The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu falls asleep on her bed and has a restful night. At dawn as always, she awakens and goes out to do her exercises and meditations refreshing herself. When she comes back T’kharr, Balan and Silgara are gone. Minamoto and Fwangzhu are having one of their ‘discussions’ at one table. Zsikhou is alone and seems to be sulking at another tables. She approaches Zsikhou’s table, sits down and orders a meal.

Zsikhou seems deflated. He orders another pot of tea but seems to not even be drinking it. Mingzhu looks over and asks, “How do you feel now Zsikhou?”

He looks over to her, clearly needing snuggles somewhat irritated, then a sigh, looking to the cup "You can tell, Shamaness. No need to ask a rhetorical question. The sooner we get back to work, the better."

“You are free now to do what you like. Why do you still stay with us?”

Zsikhou huffs, leaning back "This one still has a duty to fulfill. Will see it through. After what this one has witnessed, it remains an obligation."

She smiles, “Does that mean you have a care for these people? Or is it just a duty to fulfill?”

He shakes his head. "This one is not going to put that aside because of..." A pause, clicking his tongue, he looks at Mingzhu. "This one takes his duties seriously." Zsikhou says it like it answers that question, although he lets out a sigh and goes back to staring at the tea.

She looks over at the other table. Fwangzhu and Minamoto look like they’re arguing with each other again. She turns her attention back to the kobold. “It is ok to care. do you remember the 9 virtues?”

Zsikhou huffs, "This one remembers."

Mingzhu nods, "Compassion and Love are included within. Look around you at the people here. They are in desperate straits. It's not only about duty. It's also about compassion and love. Loving your neighbor as you would yourself. The better we make life for these people, our neighbors, the better we make life for ourselves. Karma can do good things as well as bad.”

Zsikhou looks over at Mingzhu, then a breath out... "This one has a people... had... maybe... I'll have to return to face disciplinary action sometime. Not now though. Still have too much to do."

she nods, "No matter what happens. Know you have people here in this land that care about you. I would ask you to look around at the world as you travel with us. Try looking at it with a new light. One that can make the world generally better for us all."

A huff, Zsikhou just shakes his head. "What do you think this one has been doing, Shamaness? Had been called here to enforce corrections against gross violations against the Mandate of Heaven. It's rampant out here. That needs to be handled for this place to have any chance of properly functioning."

She nods, "but as I have shown you. There are more ways than one sometimes; with dealing with these corrections. There is a correction, but it need not always end in death. I try to look for ways to avoid killing when possible."

Zsikhou huffs, "Am aware that is your duty to the Celestial Court. Mine is as an executioner of those who require it."

She smiles, "Not anymore that is why I would like for you to look at the world now with new eyes. I wish you, to try to see the good people do for each other.”

Zsikhou seethes at that. It's apparently a pretty raw topic, like poking at someone who just lost his job, then he huffs, "It still is. We know what we saw on that island, Shamaness. That requires correction."
Silgara sighs "Do you really trust her with that part...?"

Mingzhu nods, "Those creatures the yokai I am not speaking about them. I am speaking about the common people here."

"This one still has a duty to enforce should they cross lines too." Zsikhou's tone is more bittered, he takes a large gulp of his tea, rather than lapping it carefully like he normally does

She puts her hand on his shoulder, "Try to see the good in people and what they do for each other. That is all I ask."

Zsikhou sighs, rubbing his muzzle. "Why should that factor into this one's duties?"

She smiles, "The reasons why we do our duties are just as important as how, or where, or when. We do our duties so that all the people become more harmonious with one another. So that seeing that doing good for others also comes back to one 10-fold." She looks over and throws calm emotions at Fwangzhu and Minamoto before they start a fight again. Fwangzhu calms down, Minamoto is still angry though. She stares at the two wondering if her attention the Fwangzhu helped him to mature a bit. Minamoto decides to get up and move over towards Mingzhu and Zsikhou.

He sits down between them. "Shamaness, apologies, I was being waylaid by that irritating brute. Anyways, I have an update for you. And the group." Zsikhou looks over to him like he's really not in the mood for any nonsense right now, seething. "I've spoken with Hattori. He's given us a writ. There's a Magistrate we should see on an isle to the north. His name is Josou. He is stern, and will demand proof, but we should likely take what we know of current troubles to him." Minamoto continues ignoring the kobold.

"I think you will see some small changes in Fwangzhu now that I have worked with him these last few days. He will take things more seriously now. Perhaps not by much but there is progress. I think. Look at how he is not so upset." Mingzhu states.

Minamoto scowls, "That savage is not worth working on, Shamaness."

Fwangzhu moves over to the table. "Yeah, and this Asslicker wants us to go to one of the worst Pissbuckets of a Magistrate on these isles. If we go there I ought to shove his face through the floor. Then keep him there."

At the merchant stalls T’kharr is perusing the goods of several vendors. She looks at one that has a multitude of scrolls. Silgara finds her and Balan. It’s not hard in that T’kharr being a gnoll sticks out rather wonderfully in a crowd as well as Balan. Silgara waves them over. “Oh, good, I was looking for you. I think we'll need to decide our next destination. I don't think the others are going to at the moment. Minamoto and Fwangzhu are likely about to start a bar brawl, and Mingzhu is consoling the kobold."

"Hm. I think Zalusu would be a good first choice to investigate, unless you have reason to disagree?" T’kharr suggests.

Silgara nods. "Good a choice as any. Minamoto mentioned that Hattori wrote something for him that should allow him to jump some hoops to get to Magistrate Josou, but investigating the problems at Zalusu is as good a path as any to take. Possibly better, depending on how reliable our sources are."

Balan gives her a nod, “Aye, that would be a good direction to start.”

"Aye, I think we hold off on the Magistrate until we have a fuller picture of what lies ahead, and a better understanding of how not to fall off the knife's edge for that matter.” T’kharr responds.

Silgara looks over. "Well, if we're heading out, we should assemble the rest of our band. Unless you feel like leaving those two lummoxes or the kobold behind." She then looks at T’kharr, “Shall we head back then?”

"Let’s head back, yes." T’kharr gives her a nod. They go back and enter the tavern. To see Mingzhu, Zsikhou, and Minamoto at one table and Fwangzhu walking over to them.

T’kharr comments as they move to the table with the others. "Hm. How immediately does he want to notice the situation? Dealing with the Magistrate's court is something I was not planning on immediately, as it would pose quite the challenge for our elven friend here, who will be rather...essential I reckon in explaining the matter to the magistrate, unless you think otherwise?"

Mingzhu rubs her eyes. “We are not going to the magistrate as of yet.”

Minamoto looks over. "I would think we should do this as soon as possible. Josou does not know we are coming, but I feel it prudent to share what we know with the Daimyo's court."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Like they would do shit."

Minamoto looks over, glaring. "Silence yourself, you filthy savage."

Zsikhou hisses in frustration, then snaps "If the both of you don't /shut up/... so help this one..."

Mingzhu looks exasperated and says, “We do not know that yet Fwangzhu and remember Minamoto, Fwangzhu has fought with us and has achieved honor for the things he has done. too. You cannot deny it. He also has a way with the common people. They are his people. He knows them and helps them for the greater good."

Silgara rubs her face. "And this is why I wanted to confer our next steps away from this bunch. Anyways, we are ready to move out I think."

Fwangzhu snarls, "I've heard of Magistrate Josou. He's utter shit. If I meet him, I ought to rip him to shreds with my claws. Fucker deserves it."

Minamoto glares "Should you lay one of your filthy hands on one of the Daimyo's Magistrates I will not hesitate to give you a well-deserved execution."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Oh just fucking try me!" Zsikhou looks angry enough that he's about to smash his teacup on one of their faces.

T'kharr looks to Minamoto. "How do you propose we handle the issue of our elven friend? Going to the Magistrate could very well blow right back into our face if she's with us, but I'm not sure if we can afford to leave her behind either."

Minamoto and Fwangzhu are glaring at each other. Minamoto then turns to T’kharr and huffs, “She is an unsanctioned witch in violation of the laws of these lands. We must follow his lawful judgement on the matter regarding her, after we tell him of what we have discovered."

Silgara rolls her eyes. "Wow. What a vote of confidence!"

"We are not going to the magistrate as of yet. we are not ready and do not have the honor yet to challenge him on issues.” Mingzhu declares.

T’kharr agrees, "I'm with Mingzhu on this -- we're better off having more wind behind our sails. Does the writ have a deadline though? Or an expiration date, for that matter?"

Minamoto shakes his head, "It does not."

Fwangzhu snorts, "No deadline or shoving his head through a window."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Silence yourself Savage!"

T’kharr gets rather commanding. "Good, we can then hang onto it until we are ready to exercise it then."

Mingzhu looks at Minamoto. “Minamoto please show some respect to someone that fights with us and is willing to die for us and his people.” She then turns to Fwangzhu. “Remember what I said about responsibility to your people." They both look to Mingzhu, then they huff, looking away from each other.

Silgara looks over. "Right, we are heading to Zalusu then. Are we ready to head off?"

Zsikhou stands up like he's been ready to leave hours ago. But he does at least return the cup to the innkeeper. T’kharr finishes off the tea she's been working on and returns the cup with a nod "Aye, let’s head out."

Mingzhu asks, “Are we going to the villages or somewhere else?”

Minamoto raises an eyebrow, "Why are we going there?"

Silgara looks over at Mingzhu. "We decided that our next step should be to head over to an island to the west, Zalusu. We've heard some potentially troubling reports."

The shamaness sighs, “I guess I could wait to travel to the villages. "Fwangzhu, would you like to be with us or to start your duties as the official defender of Golamaru?”

Fwangzhu huffs, "Eh, think you might need my axe over there. Let’s go."

T’kharr nods, “Let’s go.” Mingzhu and Snout follow along. The rest of the party follows suit and goes to board the ship.

