dot
"Ah yes greetings Lady Medvyed. We have yet to met I am Mayor Ioseph Sellemius here on behalf of an old friend and Patron. We have word of your plan to go into the Stolen lands searching for a particular bandit and as such thought perhaps we could work together."
The olderman whom spoke to you and your assembled group rose from the leather chair setting beside a fireplace with a fire that crackled out over the room.He looked as if he had not had a good nights sleep in weeks. He bowed perfunctly, just low enough to not be rude and took your hand. He motioned for you and yours to take a seat at the table where it looked like a small meal lay before you.
"As you are no doubt aware, politics in our land are getting muddled with the disappearance of the king and conqueror of the lands and there are those who seek to split apart the lands.I wont bother you with details but there are many who would like to make sure that the lands east of here and south of New Stetson are... free from bandits and secure. We are commisioning a team to go explore those lands and if possible end the bandit threat there."
He poured you a red wine Seraphina, as a servant hurried to pour wine into the cups of your copatriots.
"If you accept you will well be the third group sent in, we've lost contact with the others and fear the worst. Its a wild land which is dangerous enough, but add in bandits and it becomes worse. What say you?"
He asked you and your assembled group.
The Ulfen woman sitting at the table watches the lord with steady eyes as he speaks. She wears full-body tattoos and stands almost 7 ft, the latter of which combines with her heavy build, strong jawline, and the hints of gray and green in her skin to suggest some orc in her. Even with her rugged looks, she carries calm with her, as serene as corpse floating in a pool smothered in lilies. Those who have met her know she can grin and guzzle and gut as well as any other proud warrior, but she saves that side for the battlefield and the tavern. She will just start fading away without warning, her mind sailing to some far-off land.
She leans over the table, hunched over as if in a mead hall. She knows she is not the leader of this group, that she is likely just meant to be muscle. She should let the people with station and status speak first.
As Seraphina steps into the office of the mayor of Restov, Angus gestures towards his companions encouraging them to follow his cousin into the room. Bringing up the rear he nods to the old butler holding the door. Stepping over the threshold, he subconsciously begins to rest his hands upon his sword and hammer. His hands not finding their usual resting spot, it reminded him that courtesy demanded he leave them on the saddle, unconcerned for their safety knowing Harbinger would allow no one to touch them.
So he places his hands behind his back, as he strides into the office wearing his second hand armor. Politely bowing to the Mayor he moves past the impressive northerner admiring her fine breastplate. Sitting down, he smiles and nods to her. Thinking to himself that Her armor may be finer than his own, but proud the dapple grey stallion he raised and rode was fitted in fine scalemail.
His eyes falling to his cousin his thoughts shift from his mount to their short journey here. 'It was good to ride with Seraphina again, How long had it been? ten years at least.' Smiling to himself reminiscing. 'He last visit to Elphinstone was the year her father died. I appreciated that he treated me so well. Actually like a nephew or cousin instead of a bastard.' Nodding politely to the same butler who held the door, as he filled their glasses. 'I didn't realize that he thought his dead brother was my father.' Angus watches as the mayor pours Lady Medvyed's wine with his own hand. 'Now they are both dead. But fate has brought us back together.'
As the Major explains the situation, and asks them directly, Angus smiles and looks towards his cousin. 'What say we? For glory? For revenge? For family? for Restov? For Honor?' Taking a sip of the fine red wine; Seraphina knew he was with her and she could rely on him. He holds the thin-stemmed glass up to his cousin, toasting her answer, whatever it may be.
Two women stay close, both conspicuously foreign; to the worldly, they seem to be from somewhere in Tian Xia. The taller one has long black hair that's gathered in something halfway between a ponytail and a topknot, and though she clearly carries two swords, she wears no armor, instead garbed only in dark, wide-sleeved robes.
Silent at this point in the meeting, the woman watches the Mayor with a piercing gaze. Apparently she is waiting for the ostensible leader to speak up and take charge.
Next to the taller Tian woman sits a much shorter one. She is quite short, even for a tian woman, with feathery strawberry red hair that reached her lower back and framed her face in a loose, and somewhat messy, fall. She wore a frilly black and white galtean maid's outfit and had a pair of fans tucked into the belt. Other than her size and obvious foreign origin she looked like most any human maid would though she was obviously attached to the taller woman next to her given how close they sat together.
