly content to be on his own two feet rather than riding. He sighs softly, looks over at Balthazar to assure himself that the monk doesn't bear him distrust in the storage of their joint treasure. Though he'd rather be barefoot and in fox form, he retains his boyish human form for the ease and comfort of his human companions.
The long silence between them grows longer as Hijiro contemplates bringing up a subject he's afraid the monk will know nothing about. After all, the man seemed fastidious about preventing any sort of contact between himself and any other living being.
How can I ask him about such things when he seems abjectly opposed to them, at least for himself... Then again it doesn't mean he doesn't know about such things. But what about her? She knows what I am, that I'm not human. Would she even contemplate letting me get close to her? And how close can I get to her? She doesn't even have a tail! But I can't hold that against her... it's just an unfortunate accident of birth... she's still who she is, and I like her a lot.
He cranes his neck to look around for Sienna, sees her riding next to Sandru and scowls slightly.
Maybe she likes Sandru? Why would I even think she liked me, with someone like him around - older, experienced... human like her. He sighs. Seijiro would say I was being silly, even thinking about her, but I can't help it. She smells so nice, and she's pretty for a human.
He continues to walk along beside Balthazar in silence.
Balthazar rides with a relaxed smile, and his attention drifts as he watches the nature around them. When his gaze falls again upon Hijiro, he notices his companion seems ill at ease. He chuckles and speaks to the kitsune, trying to reassure him.
"Why, boy, that is quite a meticulous inventory you have there. I personally know little about riches and luxuries, but I wouldn't mind keeping that climbing ring myself. And maybe one of those curative elixirs... I seem to need it sometimes", he says, pointing to his bandages. "Does anything trouble you, Hijiro?"
Shalelu & Irnk arrive at the caravan's rally point that morning, Irnk cursing & spitting as Shalelu drags him by one ear. Once they arrive, Irnk & Sandru share a silent, meaningful glare & Irnk proceeds to the only oxen drawn cart in the caravan, climbing aboard & unceremoniously dropping his gear beside him on the bench.
As the day progresses & the caravan has eased into a routine, Irnk's mood seems to have settled into a kind of caustic bonhomie; happily chortling at others mistakes or difficulties as he steps forward to give what aid they will accept, so long as it does not involve horses or hounds.
Almost every time he finds himself observing either Hijiro or Sienna a chuckle escapes his lips, a chuckle the entire caravan has no difficulty hearing.
Hijiro listens to Balthazar's reply and shrugs. "I have no objections to either of those requests, but I think we need to have a meeting among all of us to decide how to divide things up. You and I alone can't decide for everyone else."
He pauses and sighs softly, looking away from Balthazar as he contemplates a moment. He glances back sidelong at the monk and smiles with a bit of chagrin as he cautiously approaches his subject. He speaks very softly, to Balthazar alone. "Well, I was kind of wondering about... well... things. You know. Between people. Humans, that is. How you... you know..." He pauses a long time, stammering a bit and then continues. "How do you know... if you're sure... how you like someone, you know? And if they... like you back?" He blushes furiously and breaks out in a little sweat as he asks these questions, obviously quite flustered and concerned about the answers.