Torra had quickly lost interest in the Kaijitsu family drama, and was about to go in search of Cyrus when the mention of Brinewall catches her attention. She climbs back into her chair, chin in her fists as she fixes her gaze on Koya and Shalelu.
"That's pretty far, isn't it?" Her voice holds excitement rather than anxiety.
"Proof? No, not really. If I was pretending, why would I wait until now to come? Whatever inheritance I might have hoped to con from you two is already obviously yours. Now, it's been almost, what, four years? If I were not telling the truth, I would have come then." Amaya's voice is blunt as she returns the note to Ameiko.
"Besides, we've already met before - twice. I was introduced as a cousin the first time, and a niece the second."
"B%@!%. I should never have paid to raise you, ungrateful little..." Lonjiku's dark mutters echo through the darkest parts of Teruko's mind.
"I never had much to do with him." Amaya says. "But I was curious about my father's family. I've already spent time where my mother's came from."
Ameiko looks at Teruko with a sigh. "She's telling the truth, Teru. I'm positive." It is true that the three are definitely recognizable as relations - and not just in the ignorant manner that Avistani might assume. The eldest Kaijitsu looks to her sisters. "I want to bring Amaya in on this - I'm going to go to Brinewall, see what we can find out about our family. It looks like Rokuro had some manner of secret he was keeping from our father, and I want to know what it is."
Amaya remains silent, but nods. "I would like to go with you." The two look to Teruko. Ameiko's expression is gently curious, but certainly more energetic and passionate than she's been for months, if not years. Amaya's face remains as unreadable as ever.
"Brinewall?" Sandru bites his lip absently. "Torra's right - it's up north, near Rogueport." The last word is particularly disdainful. "Not in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, but definitely close to them. It'd probably take about a month's journey by caravan to get there. Not sure how much quicker or slower it'd go without a caravan."
Koya smiles at the question. "I've been across Varisia over a dozen times in my life - from the Cinderlands to Rogueport, from Korvosa to the Lost Coast. Haven't had much cause to go up to Brinewall, though I think I may have visited when I was around your age."
Shalelu speaks for the first time since the group relocated. "Whatever they do, it will be their decision. Their lives are their own to determine, and they will choose what to do." She cocks her head, an ear tilting, "Ameiko's been stuck in a rut for too long. This will be good for her."
Seishin nods. "If nothing else, a change of scenery may provide new experiences for reflection..."
Hana's ears perk up when Sandru mentions Brinewall. "So you know the way up there then? Think you give us a map or maybe even directions?" She asks.
Sandru grins at Hana's question, folding his hands. "I'm not sure I can get you a map - you'll want to talk to Veznutt about those. Directions are harder. I'm not sure how much is, well, there that far north. Not a lot of settlements, you know? It's a pretty inhospitable land, and we don't often create villages on our own, while the Shoanti aren't present that far north."
The Sandpoint locals all know that the gnome Veznutt Parooh is a mapmaker and seller who operates the Way North - perhaps a fortuitous omen, that name.
Koya rubs her chin. "It's been a fair few decades since I visited Brinewall. Might be as I can take you there, though."
"Koya..." Sandru looks at her admonishingly.
"What? I'm old. I want to make at least one more journey in my lifetime!"
"This is all a bit premature, wouldn't you say?" Shalelu interjects. "Ameiko may wish to go herself. Or she may wish to keep it hidden, not permit anyone to go. It is her choice, as well as Teruko's."
While waiting for Teruko and Ameiko to come back and pronounce themselves, Yuto makes some time talking back to Sandru and Koya "In... in case it is decided to explore Brinewall... I gave Mrs. Mvashtu my word I would go on trip if Koya decided too... plus I have made a promise to my father to pick up his vow of protecting the Kaijitsu's"
"So... if they are going there... I am going to" Yuto says this almost to demonstrate Shandru he is capable.
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Koya smiles, patting Yuto on his shoulder. "And you've already become more capable of defending those you care about Yuto. If you had asked me two weeks ago, I wouldn't have guessed how quickly you've grown."
Sandru scratches his beard. "I suppose we can't exactly decide for her. Well, we'll see what Ameiko has to say, then."
