Expedition Private The Urk Expedition: A Chat Between Foxes

[Talinn Ryalor]

Set after The Quill and the Straightedge.

The temporary Captain of the Hide lay in his bed, where he would spend most of the return journey, as even sitting in a chair proved too much for the old, wounded fox. He was alive through the efforts of Barrett, Darragh, Finnian, and the precious vial whose high cost only he truly knew, but he still looked like a shadow of the beast that had been leading them before Urk. He turned his head to look at the endless sea illuminated by the mid-afternoon sun, and stared at it for some time, before returning to look at the papers sprawled across his bed in an uncharacteristically disorganized mess. Reports from across the Imperium, his own Ministry, and other things. What he had said in the...afterlife...to his various visitors had been true. He would never be allowed to rest, not really, for the remainder of his life.

A formal knock at the door.

Talinn sighed, painfully wincing as the air forced its way down his chest, feeling like somebeast had set it on fire, before he was able to recover. The aftereffects of his treatment would linger for a long time, if not for the rest of his life. A bitter bargain to buy more time from the Kitsune. Reaching over to the lever near the side of his bed, he pulled it once, indicating that the beast summoned could come in, as his voice was too weak to do more than whisper painfully.​

Nashirou...what have you been playing with?​

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii expected somewhat to be sooner or later summoned. There were way too many matters to discuss between him and his benefactor and Kaii probably as one of the few beasts on the Hide could understand the drive that allowed the Minister to survive such grievous wounds. Of course medical attention and the wondrous concoctions were what physically saved him, but Kaii more than anyone knew how much will mattered in survival. While he wasn't worried at all, he didn't expect for his summons to come so soon.

And he did not expect for them to be so... hasty.

The Marine who took him here only wasn't physically dragging him along because Kaii's gaze was far too cold to withstand. Still, he walked willingly, ignoring the lingering pain. Now he was in front of the doors to where the Minister have rested.

An elaborate knock later, one that Kaii reminded himself of from the much easier past, the Marble Fox was granted the permission to get in. As soon as he closed the doors behind him, he let the breath out to soften the pressure inside his chest and gave a full bow to the minister. One that hurt, but in order to respect the heavily wounded fox in front of him, Kaii didn't even show a sign of it. Instead he hold the pose for just enough to make sure it wasn't disrespectful before raising himself up, taking a breath and finally speaking.

"Your Grace, I am content seeing as you are on your way to recover. To what do I owe this honour of speaking to you despite your current state?" Kaii's inquiry was underlined with curiousity, albeit he well knew it was most likely about the Idol. He of course knew there was no formal rule that did not allow for him nor anyone to touch it, but he didn't want to already risk annoying the beast who was still close to the death's door.

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn studied the marble fox for a moment, mildly surprised he was looking so relatively spry after his own injuries, or was able to maintain appearances even if he still felt the pain from them. He knew the other todd had been wounded in the battle, although among the many other affairs he had to pay attention and his own recovery, he had not been able to ascertain how badly. Ah, to have one’s youth still, though, to have something of the invincibility that youth brought. He wondered if the younger todd truly appreciated how valuable that was as he beckoned him to come closer, inclining his head towards the chair at his bedside. It was still too much of an effort for him to speak in a normal tone.

When the other fox had sat down next to him, Talinn spoke, barely above a whisper, trying to hide the pain in his voice.

“Gentlebeast Nashirou...I see...your recovery has been going well…” he began “...and I have heard reports of your ingenuity with the traps...and...bravery. I heard you...killed more than a few shrews...and helped to take out a particularly monstrous one…”

He paused to prevent himself from wheezing, then gathered the strength for a few more words.

“...Your valor...is to be commended...worthy of your House...did you...learn to fight so well here on the Hide...or...is it natural talent or former training? If...you could indulge me...first, before we get on to the…reason you are here."​

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii expression softened slightly. Of course, such was the paradigm of noble-like behaviour. To meander around the point before getting to it. He wasn't fan of it, but he wouldn't say no to the duke, not only due to the rank difference or because of Kaii owing a debt to him. More so, because it would be simply rude, considering his current state.

"Truth to be told Your Grace..." Kaii spoke now with a note of politeness, genuine one. "While each member of my family was taught how to wield weapons, for we would be poor artisans should we not know how to use the tools we craft, I unfortunately didn't get to train with them. Instead, to uphold this tradition, I took on the weapon my father was known for using. In fact, the blade of my Glaive, also served him." The marble fox explained, his expression and body slowly sulking as he dug closer to the pains of his past.

"And I've trained with it myself. Working on memories of what my parents could do. Also in part to ensure my own safety after my ward was assassinated. I have fought before, but this was first time I truly got to partake in organised combat. As such, my decision-making was... suboptimal."