[Winterhawk99]

Thankfully, the trip is less eventful this time. They're able to sail off without too much trouble. Besides Fwangzhu and Minamoto wanting to throw each other off the boat, Zsikhou in general being down, or irritated and feeling like stabbing them both, and Silgara trying to keep away from the rest of them. Mingzhu rests and meditates while going to the island. When it shows itself in the distance T’kharr peers out at it. They gather on deck. Silgara is the first to speak, “From what I understand of this island, much of it isn't inhabited by civilized people, but there is a sizable port on the southern end of the isle. Anyways, we appear to be on course." After some time... They start to approach the dock. On the horizon and docked at the town are the usual assortment of smaller fishing boats, but there is a Corsair Carrack docked in the docks as well... Along with an Azure Winds ship.

T’kharr calls out, “That’s… not a good sign.

Balan agrees with her. “Aye, it is not.”

Mingzhu suggests, “We can burn it before we go.”

T’kharr laughs at what the shamaness said, “Aye, I'd say that's a good plan. Put a torch in some kindling on deck then free it from its moorings and give it a good shove seaward."

Mingzhu smirks, “Ships have lots of oil for their lamps.”

Silgara looks over..."We're still on course to dock. Do you want to change course?"

"We could beach in the shallows somewhere else and approach the port town via land if you think that'd be less suspicious?" T’kharr suggests.

Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “I do not know if they would recognize us or not. It would depend on if the one running the shipping company. Also remember this is the Khan's ship.”

"Very true. If the Corsairs are allowed to dock here with impunity, they may think little of the Khan's ship...until it's too late." T’kharr relates.

"Well, what's the plan then?" Silgara looks over.

T'kharr glances at Balan. "Do you have thoughts? I think that beaching and packing up would be less suspicious, myself, leave less sign of what we've been up to"

Mingzhu shrugs and loots at T'kharr as Balan responds, “I would agree we be more discreet until we know what is coming.”

T’kharr signals for course adjustment to come into the island from the north. Silgara considers "Unless we have some magic that would allow us to see farther..." She looks at Mingzhu. "Right then, I can chart a course to try and land at a nearby beach." She nods. She then looks over to T’kharr. T'kharr "According to the map, landing from the North would mean we'd have to go through a lot of wild territory and there may be a considerable amount of monsters to fight through before reaching the port."

Mingzhu frowns while looking out at the island. “I could call a spirit and ask that is the extent of my seeing.”

"If we want to make a stealthier approach I can try to dock along the beach to the southeast of the island." Silgara nods.

Zsikhou seems to have come up to Top Deck, narrowing his eyes.

"Southeast would probably be best then." T’kharr says, as she studies the beach. She then looks between Balan and Mingzhu to see if either of them object to landing on the beach to the southeast then slipping into town without drawing attention to themselves.

Balan gives a nod. “The less trouble we cause entering the better chances we will not be fully noticed.
I feel if we go busting through the forest killing creatures it will cause more eyes.”

Mingzhu looks back at Silgara. “I have three questions. What do you want me to ask?”

"Aye, I think we can save calling a spirit for something more...consequential." T’kharr intones.

Silgara nods. "Taking us in at the beach then." She steers, trying to find a secluded place to land. Eventually, the boat docks at a beach east of Port Zalusu. "Seems we're clear." She says. "Fortunately, the boat's magic will allow us to take it with us." They get off at the beach. Once everyone’s out, Silgara shrinks the ship back into a figurine and takes it.

T'kharr looks around, trying to judge the time of day to see if rest is needed, as well as what roads/trails there are inland, or if heading along the beach is their best bet to get into town. Mingzhu plays with Snout on the beach. It’s about afternoon now, Mingzhu this beach was used by some of the villagers for fishing or crabbing but the cages are left on the shore empty and there is no one around. Zsikhou looks around "Along the beach to reach the port, if this one is not mistaken."

"Seems so from the tracks, aye" T’kharr responds.

Once they are done playing ball with a sea urchin Mingzhu breaks it open and scoops out the good stuff sharing it with Snout. Silgara looks at her as the two are eating. “Are you two ready to move, then? Unless we have another plan besides going to port.” Mingzhu nods and follows along. T’kharr leads them to the port.

Mingzhu asks, “Would you like some, Silgara?”

"Ah... I'm fine but thank you." Silgara shakes her head. Mingzhu smiles mischievously at that.

The party makes its way over to Port Zalusu... When they come to the town, it seems to be... thriving? Normally? Villagers going about their way? No problems there it seems. Just... people going about their business? No sign of corsairs, but the pirate Carrack is still docked… While they are walking Mingzhu offers prayers to any villagers that come up to her.

T'kharr takes survey of the environment...looking for where any halls of guard or leadership might be, as well as the inn, and the Azure Winds trade-post, or where their ship is docked for that matter. There are some inns around, if they spent some time gathering intel they could find the elder's place, most likely. But so far while in the town, there doesn't seem to be any tension or problems, at least outwardly? She comments, "I think we find the trade-booth and see if we can talk with their folks out here, get a briefing of the lay of the situation, no?"

Mingzhu looks at the goods at market trying to compare nationalities, comparable supply, and state of merchandise with the ones at Port Ginji. It does look like there’s an Azure Winds stall there. It’s in the Docks market. T'kharr bows to whoever's handling that stall "Ah, hello there."

"Salam Alaikum, can I interest you in anything?" The merchant speaks. Mingzhu puts down a gold pearl and looks at the merchant. He gives a decent rate. She sells it to him for 150 gold. "Can I get you anything else?" The Merchant asks.

Mingzhu counts and mentions, “We now have 3225 and I gave T'kharr 2,000 when we landed in the other place."

"Hm. Would you be able to get us an audience with whomever of yours is in charge of this outpost?" T’kharr asks.

The merchant smiles. “"Ah... you would have to inquire with our ship. What do you wish to speak with them about?"

T’kharr says while she’s looking at the merchandise, “Ah, a few troubles I've heard you've been experiencing lately."

He looks a bit nervously, then shrugs. "Ah, nothing too exceptional, but we all have our troubles." He gives a smile but seems to be a touch nervous underneath it.

Mingzhu catches it. “Tell me, I have met Khalid. Do many of your people have such blonde hair as he or is he somehow special?" She stares at the merchant after she says that.

He raises an eyebrow. “I think we must be thinking of different persons named Khalid, then, I am afraid." He shakes his head.

Mingzhu smiles and nods to T’kharr. “I must be. Thank you, sir.”

T’kharr thinks a moment and asks, “Would you be able to get us a pass onto the boat at least?"

"I would inquire about what business you would have on our ship first." The merchant retorts and looks to T'kharr

Mingzhu looks at the town. “We could always seek out the Elder to learn of any problems.”

T’kharr still involved with the merchant says, “Ah. Inquiring about what you've been experiencing as of late, troubles-wise" She then turns giving nod to Mingzhu. "I think we can ask there as well."

Mingzhu nods, “The spirits of the sea are in turmoil.”

The merchant then gives a smile ."Really, I can assure you that what troubles we have, we can resolve ourselves." Then he shakes his head "If so, it is not something I know about, I am afraid."

"More that we've been sent to follow up on such." T’kharr responds to him.

"Ah, you have? By whom?" He looks over to T'kharr, skeptically.

"Your colleagues in Port Ginji." T’kharr retorts as she looks pointedly at him.

"I see, well, I don't know what they could be asking about..." He doesn't seem convinced.

Mingzhu looks between the two and steps in to help. "Both Moalim and Khalid are a bit concerned. It seems your reporting is overdue. That's why they sent us to get at the heart of the problem. Could you please let us see the ship and its captain?"

He looks over at Mingzhu... "Why did you say he had blond hair...?" … He sighs "Never mind... if you have to know, our captain has gone missing."

She nods, “What is his name?” Meanwhile, T’kharr frowns sharply at the news while thinking about it.

"Sir, what is your captain's name? I am a shamaness and can speak to the spirits of him. I could possibly find him for you." Mingzhu asks, again.

"Captain Fareed Al-Liham. He was speaking regarding trade agreements with the village Elder. Things were going well. Then..." He pauses.

Mingzhu narrows her eyes. “Go on.”

"There was an attack by Corsairs. I don't know how, but... /all/ of them were defeated in battle. Then went missing. The village claimed their ship."

“On land? Are they holding your captain hostage?” Mingzhu asks.

T’kharr looks at the pirate ship. “"Ah. So that's why it's docked here at least. That said, are you saying the corsairs were defeated, or the villagers?"

"I do not know. He is not in the village, and I do not think the villagers, or the corsairs, could have taken him. He went missing sometime after." The merchant relates. Mingzhu thinks a bit about it. As if that happened almost like a wish come true.

T’kharr frowns softly. “That's rather troubling, then. As to who defeated whom in battle though?"

"That is...." He shakes his head "I honestly have no idea. The villagers do not seem well armed and have few fighting men. Yet when the pirates came charging in it was... like none of them ever made it off the docking ramp. I didn't witness it."

T’kharr asks, “Do you know anyone who did?” He shakes his head, no.

"That sounds as if one of the villagers just made a wish and the pirates vanished. How interesting." Mingzhu responds.

"Indeed. I cannot explain it I'm afraid." The Merchant says.

Seeing the conversation isn’t going anywhere T’kharr says, “Interesting. Thank you for your time" bowing to him "and may the Maimed God ease your pains."

Mingzhu looks back to town again. “Where to next an inn or the elder's I'm sure we can get directions to the elder's place.”

"Ma'as Salama, ma'am." The Merchant bids them farewell.

"I reckon we get directions to the elder's place then head there, see if they can give us more insight on especially the pirate incident, although we may have to circle back on the missing captain." T’kharr responds.