Shalelu looks at Torra. "What did you learn on your journey into the Marsh?" She asks, her deep blue gaze seeming to pierce the young dwarf's eyes.
Seishin waits and simply observes the gathering talk. There was no need for him to speak now--and besides, people-watching was its own form of entertainment.
Mizuki would agree.
She's not surprised at Ameiko's hasty decision to go to Brinewall. Ameiko always was too curious for her own good. "To Brinewall it is then, since I'm hardly going to let you go off alone. Or, well, not alone, but..." She's clearly struggling with how to handle Amaya's presence, both here and in the future. She forces a smile anyway. "Most of the others would probably want to come along, if you'll have them. Yuto seems to think it's his responsibility to protect us, Seishin likes to travel, and Hana..." Worships the ground you walk on... "...Hana's always up for an adventure. The only one I'm not sure about is Torra; I don't know what her parents would think of the idea."
Teruko takes a deep breath, tilting her head slightly to one side as she braces herself. Lonjiku is not going to like this. "We should probably go back to them; I'm sure they're wondering what's going on. Amaya, do you want to be introduced as our half-sister? Or would you prefer that information be kept between us?" Her newfound sibling seems like the private type, and Teruko doesn't want to assume.
Torra thinks for a moment on Shalelu's question. What had she learned? Most of the others had had earth-shattering revelations about their families' past, while Torra had mostly flung bits of dirt around to various degrees of success.... oh!
"I figured how to make a protective cover out of earth!" the dwarf announced proudly. "And also that giant spiders aren't really so scary."
Yuto smiles pleased by the words of his family and friends "I am trying, but sometimes I feel I am failing"
Then looking back at the main room he asks "Mmmm... who was that woman Ameiko was talking with? We found her in our way to the marsh and she was coming to pay homage to someone in the graveyard"
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Hana couldn't help but roll her eyes at Yuto's continued commit self-depreciation. The man simply could not take a compliment even when it was well-deserved. It was strangely enduring trait. All the same, she puts a hand to the warrior's shoulder and gives him a toothy grin. "Says the man who faced down his own corrupted father and won," she argued back. "That's the stuff of sagas, Yuto. You should be proud." Though she was all smiles, Hana wondered if he'd ever have the strength to face her own damned family if fate ever forced her to confront them after all these years.
Moving away from that troubling thought, she turned to an excited looking Torra. "I'm not sure about spiders not being scary, but that stone wall probably saved me from being slaughtered by Tsutamu. Can't wait to see what you'll learn next."
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"Hm. But I was here before you brought the letter back. We met on the road when you were leaving." Amaya points out.
Ameiko sighs, leaning on the bar with one hand. "I love this place, I really do... but... this is our legacy we're talking about." She turns to Teruko, eyes bright. "If you're willing to come with me, so much the better."
Amaya, meanwhile, watches with the same dark eyes that Teruko sees in the mirror on a regular basis. "I don't mind. I have been using our family name for some years now."
"It's not hers to use, dammit!" Lonjiku continues ranting.
The three sisters walk together towards the others.
Shalelu's lips quirk up in a faint smile. "Impressive. You appear to be mastering your unique talents quite well." After a moment, she shakes her head slightly, her smile broadening. "You said that you'd been nearly bitten how many times?"
Koya shakes her head and lays a hand on Yuto's shoulder. "A star cannot see its own place in the sky, Yuto." A Desnan reminder that no one can truly see their own destinies clearly. "Besides, from what I heard, you've been protecting the others quite well."
At his question, Koya shrugs. "An old associate? I don't know. She's met quite a few people these last few years."
Shalelu lifts her head. "They're coming back."
Sure enough, the door opens and reveals Ameiko, Teruko, and the hooded young woman from outside Sandpoint. "Sorry about leaving like that, everyone. I just had to let one more person know about this." She gestures at the young woman. "This is Amaya. Amaya Kaijitsu. She's our younger half-sister."
Amaya removes her hood before nodding at the group. Now that Ameiko has said it, she does look remarkably similar to the two Kaijitsu sisters, though there's a certain flatness to her expression that the other two lack.