The maid might ahve seemed to be sitting politely at her Mistress' side waiting to serve her but for those who knew how to look her tawny colored eyes were always moving and assessing her surrounding. In fact she was not unlike a trained warrior or a thief might be in a strange place watching for trouble.
At the back sits an ebony skinned, dark haired woman, dressed in dark, rugged leather clothing, suitable for the workshop or the wilds rather than elegant attire. Behind her stood a miniature humanoid, its dark steel exterior and light whirring noise giving away that it was actually a construct rather than a human. The construct stands rigly straight behind the woman, with unnatural stillness and patience.
Arisha intertwines her fingers and twists her hands together awkwardly. She hated awkward silences but no-one was really saying anything and Arisha wasn't sure if that was strictly polite. On the other hand, Sellemius hadn't exactly address her directly, and Arisha wasn't sure what she should say. She would probably muck things up - small talk wasn't exactly her strong point. So she shifts awkwardly in her seat, hoping that someone would eventually break the ice.
Seraphina inclined her head graciously, her deep red locks falling over one eye as she took the gentleman's hand in greeting. "You do me great honor, Lord Mayor. Whatever did my brother say to convince you to meet with us in person? I admit, I have always been intrigued by the fabled Aldori Swordlords. You do not disappoint." She said with a warm and easy smile, her well-honed charm flowing with the sort of effortless manner that came from long practice.
She adjusted the skirts of her green and gold gown as she took her seat. And began tracing her full lips with the tip of one pointed jade nail as he spoke of her "plans". "My, I'd no idea of how very transparent I had become. I do hope you haven't shared that information with my mother or my great uncle. I've only just convinced them that we must again turn our attention to protecting those folk who still dare to settle the Stolen Lands. But I suppose there is no sense in dissembling my motives here. There is a tyrant of a bandit king, crowned with the antlers of a stag, who is spoken of only in hushed murmurs and whispered prayers. It is him that I hunt. It is his grip on the land that has plunged it into rampant lawlessness and terror. He must be brought down. I will do this, with your help. Nothing would give me greater pleasure." She intoned her acceptance like a solemn vow, her copper colored eyes shining like new pennies in the sun with her zeal.
She raised her glass in answer to her cousin's toast and then drinks deeply of her wine. "I cannot do it alone, though. I'm so pleased to have you along, cousin Angus. And it seems you shall be surrounded by women, for once. Won't that be quite a change?" She added with a grin and a particularly girlish giggle at the look on his face.
Smiling at his cousin, Angus turns the cup towards his companions, and nods. Sipping his own wine, Remembering how His Fathers, Gunnar and Eldlen were split on his coming along. Gunnar thought it would be good for him to get out in the world. Eldlen had been concerned about stopping his educated. the old man-at-arms won the argument explaining to the wizatrd that it was 'time for the boy to have the education only the wide world could teach.' So now Angus sat here in the office of the mayor of Restov, toasting his lovely cousin and the four gifted ladies riding with them.
"Yes Seraphina quite the change. You know the hunting lodge can be quite the 'boys club'" Shifting in his seat, he turns towards the mayor. "Other than the obvious threat of the bandits, what else can you share with us? Are there any villages or outposts we should head to first?"
The older man frowned at Angus' question as he took a seat at the table as well, nodding at the servant who poured him a glass of wine.
"I wish we could provide more aid than we are. Its the third attempt we have sent down that way you see. The first group disappeared in the Western parts of the Greenbelt two years ago all the gold, supplies and horses we sent with them disappeared as well. Eight months ago we hired a renowned Elven pathfinder and her husband to map the lands and possible find the first expedition. They too have went missing. Their 'young' son, left four months ago in search of them. They at least, had a magical map making device with them that no doubt would have been great aid in mapping the region."
He paused and took a sip of the wine letting his eyes run over the group assembled before him.
"Make no mistake lady Seraphina, It's a dangerous stretch of wilds there, which is why myself and my patrons want it tamed. As to your second question Master Angus, I would suggest your first stop be Oleg's trading post. Follow the west road out of Restov and you will eventually run across it. Its a week long journey by horseback. I know that the other two expeditions started there,he may have more information on where the other two groups were heading to when they disapeared."
He slid a rolled up parchment torwards you Seraphina.
"This is a signed charter granting you expedition rights to search and settle the lands. It actually doesnt mean much considering any settlements that are founded will be outside of Brevoy's protection, but some common folk need to see some form of papers to believe that things are legitimate."
