I crawl from my grave casting black magic to bring this thread back to life!
[X] International Diplomacy; the South: Camels. Faithful companions to the clan and the main reason we were able to travel and interact with the rest of the continent, it brings me close to tears to think about alongside thousands of our clansmen we also lost most of the camels in the siege including Samira and Varsuka. Now we have only a hundred and unless we find a local supply of them to mate with they will go extinct. Miyoharu understands this cannot be allowed to happen under any cost, the locals have been shown our camels and confirmed that to the South in a land called Araby that is home to this world's version of camels. I will send her there to make deals to stimulate the clan's economy and save our companions.
Establish diplomatic ties with the Kingdoms of Araby. Open up more diplomatic options to the South. Open up world events section in this region, trade deals open.
Cost: 200 Gold.
Chance of Success: 90/70/50%
International Diplomacy; the South: 72 + 21= 93
MIYOHARU POV
"Miyo I'm ready!" I turn from brushing the mane of my noble camel Ghaydaa and see Kani approaching with her own companion Kala. My best friend turned clan leader has a wide smile on her face that shines anticipation at our journey, a mirror of the one on my face as we haven't had some us time in forever. If only Prema wasn't busy collecting materials for her poisons we could've included her too and made this a girls' week out but alas.
I store the brush to greet her as we move towards the direction of an exit to the compound. "Let's get going, the sooner we leave the sooner we can start our three weeks of fun, travel and relaxation."
The crimson haired Rayiys mockingly rolls her amber eyes. "And the camels Miyo don't forget the camels."
Gasping in fake shock I begin petting Ghaydaa's head. "How dare you, my lady?! Of course I would never forget about our precious amazing friends." I keep up the act for a second before I start to giggle alongside Kani, with even the camels snorting in amusement alongside us.
Kannika had just finished designing, constructing and leading the creation of the clan compound and roads, which meant Ahim pushed, or more accurately made puppy dog eyes, for his big sister to go on a vacation and not work so much.
Raizou was also there to be the voice of reason alongside Ahim, pointing out that Kannika was working hours that anyone sane would consider far from healthy for the sake of proving herself dedicated to her office. Rest was not a luxury she could do without but a necessity, preferably one she satisfies someplace where she would not be tempted to assign herself more work.
Thankfully I was present during that meeting to provide the perfect solution: Kannika could accompany me on my trip to Araby. It would function as a "working vacation" neatly solving the paradox of her needing to rest while soothing her developing obsession with working.
The same nervousness that manifested within me that day when Kannika agreed to accompany me made itself felt.
Raizou and Ahim will be left without Jounin level back up in case something happens. The two men are powerful shinobi whose skills and competence are beyond reproach but with more than half the clan's strength being deployed far and wide we are vulnerable.
Just like we were when the bandits cut us off from our allies and laid siege against us before we came to this world.
"What's on your mind Miyo?"
Brought out of my ruminations by Kani I shake my head. "Just that we're going off on an adventure and the boys will be left holding down the fort without any back up."
She looks contemplative for a second and then closes her eyes before nodding. "It'll be fine. Now's the best time to do it when there's really no powers that can threaten us, and the ones that theoretically could are either neutral towards us or being dealt with." She was of course speaking of the dwarfs with whom we traded with and the ghouls whom Akeem was dispatched to wage war against in the name of lucre.
A vicious grin cuts its way across her face as she opens her eyes again. "Besides, Ahim is the strongest little brother in the world, and Raizou is the smartest amongst us. I am absolutely certain anyone stupid enough to bother the clan while under their care will be taught a new definition of agony."
That wicked idea brings me some comfort and I think no more of the matter as we reach the gate.
Before our departure we read out our checklists to make sure we had all the provisions needed for our road trip. Once that was complete we performed another very important preparation; a fashion check to make sure we were dressed
fabulously.
Kannika and I are wearing emerald robes and kufiyahs made of cotton with intricate patterns sewn into them that depict suns, winds and other complex geometric patterns, boots with high heels to place in stirrups tanned from the finest leather that were shined and polished so perfectly they reflected the sun, and to complete our travel ensemble parasols with wooden shafts and covers made of oiled papyrus emblazoned with the clan's symbol.
I had chosen to keep my golden sand in a long cascading braid that I wrapped around my neck similar to a scarf, Kannika kept her crimson tresses in a long ponytail so her vision would not be obscured while riding.
Picking fashion over function or vice versa was so gauche, a proper kunoichi could manage both. It was with those thoughts that me and my best friend saddled up.
Both of the camels we chose to ride for this trip are like all of their kin under our stewardship hale, well cared for and well fed. All out of love for how the faithful beasts had been recorded for centuries being close companions of our people.
The strength they possessed was such that the almost hundreds of pounds worth of packed provisions, clothing, and trade offerings they would have to carry alongside us as their riders were not even noticed as their frames as solid as the toughest stone did not even flex a muscle at the extra weight.
"Hey Miyo?" The beloved tyrant of the clan calls my attention.
I turn to her with my eyebrow raised. "Yes Kani?"
"Bet you can't beat me to the port." A smug looking smirk that made me want to kick her off Kala on her face as she challenges me.
I roll my eyes and scoff at her. "Kani do I look like the kind of immature, childish woman that would indulge in such a ridiculous thing as camel ra-" I interrupt myself by using doton to summon a loose cloud of dirt aimed directly at her face to keep her distracted as Ghaydaa set off with the force of a an exploding thunder bolt as I got a strong head start literally leaving her eating dust. "I'll be waiting for you at the port Kani try to hurry up~"
"You traitorous bitch! If you think you can pull a fast one on me you got another thing coming!" With her face as red as her hair Kannika screams in indignation at getting pranked. I laughed the entire ride.
Our impromptu race to Myrmidens crosses the entire length of the border princes in a few hours as our chakra infused mounts gallop hundreds of kilometers per hour at a steady pace. It was much more intense than I expected it to be too, since apart from that brilliant head start of mine, the rest of the race is a neck and neck affair as Kani and Kala's rage push them to catch up to me and take the win.
I'm still winning.
Sure many would consider me extending the golden sheets of my hair forward to have more reach to be cheating, but that's just sore loser talk. Winners win, not complain about sand in their eyes or technicalities.
"Damn you Miyo, how can you live with yourself for violating the sanctity of a camel race like that." I snort. Even now hours after getting to the town and finally crossing the plank to board the last available ship she complains.
"But Kani, my dearest friend, we're shinobi are we not? Things like honor and sanctity are to be discarded the moment they would impede victory, yes?" I smile at her pout, she knows I'm right. Another win for me- oh shit!
I fail to notice a small ring of Kani's iron sand wrap itself around my ankles until it is too late. They lift me up and throw me into the water beneath the plank.