Sandru stares blankly at Amaya for a moment, speechless. Koya smiles, rising and giving her a hug. "It's good to meet you, Amaya." The young woman stiffens, pulling away slightly from Koya's embrace. The old Desnan priestess releases her swiftly, examining her for a moment before nodding. "Ah. I'm Koya Mvashti and this," she swats Sandru's shoulder lightly, "is Sandru Vhiski."
Shalelu examines Amaya closely, before bowing her head. "Shalelu Andosana. I'm not shocked that Lonjiku would have another daughter, and I'm pleased to meet you."
"Old bastard probably wanted to get back at mother." Ameiko says, rolling her eyes, though she does stand supportively next to her half-sister, who shrugs slightly.
Yuto rubs the back of his neck "Well, I had a lot of help from you all actually"
He turns quickly though to see the women coming back. The young man seems surprised by the term 'half-sister' but he is too prudent to ask "Hi Amaya. Have you come to stay with Ameiko and Teruko here in Sandpoint?"
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Teruko closes her eyes and leans against the wall for a moment, rubbing her temples as if warding off a severe headache. When she moves it's to find the nearest chair and all but fall into it. After another moment or so she straightens, although there's still a tightness around her eyes. "Sorry, I'm just a bit tired. The other part of what we were discussing in there was Ameiko's plan to go to Brinewall. Amaya and I will be going as well. Whatever this secret Grandfather spoke of might be, we'd like to find out."
"I was thinking perhaps some of you might want to come along as well? It would be a long journey for the three of us to manage alone."
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Amaya looks at Yuto, considering for a few moments. "I planned to learn more of my father's family. It appears there is much more than I expected."
Ameiko jumps in after Teruko's words. "Actually, I was planning on asking you, Sandru, if you could organize a caravan to help keep us, well, supplied on our journey. Maybe even help guide us up there."
Sandru shakes his head, trying to compose himself. "Well, I, uh..." He looks back and forth between Amaya, Ameiko, and Teruko. "I mean, I wasn't planning on moving out that fast, but... I do know a few folks who'd be up for joining a venture, and maybe a few more if I can convince them."
Koya's face splits into a smile. "And you're not going without me, young ladies Kaijitsu. I've got at least one more journey in me, and Desna help me if I'm going to miss out on a chance like this."
The eldest living Kaijitsu looks at Shalelu, who sits back in her chair, watching for a few moments. "Shae?"
"Sheriff Hemlock and his people are getting better and better suited to keeping the peace up here." The elven ranger says thoughtfully. "I could afford a journey in that direction. Besides, I might have a chance to go talk to a few old acquaintances along the way."
Ameiko then looks to the others. "I'd appreciate it if any of you were willing to come along, as well - the more people we have who are willing to potentially go into a ruined old fortress and delve for clues, the better. Besides, I can't think of anyone in Sandpoint I'd trust more to do it." She offers them a winning smile, her eyes twinkling.
"I'll go find some maps!" is Torra's response as she hops off her chair and starts heading out. And to find Cyrus and ask him if he wants to come.
Of course she was going to come along! She felt that her power had grown more in two days of hardships and challenges in the marsh than in a year of training at the House of Blue Stones. Her parents' opinion on the matter is something that she pushes aside for now as she rushes down Sandpoint's streets to Veznutt Parooh's shop and abode, where the gnome would hopefully have some maps to help them on their journey north. It is also fortuitous that The Way North is close to the Sandpoint cathedral.
The revelation of Ameiko and Teruko having a long-lost sister took Hana aback for a moment or two. She knew Lonjiku was a bastard but the kunoichi figured he was too much of a miserable disciplinarian to ever do something as risqué as cheating. Mostly though she wondered how she didn't immediately recognize the woman for who she was when she first saw her on the road. Her resemblance to other Kaijitsu's was quite obvious after closer examination.
The self-despeciation goes away real quick and is gets replaced with butterflies in her stomach when she thinks she sees the oldest Kaijistu direct a smile to her in particular. But what if she hadn’t?
Hana steeled herself and made a silent prayer to Shelyn prayer before she spoke up. “Well then. Seems like everyone is up for another adventure,” she says smiling back to her crush. "Count me in for another adventure. Especially it means helping you, Ames... and your family, of course," she adds somewhat awkwardly.