"Do any of you have questions for me?
Sera accepts and looks over the charter with an amused expression, "Ah yes, the mark of any would-be civilization, paperwork. I will be sure to keep this safe." She arched an angled eyebrow over the Surtova seal, but said nothing about it just now. "I suppose with so many resources committed and presumed lost that there will not be much of an advance in supplies. Pity, the magical map device you mentioned would be quite a boon."
"I do want to ask a bit about this line concerning the executions... it says here, 'The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope.' Precisely how should we interpret the word unrepentant here, in your opinion, my Lord Mayor? If they cry out for the god's forgiveness, are we expected to grant them a stay?"
"And what about all of you," she asked, turning to each of her company in turn. "What are your feelings about executing bandits, repentant or otherwise?"
Katsumi rests her hand on the pommel of her longer sword.
"I have removed heads before."
Yumiko rolled her eyes at Katsumi's response and said thoughtfully, "Your pardon Seraphina-dono but may I suggest that bandits who agree to work for us instead of fight us might be best granted clemency. These lands where we go have no laws so once across border there is no legal punishment. Former bandits would know land better than we and the dangers it contains." The maid was perfectly respectful in tone but her words could be construed by some as at least slightly inappropriate for her position.
"Of course," the slight woman continued, "if they do not repent and surrender they are fighting to the death for their desires." She smiled then, the grin slightly mischievous and more than a little vicious, "Of course then death is the only outcome and," she glanced to her side to catch Katsumis eye briefly as she said, "Katsumi-chan is very good at making heads roll."
Katsumi remains completely still and focused but the slightest hint of a blush tinges her cheeks as Yumiko refers to her in the familiar mode.
The coppery-skinned noblewoman smiled slightly as the swordswoman spoke up. 'By the sword' had been specifically called out in the charter and seemed much quicker and cleaner than hanging. But the strawberry haired maid's words left her blinking. "Forgive me, I am not familiar with your method of address. You'll have to advise me what to call you both and indulge me awhile until I become accustomed. I'll grant that people in the Stolen Lands are not bound by any formal rule, but they are one of the River Kingdoms. The people there will hold to the River Freedoms. One of which abhors slavery as an abomination. A denial of freedom to leave and being conscripted into service smacks a bit like indentured servitude at least, which I fear is toeing the line a bit, as it were." She smiled apologetically for throwing a cog in the works of her well intended idea and then looked about brightly, eager to hear more discourse from these new companions and of course, from her cousin.
Yumiko shook her head slightly and said, "I do not say well. I do not mean forced service, some may want to change, if so let them and pay for service. It is alternative to death and many may accept."
"Some call me Tove. Some call me Ragnulf. Pick whichever you wish."
Tove stands to her full height, then leans forward on the table, her eyes fixed on Seraphina.
"If someone draws a blade against me or those I am sworn to, I will kill them. I would prefer to kill in battle than by execution. But my heart matters more to me than any law, and I will question if you ask too much and balk if you demand without question. You have my loyalty, and you have it until such a day that you do something to forfeit it."
She sits down again and folds her arms. "I trust that we shall not have any such issues."
Raising an eyebrow as the swordswoman replies 'removed heads' Angus turns towards the shorter woman, Watching the interaction between the two not fully understanding the term of endearment, but recognizing it as one. Raising an eyebrow as the smaller woman says her compion is 'very good at making heads roll.' As his cousin shares a little about the river kindoms 'freedoms' he's curious about what she means by 'indentured servitude.' About to give an impute the tall well armored northerner stands up and introduce herself and in her own way promises her loyalty. Waiting for her to return to her seat, he makes eye contact with Tove giving a nod of respect. Clearing his voice, still looking at Tove he smiles and says lightly, "No issues from me ma'am."
Then looking to his cousin he continues, "Cousin let's not mistake 'Indentured servitude' for 'paying for ones crimes. Here in Restov they have a prison where people "pay for their crimes." We won't have that luxury. I honestly believe if someone is truly repentant it would be expected for them to show their sincerity by working to repair the damage they did." He pauses for a moment "At times there were poachers in the woods near Elphinstone. Some to hunt for magical beasts to sell their parts to wizards and such." He shrugs, "Some p,oor peasants who had mouths to feed." He looks at the mayor. "I promise you Gunnar judged them very differently." Returning his eyes to his cousin. "I say that only because there are crimes that there is no forgiveness for. Where execution is the only expectable option." Looking around the room at the women he will be serving with. "We may need to actually see what the situation is before we decide all the details."