“I do have a suggestion.” Mingzhu says. Silgara and Zsikhou look over. "When you speak to a merchant to get information do some buying and selling first. It puts them in a good mood either way: whether they profit now or profit later on the merchandise they buy."

Zsikhou looks around, narrowing his eyes. He's mostly staying stealthy, but the locals do seem to give him a wide berth. T’kharr laughs, “Aye, I was figuring your pearl'd serve the purpose, that he'd at least be able to see we're in the same group."

Mingzhu nods, “That’s why I sold it to him.”

Silgara looks over "Well, it worked. What's the next step, though?"

T’kharr starts to walk toward town. “Aye. Let’s head in town and find the Elder’s place.”

[Winterhawk99]

It’s not to hard to find the Elder’s place. They eventually find it. Mingzhu knocks on the door. It’s not the elder who answers. A woman does. She has rich brown hair and dark eyes and is wearing a kimono. She has a shamisen and seems to be wearing some jewelry on her as well. She gives them all an enchanting smile as they stand outside. “Oh! Why hello there!” Mingzhu recognizes her as a geisha.

She bows, “Community shamaness Mingzhu come to pay my respects and ask some questions of your fine city.”

The woman steps outside, closing the door and looks the group over. “Huh, you look new in town. Don’t think I’ve seen you around before. Oh! What do we have here?” She looks over the group.

“Ah, we’re Mingzhu’s companions.” T’kharr reports.

"Quite an eclectic group! Oh, my name is Kanako. Pleased to meet you all!" She gives a warm smile "Oooh, you have some exotic company here." She looks over each person in your party, like she's appraising each of you.

Mingzhu smiles, “My colleagues. The hengeyokais are Fwangzhu and T’kharr. The monster is Balan. Minamoto is Port Ginji’s tax collector. Zsikhou is a denizen of the sea and our Wu-jen Silgara. And this here.” She smiles down at her companion. “This is Snout.”

"Ohhh! I see." She smiles, then she looks over, strolling over to Fwangzhu "Oh my!... Wow!" She looks him over. "Those muscles, you sure are one handsome hunk." She gives a smile, going over to feel Fwangzhu up some. Fwangzhu looks rather awkwardly at the attention, but then poses for her, like he's trying to impress her. Minamoto just gapes, then facepalms. Balan just stares at the interaction. Silgara rubs her face. The courtesan continues, “I wouldn't mind getting to know you better." She gives a smirk. Fwangzhu seems entirely tempted.

Minamoto scowls, "We're here on business, ma'am."

Kanako looks over. "Ah, a loyal dutiful tax man. It's okay, there's always time for business. You can always take the moments you need to relax. Soooo!" She looks over at the group again "You mentioned having questions? I can probably help you out."

Mingzhu looks Kanoko over to try to judge if she’s the kind of woman that collects men or at least tallies conquests. "It would be tradition I speak to the Elder directly...…. Is........there a problem?"

"Oh! Not at all. Here, let me get the door for you and your company. It might be a bit cramped in there, but please come in!" She smiles, going over to open the door and let them inside.

Mingzhu bows and goes in taking off her shoes. T’kharr is next to step inside and then the rest of the companions. A middle-aged man steps forward, the elder's hut is rather humble, but he does have a small table for guests, he's still sitting down when Kanako and the group comes in "Ah, greetings. I overheard some of what you spoke of outside. Mingzhu the Shamaness, yes? And company? Well, do make yourselves at home."

Mingzhu smiles and bows, “Thank you Elder.”

T’kharr also bows, “Hello there.”

"So, what is it I can help you with, Shamaness?" He sips some tea. He gives a look over to Minamoto "I have not seen any of Daimyo Kaluso's men here in some time, I'll admit."

Mingzhu gets to the point, “We were sent to check on the Azure shores ship. They have not been reporting. We came upon the knowledge that their captain is missing and of a strange tale on how the pirates were defeated. We were wondering if you could elaborate on what we were told.”

Minamoto looks over. "I do hope you have been paying dues."

The elder sighs, seeming irritated at Minamoto's interjection. "Of course. When is the last time his men came by to do anything but that anyways?" A huff, then he looks over to Mingzhu "Ah...? Fareed is missing? That is... news to me."

Mingzhu blinks. “Do you know where he is?”

He considers the group for a time, then shakes his head "I'm afraid I don't. As for the pirates? Well, we are hardly without defenses. They learned that the hard way." A smirk at that Zsikhou narrows his eyes at him.

“What kinds of defenses did you use, elder?” Mingzhu asks.

He smiles, "Now, now that would be telling. But our village does have ways of defending ourselves from aggressors."

Minamoto looks over. "I didn't see a lot of fighting men here."

Mingzhu answers the elder with a smile, “I understand.”

The Elder looks over. "People dedicated and defending their homes can be stronger than you think."

Mingzhu changes the subject. “Do you have any outstanding issues that threaten the community?”

Kanako looks over at the elder. The elder looks to her, then back to Mingzhu "I mean, the Corsairs are an issue. They know better than to fight us in our own home now I think, but they still threaten any who try to go to other islands by sea." He also considers, "I do not know how much you know of this island, but the northern parts are... not safe. Gaki, Tsuno, and other monsters out there. They do not encroach on the village, but it is not safe to go too far north. Sometimes they try to raid us. We've fought them off before though." Zsikhou narrows his eyes. He clearly doesn't believe the full account.

“Are they organized?” Mingzhu asks.

"The Tsuno? Yes, they are organized. Still prone to infighting, but they are capable or a good deal of organization. But they usually keep to themselves." The Elder speaks, "The other monsters, though, are more solitary. Dangerous on their own for sure, but more like solitary beasts in most cases."

T’kharr shakes her head. “Tsuno are…?”

He looks over to T'kharr. "Large monstrous beings. With the heads of a bull. They are organized, but savage, and cruel."

"Minotaur, in other terms, then?" T’kharr asks.

"Legend says they hail from the shadowlands. To why they are here now though, I know not. But they have inhabited the northern side of the isle." The Elder mentions.

“Both Gaki and Tsuno are creatures of shadow.” Mingzhu tells them. “Though Geki are yokai. The souls of the greedy come back to claim more.”

"Or akin to such, no?" T’kharr asks.

He nods to Mingzhu. "The Geki don't usually come close to the village, but as I mentioned, they are dangerous on their own. They rarely cause problems except for those who leave the village. As for the Tsuno, sometimes they do cause problems, but... not often."

Mingzhu adds, “Gaki can be turned T’kharr.”

Kanako rubs the side of her head.

"Aye. I'd figure as much for those of suitable talent." T’kharr nods.

Mingzhu asks the Elder, “Do you know if there is some source that brings the Gaki back or if there is something on the north side that attracts the Tsuno?”

"I do believe that the Tsuno have some kind of established lair or fortification somewhere on the north side of the isle, but I cannot confirm that." He shakes his head "As for the Gaki, I do not know. I believe the Gaki have been here longer than we have been, but again, I cannot say their exact origin for sure."

The Shamaness nods, “So, two mysteries. The undead to the north and their friends and then the disappearance of Capt. Fareed." She looks to her companions.

"Captain Fareed," Kanako interjects, "He was quite a charming fellow, he had a lot of interesting stories to tell. I also understood trade agreements went well."

The elder nods, "Indeed, he was quite courteous, and his offers were fair."

Mingzhu smiles, "It seems the town has had Fortuitous karma these last months? You must be very faithful."

He nods, "We do our best to, of course."

Mingzhu nods, "Of course." She Looks to her companions again to see what questions they may have.

T’kharr is the first to speak, “Hm. Do you know what the captain was last seen doing or where he was last seen heading to?" Kanako looks over but then goes back to focusing on Fwangzhu.

"Last I knew of the captain, he was making arrangements for our trade deals... I am afraid I don't know more than that." The elder speaks. Zsikhou narrows his eyes.

T’kharr taps her fingers on the table. "Hm. I'll have to ask around then."

"I wish you the best of luck in finding the good Captain." The elder nods.

Mingzhu looks at the others. T’kharr says, "I think if we have nothing else for the Elder, let us move on. We probably should at least follow up with the merchant and ask him where the captain was last seen."

Mingzhu stands and bows, "Thank you for your time Elder, Kanako."

T’kharr also bows, “Aye, thank you both for your time, and may the Maimed God ease your pains."

The Elder dips his head. "Have a good day."

Mingzhu puts her shoes back on and leaves waiting for the others to decide where to do next. T’kharr looks at her, Balan and Silgara as they leave the elder’s house, “Did you want to re-visit the merchant, or save that for another day and head to the inn?"

Zsikhou looks over to the Shamaness. "Did you get the impression he was hiding something too?"

"I get the impression that everyone here is hiding something that we have talked to so far." Mingzhu replies.

Silgara looks over. "Something I noticed about that Kanako, she had been wearing a lot of magical items. Rings, amulet, magic armor underneath the Kimono."

"Aye, it seems that they have access to quite powerful magic but are rather cagey about it." T’kharr observes.

Minamoto looks over. "Hiding an unsanctioned witch is a great offense. Even letting the one in our company rein as freely as she has is against the laws of this land."

Mingzhu gets upset. “Silgara is our companion Minamoto. I would ask that you address her as such. Where have your manners gone?”

T’kharr asks, “Would there be limits on what a sanctioned wu-jen could do in support of their cause?"
"Like, not limits of the spirits of magic, but limits of law..."

"The matter of law is still clear, is my point, Shamaness." Minamoto says.

“Please use her name and she is right here with us. how do you think you just made her feel?” Mingzhu retorts.

Silgara looks over, waving dismissively. "I have more important matters to spare my feelings and thoughts on. Like what our next step is going to be."

Mingzhu gets a smile suddenly. “We could go to the inns listen to rumors, perhaps a mysterious dark stranger will approach us with some juicy stuff about the town or the captain. I hope he's handsome.”

Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu with a look of 'really'? She smiles, “It was a joke.”

