What a strange and tense day it had been. Between the Empress's call, the beautiful assassin and the sudden drop in a strange new world....not to mention actually finding Setsushi....it had Unsou's head swimming. Of course, she kept a cool and rational face, not wanting to let the others see her mind faltering over things. Such weaknesses were unforgivable and unbecoming of a warrior.
Yet even now, as she followed the strange human called Yaruka to her home, she continued to ponder over the meaning of all of this. So, this place was where all of the disappearing Porcelain were ending up. Even the High Priest Kouyo was here, not to mention that disgusting blemish on society the Mist Sorcerer. Something very odd was happening and she needed time to think about it all, not to mention safe housing......and she was NOT about to take up space with the soft-hearted Ice Maiden. So, she settled with the human...for various reasons.
She observed the party as they walked; the semi-tall, silver-haired human and the young Porcelain girl that walked by her side. The younger one's name was Tsubei, aparrantly, and seemed quite close to the human. From what she gathered, she was her caretaker and there were others who had taken Porcelain into their care. What's more is that many of them were not even from the Golden World, but came from a place with the same name as the human-populated city in their world. So much information was hard to take in after such a harrowing experience, so the Dragon Knight felt it best to find a steady place to rest for a spell. And, while in the human's home, she could observe her and judge her more acurately than their first meeting. She did not trust her, still, but it was best to guage an enemy's strength and ability when one is on the inside.
Coming upon the large house rather surprised the Flying Spear. It was tall, two-perhaps three-stories, and made mostly of stone. It was large, with rooms too numerous to count, and seemed to be filled with life, judging by the shadows she could see moving around. So, it was not just this one but many others she had to judge. This was going to be a bigger job than she imagined, even as the large doors opened to the spacious hallway. The sight of another, younger Porcelain walking hurriedly to them was yet another surprise, though her face remained the calm collected mask.
Ren'i had seen Yaruka's figure approaching with Tsubei's and had hurried to greet them. Though he had been in the middle of a violin lesson, he quickly stopped it to greet those he had come to think of as family. He sent out excited greetings to them both and only when he was up close could he see that another had come with them.
His jaw dropped when he saw who it was. He had heard stories, but now standing before him was another of the Dragon Knights; the Flying Spear. He quickly remembered his manners and bowed respectfully to her, stepping back to keep the respectable space between them. His projections were apologetic as he then tugged on the edge of Yaruka's coat.
Beg Ren'i's pardon, but what is the Dame Unsou doing here? Should they have made special preparations? His projections seemed rushed as he then moved to Tsubei to whisper. "Is she going to be staying with us?"
Tsubei smiled when Ren'i approached, though she couldn't help feeling uneasy in Unsou's presence. When Ren'i came with his questions, Tsubei nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, she will. For as long as she needs to." She kept her voice quiet so it was directed only to Ren'i, but of course she knew almost nothing could escape Yaruka's fine hearing.
"She is more than welcome to stay with us as long as she wishes." Indeed, she had picked up on the young ones questions and turned back to Unsou with a friendly smile. "Now if you just follow me, I'll see you to your room."
Yaruka then continued down the hallway, dismissing Ren'i and letting Tsubei to return to her own room. She was glad when they went without argument, save for a small wish to stay and see Unsou to her new quarters from Ren'i. Yaruka had a feeling it was best that if she deal with this herself. Though Unsou was quiet, she could sense volumes. The woman was tense, mistrusting and observing everything that her eyes could take in.
As they passed down the hall, Yaruka had a brief visit from her son, Jorend. They had exchanged greetings, tense in themselves, then parted ways. Brief enough, but it would give Unsou clues that there was some sort of rift between the two. Still, nothing was said. Finally she led her to a smaller oak door and opened it to reveal a fairly spacious room. It was well-furnished and had an Oriental theme to it, which Yaruka thought might suit their new guest.
"You may stay in this room for as long as you like." She spoke as she led the Porcelain Knight inside. "If you're uncomfortable at all, I can always find another room for you. Make yourself as much at home as you'd like. If you have any questions, you can come to me or ask Tsubei. You've seen where her room is and I am always either in the den or my room, the master suite upon the second floor...last door at the end of the hallway."
She turned to the Porcelain with a smile, seeming to be relaxed...but she was prepared for anything.
Unsou had remained quiet for the most part, giving a short curt greeting to the younger male when he approached them and had shown his respect for her. Well, at least someone had manners. She had watched as they passed many doors and observed the inhabitants if the doors were open. Observing the tense moment between mother and son, she added that to her list of things to discover....a very long list.
She was led to the room and took in the surroundings. It seemed comfortable enough, though she would be sure to go over it to check for any traps. Some might call her paranoid, but she preferred to think of herself as cautious. Listening to Yaruka's speech, she couldn't help but suspect alterior motives. She was far too accomodating. As she set the belongings she carried with her upon the bed, she took a hold of her spear and decided to guage the human's reactions. She suddenly spun around and flung the spear around towards her neck.
It was a rather odd scene for her. It was almost as if Yaruka had been expecting the attack, for she had somehow managed stop the spear with a block upon the shaft, the blade just barely a quarter of an inch from her flesh. It provoked her to raise an eyebrow, which was the only signal of emotion she had given since they had left Setsushi's modest home.
"Your reactions are keen," She spoke firmly as she pulled the spear back with a rather showy twirl to stand it at her side. "But that was a mere taste of my abilities. Consider yourself forewarned should you choose to show hostility." Unsou is not afraid to engage in combat with the likes of a human.
Yaruka had kept her eyes upon the Porcelain as she seemed to move in, ready to adapt to her new environment. As such, she had seen when she gripped the spear and had been anticipating such a movement. Though, the speed at which it came took her offguard. She was glad that she had caught it before it had done any damage. Taking in the warning, she looked into Unsou's intense eyes.
"I understand.....but consider THIS a warning," She, too, spoke with a firm voice. "All under this roof are under my protection. That includes you. However, all are under my rule as well. If you harm anyone without just cause, I will take action. I would not think that you are the type to attack needlessly, but there are young children here. If you wish to practice or spar, I have a small dojo where you can practice without risking injury to anyone. I will show it to you when you want."
Her face had held a stern expression as she spoke, but then melted into a soft smile....it might have sent chills to some.
"And relax. This world is not yours and there is much about it you have to learn." With that, she turned and left Unsou to her own devices. She would, however, keep a close watch on her.
Unsou listened silently to the warning she received from her. It was not threatening to her personally in nature, but it still was enough to tell her that she had to keep her senses open. She watched the human's back until it was out of sight, then closed the door so she could have privacy.
Sitting herself upon the bed, she glanced around the room once more. Indeed, this was a different world. She had no plans to stay for an extended period, so what did she have to learn about this world that was so important? Beyond what she had already planned on discovering, this world seemed to have nothing to offer her that would be of value. Not to mention that it seemed to turn hardened warriors soft, judging by Setsushi's demeanor. It was disgusting. She hoped that she and the others would find a way back to the Golden World before something similar happened to them.
The room as silent, which gave her time to think. She didn't like that; idleness led to deep thought, which led to inner reflection. She was better off meditating. She might do that in a moment. She needed to focus again.
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