Realizing he had spoken a lot, he tried to remember exactly what his cousins point was. "So what were you thinking, Seraphina? Kill them all, even those who have surrendered? Or banish them, maybe cutting off a hand or branding them? Or try to make them part of the community free and clear?"
Arisha shifts a little in her seat. She was capable at handling herself in combat, fighting in tandem with James. Gruesomely cutting off someone's head though wasn't something she had any great practice in, or desire to experience herself.
"Just from my perspective, I'm fine with fighting in self defense. I'm fine with proactively seeking out and removing threats. It would trouble me however, to execute someone who had surrendered. Some people might take up banditry because they feel its the only route available to them to escape poverty. Some might have been blackmailed or forced into joining a bandit group to protect their families. I would support a softer approach in these situations."
Arisha pauses for a moment, thinking the problem through. "I'm assuming that a repentant bandit is someone who is willing to change their ways. I don't see providing them with an opportunity to make amends or give back to the community as meeting the definition or interpretation
of 'slavery' in the River Freedoms code." the alchemist finishes before flushing slightly and ducking her head. "Um, thats err, just my opinion on it at least"
Katsumi clarifies, ”I will conduct myself as ordered. If I find my conscience in conflict with my orders, I will terminate my service.”
Seraphina nods as she considers everyone's words, wearing an expression that says she expected as much. "So I'm hearing that surrender is an important point to help us define repentance. I can agree with that, but as for what happens next, I think we will need to speak more on the subject. Perhaps not now, but soon. I will state that for my purposes, I would only consider someone to have surrendered if they lay down their arms before the tide of battle has turned. Many of you state that that you prefer to kill in combat, if you must. I should inform you that I often use a spell that can subdue several beings at once, which may lead to us capturing bandits before they really have a chance to surrender. It is excellent for acquiring an enemy to interrogate, but then we would be left deciding their fate after the fact. That can be challenging if you only ever kill when the excitement is high and the blood runs hot. I merely want to get you all thinking on these concerns, I believe you begin to see... We have some tough choices ahead of us."
Turning to her cousin again, she smiled warmly. "You bring up some good points, dear Angus. We won't have imprisonment as an option for punishment, and indeed, I do not think we should. Punishments should be quick and decisive. I see no point in sustaining criminals who would threaten good citizens. But for those we decide would be of benefit to keep around, they still must endure some penalty, I think you'll agree. Banishment, branding, fining and flogging all sound like potential options, though I don't care for maiming. People need their limbs if they will be of use."
Well aware of the trauma his cousin had been put through by thieves and raiders. The exact type of people they were now talking about showing leniency with. He's not surprised that she had practices a type of magic that would subdue them and allow them to be interrogated.
Nodding politely to his cousin when she address his thoughts Angus takes another small sip of the wine. Turning in his seat, looking at the Mayor, wanting to know what he thinks constitutes "Repentance." The cavalier bluntly reiterates his cousins earlier question. "My Lord mayor, what would you do in this situation?"
The mention of “banishment” noticeably stirs Tove, but she says nothing. The wergild that Tove is used to sounds not unlike fines, so she is in favor of that option, but she also does not feel that her opinion is worth much there. ”As I was raised, a warrior who dies must do so with weapon in-hand. To refuse a warrior their weapon is to deny them the honor of a good death and is not to be done lightly. It may be a strange way to you, but it is what I know.” Keeping to her clan’s ways is one of the only methods she has to still feel connection to her old life and who she was.
The mayor frowned slightly as they talk turned to what to do with the bandits.
"It isn't really this city's place to say. We do have a jail and justice system in place. You won't have that luxury. Even here though when we catch bandits we hang them. You may run across unfortunate souls who find themselves forced into working for the bandits I would press for leniency for them myself personally. Though no law minded citizen would fault you for hanging them as well.
He took a sip of his wine watching you all for a moment before he broke into a slight smile.
"Timing might be a matter to consider as well. In your initial forey into those lands, when bandits are rife killing them would be wise. As you whittle down the bands and numbers are no longer against you perhaps a more charitable approach might work best."
Yumiko bowed her head to seraphina in acceptance of her decision to table such discussions for later and said, "Of course Seraphina-dono," She looked at Katsumi and smiled at the woman's quiet nature. She did add however, "As goes Katsumi-chan so go I."