Silgara looks over with a similar look, then looks over. … "Hold on, Fwangzhu didn't leave with us."

Zsikhou looks over. "He and Kanako left after we did."

Minamoto narrows his eyes. "What is that Savage doing now...? Ugh, whatever. Let that degenerate off to his nonsense." He shakes his head.

“Wait. Many Yokai charm to get information from their victims maybe she’s interrogating him with her hips?” Mingzhu asked almost alarmed.

"Aye, going to the inn is our best move if we don't want to approach the booth again, although that is concerning, yes." T’kharr comments.

Zsikhou looks over "You think she's a Yokai?"

Silgara rubs her face. "Demon, Fey, or no, I could see Fwangzhu being interrogated by her hips. Ugh..."

“At this point I’m not sure who to trust Zsikhou? We know there is a wish Yokai around somewhere that can mimic people or just getting information from him even if she’s not Yokai.” Mingzhu observes.

T’kharr rubs the fur under her muzzle. “Hm, what makes you think that it’s a Youkai responsible for such powers?"

“I just don’t trust Kanoko as of yet. The captain was at the elder’s when he disappeared. The Elder was elusive about the defenses. Kanoko came on strong to Fwangzhu as soon as she saw him.” Mingzhu reminds.

"And she has a lot of magical items she had to get from somewhere." Silgara rubs her face.

Mingzhu nods, "Yes!"

T’kharr considers, “Ah. That’s a fair point then.”

Mingzhu looks at Balan. “What do you think?”

“Even if they are one, I would not be able to sense them if they are indeed hiding their presence.”

"So, what do we do?" The shamaness looks at the others.

"I think we head to the inn from the sounds of things." T’kharr suggests.

"Well, as I see it, we either head to the inn and try to pick up rumors or the like, look for Fwangzhu, or you could attempt to call a spirit for questions." Silgara says.

"Aye, we head to the inn, and you can try calling a spirit tonight, unless you think that interrupting Fwangzhu in whatever he's doing is a good idea at the moment, that is." T’kharr says.

“If Fwangzhu doesn’t find us in a few hours I will call the spirits.” Mingzhu nods.

T’kharr sighs, “And we wait at the inn in the meantime."

The party heads to the inn then. It's not happy hour, still a bit early for most patrons. There's a bar there though. And an innkeeper, and a few patrons here and there.

[Winterhawk99]

As they come into the inn T’kharr orders some tea. The innkeeper looks up when they come in and makes a tea for her. Mingzhu also orders some tea and some oysters. The innkeeper sets her up. Some of the shellfish just happen to end up under the table. Silgara goes to sit down, so does Zsikhou. Some of the patrons seem nervous with him around, but most try to pretend he doesn't exist.

Mingzhu looks around at the effect. “It seems you have a reputation here too?”

Zsikhou looks over "Anyone familiar with the gods of this region knows what I am, Shamaness. I come to human lands when there are offenses against the mandate of Heaven that need correction. This one is not a casual visitor." He sighs, slumping back "If my duties were not needed then this one would..." He looks aside.

She looks at him. “Go ahead.”

Zsikhou shakes his head. "If my duties were not needed here, this one would not be here."

She nods, "A part of life you have missed for so long to be among the people without need for duty."

Zsikhou shakes his head. "Would be among my own kind and not here, then."

“Perhaps an opportunity to get to really know us then.” Mingzhu suggests. Zsikhou shrugs, then heaves a sigh. The shamaness goes back to listening to the talk around the other tables as she socializes.

"Sorry, trying to focus on the mission here. Not... that..." Zsikhou shakes his head. Mingzhu turns her attention back to him. He looks off to another table. “Could try sneaking around, eavesdropping… “

T’kharr puts her hands behind her head and leans back. “I certainly won't stop you if you feel comfortable doing so," to Zsikhou. He nods in turn, then slinks off.

Silgara looks over. "Are you sure it's a good idea to let the kobold go on his own?"

"I think as long as he keeps to mission, we'll be fine." T’kharr says as she looks in the direction he disappeared.

Mingzhu looks over to the Innkeeper. “Should I pay for rooms?”

Silgara nods, "If you want. Probably easier than staying on our boat..."

"Aye, I think that'd be good." T’kharr nods.

Mingzhu goes and pays the bartender to pay for rooms for one week. When she comes back Silgara sighs. "Though if we're going to stop and rest here, it may be a good idea to do your divination."

Mingzhu considers, “Has it been that long since Fwangzhu went with the girl?”

"It hasn't, no..." Silgara looks around.

"Let's wait then a few more hours, then I'll attempt to call the spirits to see where he is." Mingzhu says.

"Well, what do we do in the meantime, then?" Silgara asks.

"What do you want to do?" Mingzhu asks.

Silgara shrugs, "I mean we could just try speaking with random people, or the Azure Winds, or the Elder again. Or try to find Fwangzhu and Kanako."

Mingzhu squints and looks up at the ceiling. "I think Fwangzhu would be our best bet. We don't want to lose a companion. Then the Azure winds if you like, Silgara? I’m not sure about the Elder. He seems somehow elusive with questions."

Silgara nods, "I got that impression as well. Although I wonder how much they trust us in turn."

T’kharr comments, “Aye, that is a good question. We can try to find Fwangzhu, though."

Mingzhu nods and stands up. “Come on Snout let’s look for our friend. Are we going to get the furry little hellion?” Silgara looks over, she orders a glass of water which she quickly downs, then gives back. T’kharr is still sipping on her tea. Mingzhu waits for the others.

Silgara moves over and stands. “Where to then?”

Mingzhu looks around. “Most likely one of the local tea houses.”

"This port, or village, seemed larger and more prosperous than the ones we had been to prior. Well, I guess we can go take a look." Silgara sighs.

Mingzhu comments, “Silgara you might want to cover your eyes when you go in."

Silgara rolls her eyes. "I'm no stranger to seeing human debauchery." Mingzhu smirks. Balan lets out a small laugh.

Zsikhou reappears. “Well, Let’s get moving, then.” They go out of the inn looking for teahouses Kanako may have taken Fwangzhu. Mingzhu follows along with Snout in tow.

[Winterhawk99]

The group does eventually find a teahouse. It seems like it's mostly locals that are there, but there is a lady at the front desk there. It looks pretty well kept, even if the decor isn't overly ostentatious.
The lady looks up "Oh, hello. Table for five?" Then she looks over, noticing Zsikhou, she suddenly looks nervous "I ... I mean... six?"

Mingzhu nods. The lady nods back. “Of course, this way.” She goes to get a table for them. Silgara looks around... looking to see if there's any backrooms, although the air of the place doesn't seem overly seedy?

Another lady comes over. "I'll take your orders, what can I get you?"

"A tea please, green, hot." T'kharr orders herself another tea, just to have something to sip on.

Silgara takes a note looking around and orders a tea. So does Zsikhou. Minamoto just asks for a water. Mingzhu orders tea. Balan doesn’t order anything. The waitress takes their orders. Silgara looks over "So, what's the plan here?"

Mingzhu keeps the waitress there a moment. “Excuse me, miss? "We were at the Elder's place a few hours ago.... Kanako left with a friend of ours. We were wondering if they are currently celebrating at this fine establishment?"

"Kanako?" She thinks "Ah, the Geisha. She does have quite a musical talent. But no, I haven't seen her today, I'm afraid."

"Would you know where she often takes her clients?" The shamaness asks.

"Clients? What do you mean?" She asks incredulously.

“Those she entertains with her dance in private." Mingzhu says nonchalantly.

"Oh." She suddenly looks rather annoyed "We're not that kind of establishment. As for, her? Well, if she does that in private, it's private. I'll go get your teas." She turns and walks away

Mingzhu smiles, "Thank you."

Silgara rubs her face "Wow, we tried to find a seedy establishment and somehow completely missed the mark. I don't know if that says good things about our standards or bad things about our investigative clout."

"Tea houses are not the seedy ones. Most hold high paid courtesans. if you want the seedier ones you go to the end of the docks where sailors linger." Mingzhu explains.

Zsikhou looks over. "We do at least know Kanako hasn't been here today."

Mingzhu nods. "A theater? or someplace else? I've heard that Wa has a wrestling game where they pit very large men against each other. I forgot the name. If there is a game going on now, she may have taken him there?"

Silgara looks over, considering. "Despite being large for a village, Hrm, I'm not sure if they have one."

Zsikhou considers "Well, if she's not here, where else can we go?"

"Does the town have a gardens or theater?” Mingzhu asks.

Zsikhou shrugs, "Best ask the waitress when she comes back."

Sipping her tea, T’kharr concurs, “Aye, gardens or theater would be a good bet, unless they're at the docks."

The waitress eventually does come back. Mingzhu asks her, “Excuse me, miss. Does your fine town have a garden or theater?"

She looks over. "Ah, no, we don't have a theater. I don't know if any of the islands have one, save perhaps up north... as for gardens, a few people keep private gardens on their own, but there isn't a community one."

Mingzhu smiles, "Thank you." The waitress delivers the teas and water to the party. Mingzhu sighs, “Maybe a very large hole in the ground where Kanako can bear a brood of a dozen badgers."

Zsikhou huffs, looking over. "Maybe she has a house somewhere in this village."

Silgara sips her tea. "Despite being larger and more prosperous than most fishing villages, I do get the impression it still functions largely as a fishing and farming village, if on a larger scale. Perhaps in a few decades they will have a theater and community gardens."

"I reckon we try the docks then?" T’kharr says while sipping her tea.

"We could walk the streets… Ask around for where Kanako lives?" Mingzhu suggests.

Minamoto shakes his head. "Maybe it's not worth finding the savage."

Silgara nods, "We could.... suppose it's a sound enough plan..."

"Fwangzhu is Golamaru’s defender now. He will be needed, Minamoto.” Mingzhu retorts.