Before the warm waters of the gulf consumes me and blocks out all sound I hear my vicious little monster of a friend laugh with glee as I scream. "Oh no my makeup!"
I take myself out of the water by swimming to the surface and then using chakra to attach my feet to the hull of the ship so I can walk up the side.
I hear the arguing before I see Kannika, the sailors and the captain. The latter two yell at her for throwing me overboard citing the monsters and beasts in the water, Kannika waves them off by telling them I can walk on water.
Before they can scream at her for saying something so 'ridiculous' I vault over the ship's railing landing on the deck in front of them. The captain and his sailors have their mouths open in pure shock at seeing me there.
The captain is the first to recover as he storms over demanding to know how the hell I reached the deck. a crusty old man with a face so wrinkled and dried out from being outdoors so much he held more resemblance to a sun baked rock hit with a hammer than a man.
I want to ignore him and go start drying my robes but it's his ship. "I walked up good sir, now if you'll excuse me I have to go dry myself, I look like a wet rat in a blanket."
Face glowing as red hot as an iron pulled from a furnace he begins ranting. "You walked up the side of my ship?! Are you and your short friend over there witches?! I'll not carry no fucking witches on my ship! Bad enough I have to carry women at all!" His vulgar misogynistic rant has the rest of the female passengers and crew stare at him with an open disdain, while the men all look to the side in second hand embarrassment at this troglodyte.
His words infuriate me.
From the corner of my eye I can see Kannika balling her hands into tight clenched fists, ready to deliver righteous punishment. I send her subtle hand signals that she catches. 'Let me handle It.' I tell her, a devious idea in mind.
"I understand sir, how about I pay an extra fee for all the women aboard the ship?" That gets his attention. He stops his rant as he looks at me with undisguised greed in his eyes.
"Well yes that would be only fair after all, bringing women out to sea is bad luck ya know? It makes the job more dangerous." I humor him with a small smile and a nod.
I walk over to Ghaydaa and extract a bag full of gems that we planned to and will still sell in araby. "Oh I understand, which is why I'm offering you this."
His eyes shine even more as the bag contains more value than anything he's ever made in his entire life.
Bait thrown.
"But you know I don't think I want to do that." He looks like I killed his puppy as I pull the bag away to place it back. Only for his mouth to drop as I grab an even bigger bag. "How about I give you this bag?" And I heft and jingle it so he can hear just how full it is. "In exchange for buying the ship and hiring your crew."
He nods like a madman as he rushes over to me shaking my hand with a vigor I thought beyond a man his age. "Of course! Lady Witch you can have the ship, have the crew do whatever you want to it and them,I don't give a shit!"
Fish bites bait.
One more push. "Do you swear this is a legitimate transaction before your name and all your gods?"
"I swear as Captain Henriet Bert on the names of Mannaan and the Lady that I agree to this." He doesn't even think twice before or after saying those words.
Fish reeled in.
I grip his hand tight as my friendly facial expression takes on a predatory underline. "Then get the hell of my ship you sexist prick!" Dragging the old man to the side of the ship I drop the bag first into the shallow depths of the gulf which has him scream in despair at losing his retirement. "Don't worry you won't lose it." Then like throwing out trash I dump him over the side too right next to the bag.
He hits the water with less of a splash than the bag. I worry for a moment I may have killed him but eventually he proves his experience by swimming up to the surface and making his way to the bag laughing maniacally.
The laughing dies when he opens the bag and sees nothing but rocks inside it. "You witch whore where's my fucking gems you cunt!"
Taking a moment to enjoy his anger, I speak slowly to savor every word I speak. "I offered you that bag in exchange for the ship. Not my fault you didn't check what was inside it."
He sputters. "But the one with the gems!"
I cut him off. "That bag was for a deal involving an extra travel fee for all the women onboard which you rejected in favor of selling me your ship." I wiggle my fingers at him. "No trade backs, all deals are final on this ship sorry not sorry."
He grows desperate as he calls for his second in command. "Thecia! Help your real captain please! A second mate can't leave their old captain to die off his ship. It's not right, think of all I've done for you!"
Thecia is a Bretonnian woman hardened by a life at sea. The roughly printed tattoos, scars dotting her arms and face paint a storied and very painful career. Right now she has the grin of a shark on her face as she yells back to the disposed ex-captain. "FUCK YOU SALTY SEA RAT! I don't have to take anymore orders from a gutless fool like you!"
The ex-captain screams every derogatory thing he could think of towards us women as we walk away from the railing, leaving him with his worthless rocks.
The crew and passengers are cheering the removal of Captain Asshole who would have no doubt made the voyage an unpleasant affair for everyone.
Kani looks very pleased with how I handled things. "Buying a ship with the decoy bag? Quite the crafty fox aren't you Miyo."
I preen at the compliment. "I am the people person in the clan for a reason my dear friend."
"Uh… My ladies? Damsels? M-Mistresses?" Thecia nervously calls our attention.
Nodding my head in acknowledgement of her I talk to her. "Ladies, is fine… Lieutenant? Vice captain? Sorry Thecia, what is your rank?"
Sweat beads on the woman's forehead as she stutteringly speaks. "Lieutenant my lady, and please pardon me if I offend you. I mean none when I ask this I swear! But what's going to happen to me and the crew now that you own the ship?" Ah so that's what it is, the poor woman and the rest of the crew are now worried over their livelihood.
I tap my finger on my chin and decide that yes I do actually want to keep the ship and crew. "Okay first order of business. You're captain now as the most senior ranking officer and I will pay you all a nice fat starting off bonus." I grab a bag full of real gold coins, minted in the compound with our symbol upon them, then grab a few of the gems I baited the ex-captain with to put inside the bag too and toss them towards her which she gingerly catches a smile on her face at the idea of a good pay day.
"Use that to give yourself and the crew a nice bonus while paying your salaries while you wait for us in port at the badlands until we return. Leave if it gets dangerous of course and if you do then return here so that one of my agents can find you at a later date so that we can discuss what I would like to do with the ship, your retainer fees and what kind of work you'll be doing under me. Sounds good?"
Thecia still with that smile on her face delivers a crisp salute as she accepts her promotion and the deal of working for us. "Yes Ma'am I'll pass on word to the crew and tell the bums to get working!"
Left alone, Kani and I found a comfortable spot for our camels to sit down and enjoy the sun before making our way downstairs towards our reserved quarters with our luggage. As we go she suggests the fantastic idea that we take our umbrellas, set up lounge chairs, and then enjoy the voyage by swimming in the gulf and sun bathing.
Soon after walking into the interior of the ship, the newly installed Captain Thecia's commands her crew to turn it starboard and start making way towards the badlands, intending to make port in a militarized harbor near the Arabyan road networks.