When the mayor gave his opinions on the subject in question, at Seraphina's request, Yumiko paid close attention to the words. She felt herself relax a bit that it was up to "them" to determine such things and his guidance seemed prudent if a bit overly orderly to her.
Seraphina nodded in response to Sellemius' words of wisdom. "That does seem sage advice, my Lord Mayor. A strong opening assault will announce our presence as a force to be reckoned with. Which may allow us to spare more lives in the long run, as any reluctant bandits will take our offer of leniancy for surrender more seriously." She smiled brightly at Arisha and Yumiko in the hope that she might set their minds at ease.
"Will the folk at the Trading Post be expecting us? And finally, are there any essential supplies you would recommend we acquire before we leave your fine city behind us, my Lord Mayor?"
To Tove, she adds, "That is an interesting custom, quite the consideration for one's enemy. I shall be very interested to hear more about your culture. About all of you, of course!" She laughed, her voice rich with bell-like tones that resonate throughout the room.
Seeing Tove respond to the word 'banishment' Angus shifts that way, remembering he had heard that some of the northern countries had a wergild. Sort of a paying of value. He listened as she speaks of warriors and good deaths, wondering what she would consider the common highway men they would be facing.
Turning as the mayor speaks, Angus smiles as the man gives the 'politically correct answer.' Not saying what he would do in the situation just what the towns laws were. Hearing what the mayors thoughts were about being firm early working best in the long run, caused Angus to ponder the idea.
Raising an eyebrow as the woman named Yumiko quickly defers to Seraphina-dono? and then to her companion Katsumi-chan? Scratching his head as the woman uses different endings for different people. He made a mental note to learn how the two easterners would prefer to be addressed by him so he did not offend them.
Watching as his cousin agrees with the mayors second point, Angus smiles, waiting to speak. Surprised when she asks the mayor about what gear they would need. he thought that they: she being practically from the wild woods, him growing up there his entire life, the northerner who was clearly capable nad the easterners who had traveled further than all of them, could sort out what they needed more than the mayor of a large city. Biding his time, he nods in agreement when Seraphina speaks of learning each others customs.
Smiling at her bright laughter. He lifts his wine glass to the other three ladies. "Yes here's to learning more about both customs, the north and the east." He looks to Yumiko, "I am a country bumpkin and will need some help learning how you properly address yourself."
Sipping the wine, he looks back to the mayor. "Punish hard so we can show mercy later." He shrugs, "Unless it is our very cruelty that drives them to harden their hearts against us. Why surrender to someone who has a reputation of killing their captives." Drinking the rest of the wine, he sets the glass on the table. "But as my cousin said "We have some tough choices ahead of us" and later will be better suited for sorting it out.
Looking to make sure Seraphina had picked up the letter of introduction he begins to stand, then remembers that Seraphina had asked about expectations and possible necessities, and settles back into his chair. Looking anxiously from his cousin back to the mayor.
The owner of the trading post, a gruff man named Oleg may or may not be expecting you. He is aware of the city's attempts to settle down the bandit issues from the west. It has been the starting point of both the previous attempts. He has sent a few letters about getting guards to deal with the bandits. The problem with that is that sending guards is outside my jurisdiction. I am looking into a way i may do that without overstepping my bounds."
He paused and shrugged to Angus words.
"I do not expect it to be an easy campaign. If it were it would have been done by now i guess but i digress. You asked Lady Seraphina what i would consider essential? A cartographer, lots of food. Several bottles of real wine who knows what you will find out in the wilds there. Stout hearts and strong sword arms. You know all the usual things."
He cracked a bit of smile to show he was at least joking about the last part.
Quick to laugh at most any joke, Sera clearly enjoys the Mayor's jest. "A few bottles of Restov's fine wine will not go amiss, I'm sure! Perhaps a small company of irregulars, much like ourselves, could help solve your jurisdiction issue. Well, if no one has any more questions, I'm sure we've taken up quite enough of your valuable time, my Lord Mayor." She said with her trademarked slow smile as she pushed back her seat and stood, straightening her skirts.
"And do not worry, overmuch. Though my demeanor might imply differently, I take this commission very seriously." She made a graceful curtsy that looked more like a bow and then turned toward the exit.
As they left the office, she walked beside her cousin, entwining her arm with his. "It seems we have some shopping to do. You will help me pick out a horse, won't you? You seem such a good judge of horseflesh. I saw the grooms admiring your Harbinger on the way in."