"I promised Mrs. Mvashti to go with Koya if he departed in a trip" Yuto places her hand on the broken hilt of the wakizashi "I promised my father I will take his vow and protect you, and I will, even if you are deciding to attend the place your grandfather wanted Lonjiku far away from"
Yuto steps forward joining the caravan.
Ameiko claps her hands, eyes bright with a renewed passion. ”Wonderful! But, Hana, Torra... what about your mom, and your parents?” Her eyes flick from one woman’s face to the other.
Shalelu looks to Seishin. "What about you? You interested in coming to Brinewall?"
Once Torra leaves the Rusty Dragon, the sun has already set, though the sky is still lit with the last red rays of its light. She makes her way over to the Way North, but realizes that she probably should be polite and wait until the following day to bother him. Instead, she makes her way to the Sandpoint Cathedral, where (after asking Chelger Fespen, the local acolyte of Shelyn) she eventually finds Cyrus lying in a cot.
He looks up, blinking. ”Oh, hello there… you’re Torra, right?”
Torra waves a dismissive hand at Ameiko's question as she heads out the door. "I'm sure they'll be fine with it!"
Seishin smiles. "Why wouldn't I be? To pass up a new experience would be tantamount to ignoring enlightenment."
Shalelu shakes her head, amused. "Well, you're not wrong."
He pauses. "Well, I'm mostly healed now, I guess, but... honestly, I've been reconsidering my life choices as an adventurer." The Taldan man glances down at his hands. "I nearly died four times in three days on my first venture out into the wilds of Varisia, and both of my friends were there. They both died, but I only survived through luck. Then you and your companions saved me - I think I killed maybe one goblin? I'm... I'm just not sure any more whether my skills are up to par with being an adventurer."
Hana rubs her neck and chuckles lightly. "Yeah, it might take some finesse to get her onboard with such an extended trip, but I think I can convince if I mention the caravan and just how many people are coming along. Safety in numbers and all that."
"I'm really sorry about your friends, but you're still alive! And we would have died in the marsh without you! It doesn't matter how many you killed or didn't kill, the important part is that we all worked together - and we succeeded! If all adventurers retired when the odds were against them, who would protect the non-adventurers then?" She stops to take a breath. [b]"Please, Cyrus, come with us. There'll be an entire caravan, we'll protect each other. What else are you going to do?"
Teruko smiles a little at Torra's enthusiasm. I suppose I was wrong to think she'd be the most reluctant to leave. "How many people typically travel in a caravan? We have everyone here, apparently, plus whoever Sandru knows...do you think we should invite Arika? Hana has a point about safety in numbers, and I don't think whatever adventuring bug bit her has left yet. A caravan trip seems much safer than running off into the marsh."
"Regardless, we'll need a few days to prepare. Ameiko, can Bethana handle the Rusty Dragon while we're gone? I know Velarie will be able to take care of the manor..." She sighs a little, rubbing her head. "And here I just said we will need a few days. Perhaps we should reconvene in the morning to decide what all needs to be done."
Ameiko smiles at Hana. "Well, good luck. I don't want her to come after me if I get you hurt on this little jaunt."
Sandru takes on the task of answering Teruko's first question. "Well, I think we'll need a fair few drivers - probably six or seven, depending on how many others we need. We'll want a cook - I've got a guy in mind for that, maybe five or six guards for when you all can't be with us or for larger threats..." His voice trails off as he mutters to himself.
Ameiko rolls her eyes at this, before looking to Teruko. "I... I'll make arrangements with Velarie and Bethana."
Amaya shifts slightly, speaking for the first time in awhile. "If you plan to return to the Manor, may I come with you?" Her words are directed at Teruko.
Teruko's eyebrows raise a little in surprise before she nods. "If you wish. We certainly have enough spare rooms." Her lips twitch in a very slight smile. "Velarie, our steward, would probably appreciate the chance to fuss over someone who isn't me. Be warned, if you finish any meal you will have more added to your plate. Leave a few bites if you don't want that to happen."
"On that note, I do think it's time for me to head back. It's been a very long few days." She stands, smoothing her skirts. "Ameiko, I'll come here tomorrow to help you figure out what arrangements need to be made for the trip." With that, (assuming Amaya is ready to go), she leaves the Rusty Dragon behind. I must admit I'm glad Ameiko plans to talk to Velarie; she's not going to like this at all.