The old captain was still in the water, slowly making his way to the coast dragging his worthless bag of rocks behind him, so focused on his task he did not notice the crew and passengers of his former ship leaning over the railing to jeer him for his stupidity.
~~~~
The rest of the cruise after dealing with the captain was a much more pleasant affair. We spent the next three days of the trip swimming in the gulf alongside the sea monsters they warned us of, who were really just big softies after you helped remove the parasites that latched onto their bellies.
Then after soaking in the water we would lay on our towels on the deck to enjoy a few hours of sunbathing and doing nothing but just bullshitting.
Well today is a bit different, for while we are sunbathing on our towels we are doing it atop the head of an enormous sea creature that has a passing resemblance to a crocodile, barring it having flippers for limbs instead of legs.
The ship is not very far off despite the crew and passengers being terrified of the monster. Both because they dare not leave the two 'witches', as they understood us to be, behind and the tamed beast we are using as a recliner was providing protection from the other predators in the area.
The comfortable silence between us is broken by Kannika speaking up. "Hey Miyo, I got an idea."
I don't turn to answer her, feeling far too comfortable laying on my front, the warm heat of the sun to my back a delight. So I just let out a muffled grunt in acknowledgement of her words.
Acknowledged by me she continues. "I got to read a few of the engineering books we picked up earlier this year from the traders and one of them was revolutionary in its insights."
Hmm. The Lady Rayiys is quite the architect, this does definitely merit my full attention so I gently flip myself over so I lay on my side facing her. "Oh what did those pages inspire you with my friend?"
Excitement and anticipation starts to seep into her voice. "A fort Miyo. A beautiful fort like I've never seen before. Several rings of reinforced walls to provide defensive layers, formed in a geometric shape with massive bulwarks built at each point of it to provide maximum coverage for fire teams, with ditches dug in between the spaces of walls to act as traps for invaders. Best of all it is made for civilians to use to maximum effect."
I pause processing the information she just gave. Even a shinobi force would be hard-pressed to take that from a non-chakra cultivating force if they were well stocked with the gunpowder weapons that this world had. It's a terrifying thought for me but to Kani she sees it as an opportunity. I want to know what she plans. "So what do you intend to do with those designs then Kani?"
She sits up from her laid back position, as she turns to face me fully. I can see that look in her eyes, that same manic look that we all have when we enter our
zones. "Defense in depth. I want to build half a dozen of these things in between the compound and the villages in our sphere of influence. They will act as both a massive barrier to any invading force that breaks the perimeter as well as a rallying point and evacuation center for all civilian and shinobi forces in the area."
She leans forward now starting to form her iron sand into geometric shapes, and patterns as well as adding lines and arrows moving to and from them. "By creating several forts we not only provide maximum opportunity for escape by giving fleeing people options closest to their homes but we also create points that our own forces can use to flank the enemy and support each other with sallies and gunpowder artillery."
Now the sand has formed six pentagrams with arrows shooting in eight different directions from each that collide and fuse together forming a massive web with the shapes being central points in it. "All this means is that any foe that faces us will have to attack all six fortifications at once, dividing their forces into numbers that our own can destroy piecemeal, or focus on attacking less and risk being surrounded by the un-attacked ones."
A low whistle comes out of my mouth, what a pitch. I want to agree with it but I feel I have to be a wet blanket. "I like it Kani, but do we have the money, men or industry to build the forts, supply the gunpowder cannons you want to put in and actually man them?"
She rolls her eyes in mirth not looking the least bit offended at my question. "Oh come on Miyo I'm the numbers girl I know we don't. This is something I want to do a decade or two in the future, the crowning jewel of my administration so to speak, an ultimate shield that will keep the clan, our children and their children's children, defended long after I pass."
They say great leaders' plant the seeds of trees they will never get to enjoy the shade of, Kani is one of those leaders. It makes me so joyous to see that instead of cracking under the crown of leadership she's taken to the burden with the same energy she's taken everything.
But I've got to check her and remind her she's on break. "Kani I love your dedication to the clan, I really do, but we're relaxing not working. So no more Rayiys stuff at least until we're negotiating with the Arabyans okay?"
The crimson Rayiys deflates as she accedes to my request, looking not to dissimilar from a scolded child as she lays back down sighing, storing her iron sand in a pouch nearby. "You have to admit it's a good idea."
Bait to restart a dropped conversation if there ever was any. Sorry Kani, not falling for it. "Oh it absolutely is, but you need to
rest. Planning how to surround the clan in forts is working, don't you agree Mister Gator?"
With a mental command a pulse of jiton moves my hair to scratch the crown of the giant monster's head which has him growling so low and gently it almost sounds like purring. "See Kani even Mister Gator thinks you need to relax."
She lets out a tsk before shrugging and using Jiton to bring over a metal canteen we filled with chilled wine. "Eh you're right."
I give her a smile and wink. "I always am. Also please pass the wine I'm parched."
~~~~~
The next day we finally reached the harbor.
It is
extremely militarized with reinforced walls and barricades surrounding the entirety of it, guards wearing what I know to be Arabyan clothing and arms patrolling every inch of it while making sure to occasionally look towards the horizon for any incoming greenskin attacks.
Having a port here is a costly proposition both in manpower and money but it is a price the nearby Arabyan sultanates are willing to pay maintain their own independent supply lines in case their cousins in West Araby, that control the best and most active ports in the region, decide to cut them off or start charging exuberant tariffs. A death sentence for people so close to the infamous Badland Orc kingdoms.
What made these death trap ports scattered all along the Arabyan trail attractive was how cheap they were. No tariffs, no taxes, no fees. The idea was for people to land here for cheap, then on their way to the much wealthier western sultanates they would spend their foreign copper, silver and gold on inns, local food and entertainment in the much more impoverished eastern sultanates.
Unfortunately they would get nothing from me or Kannika because we would not be exporting anything from this place. Too dangerous for the camel breeding stock and the crews that tended to land here were usually of the rougher variety that might mistreat the animals. Prema on the other hand would adore such conditions, a thing to mention to her when we get back.
We spoke with Thecia again to go over our previously given instructions, then prepared Ghaydaa and Kala for the run westwards.
Launching ourselves with the force of a thunderbolt that had the harbor security scrambling to locate the cannon firing at them. I could see the shocked look on their faces when they realized that it was us and our camels that made that tremendous racket.
We continued our vigorous advance for half a day; crossing canyons, deserts, mountains, pits, towns and cities with a speed that left behind screaming and terrified, if uninjured, observers wondering what new horror the orcs had created that could move with such power and velocity.
The only times we slowed down was when we rode up to the peaks of hills and other vantage points to draw maps of the land, scouting out the territory for future movements through it.