Making a mental note of the traders name and demeanor, Angus also realizes the mayor is right that it will not be easy, but glory never is. Giving a slight smile acknowledging the mayors joke, he turns to his cousin. Noting her easy friendly way with people, trying not to be a little jealous.
Shifting on the edge of his seat, he stands when she does, nodding politely to the mayor, chiming in with Seraphina, "As do we all, sir."
Once in the hallway Angus finds himself arm in arm with his cousin. Seemingly the years and age fading away, walking together as they had as children. Raising an eyebrow as she explains the need for purchasing a mount, he smiles. "Gunnar and Lord Medvyed are judges of good horse flesh. Though I have learned a bit from father." He smiles at the compliment for his mount, "Yeah he's a good one, Sired by Lord Medvyed's prize stallion, out of Gunnar's mare "Lady." That made the colt Gunnar's he gave him to me." His smile turns a little on one end. Hopefully thier smart enough to admire from a distance, he doesn't like strangers." Patting his cousins hand resting on his arm, enjoying the familiarity. "So what do you have in mind, a light palfrey? Or something a little more excitable."
Realizing his focus on his cousin may seem a bit rude, Angus turns to the other ladies and asks, "Ladies do all of you have mounts? Or is there anything else we need to purchase before we leave Restov?"
Tove is leaning against the wall with her arms folded. "I don't have one. I've got a few gold left, but not enough to buy one. Been renting steeds for a while now."
Arisha visibly relaxes slightly as the top of law and order is shifted away from and deferred for another time. It seemed like they had the opportunity to treat the bandits as they liked, which gave some flexibility depending on the situation. She smiles a little bit at the mans joke, appreciating the effort he was making to set everyone at ease on what was certainly going to be a tricky task to accomplish. She didn't quite 'get it' but she respected the effort.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Arisha files out into the corridor with everyone, checking to make sure that James was still behind her. She knew that the construct could be a little temperamental on occasion and it was always best to keep an eye on it. TO her relief, it was still following close behind.
As the conversation shifts to mounts, Arisha frowns for a moment in thought. "I don't have a mount of my own. I haven't really ridden a horse before and never really thought about purchasing one. If everyone purchases one I guess I'll follow suit as I don't want to slow us down, but I'm more used to walking."
Tove is leaning against the wall with her arms folded. "I don't have one. I've got a few gold left, but not enough to buy one. Been renting steeds for a while now."
Seraphina stops in her tracks and looks back at her new travelling companions, first at Tove and then Arisha when she mentions walking. "Oh... well, we will eventually want mounts to cover ground more swiftly. But I suppose we might book passage to the Trading Post. A coach, perhaps?"
Yumiko considered the question of transportaion. She was generally not one for riding, but she could easily enough, and the idea of a carriage or coach seemed to make sense. Ideally she'd just ride behind Katsumi-chan and teas.enjoy the ride. In the end she said, "A coach might be good to haul thing is, a wagon might be better. I can ride with Katsumi-chan if needed on horse."
Seraphina nods, "Yes, riding double might be an option too. So Katsumi-chan has a mount as well?" She asked, turning to the Minkian swordswoman.
Katsumi bristles slightly and is about to say something sharp, but instead takes a breath and then says, "I do not own a horse, but I could purchase one."
Tove notices Katsumi's reaction. If the matter of names is important, she would rather bring up the issue now. "Why do you add -chan and -dono to the end of names? Is this a custom I should be aware of?"
"Those are... hmm... it is like using a title. '-chan' is an expression of familiarity. It would be somewhat like saying... 'Seraphina, sweety.' '-dono' is an expression of respect for someone of notable social station, like 'Seraphina, my Lady.' Your language is much less, ah, rigid with regard to these uses," explains Katsumi.
"The suffix '-san' would be used as a note of respect and equitability between peers."
Yumiko noticed Katsumi's reaction and felt that she had hit her mark perfectly. Her lovely samurai had little use for pets and, despite repeated urgings that she should get a horse for their travels, her friend did not do it. As a consequence Yumiko occasionally needle her about it as was her right and duty to Katsumi. She stretched up and leaned in towards Katsumi and said softly, "Ara, ara, Katsumi-chan."