Hana was on the verge of setting out of the Rusty Dragon to go talk to her mother at home when she notices the slight ambivalence on Ameiko's face. "Something wrong, Ames? You look worried."
Yuto prefers to leave the Kaijitsu to arrange their family matters and instead he addresses Shandu "Is... is something I shall prepare for the caravan brother? A horse? I... I hope you were not thinking on me for the cooking, you know I do it, but poor Koya many times has to come to the Rusty Dragon for lunch after some disaster..."
The young man smiles looking at her adoptive mother "If we are departing in two days, I guess I shall press on the preparations for the funeral of my father remains. If you wish to attend, I will be pleased mother"
Ameiko nods at Teruko, before hugging her. "Alright. You two be careful and sleep well." She looks at Amaya, including her in the statement. For her part, the youngest Kaijitsu nods a little, but doesn't seem inclined to respond.
Sandru grins at Yuto. "Not to worry, Yuto. I've got it handled. That said, if you do want to help, I'd recommend buying things you might need to explore an old ruin - rope, torches, maybe sunrods, that sort of thing. You're also welcome to buy a horse for yourself, if you'd rather not spend the trip in the caravan proper. Sometimes you'll need to, of course."
He laughs aloud at Yuto's cooking comment. "No, no. Losk's a good cook himself, and an excellent brewer as well. He'll be handling the cooking. He's a bit brusque, but a good man at heart."
Ameiko looks to Hana, shaking her head. "No, just... I'll be entrusting the buildings to their care... and..." She leans forwards.
Seishin shrugs. "I think I already have everything I need for exploration."
"Oh." That was all Hana could say for a few seconds that each felt like a miserable eternity. Ameiko’s painfully close presence alone made her hitch her breath for a moment but the Kaijitsu’s shocking news left her head reeling.
She was rarely one to disparage spontaneity, especially in Ameiko, but even to her selling the Dragon and potentially giving seemed rash. "I understand selling the Dragon so you can back to adventuring. It makes sense if you don't want to worry about it. But giving up your Manor after only three months away seems..." Hana searched for the rights words. "I don’t know. It's your family home, Ames.”
The kunoichi let that settle in for another arduous moment before “It’s your decision, Ames. Yours and your sisters, and I’m sure it will work out, but are you sure there’s not more going on?”
Ameiko shrugs at Hana's words, her lips quirking in a slight smile.
Hana knows that Ameiko hasn't lived in the Kaijitsu manor since she came back from her first adventures half a decade before - not even when she inherited it after the Swallowtail Festival.
Seishin lingers in the Rusty Dragon for a while longer before leaving to look for Teruko.
Happy to have extracted even an 'I'll think about it' from Cyrus, Torra heads home to give her parents the news. Emboldened by their recent expedition into Brinestump Marsh, instead of asking their permission she will present it to them as a done deal - she is going with Ameiko's caravan north. She's already mentally assembling a packing list as she pushes open the door to their family home.
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Yuto is relieved to know Losk is going to deal with the cooking "It is a lot of people, it sounds like plenty of work" he smiles back at his adoptive brother "Good, I will then make sure I have rope and all the necessities for exploring the ruins"
Turning to the others "I plan to sell the treasures we found, and I think we should ask Father Zantus for a wand of healing to help Seishin and Teruko save on their magic"
For the rest of the day Yuto will go to different shops in Sandpoint and try to deal with the stuff they might need, selling off the equipment they have found and might not need.
Sandru nods. "I've got a fair few folks in mind. Leave it to me." He winks confidently before slapping Yuto on the shoulder. "Now, you should go get some rest."
"Just... Just remember that I'm always here in case you need to talk about those feelings," Hana says seriously before adding with a lighter tone and a coy smile, "We can sing about about them if it make it any easier."
After their little heart-to-heart, Hana finally leaves the Rusty Dragon for home and for her unavoidable debate with her mother. Predictably, convincing her to let her go on yet another grand adventure was an ordeal in of itself. It was a tough talk, with tears a aplenty between the two by the end, but ultimately Hana managed to get Tamamo to understand. Exhausted by the discussion, but relieved that they'd reached a positive understanding, the kitsune was quick to fall asleep knowing full well that in the morning she'd have to prefer for the journey to come.