We take a break at a conveniently placed watering station at the base of the mountain we planned to reach the top of to rest at. We get off the saddles, stretch our legs, then refresh ourselves alongside a few dozen other people who were at the same spot doing much the same as us, resting and recharging for the long road ahead.
The camels fold their legs under themselves to sit down, letting out grunts as they demand to be cared for. Which of course we did, even pulling out the brushes to groom them while they rested. We were not completely relaxed of course, Kani made sure to constantly send out pulses of Jiton chakra to detect if anyone wearing armor and carrying weapons was coming our way specifically instead of milling about or resting, while I charged my gold sand, ready to fire it at a moment's notice.
After we finish pampering our companions we settle down on a carpet we brought just for this sort of occasion and begin to dine on water, wine, salted meats and fine cheeses. We offered snacks of grain and seeds to the camels as we basked in the sun.
It is peaceful.
The break lasted for half an hour without anything of note happening until Kani called my attention with a whistled tune. One used by our shinobi scouts to advise when movement was detected. We tell the camels to sit up and prepare ourselves.
Anticipation and suspicion were the two main feelings we had when we heard a call come from the two unknown people beelining straight towards us.
"Hello ladies! May you allow the Asur to sit with you!" Who? I look at Kannika flummoxed, who are these 'Asur'?
We turn our heads in the direction of the stranger that calls out to us.
The two people approaching us were not human, they were elves or elgi as the dwarfs referred to them when not ranting and calling them knife eared bastards. It was ironically that curse which told us they were elves, as it is their sharp elongated ears that catch our eyes.
The two of them are also obviously male or male presenting, one much more obviously than the other as he is ridiculously muscular.
The larger one is the more martially inclined of the two as his robes are cut short to give his legs more mobility while covered up to his neck in near gleaming scale like armor that looked less like he wore it and more like it contained him as it seemed to struggle to constrain painstakingly cultivated muscles.
Casually laying across his shoulders is a beautifully made halberd: it possesses a silver like shaft with a head of the same material that reflects the sunlight and seems as a whole to glow ethereally in the light.
At his waist is a cone like helmet that goes unworn which lets his thick mane lay itself across his shoulders. It is as dark as the moonless night with long strokes of it flowing with the wind to gently caress the strong yet smooth marble features of his scarred face in which his bright stone gray eyes were set.
His companion is just as dashing if in a different manner.
He is less armored with only a small chest plate of the same scale like material as his friend being his only protection with the rest of his clothing consisting of a long elegant robe of purple tinted silk with designs depicting stars and the moon sewn vertically up and down the sides. The robe is wrapped tight around his body, the thin material now practically teasing us by inadvertently displaying the lean, elegant outline of his body as he moved with a gait so graceful it was a
pleasure to watch.
In his hand he holds a metal staff capped by a large diamond whose interior glows with prismatic lights, he wears not a helmet but a bone white circlet with a large emerald gem set in its center. The gem makes it seem as if he possesses three orbs instead of just two being the same color as his deep soulful eyes that were capped by lashes so long and delicate that blinking made them resemble butterflies flapping their wings.
His face is captivating; in contrast to his companion's more rugged looks his features are soft as if gently padded from still wet clay then left to dry in the lowest of heats, utterly unblemished as if not even the pox would dare harm something so perfect, all of it framed by vivid ruby tresses the same color as a gentle flame burning on a solitary night, while his friendly smile shined like a polished pearl.
Oh no.
I look to the side and see Kani leering at the thin one with the hunger of a wolf spotting a lone rabbit. He is exactly how she likes her men: cute, smart and easily dominated.
Even from here I can tell that the thin one is the sort of man that would end up having a strong feminine hand lead him around in life. Not because he was spineless or weak, even from here I could
feel the power radiating off of him, but because a woman was a foe he could not best in the battlefield of interpersonal relationships.
The flame haired elf seems to have realized that he is walking into the waiting maws of a scarlet wolf, but it is too late.
While his friend is busy introducing himself my crimson haired friend stood up and made her daring advance towards him. "I am Kegres of house Bel-Fonnul of the noble Kingdom of Eataine! And this is my closest friend and equal, the brilliant sage Yabol the Gifted of house Azol of the mystical kingdom of Saphery! And we are here to provide-"
"Yeah cool thank you, and what are you doing around these parts handsome?" With a rudeness that would've seen her scolded back home Kani ignored the now identified Kegres to begin her assault on the bewildered Yabol.
Kegres took no offense, having a big wide grin on his face as his sputtering red faced companion was lavished by my best friend's feminine attention.
Which means he was free to focus on me and I could focus on him, an idea I particularly liked. Kani had her type and I had mine; big, strong and with an ego to match. Those tended to be the most fun if they weren't charlatans telling tall tales and this fine hunk of a man looked like he was the real deal.
Which is why I gave him an earnest smile as he swaggered his way towards me with a big smile on his face. "It appears our companions are busy with each other lady…" He lets the question hang in the air, a prompt for me to answer which I'm more than happy to do so.
"Miyoharu and the fox devouring your friend over there is my cousin Kannika. Enchanted to meet you, Sir Kegres." I stand and offer him my hand for him to kiss it, a queer little tradition I've picked up from the people of this world. Still grinning, the elf performs a perfect bow that sees him gently take my hand to place a kiss upon it. Oh my, a real gentleman this one, I won't have to tame him too much it seems.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. I too am very happy to make your acquaintance." He stands and then turns to look at his friend who is being pulled by Kannika towards the carpet, well 'pulled' implies he was resisting but he was most certainly not.
With a dopey happy look on his face as my friend talked his ear off "So tell me more about these great adventures you've been on, especially those foreign lands since my family are merchants by trade so I got plenty of my own stories to share!" This is definitely borderline work talk but I'll let it slide.
"Our people are the greatest explorers and adventurers in all the world, it is not just for pleasure but duty that we travel all over the world seeking friends and business partners! I have been to Tilea, Estalia, Ind and Cathay! I can also tell you about the time me and Kegres had a bowl of curry with an Ind Deva!" Kani looks positively giddy at the prospect, both because he is an earnest story teller as he shares them with great passion and because his enthusiasm makes him utterly adorable.
I decree that talking about work stuff is okay if it lets you hook up with cute boys.
Waving my hand towards the carpet I invite Sir Kegres to sit with us. He takes my hand in his while we walk. His palm and fingers wrap around my own, his size engulfing them but he's also holding onto me so gently, as if giving me space to slip my hand out if I was uncomfortable.
My he's forward~I like that in a man!
At the carpet we sat down together across from my cousin and her latest prey. We resumed our lunch but this time with some very pleasant male companions.
After a few hours of a most exquisite conversation with the very charming elves it was time to get moving. We have official business to attend to after all. The elven men continuing to prove themselves gentlemen stand first and give us a hand in standing up, not necessary but it is the thought that counts.
