[x] Sirrocco
The full measure of your error hits you as Wanli passes by, leaving you stupefied. You made several assumptions about this situation, and charged ahead without gathering all the facts. If this had been in war, your commander would have rightfully chastised you. Scouting is essential, and battles are won or lost depending on the information gathered.
It exemplifies just how much you've still left to learn. You've grown much over these last two months, and in more ways than one. But did you perhaps fall prey to arrogance? No matter how much you've learned, you must always remember there will be evermore to discover. If you forget that, you leave yourself open for to dishonor.
Just like the situation you find yourself in right now, in fact. You take a deep breath and steady yourself. There is still time to rectify this mistake. You can make things right.
You turn and catch up to Wanli, who walks with slumped shoulders. She glances at you, her eyes downcast and sullen, but turns away. Her posture almost makes it look as if she's trying to sink into her heavy armor, to hide away from the world.
"Shinjo-san, please wait," you say, reaching out a hand. You do not touch her, however. "I have misjudged you, and it shames me. I do not know if there is anything I can do, but I will at least make some inquiries."
She stops at your words, looking at you properly now. Wanli peers at your face for several moments, as if searching for something. Then, finally, the Unicorn Samurai sighs and relaxes. She takes a step away from you and bows low.
"I must apologize to you, Hiruma-san," she says. "I have found myself… frustrated, these last few months. That is no excuse, however. You do not deserve my ire."
"You do not need to apologize, Shinjo-san," you respond, making your own bow. "I was too quick to judge on first appearances. In truth, I feel I must apologize to you."
"Then if you will consider my own lapse forgiven, I shall forgive yours," Wanli says, rising. "And we can move on from there." She pauses a moment, her expression softening. "I am grateful that you would make this offer, Hiruma-san. Do you think you can truly help me?"
"I can make no promises as to how effective I can be, but I can certainly ask counsel from those more experienced," you answer. "Hopefully something might arise from that."
"That is all I could ask for," Wanli responds, giving you a wan smile. "Thank you, Hiruma-san. This kindness shall not be forgotten."
"It is no great trouble," you say. "Before you go, could you tell me where I might find you, in case they bear fruit?"
Wanli nods. "I am staying at an inn on the edge of the city called 'The Frilled Lizard.'" She shifts her feet. "It is… not the cleanest place, but people keep to their own business there."
"Then I shall find you there should anythin come of my efforts," you say.
"My thanks, Hiruma-san," Wanli says, bowing again. "I wish you the best of luck. I won't take up any more of your time."
"A good day to you, Shinjo-san," you respond, bowing back.
You gaze after Wanli as she walks away, the Unicorn Samurai standing much straighter this time as she goes. You didn't promise her much, hardly anything at all, yet her mood brightened considerably. From what she said, and her general attitude, you can imagine why. Her reception in these lands must have been harsh and unwelcoming, so even a little courtesy would go a long way.
Shirou walks up beside you, hands clasped behind his back. He looks at Wanli, then at you. He nods to himself, as if everything he sees is only to be expected. How, exactly, you can't imagine. But then again, your friend is a strange man.
"It seems there is never a dull moment with you, Sosuke-sama," he says, his expression so serious you just know he's putting on an act. "Interesting events happen everywhere you go."
[] Explore the city further.
[] Return to the castle.
[] Write in.