Seishin reaches the Kaijitsu Manor before the sun sinks completely beneath the horizon.
"Miss Kaijitsu? Are you in?"
Teruko walks back to the manor in relative silence. Amaya doesn't seem to be much of one for conversation, and her head is still reeling from the day's revelations.
Upon arrival she introduces Amaya to Velerie, (with a polite smile but a 'please don't ask questions' look in her eyes). She then heads to the library to do a little research, but Seishin arrives before she can get too deep into the books.
He looks around a bit to see if anyone else is in the room with them. "I wished to say that your assistance in the Brinestump was nothing short of exceptionally helpful. Were it not for your efforts, I fear that we would have lost someone."
There's currently a servant standing in a corner, waiting to see if they need anything else. Seeing Seishin look around, Teruko waves her away. "Thank you Stela. I'm sure you have other duties, and we'll call if we need anything." No doubt Lonjiku would not have approved of leaving Teruko completely unchaperoned, but now Teruko is the lady of the house and so Stela does as asked.
Once they're alone, Teruko continues. "I haven't forgotten that you saved my life. Twice." One hand unconsciously goes to her throat. "I don't believe I ever thanked you for that. So thank you. For keeping me alive even though I was being...reckless."
As shops are already closed after the Rusty Dragon, Yuto leaves that for the morning. He wakes up early, adjust his shave which has gone a bit wild during the days in the marsh, and goes then to perform the selling and buying he could not do the day before.
Among other stuff, Yuto checks with the town's smith to fix Whispering Shrike's hilt and his father's armor.
Late that night, he joins the others back at Ameiko's tavern and give back the share and discuss the plans on the caravan.
At the mention of recklessness, Seishin looks her in the eyes and takes a longer sip of tea.
"Miss Kaijitsu, it was no trouble at all. Though it is curious that you mentioned being reckless..."
He sets his teacup down. "...in that, barring a couple of occurrences, you were one of the most sensible of the group."
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The heroes retire for the night. While Yuto sleeps a dreamless, pleasant sleep for the first time in several days, and Teruko and Torra have their usual blurred dreams, Seishin and Hana find themselves in a different situation.
Suddenly, a shaft of pale light shines down on him, cooling his heat and warming his chills... but it is covered by a dread darkness, hidden from view. As the biting darkness surrounds him, Seishin can feel himself fade, memories sharp like broken glass flitting through his mind, but then...
He wakes up.
Her fangs are filled with frigid blood, her mouth with the flesh of her prey, but the gnawing hunger does not subside. It cannot. An abyss opens within her, seeking to consume anything - everything. Slowly, she feels it beginning to chew its way out of her, fangs erupting from her stomach but then...
She wakes up.
The following morning is pleasantly cool for most people... but Hana finds herself waking up weak and incredibly stiff. Her body is burning up, and she struggles to even sit upright from her bed.
She looks away, towards the fireplace. (Even though there is no fire, warm as it is.) "...My apologies. You were trying to give me a compliment, and I should accept that rather than arguing with you. I...am thankful that my presence turned out to be more help than hindrance overall."
The next day, Teruko once again turns her attentions to the few remaining unidentified items. "I still can't tell exactly what the arrows are, but the ring helps one climb, and the wand..." She pauses, head tilting to one side, then actually giggles. "The wand is to assist in identifying other items. One would think the creators would make it easier to identify the wand first, but apparently not."
Judging from that giggle, she's in a much better mood this morning. "I don't really need to update my gear, and I assume whatever Sandru comes up with will be sufficient to supply the journey. So please, feel free to take part of my share if it helps. All I'd buy is a few more outfits and maybe a tailored coat, but my fashion sense should probably not be the highest priority."
While Teruko identifies the wand and ring, Amaya looks up from a book she has taken from the Kaijitsu family's humble library, peering at the arrows. Teruko hears her younger sister hum softly. "They are enchanted to kill beasts more effectively than anything else." She says bluntly, before falling silent and returning her attention to the book.