We all move towards the camels but instead of getting on them Kaneka and I take two large water skins to the side of them along with some food rations and walk towards the watering station.
The elven men are confused at our actions, Yabol is the first to verbalize it. "Lady Kanika, Lady Miyoharu why are you restocking the watering hole, is it not provided by the local government?"
Understanding dawns on me, they are not people of the desert like my cousin and I. What would be common sense to a people adapted to scarcity would not be so obvious to others.
I speak up first to explain. "Not quite Sir Yabol watering holes such as these are mainly made and maintained by travelers such as ourselves, with whoever passes by taking some while they are here but in turn replacing what they took, but typically a bit more than that, so as to ensure it sustains itself. It is considered very offensive to not leave behind some if you can afford it."
The elven men blush scarlet and look awkwardly towards the floor. I chuckle, understanding why they have those shamed faces.
Kaneka grins at the opportunity for teasing, dropping off the supplies she stalks over to the mage elf looming over him despite only going up to his chin. "Oh Yabol you naughty boy you've been eating and drinking without paying it forward haven't you?"
Silent in his shame the fiery haired mage can only nod his head timidly. He's so precious about it, like a puppy being disciplined. With tenderness Kaneka pats his cheek, takes his hand and saddles him up Kala before getting in the front. "Not to worry I will explain traveler's etiquette in the desert today."
Sir Kegres is trying, and failing, to keep the scarlet blush from spreading across the whole of his head. I take pity upon him and invite him to accompany me on Ghaydaa where I offer my services in diplomatic instruction.
With our new companions we rode up the narrow rocky trails of a mountain at a placid pace, the only interruption to our ride being a massive stone blocking the way upwards to the peak.
Under normal circumstances the camels would simply coat their hooves with chakra to trot up the sides of the stone or either Kani or I could use Doton to move it aside but Sir Kegres, like any self respecting man of action would, decides to take initiative and resolve the situation himself.
He leaps off my camel, walks his way up to the stone with an imperious swagger in his step, acting as if the inanimate object was a peasant getting in the way of its lord. While next to it he stands with his fists on his hips and a look of arrogance upon his handsome features.
"Sir Stone, do you dare be an inconvenience to our party?" Kegres said standing beside the rock, staring at it contemplatively while stroking his strong chin with his gauntleted hand as if waiting for it to respond to him. It stays silent. "Very well then, you have made your choice now I must respond!"
Then with a smoothness and ease that gave away he had done this many,
many times he removed the top portion of his armor and clothing exposing the beautifully crafted musculature that perfectly fit and conformed to his massive but not misshapen body. Oh by the gods now he's flexing and posing. "As you can see I got biceps to spare for this task!"
It's impossible to stop myself from giving in and laughing out loud at him showing off like that, the boyish smirk on his face tells me this was the intended reaction. "When I was a lad I ate four dozen eggs every morning to get strong enough to do this." He crouches, smashes his fists deep in the stone to gain leverage, then with his face pulsing a deep scarlet he starts to actually
lift the rock with himself.
With a great screaming heave the elf lifts and throws the massive stone over the edge of the mountain, panting in exertion he screams to the sky. "No one lifts like Sir Kegres in the entire old world!" He turns preparing for a standing ovation but instead is looked at with amusement by Yabol and Kani who had seated themselves upon Kali with my cousin in front and her chosen companion behind her. "Uh Kegres, the ladies or I could have used magic to move it."
Not put off by his friend's logic, the dark haired elf simply shrugs. "Well I needed the exercise anyway." He turns to me. "You're wizards?" I made Ghaydaa tap the Elven Adonis' forehead with his nose.
"That is not necessarily correct my dear. I will gladly explain but first please dress yourself and then mount up, or don't and get on anyway I don't mind." The last part I emphasize by patting the saddle. He smirks. "Like what you see my lady?" I make sure to take a good long look at his carved granite physique with his broad powerful chest and strong arms. "Oh yes I do."
I turned towards him in acknowledgment of his questions. "To your first question I must say that was a splendid display of your physical abilities Sir Kegres quite an amazing feat." Like a peacock that knows he has attracted a mate with his colorful displays he preens in satisfaction at my words. "To your second question my cousin and I do not use magic, we use ninjutsu, which I will more than gladly explain the difference between them while we ride."
"While we ride huh?" He says with a lurid smile on his lips while wrapping his arms around my waist.
"The camel sir Kegres, while we ride the camel." I tell him as I lean back into his delectable chest enjoying how my body fits into the contours of his.
Kani, wanting to move on, rolls her eyes. "Hey are you two done flirting, we got a mountaintop to get to!" All said without the slightest bit of shame at her hypocrisy as she uses her Jiton to tightly clasp Yabol to herself.
"You're one to talk Kannika with how yo- ''And then Kali shot off like a bullet, the sound of her run almost covering Yabol's high pitched screams as he clung for dear life on Kani's back, despite the metal brackets already holding him in place.
The vixen was returning the favor for the first race. "Hold on tight Kegres I will not allow my cousin to humiliate me!"
The elf looks confused for a second. "Wait what? Oh boy!" The elf's question turns into an exclamation. I feel a bolt of excitement shoot down my spine as his strong sculpted arms wrap themselves around my midsection as Ghaydaa kicks off in pursuit of Kali, his screams the twins of poor Yabol's.
~~~~~
While both the elven nobles recovered from the terror and exhaustion of the impromptu race, Kani and I decided that the peak of the mountain was a suitable location to rest for the night and set up our sleeping arrangements.
Calling upon the gift of our bloodline, the birthright of our people Kani and I begin to unfurl and assemble our camp. Heavy metal poles are implanted firmly upon the ground that were then layered with thick cloth coverings that would act as barriers to the cold winds of the night.
The futons and blankets we spread out are made of some of the finest silk and cotton our clan had managed to carry during the escape, traveling in luxury indeed.
I turn to our very
fine male companions to ask them about their arrangements; "Oh boys~ We got our tents all set up and ready, plenty of room for two people in each, so no need to stay up setting up your own tents if you're too tired to do so."
A naughty smirk appears on Kreger's face while Yabol gapes like a fish before he begins blushing and stuttering. "Lady Miyoharu it would be very rude of us to do so we can set up our own-" faster than a lightning bolt Kreger grabs his friend by the shoulder and turns him around so their backs are to us while he leans in to whisper conspirationaly
.
Silly men trying to be sneaky, we can hear everything they say. "Oh my dear friend. So wise with magic, so clueless with women, they
want us to spend the night in their tents
with them." Even from her me and Kani can tell the elven wizard's face has become as scarlet as a ripe tomato as we can see his ears assume the same hue.