Seraphina's eyes widen as she absorbs the depth of her faux pas, then she begins to laugh at her own mistake. "Oh my, no wonder you looked as if I'd poked you with a sharp stick. I did say you would have to indulge me, did I not? Thank you for the explanation. Please don't hesitate to tell me if I make a similar mistake again. I take it Katsumi-san would be the correct way to address you, then?" She did not go on to ask if she and Yumiko were a couple as she expected she'd made quite enough assumptions for the moment, though she was mentally revising her impression that the later was a serving maid.
"Yes, though of course as we are in your lands and using your language, it is also acceptable simply to refer to me by my given name, Katsumi."
Tove strokes her chin and nods. "Katsumi-san and Yumiko-san, then? I can do that." She grins for the first time since any of you have seen her. There is a disarming cockiness to it. "You are right that we are less rigid. Where I am from, we often make new names. The river may be the Swan-road or a sea the Whale-road, a warrior may be Spear-carrier or Raven-feeder, a baker Belly-filler, or a blacksmith Iron-chewer. Each name is akin to a new cloak, to be worn or discarded as one wills. 'Ragnulf' is one such name." Her grin begins to fade as her eyes take on a distant look. "A tale for another time."
As they walk out of the mayors office and finally the city's capital building. Angus listens to the conversations about horses, carriages, riding skills and even naming conventions. His mind wandering not so much as to the topic as to those having the conversation. The two eastern women with their own cultures traditions and language, seeming to be very close. The tall tattooed northern woman who seems gruff and straight forward but is curious enough to honor others traditions. The dark skinned crofter with the odd little whirring construct. These individuals were different than the two men he grew up with. Even different than the nobles and their sycophants who came to hunt at Elphinstone. He would need to learn about them and develop there trust, If he were going to help his cousin and earn glory.
As they leave the large double doors of the capital building, Harbinger, perks his ears and whinnies. Angus smiles then stopping, still holding onto his cousins arm he turns about, spinning her about with him, "So, we will rent a carriage or coach or a wagon. Once were there, we can decide to acquire horses or walk." Looking to the ladies he pauses to see if everyone nods or agrees. "Let me fetch my horse and we can walk to where the stables that rent carriages." He lets out sigh. "But let me get this right, I don't want to be offensive out of ignorance."
He looks first to Katsumi, "It's ok to call you Katsumi." Then looking to Yumiko, "And it's ok to call you Yumiko?" Looking up to the big Northerner. "You are Tove, nicknames are ok and you follow your heart." Then looking to the darkskinned woman, not sure he actually remembered hearing her name he asks. "Arisha yes?" He gestured towards the the metalman, "What should we call him?" Not knowing about Homunculus he asks "Or would you prefer we don't address him?"
After the ladies nod, or answer the questions, or correct him he smiles. "Good, let me introduce you to Harbinger." Walking over to the fence post where he was tied, he patted the large grey stalion scale armor) Untying the reins from the post, he continued, "I raised him from a colt, he's now five. I'd eventually like to purchase a few mares and breed heavy war horses." Instead of mounting he walks behind the ladies, Harbinger on his heel, as they head to rent a carriage.
Yumiko faced the group as a whole, excepting Katsumi, and held her hands flat against her waist in front of her and bowed at the waist. Her back remained straight and she leaned her head forward about thirty degrees and said, "I am Yurishi Yumiko and I serve Katsumi-chan as her maid."
Tumiko straightened and looked at Angus and said, "Yes, you may call me Yumiko, Angus-san." She looked to Harbinger when Angus introduced his horse and she approached the animal as she produced and apple from somewhere. "You could use apple Harbinger-tan." She held the apple up for the horse and, while she might seem oblivious to the potential for the horse to bite her those observant enough would realize that she was more than ready to yank her hand out of the way if need be.
Katsumi likewise stands fluidly as the team makes its exit, bows respectfully to the Lord Mayor, and stays close to Yumiko.
"I do not own a horse," says Katsumi to Angus. "The horses here are much larger than most of the horses we keep at... at home. We could ride passably if I were to purchase a horse, which might be useful even if we take a coach to our destination. After all, we will probably still need to travel once we arrive."
Arisha listens to the conversation on naming conventions, making a mental note of the preferences, secretly glad that she hadn't yet made a faux pas herself. At the mans question, she nods firmly when he confirms her name.
"Yup, my name is Arisha. No extra suffix or honorific here, just something mundane for me. As for my friend here, his name is James. He's my best friend, so you can treat him just like you treat me if you want. James, say hi to everyone" she finishes, before turning towards her construct companion.