Minamoto rolls his eyes. "As if that savage should be relied upon. He's a rebel and subversive influence, Shamaness."

“People even Hengeyokai eventually grow up and learn to cooperate with one another. Fwangzhu as shown some ability in this recently and I encourage it.” Mingzhu says.

Silgara sighs, rubbing her face. "If you're done, maybe we should hit the streets and try to find where Kanako might have an abode." Mingzhu nods, finishes her tea and pays the tab.

T’kharr finishes her tea off as well. "I suppose that's an option, we walk the streets, then end up in the docks?"

Silgara sighs, then nods. "A sound plan as any..."

“It is a good place to start at least though we can ask along the way.” Balan concurs.

It doesn’t take them long to find her home at all. Mingzhu knocks on the door. Surprisingly soon after. They hear some footsteps walking to the door. Fwangzhu is the one who opens it.

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu bows, “Are you ready to go Fwangzhu?”

Fwangzhu looks over with a huff, "Shamaness. And go where, exactly?"

Kanako moves over in the background. "Oh! Your party is here. Hello again!" She smiles

Minamoto looks over. "Dereliction of duty would have a proper man whipped."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Being a tyrant's bootlicking jackass would have someone's head shoved into the ground. Want me to fucking show you?"

Mingzhu makes a tight smile, “Hello Kanako. Fwangzhu’s boyfriend was just worried about him. See they are already starting their foreplay.”

Minamoto glares, "One of these days, savage, I will give you exactly what you deserve. Though maybe we should just leave you here."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Maybe I should leave your face battered against the ground!"

Kanako giggles, "Oh wow, they're really going to go at it, huh? I hate to be a downer to the soldier, but I think Fwangzhu's got him beat." She smiles sweetly.

"They always kiss and make up." Mingzhu snarks.

"They don't." Zsikhou says.

Minamoto steps forward. "When we cross blades, savage, I look forward to gifting your pelt to my lord."

Kanako looks over, now looking rather worried, then looks to Mingzhu. "Well, ah, anything I can help you, fine fellows, with?"

Frustrated Mingzhu asks Silgara, “Would you like to go get a drink?”

Silgara rubs her face "As much as this is tempting me to want to get tanked, I don't think it's an appropriate time." She huffs. "If those two are going to brawl in front of Kanako's front door, I'm almost tempted to let them."

Mingzhu looks at Kanako, “How about you keep Fwangzhu here for the night maybe in the morning he will be too tired to fight with Minamoto."

Kanako giggles, "Well isn't that a dreamy thought?" She smiles, seeming quiet amused "Well, anything else I can do for you?" Fwangzhu and Minamoto look very much like they're about to start punching each other.

"Could you direct us to a place we can take Minamoto that will make him too weak kneed to fight with Fwangzhu tomorrow?" Mingzhu asks.

Minamoto glares, "Shamaness, I do not have time for debauchery and degeneracy at this time."

Fwangzhu snorts, "You debase yourself plenty already serving the tyrant that you do."

Mingzhu looks up and sighs, “I think both these men are too clogged up for their own good.”

Minamoto seethes, "Silence, savage! There isn't any lower degeneracy than what you are every day!"

Mingzhu calls up her ability to calm emotions while Balan is just rubbing his face shaking his head, “Will you two stop!” The combination of the two makes them both calm down.

Kanako reaches over, smiling. "Maybe he and the Kami do need some picker uppers. I can recommend a few places! Oh... you can come in."

Zsikhou looks over, narrowing his eyes. "This one does not need a 'picker upper'." He huffs. Meanwhile Mingzhu takes her shoes off and comes into the home. Zsikhou, Silgara, and Minamoto head inside. Kanako looks over at Minamoto, like wondering if she didn't invite him in specifically, but decides not to press the matter and just gives a smile. Zsikhou sniffs, seeming to pick up on something, but doesn't comment. Mingzhu makes a note of the gesture and looks around the home. T'kharr heads in, albeit a bit reluctantly, looking around herself.

It's a rather well-stocked home. The home itself is rather humble, but she does seem to have a decent stock of artwork, baubles, and the like, as well as a few instruments. Kanako looks up. "So, can I get you anything?" She heads to a small kitchen. Silgara and Zsikhou shake their heads. T’kharr and Mingzhu also shake their heads.

"Ah, well." Kanako looks over "So! I'm not used to having so many visitors at once!" She smiles "Kind of an unexpected surprise, but hey, I'm not complaining." She smirks.

Mingzhu smiles, "We wanted to make sure our friend was in good care as we get ready for the search of Captain Fareed Al-liham.

Fwangzhu snorts, "I can handle myself just fine, Shamaness."

Kanako giggles "Ah, all work and no play? Really makes a dull girl. Well, hey, if you need to head somewhere, I won't keep you." She then sighs, looking over. "Ah, Captain Fareed. I met him before he vanished. Nice man, he had all sorts of fascinating tales." She smiles a touch dreamily, then refocuses. "Fwangzhu mentioned that when we were talking. I have some, well... I know the island pretty well. I'll try to find some things out. If I come across anything pertinent, I'll let you know."

Mingzhu bows slightly, "Thank you, Kanako."

She smiles in turn. "Course! Anything else I can help you with?"

"Only that Fwangzhu needs to be back at the inn in the morning. We will have work to do finding the man then dealing with the shadows of the northern side of the island." Mingzhu answers.

Fwangzhu snorts "Whatever. We don't have time to waste. Let’s go."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu, "You sure wasted plenty of time."

Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto, "Time spent beating your ass into the ground is time well spent!"

Kanako giggles, then looks over. "Boys, if you're going to brawl in the mud, I know the /perfect/ place. I'd love to watch." She smirks.

Zsikhou hisses with irritation. "We have work to do. Stop messing around and let’s get to it."

Kanako looks over. "Well, the Kami's all work and no play. Maybe someone ought to give his head a rub. I think he'd like it!"

Zsikhou just glares with irritation and definitely wants someone to rub his head. "Absolutely not."

Silgara just rolls her eyes. "Are we ready to leave already?" Mingzhu nods and gets her shoes. She bows to Kanako and leaves.

T'kharr nods the geisha farewell, "Burdens be eased."

The party leaves Kanako's abode. Kanako eventually leaves, locks up, and heads off. Then Fwangzhu huffs, looking over. "You lot came over at an awfully inconvenient time there."

Mingzhu looks at him strangely. “We gave you a few hours?”

Minamoto looks over. "You certainly wasted enough time."

Fwangzhu is about to reply to Mingzhu, then snarls to Minamoto. "Oh? And how productive has your day been, jackass? Being a useless bootlicker as always?"

Minamoto glares, "We all wasted time looking for you when you deserted your position without saying anything. That is something you would be punished for in any disciplined outfit."

Fwangzhu snarls in turn. "Oh I can give you plenty of fucking punishment. Want to try it?"

Zsikhou snaps, "This one is about to stab both of you if you don't /shut up!/. Fwangzhu, if you have something pertinent to say, then speak."

They both give a nervous, angry glare to Zsikhou, then Fwangzhu looks over. "Fine. Look, Kanako and the Elder aren't of the same mind of a bunch of things about the village’s safety. Apparently the Gaki outside the village are somehow getting more organized, which they don't normally do. Also, for a bit of asshat Daimyo politics..." Fwangzhu snorts "Apparently a representative from Daimyo Zuodong came here to try and convince the elder to accept him as their patron instead of Kaluso."

“The Elder said no of course?" Mingzhu half asks, half states.

"Yeah, told the guy to fuck off and he did. That was the end of that. But Zuodong apparently has some eyes on this village." Fwangzhu huffs.

Mingzhu thinks about it. “If he does it’s not likely foreigners. unless......... unless Zuodong is working with a trading company."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Well, Kanako seems to think the village is in more trouble than the Elder did from the Tsuno and Gaki. Unfortunately, she didn't finish telling me everything when you lot showed up."

Minamoto looks over "Perhaps we should go find Kanako again and demand answers."

“Partial information is better than no information.” Mingzhu comments.

Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto. "How about you leave her the fuck alone, Asslicker?"

"I don't think that'll be a workable approach with her." T’kharr insists to Minamoto.

Silgara rubs her face. "Well, now what?"

"T'kharr is correct. do we tackle the Gaki problem or the captain problem first?" Mingzhu asks.

Silgara rubs her face. "Still feels like we're missing a lot of puzzle pieces. Kanako didn't mention any of this the two times we have been with her."

Mingzhu looks at the kobold, “Zsikhou you seemed like you felt something when you stepped into her home. what was it?"

Zsikhou huffs, "There was a strange scent around the place. Wasn't human, could tell that much."

"Hm. That makes me...a bit more suspicious." T’kharr says.

"Not exactly sure what it is though." Zsikhou shakes his head.

Silgara looks over. "Well, what do we do now, then?"

Mingzhu looks at T’kharr and Balan. T’kharr looks at Balan. “Perhaps you noticed something as well?"

Balan answers, “She’s not evil.”

Mingzhu thinks, “I could go to the graveyard.”

Silgara looks over at Mingzhu. "Spirit calling?" Mingzhu nods to her. She nods back.

T’kharr comments. “That may be our best bet at this point.”

Silgara replies, “Well, let’s get too it then.”

“Do any of you have specific questions. I only have 3.” Mingzhu says. There is silence at the moment. Port Zalusu is large enough that it actually has a graveyard, though it's somewhat off east outside of town. Mingzhu heads to it. Everyone follows.

[Winterhawk99]

The graveyard is quiet. The only people there is the companions themselves. Mingzhu looks to the others. “Last chance for any specific questions?”

"Hm. I take it asking directly about what the geisha could be or about youkai would be inadvisable?" T’kharr asks.

“It would depend on how I would word it." Mingzhu replies.

Silgara looks over. "We still don't know how the village fended off that pirate attack. They certainly don't have the fighting force to do that that we've seen."