He begins stuttering. "Maybe Lady Miyoharu would like to spend the night with you but I'm sure Lady Kannika is just teasing me!"
Kannika bites her lip as she hears him talk. "He's so cute, I just want to eat him up." she whispers to herself.
I see Kreger turn his head back and look at us, he sees how Kannika is looking at Yabol and grins as he turns back to whisper to his friend. "My brother, believe me when I tell you that crimson haired beauty is most definitely not just teasing you, I swear it on my family name."
The slimmer elf does not believe his friend. "That's preposterous. How can a woman like her want me when you're right here?!"
I can
feel how badly Kreger wants to palm his face as he takes a deep breath then exhales before speaking. "Yabol she only has eyes for you, she is looking at you the way a Griffin looks at a lamb, that woman wants to
devour you, not literally mind you I'm certain she isn't a vampire, but in any case."
The elf knight grabs a bag from their luggage then turns around alongside Yabol and begins to march the latter towards us. "The extremely polite and pretty ladies offered us their nice looking tents and I really don't want to set up ours so off you go champ!"
With a shove he sends his friend towards Kannika who catches him with a cushion of iron sand carrying a pillow. She pulls him towards her by the hand before leading him over to her tent with a bewildered look on his face.
Before he disappeared entirely behind the tent curtains he turned to look at his best friend one last time who gave him a grin so brilliant it could illuminate the night alongside a firm thumbs up as he mouthed. "Go. Get. Her. Son. Of. Kurnous."
Once they are gone he focuses all his attention on me. "So Lady Miyoharu, it seems our dear friends are turning in early. Shall we do the same?"
I smile politely at him as I begin to walk towards my own tent, swaying my hips in an utterly hypnotic rhythm, I can practically feel his eyes burn a hole in my rear as they magnetize his vision.
I've spent the day oogling his body only fair if I give him a show too; my golden hair dances along my body rubbing itself against my curves to emphasize them while also making them gently illuminate themselves so that the brilliant metal contrasts itself with my dark skin.
His eyes widen as his jaws drop, utterly enraptured by my movement he doesn't even notice that his feet are following me towards my tent. With a trailing hand I caress the curtains and throw him a sultry look and beckoning finger, and like a dog being offered a treat from his mistress he eagerly follows.
We waste no time once we have privacy.
Lips meeting together as we passionately seek to consume each other, separating only to undress one another as our hands explore each other's bodies.
His flesh is a paradox. Strong yet soft, utterly flawless but marked by dozens of scars.
Insecurity flashes in his eyes when I take the time to analyze the matrix of old wounds that mark his otherwise perfect body. Deep discolored jagged lines that stretch from as high as his shoulders and neck to as low as his hips.
He worries I'll think them and by extension him disgusting, an understandable concern. But I don't think that, quite the contrary, to me they are simply the markings of a real warrior.
I begin to slowly trace and massage the old wounds with my fingers, my motions are gentle as they are particularly sensitive if his gasps and quivers are anything to go by. He openly begins to moan when I give the ones around his chest and neck soft kisses.
I find them exciting.
~~~~~~~
KANNIKA POV
By all the gods and goddesses in the earth and sky he is the most gorgeous man I've ever met, his doe green eyes sweep me off my feet like a hurricane and his plump lips beg to be kissed, so I do.
A look of utter bafflement is plastered across his face at my actions, then it shifts into tears. "Lady Kannika I do not appreciate being used as a replacement because your companion earned the attention of my friend first!"
I silence his self-deprecating tirade by gently taking hold of his cheeks and bringing him close for another kiss. He needs a little bit more confidence in himself and I'll gladly take it upon myself to give him some.
His moans of pleasure are a delicacy to my ears; I want to hear more of them. We separate for a second before I pull him close so I can begin nibbling on his left ear. A short yip escapes before he hugs me back and leans into me.
I release his ear so I can whisper something to him. "I want
you, Yabol. Now stop being so rude and talking about your friend when you have a beautiful woman like myself desperate for
your attention."
Bafflement leaks across his features, the poor thing is shocked someone is paying him any attention. "But why?! Why are you we doing this…" He looks for the words, "Thing! With me of all people! I'm not handsome like Kegres, I'm not a strong valiant warrior like he is! I'm…" He looks to the side in utter shame and self loathing. "I'm me."
It breaks my heart to see someone put themselves down like that; he has almost no love for himself and it pains me as a person to see someone with such a beautiful soul be so blind to their own brilliance.
I hug him, taking his head into my bosom and stroking his hair. "That is exactly why Yabol, because you are you. Because tonight I want to be with you and you with me, there is no need for excuses or pretenses or even a reason other than our own passions, so let us indulge in each other."
His face turns as crimson as his hair at my words, he raises his head from from my chest and looks into my eyes with a look of determination that carves itself on his soft features
. It would've been very manly if his doe eyes weren't watering from being on the brink of tears, his lips didn't tremble and his face wasn't tinted scarlet. "Lady Kannika I-"
I shush his trembling voice with a finger on his lips that I gently drag down towards his chest. "No need for the lady,
handsome, just Kannika will suffice."
Gulping and wetting his lips he speaks again. "Kannika I-I am… Vaul give me strength and wisdom, I-I am a virgin. So I ask that you forgive any inconveniences my inexperience brings!" Mortification sweeps over his features like the hood of a man soon to be executed being pulled over his head.
Biting my bottom lip I fight with every ounce of the self control I have to not rip his robes off and ravish him like he deserves to be. With trembling hands I begin to slowly undress him, taking the time to feel his body. He is thin yet toned from years of exploring and walking through the world, the stories he could tell me. "Yabol, you made a mistake telling me that." The last of his clothes fall to the floor, as I take his hands and guide them toward my body now letting him disrobe me as I did him.
His breaths are short and heavy, I can feel his heart beating with anticipation like the hooves of a charging stallion upon stone as his hands fumble around trying to remove my garments and enjoy my body at the same time only stopping once to ask. "K-Kannika w-what do you mean?!" But it is only a quick stop as his enthusiasm to see all of me pushes him to return to his duties with nervous eagerness.
Barely restrained hunger simmering within me I smile at him the way a wolf would at a cornered hare. "Because my dear Yabol I now have a duty as a woman to
ruin you for anyone else that will come after."
I wrap him in my sand to bring him to the bed we'll be sharing tonight. I gently lay him down, letting his back hit the futon as I move over him. I look into his eyes as I speak the last words I'll need that night. "Are you ready to have the time of your life?"
There's no nervousness anymore, only eagerness as he nods his head enthusiastically like a puppy being offered a treat, Oooh Puppy, I love that nickname it's cute, just like him! "Yes absolutely let's do i-"
I cut him off by taking his lips with mine, this time he reciprocates as we devour each other. The heat of our bodies meld into one as we freely exchange pleasure together all night long creating a chorus of wails and moans between the two of us until we can take no more and finally rest as the oblivion of sleep takes us.
