"It's a good question." Hitome says supportively, giving Jin an approving nod.
Sitting there she sort of nods, but not trusting herself to say anything else without sounding like some kind of whiny girl, she remains quiet and waits to see what the Szef thought. It was true that she had started at a really young age....younger than most, but she didn't know why and Yamamoto-Sensei was more concerned with her overall well being and over all education than teaching her everything there was to know about all this house stuff. Though he had a day to run through the basics...there was still many things she didn't know or understand...but her mind was still trying to process everything so it was hard for her to put into words all the thoughts that were racing through her mind.
Though Gyo was not physically present, she could still feel her comforting presence as she tries to understand everything that was happening to her.
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Toni looks into her coffee cup. "I don't have a good answer for that. You've all been through something...I don't know what it is...that awoke that talent. Me? I watched my world being erased from existence...and I don't know what my talent is. I guess it takes time."
She sighs. "I'm sorry...I'm not a great leader with all the answers, but I'm working on it. We're called to help people and there are a lot of people that need help here. Not just in Valwick but in all of Zahvroma. We have quite a few heroes here...they rescued me. Yet, there are things they cannot do that we can. We may have to go places that most people have never heard of."
Looking into Jin's eyes. "There are secrets in Vesaria that only we can fight and they are things that can hurt a lot of people."
She pulls a compass out of her robes. "There's a Summoner...the Fifth House one...who needs our help. And it's going to take our wisdom, strength, courage and empathy to help him or her."
Laenid chuckles. "I don't think that answered any of her questions, Toni."
"Oh...I guess not," Toni says. "When you become a Summoner, your eidolon is chosen for you. It's not like the normal summoners. As for talents...I just mean special senses, like sensing auras, spirits and stuff like that."
"It takes some training to hone those senses, though," Konstantyná adds. "It's not something you'll notice immediately."
"This is a lot to process," Gyrthr says. "I don't know if I am quite ready to attempt a rescue mission, especially since we're still strangers, more or less."
"I understand," Toni says. "We don't have to do this right this second. I just wanted you to know we have a purpose and something to do. I want you to rest, relax and get used to Valwick for a few days. We can discuss this again later."
"Fair enough."
Laenid nods in silent agreement with the half-orc.
Toni looks into her coffee cup. "I don't have a good answer for that. You've all been through something...I don't know what it is...that awoke that talent. Me? I watched my world being erased from existence...and I don't know what my talent is. I guess it takes time."
She sighs. "I'm sorry...I'm not a great leader with all the answers, but I'm working on it. We're called to help people and there are a lot of people that need help here. Not just in Valwick but in all of Zahvroma. We have quite a few heroes here...they rescued me. Yet, there are things they cannot do that we can. We may have to go places that most people have never heard of."
Looking into Jin's eyes. "There are secrets in Vesaria that only we can fight and they are things that can hurt a lot of people."
She pulls a compass out of her robes. "There's a Summoner...the Fifth House one...who needs our help. And it's going to take our wisdom, strength, courage and empathy to help him or her."
Quietly listening to everything those around her are saying, she takes a few minutes of quiet reflection to process what they're saying before looking back up. Taking a breath she says, "Ms. Toni...while it is true that we have all been through all of our own trials...it is those trials that have made us who we are and given us the strength to deal with what we must face. While I can't really feel what it is you must be going through, I don't think your summation of your leadership abilities is....accurate. That is...your desire to make things better and being able to bring people together to accomplish these things...despite everything you have been through and being thrust into a world you know nothing about....even though you may not feel like you are, you are already showing, to me anyways since I will not speak for the others, that you are someone worth following. Thank you for trying to answer my questions and to you Ms. Konstantyna as well. It does help a little and the other stuff we will learn together as we go. Is that okay?" She kind of asks as she looks around at those gathered at the table with her. Maybe she could do this after all. She smiles a little as she feels that familiar comforting presence.
Toni nods. "We're all trying, Jin. That's the best we can do."
Looking at Hitome and then back at Toni she gives another little nod, "Yes ma'am, I understand what you mean and that's all anyone can ask." She says in a respectful manner.
"It's an excellent place to start." Hitome says with a smile of her own.
Still taking everything in, she takes another small piece of fish and eats it slowly between sips of her water as she had already finished her tea.
"Just sit back and enjoy Valwick for a few days," Toni says. "If you need anything, I'll be with at the tailor's shop."
The Szef then helps herself to seconds.
"Where would be a good place to stay?" Gyrthyr asks as he drinks his water.
"The Common House is serviceable, but I think we would like to set you up with permanent housing," Konstantyná says. "Perhaps you can talk to Jelks, Toni?"
Toni nods. "Sure."
"Are you looking to move me from your residence as well, Konstantyná?" Laenid asks with a smirk.
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"Actually, yes," Konstantyná replies, no hint of humor in her voice.
Jin finishes her fish and rice while listening to the interesting conversation, but doesn't comment on it as it seemed personal and none of her business. She sighs contentedly as the food starts to make her feel a little better about things. She was still nervous about being around so many people, but Hitome and Gyo were with her so she knew she would be safe. Taking another breath she looks back up as she pushes her plate away from her a little, "Okay Ms. Toni, it would probably be a good idea to get familiar with our surroundings anyways. Ummm...is there somewhere at a certain time you would like to meet about the living arrangements once you have a chance to talk to who you need to, or should we go with you? I just...I didn't know if you wanted to speak with them in private or not." She relays while trying not to sound as nervous as she felt, even though Hitome was sitting right next to her. She just couldn't seem to help how she felt.