Mingzhu looks at her, “"What would be the question, Silgara?"

She shrugs, "It's... just something I thought of. I figure you would know how to phrase it better than I, in such regard."

Mingzhu nods and considers, “I’m not sure a minor spirit can answer that, but I can try." She looks at Balan who just shrugs. Mingzhu nods and walks into the graveyard. She finds a spot and goes into full lotus. After meditating she casts Trance then Commune with spirits and waits. A spirit comes and awaits her inquiries.

"Greetings spirit I have three questions. The first Is Kanako the geisha human?"

“No.”

Fwangzhu snorts, "I could have told you that. Fuck." He huffs.

"The second of my questions is this: Is Captain Fareed Al-liham still alive?"

“Yes.”

"The third question is rather complex. How did the villagers fend off the pirate attack?"

"Ceroba." The spirit fades.

Mingzhu bobs her head to the spirit as it leaves. "I thank you for your wisdom." She comes back to the party. "Kanako is not human, Captain Fareed is still alive; and the villagers fought off the pirate attack well when I asked it how they did it, the spirits said Ceroba."

Balan takes note of the last answer. “Hm, seems we may have a name.”

T’kharr considers, “Aye, the name is at least useful."

Silgara nods, considering. "So, I guess our next lead is finding out more about Ceroba, then?" Mingzhu nods.

Fwangzhu huffs, "Might be someone Kanako is visiting, from what context I got from our talk."

Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "Wonder how likely it is the elder knows of this 'Ceroba'."

"That would be my first question, Zsikhou." Mingzhu says rather resoundingly.

Silgara looks over. "So, what's our next step, then?"

Balan comments, “It is worth asking.”

Mingzhu looks at Balan and T'kharr. T’kharr is the one who responds, “"I think we should inquire with the elder with our newfound knowledge."

Zsikhou nods, "Shall we then?"

“Aye!” T’kharr responds.

Silgara looks over. "Other option would be to try to find Kanako again, but at least with the Elder we know where he'll be."

They head back to the Elder’s hut once again. Mingzhu and Snout follow along.

[Winterhawk99]

The Elder is still at his hut. Eventually he opens the doors "Back again? Well, what can I do for you?"

Mingzhu bows, “Greetings once again, Elder. We would like to speak to you about Ceroba."

His face seems to go carefully stony at that, he looks hard towards Mingzhu, then notes Zsikhou and Minamoto still with you, then looks back to Mingzhu. "Pardon, who exactly?"

She looks back to the others. “Do you wish me to come in alone, Elder?"

He shrugs, "Come in as you please." He then steps back to go sit down at a table. She comes in and sits down beside him. Zsikhou looks over, stepping close to Mingzhu, though perhaps wondering if he should be out of sight for this. The Elder looks over, waiting for Mingzhu to continue. T'kharr seats herself. Balan takes a seat as well nearby.

"Zsikhou, may I ask you a question?" Mingzhu asks.

"Yes?" Zsikhou looks up to Mingzhu.

"If a demon granted someone a wish what price would that person have to pay to make that wish come true?" She looks at the Elder while she’s asking the question.

Zsikhou considers "Am not an expert but would likely be a heavy price. Either a depraved act to the demon's demand, or possibly custody of one's soul. Regardless of how it turns out, the price would be heavy." The elder raises an eyebrow, but remains silent, the fingers on his hands twitch some.

Balan smirks, “And in some cases their soul goes to the nine hells as a slave to one demon or another, perhaps”

Mingzhu, Balan and T’kharr tries to sense motive on the Elder as they view his reaction, but he keeps his stony-faced façade. They can’t get a clear read on him. For now, he just seems to be silently observing.

Mingzhu breaks the silence, “Elder would you like to talk about how the village somehow defeated the pirates without men at arms defend you and how this Ceroba dealt with them?”

He looks over, a glance aside, notably to Zsikhou and Minamoto, then looks at Mingzhu. "As I said, Shamaness, we have our ways to defend ourselves. We're hardly defenseless here. A well-coordinated and dedicated group of men defending their home can work wonders."

"I can also imagine that this Ceroba played a very big part of this." She replies.

"I applaud everyone who went to defend our home." The elder gives a smile. Zsikhou narrows his eyes at him. Balan just thinks to himself for a moment clutching his holy symbol pondering.

"Yes, the villagers seemed quite courageous and..... well trained to take down a band of seasoned pirates all by themselves?" Mingzhu retorts.

"Indeed." The elder nods.

Getting nowhere Mingzhu knows she won’t be getting any more information from him on the subject. She changes it. "It seems the Gaki are becoming well organized. Can you tell us about that. If they are, I would bet someone is behind them, helping them. preparing them for something?"

The elder looks over, craning his head, looking around "Possibly. Sometimes they do move in units. Usually, they stay well clear of the village though. We don't exactly have a lot of eyes on the northern parts of the island here though. What exactly they're doing is not well known to us. As long as they keep away from our fields though, they aren't an immediate problem."

“What is the immediate problem?” She asks.

"I wouldn't say we have one?" He shrugs "I mean there's the day to day helping the village run, more mundane things. As long as our people don't venture out too far north though, they should be safe." He says.

Mingzhu frowns then asks, “Tell me a little about your meeting with Daimyo Zuodong's representative?"

"Ah, so you heard that rumor?" He scowls, then a look to Minamoto "I suppose you're interested in this. Before I say anything, he did not make anything that is cleanly untoward. You wouldn't have cause to arrest him." Then he looks to Mingzhu "Quite simply, he was making inquiries about whether the village and our people would be happier and better off if Daimyo Zuodong were our lord rather than Daimyo Kaluso. He dropped some hints about letting this happen. And that Daimyo Zuodong could help keep us safe from the Corsairs where Kaluso is failing. Quite frankly, I wouldn't say he was a particularly charming or pleasant fellow. More someone I was waiting to hurry up and leave, but my position demanded I hear him out." The elder shakes his head. "Still, I made it clear to him that we weren't interested."

Minamoto looks over. "It sounds like he was attempting to usurp lawful authority."

Mingzhu smiles, "Thank you for your time Elder. My friends may have some questions."

The elder looks over at Minamoto. "He was careful enough with his wording that it's not like he was suggesting treason or rebellion. So, despite not liking the fellow, I am not going to have him arrested unduly." Minamoto grudgingly nods in affirmation.

Mingzhu looks at T'kharr then Balan. T'kharr looks to Balan. The dragonborn licks his lips staring at the Elder. “Almost lunch time is it not?”

"Well, there are some establishments around if you are hungry." He smiles at Balan.

Balan shrugs, “Since we know not too many of the places here what is your place of choice.” He laughs a bit heartily.

He considers, then makes a recommendation. "There's a place by the docks, "Feisty Pincher", they do make a lovely crab and rice dish."

Mingzhu says, “Thank you, Elder.”

The Elder nods, "Of course, was there anything else?"

Balan nods and lets the conversation flow to anyone else. Mingzhu looks around. "Thank you for your time, Elder we will be on our way to fixing the Gaki problem."

The Elder nods, "If you do venture north, do be careful. It can be quite dangerous out there." She nods and gets up. She bows to him and gets her shoes. The party heads out.

Zsikhou looks over once they're out, a huff, "Well, doubt he's being fully forthright with us. But we don't have proof. sssk..."

Balan affirms his suspicions, “Aye.”

“We warned him, and we know now for sure that Ceroba is a who and not a what. Do you know who else might have some information on Ceroba and is close to the mayor?" Mingzhu says.

Silgara looks over. "Probably Kanako.” She looks up. "Time in the day is passing and I doubt we can pick up her trail now, ... what do you suggest our next step is?"

Mingzhu smiles, “We could send Fwangzhu with flowers and saltwater taffy."

Fwangzhu snarls "Oh for... fucking really?"

Mingzhu laughs, "You said it not me." He just snorts. Mingzhu continues, “Any alternative plans?”

Silgara sighs, "I guess we can try patience. How long will you need before you can cast your divination again?"

"I will get my spells at dawn when I meditate with the spirits, Silgara." Mingzhu replies.

Fwangzhu snorts, "That or we can try to find where Kanako went. I've done tracking before."

"We could try that too." Mingzhu agrees.

Silgara smirks, "I hope you're not becoming a stalker after you just met her."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Fuck off witch!"

Zsikhou looks over. "Either way, we need to decide what to do."

T’kharr thinks about it while they walk and says, "I think we wait a bit, bide our time here, don't want to come off as hostile to Kanako after all."

Mingzhu nods, “T’kharr has a good point.”

Silgara nods aside, "Well, we did get inn rooms. So, let’s go ahead and stop for the night, then?"

Mingzhu considers, "After meditation I'll go pearl diving for a few hours to replace some of our funding." She heads back to the inn for some dinner and a rest. Balan stays in the common room for a while cutting his pearl. Zsikhou does some night stalking but does come back to rest and snuggle later.

[Winterhawk99]

Dawn arrives. It’s a cool fall morning. No clouds paint the sky. Silgara and Minamoto are chatting at one of the tables by the bar.

"You never did say why you came to these lands," Minamoto says.

"I haven't. But I assume you want to know.” Silgara replies, "It's a custom among my people to go on sojourns to learn and experience more of the world. Our homes are often isolated and while we store much knowledge, it's more impactful to see and feel it firsthand than to read or hear about it."

"So, you're just wandering around and adventuring? Without service to a lord or greater purpose?" Minamoto asks.

"Familiarizing myself with the world is my purpose and doing what aid I can on the way. Knowing more of the world we live in is needed if acts are to be conducted with proper care and wisdom." Silgara replies.

Mingzhu meditates at dawn then practices her Kungfu. Afterward she spends 3 hours of the morning looking for pearls. She finds two decent sized ones and one that is Okay-Ish. She sells the two good ones to the local pearl merchant for 100 a piece and gives the other one to Balan. She thinks about calling a spirit but decides to wait so that the others have some input on her questions. She then goes to the bar at the inn and sits down beside Silgara.