There is a long awkward pause as James doesn't say anything but Arisha gaze drifts off as if listening to something in the distance before she nods earnestly. "James says hello and is looking forward to working alongside everyone. He err...he doesn't really talk much though to anyone outside of um, me."
Turning her attention to Harbinger she wanders over and gives the horse a light pat on the neck. Arisha was fairly used to horses and didn't mind them, although she didn't really fancy herself much of a skilled rider. She preferred inanimate forms of transportation, over an organic creature that might have its own ideas on where to bear its rider.
Raising an eyebrow when Yumiko said she was a maid, Angus tries not to look even more confused, but nods politely when she says that Yumiko was fine. Seeing her easily approach the large stallion, he smiles, "Keep giving him apples and he will love you forever."
Turning to Kaatsumi he gestures toward a horse passing by. "As you can see not all the horses are this large, there are even breeds smaller than a palfrey if you prefer. I prefer fighting from horseback, but that isn't necessary, but the area we've been given responsibility is large, to travel it all we probably should be mounted." He pauses for a moment, wondering if he should speak what's on his mind. Nodding to himself, he continues. "Also, if we need to flee, fast mounts would get us away from danger quicker than running and it would make it easier to escape with our wounded."
Not sure what James actually was or how smart he is, Angus, deciding to error on the side of polite, nodding. "A pleasure to meet you James." Watching as Arisha pats Harbinger on the neck, he rambles on. "For a stallion he's very well behaved. Gunnar said it's due to all the handling he got as a colt. Hopefully I, or someone, will have the time to do the same for any colts he sires."
"Yes, though of course as we are in your lands and using your language, it is also acceptable simply to refer to me by my given name, Katsumi."
"That would likely be safest, but as you are making the effort to be respectful, I would be remiss if I did not respond in kind, Katsumi-san." Seraphina responded with a gracious nod.
Tove strokes her chin and nods. "Katsumi-san and Yumiko-san, then? I can do that." She grins for the first time since any of you have seen her. There is a disarming cockiness to it. "You are right that we are less rigid. Where I am from, we often make new names. The river may be the Swan-road or a sea the Whale-road, a warrior may be Spear-carrier or Raven-feeder, a baker Belly-filler, or a blacksmith Iron-chewer. Each name is akin to a new cloak, to be worn or discarded as one wills. 'Ragnulf' is one such name." Her grin begins to fade as her eyes take on a distant look. "A tale for another time."
Seraphina answered Tove's rare grin with a smile of her own and then found herself wondering what sort of moniker she would have under such naming conventions. Wayward-daughter? Stubborn-scion? Runaway-bride? Clawed-vengeance? No that last one held both her fears and hopes, double-edged as they were, surely not that.
Sera whirls around on Angus' arm, giggling like the girl he remembered from their younger days. She was always quite fond of her cousin, likely due in no small part to the fact that he was a year her junior. Having grown up with six elder brothers, it was quite the novelty for her not to be the baby of the family.
"Oh, I have missed you, little cousin." She laughed and then stopped short as she looked up at him. "Though I suppose I cannot call you that anymore. You've grown quite tall since I last saw you." She muses as she reaches up on tiptoes to smooth a lock of hair out of his eyes. "I find it particularly unfair that all the Medvyed men inherit such height, while I am limited to my mother's meager stature." She harrumphed petulantly and wrinkled her nose in the manner she had when she was teasing.
She admired Harbinger with the others, "Those will be some fine mounts someday, raised by your skilled hand."
When they arrived at the Coach-house, she bartered for their passage, working to get them the best deal on the trip possible from the Travel-master. "Yes, we will need to be on our way soon, please. Along the western road, for some 90 miles as I understand it. Oleg's Trading Post, yes. Oh now I'm sure your coachman is not used to such a pleasant company as we. Perhaps we can help out with the journey to lower the cost? My dear cousin will likely scout the way. An invaluable service as I'm sure you'll agree..." She said laying on the charm that came so natural to her.
As the master's charmed son at the coach house hurries to show you to the coach bartered for by the pretty Seraphina a scene plays itself out in front of you. An older woman is brerating a sullen looking fellow in the yards several wagons, mostly laden with different sorts of supplies stands there hands on her hips.
"What do you mean he already left Whose going to drive the water wagon? I'm going to wring your brothers scrawny neck when i find him."
She grumbled lowly glaring about the yard.