"I can handle it by myself, but, if you'd like to meet Jelks and get to know some of the people in town, then we can go together," Toni answers.
She thinks for a moment, "So...this Jelks...they build houses then? I'm sorry...I guess I'm just curious about what type of craftsmen and shops you have here. It's just...it's really really large and seems to carry all manner of things. My home...well, the home I shared with Yamamoto-Sensei was near a river and the only thing nearby was a small fishing village...so this is, at least to me, a rather large and extravagant city. I am unsure if you would consider it large or not....I guess I would like to go and meet them. Getting to know the people here will help I think." She says thoughtfully.
"Jelks is a bard with a special lyre that can create buildings when she plays," Toni explains.
At this revelation her eyes get a little large, "Really? I love music, I'd definitely like to meet her. Do you think it would be okay if she agreed to build it for us that I could listen to her play? I've never heard a bard play before, especially not with such a special instrument. All I have is a Shakuhachi...I like to play...well...I've always loved music and was encouraged to learn how to play along with my other studies." She says, visibly brightening up at the prospect of meeting a true artist.
Looking over at Hitome, her midwife sees perhaps the first genuine smile on her summoners face since they met. With a note of enthusiasm in her voice she asks, "Would that be okay Hitome? Could we go with her to meet Ms. Jelks and then if it's okay with Ms. Jelks can we listen to her play. I don't think I've ever heard anyone play the Lyre before."
"I think that would be wonderful. Good music is always a welcome thing to experience, and getting to know important figures in town would be a good idea." Hitome replies, happy to see the joy on Jin's face. "Having been raised in a temple, I can definitely attest to the size of Valwick being...a bit overwhelming."
She nods slightly, "Yeah...it's going to take some getting used to, but I think it's gonna be okay that I'm not in just a little house alone by a river anymore. I think...maybe it's a good thing after all." She finishes a little more quietly. Feeling a little bit better about things she takes a breath and turns to look at their Szef while she waits for what she thinks, a small smile still on her face as she seems slightly more at ease.
Toni nods enthusiastically. "I think Jelks would appreciate that. How about you, Gyrthr and Svanna?"
"Yes, I wouldn't want to seem ungrateful if she builds us a home here," Gyrthr says. "Part of being a protector means getting to know others, I think."
Svanna simply nods.
"I'll come along as well," Laenid says. "I've just been sleeping since I've gotten here."
Nodding she asks, "Soooo...when did you want to go see her Ms. Toni?" She finishes her water and softly sighs, the food and drink doing much to improve her overall well being.
"How about tomorrow morning? She teaches at a school here, so I would have to arrange a meeting," Toni says.
She nods, the look on her face one of appreciation and respect. Looking at Toni she says, "Okay, that sounds good. I'll look forward to meeting her. She seems very giving of herself, something that's hard to find sometimes. She helps this place with her music in more ways than one I guess, that's very special. It takes someone with a lot of patience, love of what they do, and understanding of children to be able to teach the youth. I really admire that." She says sincerely. Thinking for a moment she asks, "So then, should we just take time to look around today and familiarize ourselves with everything here and then stay tonight in that common house place you were talking about?"
"It wouldn't be a bad idea," Toni answers.
She nods, "Okay, I guess we'll see you tomorrow morning then." Looking around the table she says, "It was nice meeting all of you. I look forward to getting to know you all better in the coming days. Hope you all have a nice day." Looking over at Hitome she asks, "Sooo...are you ready to go looking around with me, or do you need a few minutes?" She asks, unsure of whether or not Hitome was done eating.
"I'm finished." Hitome says standing up. "It has been a pleasure, I hope you all have a good night." she says smiling and giving a tiny bow of her head.
"Enjoy your day," Laenid says, finishing her drink.
She shakes her head, "Let's get outside where you can see the sun. I guess having to take care of me on the ship made you lose track of time." Feeling a little more positive about things she couldn't help the half smile at her somewhat smart remark. Hitome probably just forgot when they got there since they were eating fish for breakfast, but Jin was finally starting to loosen up and able to joke around a bit.
Getting up from her seat she takes in the clothes everyone else is wearing and feels a little out of place. Taking out a gold she puts it on the table. Giving them all a polite bow she says, "Hope you all have a pleasant day. Thank you Ms. Toni for everything you do on our behalf. We look forward to our meeting with Ms. Jelks tomorrow."
Looking at Hitome she says, "Okay, I'm ready to explore now." As they walk by Ieyasu she gives a polite bow of her head, "Thank you for breakfast, it was delicious. I look forward to coming to your establishment again for more wonderful food."
Walking outside she sighs once more, "So, where should we go first?"
Standing outside she looks around and seeing the manner of dress the other people around were wearing and noticing the looks her Kimono was getting her....and liking how she drew so much attention to herself she gulps slightly before looking up at Hitome, "Uhhhh.....Ms. Toni said something about that place she was staying at being a tailor shop? Maybe....maybe we should go there first?" The familiar nervousness is unmistakable in her tone and the way her hands shake slightly as she feels as though everyone's eyes are on her.
"I suppose it, wouldn't be the worse idea to fit in a bit better clothing wise....not that I've ever not stood out pretty much anywhere I went." Hitome says with a smile. "Besides the chill might get to you most of the time."
Shivering a bit she nods, "Yeah...something a bit warmer would probably be a good idea too. Okay, so let's do that then. I see lots of people with thick looking cloaks too that have hoods, those look rather comfy too."
She says as she watches the people around them while heading to the tailor shop.