Silgara looks over. "Good morning. Did you have a good pearling session?"

“We made 200 so yes, I gave one to Balan too. We have 3275 in gold coin, and I gave T'kharr 2000. I do not know how much she has left of that.” Mingzhu replies.

While they banter, Kanako finds her way to the inn. T'kharr greets Kanako at the inn with a nod. Kanako waves to T'kharr. "Hey there." Waves her over. "You got a room here, right? Think we should go talk... erm..." Waves her over, Fwangzhu heads up to the room, Kanako follows him.

"Ah, sure, what is it?" T’kharr joins Kanako and Fwangzhu.

Kanako sighs, going to sit down on one of the beds. "So, remember how I mentioned the Gaki were more organized? I did some digging, turns out it's worse than I thought."

T'kharr seats herself on the floor in a cross-legged pose. "Go on."

"Okay, so... the Tsuno apparently have a new 'Queen', she's a foreigner demon of some kind. Not only that, but she also brought some demon cultists with her. They've joined forces together." Kanako says, looking around to see who's listening.

T'kharr nods along. "That sounds like a problem, aye."

"Now from what I can tell, they haven't fully mustered and organized themselves, yet, but I figure it's only a matter of time." Kanako considers, carefully, then a sigh "Odds are when they're ready, they'll end up trying to conquer the village. They're not done with their preparations yet, but I'm not sure how much time we have." She shakes her head "The /other/ problem is that... well, getting there is going to be difficult. There's a small hill and mountain range on the northern side of the isle. Nestled in a defensive position along the mountain range is the Tsunos’ fortress. Really tough to get to, and really tough to dig out."

"Aye, noted that they have a defensible position." T’kharr says.

Kanako sighs, "So... I'll admit, I know it's a lot of problems. I'm... not really sure what answers I've got, though." She nervously scratches the back of her right ear.

"That's alright, I'm sure we'll be able to come up with something." T’kharr assures her.

She breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank you." She smiles at T'kharr.

Downstairs Balan works with the pearl Mingzhu gave him. He makes a really nice work of art with it. Truly lovely. He thinks it might sell for a lot. Mingzhu is at the bar waiting for any information that comes back.

T’kharr changes the subject. "As an aside, are you familiar with the name...Ceroba?"

"Uh..." Kanako looks over. "Maybe I've met someone with that name?" She seems to pause, thinking about it. "In what context?"

"The defense of the village." T'kharr states plainly and simply.

"A... ah, well... uh..." She looks around to see who's in the room currently, then she smirks at T'kharr. "Well, if we do have some defenses, it might be better to keep them as surprises, don't you think?" She gives a playful smile.

"Well, some...surprises have...unpleasant long-term consequences, no?" T’kharr suggests.

Kanako looks over, and sighs, shaking her head "Look... this.... "

Fwangzhu looks to her. "Look, you want us to help your village. It would help if someone would start being fucking straight with us for once."

Kanako sighs, seemingly she's cornered, then lets out a breath "Look, Ceroba is... well, she is a sort of guardian spirit that looks after the village. But she's also... well, she's dangerous and dealing with her requires a lot of etiquette and care. She's also the reason that the Tsuno and other monsters haven't overrun the village for as long as we've been here." Kanako says.

T'kharr nods along with the description. "Understood."

"She's very easily insulted and well, then things get ugly quickly if that happens." Kanako runs a hand through her hair. There is more to it than that, but well..." Kanako looks aside. "I'd rather be careful since... well, some of the Daimyo's men found out and got real pushy about it, and it didn't end well with them. And I had to be sure you were on the level too since you're traveling with one of them. And I have to admit that Kami puts me on edge too."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Understandable reactions to both of them. At least the Kami's not crooked, though."

"Aye, the Kami is by no means the easiest to travel alongside, but that's good to know, thank you. Would you happen to know if Ceroba was involved at all with the disappearance of the captain?" T’kharr asks.

She sighs, nodding, frowning, "Yeah... sometimes interesting men come along and she just... well... wants to play with them. Just something she does." She pauses, considering "I did speak with her about it. That's who I went to see last night, when you left my home."

T’kharr considers the information then asks, "Noted. Does she release them when she's done with her...frolics, or?"

"Erm... " Kanako stutters some, "Depends on how they behave. Like uh... I don't think any of the corsairs she took are leaving alive after she's had her fun with them. She should release captain Fareed alive, though."

"Ah. How long would you expect her to be with him for?" the gnoll asks.

Kanako considers. "Really it's up to her unless someone makes a bargain for him... I mean I figure she might be more inclined to let him go if that foreign demon 'queen' is dealt with. I can tell Ceroba wants them gone, at least. And doesn't like those Corsairs who have been raiding the island."

"Noted. is there anything else you wish to add?"

"I mean... probably, I know her pretty well. But I usually try not to speak about her too openly to those who aren't locals. I hope you understand." A smile from Kanako.

T’kharr bobs her head, “Aye, thank you for your time."

"Well..." Kanako looks over to T'kharr. "What do you and your party plan on doing now?"

"Probably finding a way to crack that demon lair." T’kharr replies.

She frowns, "It's not going to be easy. It'd be a long trek through the forest, fighting past the Gaki. Then through the mountains, through Tsuno and whatever else is down there. Then assaulting that fortress is a tough job too." She rubs the side of her head "Maybe there's a better way, I don't know yet."

"Indeed, it will not be." T’kharr says.

A breath out from Kanako. "Anyways, I guess that secret's out. Well, I'll help how I can, of course."

"Thank you, I will not take up any more of your time though." T’kharr rises and bows, motioning for Fwangzhu to depart as well. "Burdens be eased." Fwangzhu looks at Kanako, then leaves with T'kharr. Kanako comes down as well.

Mingzhu, Silgara, and Minamoto are still at the bar. Mingzhu just listens to their banter. T'kharr, Fwangzhu, and Kanako come down from upstairs. T’kharr nods to the rest of the group. They know she has important information. They all gather round her.

[Winterhawk99]

Zsikhou doesn't seem to be present? Either way Minamoto and Silgara look over to T'Kharr, Kanako, and Fwangzhu as they come by. T'kharr looks to Minamoto and Silgara. “So...I did find some good news. The spirit we were so worried about is thankfully, not a youkai, from what I've been told. They're more akin to our short, scaly traveling companion, albeit more playful. I also did get word of the Captain's likely whereabouts. Zsikhou steps out of hiding, raising an eye ridge, clearly wanting snuggles clearly skeptical.

"So, it’s a Kami?" Mingzhu asks.

Kanako shakes her head, "No, not like the one with you."

Zsikhou seethes and growls at Kanako, "Spit it out then." Kanako takes a step back, kind of flustered, then looks to T'kharr.

"Ah. I misunderstood then. Whatever it is, it's not the sort of thing we should be concerned about." T’kharr corrects herself.

Mingzhu looks over at Zsikhou. “Gently Zsikhou.”

Kanako rubs her face. "Look uh, I can say this: She's dangerous, and very particular about etiquette. But if you know how to handle interactions with them, it can be done."

Mingzhu looks a bit perplexed at all the different descriptions and asks, “Is it a spirit or a Kami?”

T’kharr says, “Spirit, sorry.”

Mingzhu then asks, “What does this spirit look like and what kind of spirit is it?"

Kanako looks over, "Uh.... well, she is capable of changing her appearance at will, so that one's hard to answer."

Mingzhu keeps asking questions to determine if she can deal with the spirit. “Is she a lesser spirit or something more?”

"Uh...." Kanako rubs her head. "Hard to say exactly, really... no one knows for sure, and she likes ensuring it that way. What I can say is she is capricious, powerful, follows agreements and bargains to the letter. Have you ah... dealt with any like that before?" Zsikhou just narrows his eyes at Kanako.

Silgara considers the description. "That sounds somewhat similar to depictions of the fey I've heard."

Mingzhu sighs, "I cannot compel a greater spirit, especially one where I do not know the nature. At least not yet. I still have some learning to do before I can do something that grand."

"Don't try that! Please, don't try that. She /will/ take immense offense at that." Kanako pleads to Mingzhu.

Mingzhu stares at her. “Kanako, I will not try something so beyond my abilities as of yet. It's too dangerous for me."

Kanako rubs her face. "This is why I don't like telling people about her. Because they end up trying something dumb, she gets offended, and then it's a mess to clean up after."

"The one thing I can do is find her. Spirits cannot hide from my eyes. There is always something in the spirit world that tells them apart even if taking flesh." Mingzhu intones.

Kanako looks over. "She'd probably notice you doing that. Just saying. She might take offense at that, again."

Mingzhu keeps staring at her. “What do you mean, again?”

"W...well you did suggest trying to compel her! Which she'd be very, very angry if you tried that." Kanako pouts. Mingzhu switches her sight into the ethereal plane immediately. She sees nothing unusual.

She then turns her attention back to Kanako, “I just looked. The spirit isnt here. She could not take offense...…... unless you are harboring her."

Kanako looks over. "Well of course she's not /here/!" She huffs "Look, I know how to find her, but what you're saying is really making me nervous about trying to introduce you if you wanted me to do that." She huffs, then looks over at T'kharr. "Maybe you'd better talk about the other stuff I told you."
Zsikhou looks over, narrowing his eyes at Kanako, then looks up to Mingzhu, then back to Kanako.

"Well, the Tsuno to the north apparently have some sort of ‘Queen’ now, a Youkai with some cultists following her, and are holed up quite deeply in a fortress in the mountain range to the north." T’kharr explains.

Mingzhu thinks about it and says, "I am unsure our small group could take and army of Tsuno head on. Any suggestions?"

Kanako looks over. "It's also a lot of forest to slog through to even reach the hills and then the fortress."