~~~~~~~
MIYOHARU POV
The sun rises illuminating the mountaintop, ending the pale moon's reign and announcing the dawn of a new day.
I hate it, I was never a morning person.
Yawning with the weariness of the reluctantly woken I set about preparing breakfast, the pot of coffee boiling in the fire being the only thing keeping me from crawling back in bed to snuggle myself into Kegres comfortingly warm chest for a few more hours maybe even have one last go of fun before we set off.
As I imagine myself doing just that I smile lewdly, in fact why shouldn't I? Breakfast can be had later; I am on vacation after all and men of such quality are very hard to meet with! A little bit of indulgence never did anyone any harm-
My thoughts are interrupted by my cousin. "Miyo you have a nasty perverted old man smile on your face and it's grossing me out please put it away."
I stare blankly at her as she walks to the campfire. Like me she is… disheveled. Her hair is messy and her sleepwear is hanging haphazardly on her body. Her gait also has a bit of a limp,but it is barely noticeable over how radiant she looks with a smile that outshines the stars.
Raising an eyebrow I can't help but comment. "I see that cutie Yabol is quite the stud if he left you like that, I've seen you cross mountain ranges on camel back that didn't leave you walking like that."
Gingerly sitting down beside me a grin with a faint dusting of red crosses her face and cheeks. "He's not as big an elf as Kegres is on the outside, but he's a man where it really counts!"
A snort escapes me. "By the Gods Kani I can see he's also stud in the other sense of the word!" I can't help but howl with laughter and begin patting her on the back.
She blushes and hides her face in her hands. "Oooh why did I say that?"
~~~~~~~
After waking up the boys so we could have a hearty meal together we packed up our things and descended the mountains, then set off again crossing the massive deserts that stretched across all of Araby until at last we reached the capital of the Great Sultanate of Araby, the jewel of West Araby, the City of Thieves, Al-Haikk.
The stories our scouts collected did not do its magnificence justice.
Golden domed buildings stretched as far as the eye could see expanding ever outwards to massive magnificently built ports that were painted white that contrasted with the vibrant sapphire of the oceans as thousands of ships, all bearing the colors and pennants of hundreds of different nations, companies and groups sailed in them either leaving the port or seeking to dock.
I take a deep breath and excel in it from the sheer wonder of the sight before me, but then my heart clenches with something I have not felt in a long time, a feeling that I can see Kani share as she grips the reins of the camel much tighter than she has to.
Jealousy.
Even our old clan compound at the height of our power had never matched the sheer splendor, the
opulence of the city that lay before us. It is a humbling experience but also an empowering one. To see with our own eyes what can be built, to finally be made conscious of how far and great our works can aspire to be and then to eventually
surpass what inspired us.
I take my jealousy and toss it into the flames of ambition, burning my ill feelings of inadequacy, converting them into fuel for what I will help our people achieve.
With burning determination we walk into the greatest city we have ever seen in search of our contact.
Our camels trot to the edge of the city, we dismount and begin to lead our camels along the streets of the great metropolis. Our entourage invites looks of envy, admiration, suspicion and most commonly enchantment as people are taken in by how unorthodox our little group is.
Two handsome elven men following the lead of two beautiful finely dressed human women, it does not escape my notice that many of them were shocked by how friendly our companions are with us, if that causes surprise it seems Elves and humans tend not to get along in this place.
A few hours of walking and asking around later we reach the meeting point; the gates to an absolutely decadent palace that even from here we can smell the incense and cinnamon wafting through. An old seneschal wearing thick robes and an expertly wrapped gold threaded turban on his head bows his head towards us.
"Hail Lady Kannika, Lady Miyoharo! I am Shalem the Hand and Herald of Prince Aden, allow me to welcome you. May I ask who your… elven companions are. I seem to not have been informed you'd bring Sirs…" He pauses waiting for the elves to identify themselves.
"I am Sir Kegres of house Bel-Fonnul!"
"I am Yabol the Gifted of house Azol."
The onyx haired elf announced his name and house with the energy of a man who has always been proud of who he is. while his red haired companion answers with that same meekness he approaches everything else.
I can hear Kani let out a sigh of longing at Yabol's soft spoken shyness.
The Seneschal nods. "Most excellent! Neither of your Asur companion's houses belong to are enemies of our house so they may accompany you if they like."
Kani and I turn to the men and ask if they want to come along. Yabol, surprisingly, speaks up first. "Yes absolutely my ladies I have never made an acquaintance with one of Araby's Princes! This is a rare opportunity to meet with someone with such an important station, we will not shame you or our houses by acting inappropriately!" The, "anymore", goes unspoken in that last sentence as our small circle still remembers their faux pas at the watering stations.
Kegres seems partially nervous at the idea of meeting a prince on such short notice, quite uncharacteristic for him, but Yabol turns to look at him with steel in his eyes,
Kegres opens his mouth to make an argument but Yabol smacks the onyx haired elf's shin with his staff. His lips immediately clamp themselves shut and then reopen in a big smile that shows off his brilliant immaculate teeth.
"Why of course I would love to come! I make the same vow of not embarrassing my house by offending our host!"
The Seneschal smiles, but it is a smile that has an edge to it. "We will keep you to that…
Elves. But enough waiting, you came at the perfect time. The prince and his other guests are having lunch at the moment and you are more than welcome to join."
The heavily armored guards step aside and push open the gates. Our entourage walks along a smooth stone path towards the opulent villa until we follow a small path that branches off the main one and goes around to the back of the building.
Lunch, well we are famished but still a bit odd to have us all eating together like that. "Would it not be an inconvenience for us to interrupt their meal when we have only just arrived?"
The Seneschal's smile loses its edge as genuine mirth infects it. "Oh absolutely not, here in Araby we believe hospitality is sacred and there is no greater hospitality than inviting one's guests to a feast."
We finally reach a massive courtyard with an acres large garden. In the center of it bathing in the brilliance of the sun is a massive exquisitely designed carpet covered in pillows and blankets made of the finest materials with the most exacting of workmanship.
Sitting in the center of the carpet surrounded by dozens of plates of hot steaming food are three men. One is a large portly man with Arabyan features wearing elegant robes of pure white that shine in the sun, his face beaming with mirth and joy as he laughs at the stories his two companions are telling him.
His other companions are the complete opposite of him.
One is a man with slicked back black hair and features that I recognized from the elemental nations in our world. He wears the same type of opulent and traditional clothing I would see Samurai generals and their Daimyo wear, but I could tell even beneath the layers of clothing he had the body of a warrior; his muscles were broad and powerful, maybe even bigger than Kegres, while his hands showed calluses on his fingers from wielding a blade for hours on end every day and most alarming of all at his side lay a katana of the most masterful artisanship I had ever seen.
Sitting to his right is a tall- very tall- and extremely handsome man with blonde hair and blue pupiless eyes that wears a lucious and fashionable kimono with the images of flowers sewn into it. His body is also conditioned like a warriors, but in a much more elegant form that emphasizes the man's precision, agility and dexterity. Perfect silky wheat colored hair is held up in a delicate ponytail with not a hair out of place, his smile is an enigmatic one; foxy and alluring in how it manages to be mysterious as even as he laughs at the stories being shared.
As I take in all these details I feel my instincts warn me, a small bolt of fear runs down my spine as I realize both of these men are Jounin level Shinobi.
I clamp down on the emotion like a snake striking a bird and crush it. There is no reason to believe these two Jounin are here to face us; it is an unlikely and incredible coincidence; but it cannot be discounted that these men came to this city to trade like we did.
As my mind processes the situation the Shalem calls the Prince's attention towards us. "My Lord Lady Kannika the Rayiys of the Subaku Clan and her cousin Lady Miyoharu have arrived alongside their companions the Elves Sir Kegres of house Bel-Fonnul and Sir Yabol the Gifted of house Azol!"
The Prince claps his hands in joy. "Oh what excellent timing you can all partake of the feast with us, come all of you please sit and partake! Shalem my friend, please tell the staff to prepare more wine and food for us all!"
The Seneschal bows his head. "As you command my liege!"
With a crisp turn Shalem leaves to do the Prince's bidding while our little group picks out spots to sit at. I am seated between the Blonde Shinobi and Kegres while Kani sits next to the Prince across from the man dressed like a Daimyo of the Elemental Nations with Yabol to her side.
The Prince wastes no time in introducing all of us to each other. "Lady Kannika, truly a pleasure to meet you in person, allow me to introduce you to my two guests, people also seeking my business if you can believe that hahaha!"
He gestures towards the Regal Shinobi. "This fine gentleman who I am happy to call my friend, is also the leader of his tribe just like you my Lady, and an amazing warrior besides, one of the finest I've ever seen! He saved my life earlier this year by dueling one of the most powerful Ork warbosses I had ever seen!" The prince chortles at his own words.
Regal Shinobi smiles and deeply bows towards the Prince. "Thank you Prince Aden for your kind words." The prince laughs. "Think nothing of it my friend, every good word I say about you is true!"
He then gives a much less deep but still respectful bow to Kani. "It is an honor Lady Kannika, allow me to introduce myself: I am Shimazu Toyohisa Soutaicho of the Shimazu Samurai clan and this is my close friend…"
Sir Toyohisa gestures to his friend, still enigmatically smiling. "I am Yamanaka Aoi, Taicho of the Shimazu's Diplomatic and Counterintelligence Department."
I look at him in barely disguised shock: he is my counterpart in another clan! He takes one of my hands into his own strong muscular yet delicate ones and kisses it, before looking deep into my eyes. "Enchanted to meet you my lady, I hope we can get to know one another more." He looks at me with a hunger in his eyes that makes me shiver in a good way. "Personal level later tonight."
Oh by the gods his eyelashes are so long and pretty and those eyes of his so mesm- no focus Miyo head in the game, head in the game!
I notice he's staring at me with those pretty eyes of his! I blame Kerges and our… activities, our very fun activities, for my mind being off balance. I'm not thinking as: Miyoharu the Kunoichi but as Miyoharu Sabaku the woman! I must quickly speak to not embarrass myself. "H-Hello H-Handso- I mean Sir Yamanaka! Enchanted to meaty- I mean meet you too!"
I beg the Gods to please kill me. Send a bolt of divine mercy down from on high above and end my existence please.
His eyes go from me to Kegres who I notice is a second away from boiling over like a tea kettle left in the heat for too long, with a foreboding smile on his face and a few veins pulsing on his forehead. He stretches out his hand to the Jounin.
His hand hangs in the air, a menacing presence emanating from it daring the Yamanaka Shinobi to take the bait. With that same cocky smirk on his face Aoi takes Kerges hand and they both immediately begin to press down on each other.
I can see the muscles in both their arms bulge and shake as both men have an impromptu grip strength competition. Kegres finally speaks. "Enchanted to meet you as well Sir Yamanaka, I have to ask how fine are the swords in your clan? Because I promise you Ulthuan makes the finest, hardest and
largest swords in the whole world."
Oh my goodness Kegres!
The Yamanaka Jounin does not sweat nor blush, he simply raises an arrogant eyebrow. "Oh is that so Sir Kegres? I can assure you that the swords my clan gives us are even bigger and harder than whatever little daggers your people are running around with."
Now they're competing, I need to break this up before these two handsome fools start comparing their 'swords' in public! I need help!
I look towards the others but Yabol has enraptured Sir Shimazu and Prince Aden with a complex business proposal that would see all three of them benefit.
In his element it seems he is a completely different man; letting his competence with business and negotiation take control of his body as if the spirit of an ancient merchant-prince seized it. His previous temerity and meekness forgotten as a strong, confident businesself that spoke with authority asserted himself.
To the side I can see Kannika laying flat on the carpet, her feet up and kicking in the air like a teenage girl observing her crush as she watched Yabol negotiate with these two very powerful men without a moment of hesitation. Aw she looks so cute!
Well forget it, let's just play this by the ear and see how it all ends up going!
Rewards:
Secured a supply of camels for breeding with your chakra camels, more diplomatic, martial and stewardship actions are now available because of this.
Recruited the ship the Virtuous Scoundrel. Thecia and her crew make diplomatic actions in Sartosa, Ulthuan, Marienburg, Kislev and Naggaroth available immediately.
Made contact with a Prince Aden of Araby: Araby Diplomacy, Intrigue and Mercenary Options now available.
Made Contact with Shimazu Toyohisa, head of the Shimazu Clan who are located in the Southlands. Diplomacy, Intrigue, Stewardship and Mercenary actions now available including making contact with Southland nations.
Kannika met Yabol, one of her three available romantic interests. Personal actions involving him are unlocked.
Miyoharu met Kegres and Aoi Yamanaka, her two romantic interests. Actions involving them are unlocked.
Toyohisa Shimazu Portrait:
Aoi Yamanaka portrait:
AN: I want to apologize for the wait, my life and finances have and continue to be unstable but after this big ass chapter I will write much smaller fast paced ones like the ones pertaining to the martial and intrigue actions. For now I hope you all can enjoy the characters having fun after the meat grinder that was Akem's mission. Big love and shout out to my Beta who helped make this a lot less messy than it originally was.