Mingzhu thinks and comments, "Can we sail around get at them from behind? They would not expect that."

Kanako looks over, then considers. "You'd probably need to slog through the mountains on the northern side of the isle then. Admittedly, it's not like I've ever been to that fortress either, I just know it exists because well, I was told about it."

Silgara raises an eyebrow, "Do the Tsuno have Captain Fareed?"

"A good question." Mingzhu intones, “If they do, he's probably not very warm at this moment. or breathing."

"No, they do not, in all likelihood." T’kharr says like she knows something.

Mingzhu asks, “Do we have any leads as to where the good captain might be?"

T’kharr sighs and looks at the shamaness. "Aye, with said spirit it seems. It's not known when he'll be let free, but it seems like it will happen in due time."

Kanako rubs her neck. "Y… yeah, it's something she does sometimes. She might get interested in any males in our company." Zsikhou narrows his eyes.

Kanako looks over at Zsikhou. "Uh... probably not you, if you are a he. Uh... I can't tell, with Kami, sorry."

Zsikhou sounds rather annoyed. "This one is male."

Kanako looks over. "I doubt you're her type anyways..."

Mingzhu shakes her head and sighs, “So, the spirit has the captain...…. sighs and looks around not knowing what to do. then asks, "Is this against his will?"

Zsikhou looks over. "Almost definitely." Kanako stutters a bit, but doesn't respond.

Silgara rubs her face. "Right, where does that leave us, then?"

Mingzhu sighs, "I...…well.........I don't know. I am a spirit folk myself, the daughter of a union from a spirit and a human. It happens quiet frequently. In this situation.... I am unsure."

"I'm honestly not sure. We could try moving into the woods and camping there, sending scouts out, but we'd need to be very careful to avoid getting our own camp overrun." T’kharr observes.

Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "Perhaps meeting this 'spirit' would be prudent." Though his skepticism is clearly notable in his voice and stance.

T’kharr rubs her muzzle and shakes her head. “I wasn't planning on such a meeting, no."

Silgara looks over "Well, what are our alternatives, then?"

"The spirit would be the easiest to deal with in the short run especially with Balan sequestering himself for some spiritual practice." Mingzhu states quite sure of herself.

Kanako rubs her neck. "Well I could see Ceroba getting interested in him..."

"Then better he not be there. If I had known this Cerabo was a spirit I would have asked my own spirits for Invisibility to spirits as a safe guard but would have to wait until tomorrow for that.” Mingzhu says.

Kanako shakes her head "Don't bother, I doubt it would work on her. Plus, odds are unless you are explicitly going to meet her, you're not going to find her."

Mingzhu narrows her eyes. “It will work...… that is if she is really a spirit, Kanako..........There is something you are not telling us. What is it?" Zsikhou narrows his eyes at Kanako, flexing his claws.

Kanako stutters, a huff, looking to Mingzhu. "And I also know she's quite capable of toasting Tsuno, this isn't a weak spirit you're dealing with here."

Mingzhu is quite agitated by this time. She stares at Kanako. “I simply asked a question Kanako. With every answer you give us or non-answer makes it more and more seem you are hiding something. What is it, girl. You know very well I can call my own spirits to fret it out."

Kanako rubs her face, seeming to get frustrated. "I've been /telling/ you lot things that I rarely tell visitors to this isle! … I don't even know what you want from me."

Mingzhu looks over at T'kharr. "Ok let’s start with a simple question. Are you harboring the spirit within yourself. Have you lent her your body? This is a yes or no question, Kanako. not something that needs explanation.”

"No, I'm not." Kanako looks over to Mingzhu, annoyed.

The shamaness looks back over at T’kharr. “What do you wish me to do. I can call one of my spirits and find her if you wish."

"Unless you think the spirit is of some...inherently vile type, I see no reason to press the matter further." T’kharr insists.

Kanako rubs her face. "If you want to find her I can /show/ you to her. But I'm honestly kind of reluctant to right now."

Mingzhu is concentrating still on T’kharr. “Even though the captain may be under some duress?”

"I get that!" Kanako huffs, "Though if you end up angering her it's not going to make anything easy."

"I have dealt with many spirits before Kanako. I would not look to anger her. Also, if she is a greater spirit, I have no control over her." Mingzhu says quite forcefully.

T’kharr frowns and says, “"I doubt the captain is in the kind of situation that would require immediate intervention, at least."

Kanako lets out a frustrated huff. "Do you want me to show you to her then?"

T’kharr says, "I don't see the need, personally." Kanako nods aside.

In a measured tone, Mingzhu says, “If we do clear this situation up, it is possible that we could get Cerabo to become an ally for us against the Tsuno in fact the captain too."

"She already protects the village from the Tsuno. And the corsairs." Kanako huffs, "Well, I think I'm going to take a walk to clear my head. Unless you need anything else?"

T’kharr thinks about the situation and says, “Hm, I don't believe I need anything else unless you have more questions for her?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. "Go in peace, Kanako."

"Well, good luck with whatever it is you're doing." Kanako breathes a heavy sigh out, then moves over to Fwangzhu. "I'll see you later, big fella." She gives a coy smile to him. Fwangzhu looks a bit flustered, before she heads off

Zsikhou shakes his head. "Should this one tail her?"

T’kharr looks at him while rubbing her muzzle. “I doubt it.”

Silgara looks at Mingzhu. "You know the local supernatural beings better than any of us, do you know of any that fit the description Kanako gave us?"

"Description of the spirit? She did not give me much. other than the spirit is female and protects the town...… perhaps a greater guardian spirit but I am unsure. If she can take the form of flesh and can shapechange the only way I can tell who she is, is if I just happen to use my spirit sight and see her."

Silgara sighs, "Which doesn't help us unless Ceroba is right in front of us..." She shakes her head "Well, what do we do now, then? If her information is accurate, a whole fortress with Tsuno and a Demon Queen is likely well beyond our capability to handle."

Zsikhou flexes his claws. "Assuming Kanako isn't trying to mislead us again. Likely she was holding things back again."

Mingzhu suddenly looks grim. "I'm sure she's holding back and took a strong disliking to me personally when I started asking questions. The second observation is she knew I was a shamaness so why go to T'kharr instead of me? It seems that Cerabo doesn't want to interact with me at all or is afraid I may do something."

Silgara nods aside. "We're still going to need to come up with a plan of action going forward."

Zsikhou looks to T'kharr. "Was there anything else she mentioned to you in private that was not said here?"

T’kharr listens to it all. “Hm. I did receive a reassurance that the spirit would release the captain alive. Although, it is dependent on his behavior.”

Fwangzhu snorts, "She got real offended when you mentioned trying to bind her. Like I could tell she was just holding back rage there." Fwangzhu shrugs.

Mingzhu huffs, "I did not say I would try to bind the spirit. In fact, I said there is probably no way I can compel her based on what I was told. The spirit is too powerful for me to do that."

Fwangzhu snorts at that. Silgara looks over. “Well, we still need to decide what we're going to do next. If the Tsuno are too large of a problem for us to handle alone, we can head to another island if we need to. That or... try something here."

"How much word of their captain's whereabouts should we bring back? Do you think it'd suffice to say he is at least alive and safe in all likelihood, or...?" T’kharr asks.

"I expect that they're not going to be satisfied with just that." Silgara says.

Mingzhu taps her fingers looking up thinking then says, “I would say that we know that he is relatively safe but otherwise detained."

"Again, I expect they aren't going to be satisfied with that." Silgara rubs her eyes. "What else can we do, though? Unless you need more time to go call spirits for answers again."

“I can call the spirits if you like.” Mingzhu states.

Zsikhou looks over. "You should be able to do it again, correct? And ah... well, if Kanako is hiding things, it might be a way to find out more."

Silgara looks over to T'kharr and Mingzhu. "Your calls on this."

"I think that calling the spirits might be useful at least." T’kharr agrees.

"I can call a sea spirit or a community spirit. In this case the community spirits will have more information. unless Cerabo is a Sea spirit herself. I can find Cerabo this way if you wish." Mingzhu nods.

Silgara shrugs, "If we don't want to take Kanako up on her offer, that's fair."

"We can try to get more information on the status of the captain. That might be better than seeking out Cerabo directly." T’kharr surmises.

Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, “What are your questions then?"

"Is the captain in any peril? Would be my starting point.” T’kharr insists.

Silgara looks aside. "We get three questions total. What else should we ask?"

"Sometimes the question is bent upon the answer of the first. If the spirit says yes, I will most likely ask the spirit to take me to Cerabo. If the answer is no, then another question." Mingzhu says going over how this is done.

“I suppose we could also ask what sort of spirit Cerabo is?” T’kharr suggests.

"I thought we could only ask questions? Oh, right, they can point a direction." Silgara considers.

Zsikhou huffs, "We know Kanako isn't human, at least. Might be worth a question to find out more about her."

"What is Kanako's race?" Mingzhu nods.

Fwangzhu snorts, "Maybe I could if you lot let me spend some time with her."

Minamoto looks over. "You probably just want to be her plaything."

T’kharr shakes her head. “I thought we already asked that?" to Mingzhu.

Silgara shakes her head. "She asked if Kanako is human, they said no. They didn't say what she really is."

Mingzhu clarifies, “"I asked if she was human. The spirit said no. Sometimes when you deal with spirits you have to take the roundabout way to get the fullest answer. So these are the three questions?"

T’kharr says, “Ah. Fair."

Silgara shrugs, "Sounds like it's a plan, at least. Did you prepare more than one casting?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. “I save my other spells for the group in case we need them."

Silgara nods, "Fair, though if we find ourselves overly stalled here it may be worth preparing more of those..."

Zsikhou stands up. "Shall we get going then?" Mingzhu nods finishes her drink and heads to the grave yard. From time to time, she uses her spirit sight along the way to look for any spirits.