Kaii could admit whenever he made an honest mistake. He now was wiser, simply by knowing that he needs to be at least slightly more defensive.

"I am thankful for your assesment of my acts as brave and honourable. Truly those are virtues my dynasty was trying to uphold ever since they came to those lands. And hearing from you, your Grace, that I have in your eyes managed to do so, is possibly the closest to the praise I could've gotten from my dead parents."

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn managed to give Kaii a small, if pained, genuine smile as he heard the younger todd’s story. He managed to shake his head as the other fox criticized himself, and, feeling changed from his experience in the Dark Forest, he decided to do something he rarely did. Managing to speak once more, he tried to comfort the younger fox, who did not quite understand how impressive it was he had survived such a grueling first conflict. He had intended, at most, for them to take on a few dozen shrews. Instead, they had held off almost a thousand.

“The first battle...the fact that you survived...with the knowledge you had, or even if you had more...is something you should be able to be proud of...in fact...your parents and your father, I think, would be proud of their son. That you used his weapon honorably, to defend both the Imperium and your friends...as a father, I could not be prouder of you were you my son.”

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii winced at the words of the Duke. Not because he inherently disagreed with them. I could not be prouder of you were you my son. Those words? They hurt Kaii far beyond the wounds he still had. Simply because... he couldn't feel them. His task of bringing his family name back from the gutter was something he did as a duty to his kin, expecting no praise nor rewards. They were all dead after all. Still, some part of him, the child that was forced to grow up, wished to hear from his father that he indeed did well.

But way larger part of him still insisted he could only rest and be proud, once his dynasty will again return to glory. With his father, mother, sister and all kin that have died in the harsh years that affected the Imperium being alive in the traditions and knowledge he would pass upon his children.

Before that, such praise, even coming from a fox that was possibly the finest warrior Imperium had, one that was a Duke, only heightened the amount of effort he needed to contain his pains.

"Thank you... Your Grace. I am... unworthy of such high praise coming from you." Kaii responded, still with levelled voice and managed expression, yet his ears have fell to the sides. "To fight is my duty as a member of this crew. To protect was my personal oath to my friends. And I still am but at the beginning of my path to restore my family's status, truly bringing them something to be proud of, even if they all are dead."

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

“Duty...is...twofold…” The Minister managed, coughing a little “...you are responsible for...taking lives...but...also...saving them. You...saved Morgan…with your invention...and others. It...is the duty of a commander...and of a noble...to do both. In this way, you honor your family’s legacy…the ancient code...”

He paused, thinking back to the ancient words that Kaii might remember. “Your House...perhaps...from...ancient Fyador...you...have honored...the code. Gi...Yu...Meiyo...Chugi, Jisei...even Rei, Jin...and...I am sure...Makoto…”

He paused to take a breath, and watch the young marble fox’s reaction. Did his House still teach its members the ancient ways, or had those been lost to time?

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii raised an eyebrow as he processed the words Duke spoke. In no way he could disagree with the Duke. It was a duty of a noble to protect and serve, through blade and quill, through words and schemes. It was not just what his parents taught him and his sister, nor even just what Seylene tried to imprint into him. Kaii genuinely believed in organic work. Believed that those with means and influence should try to strengthen the society, working on it from the very bottom, because strong foundations made house much more resistant to turbulences.

But then, Minister said words that were rarely mentioned in the Imperium. Those were reserved to some citizens of Westisle and those very few noble families with connections to Fyador. Kaii for a moment couldn't find words to reply, his stoic expression faltered. Last time he heard about the code it was in fact from his father, just before he left to never see him again.

A single tear went down the fur as he regained his composure before respodning in much quieter voice. "Indeed... while slightly different, it was the code I too was taught to follow. I haven't heard them spoken since I was but a kit Your Grace. If you know it and know their importance, then I cannot do more than accept it as truth from my kuge. Thank you for... this."

Then Kaii felt a slight pand of anxiousness. There was another topic at paw, one that directly contradicted the words he just confirmed.

"I thus must apologise for the actual reason I was called here for." He said as he struggled to kneel and bow on the floor, with at least a few hisses from the pain of his strained wounds.

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn watched the marble fox carefully and regally. So, even though the Nashirous were perhaps hundreds of years removed from their orginal homeland, the old blood and some of the traditions still ran strong, and the younger fox prostrated himself in respect, albeit with a bit of an old-fashioned, slightly incorrect form. And, much like the foxes in Fyador, the single tear betrayed that there was indeed a wellspring of emotion beneath the stoic exterior. A lost son of the ancient homeland, without anyone to guide him in the proper ways. Alexei, for all his faults, had not neglected in his education in that department, even if Talinn himself had not always lived up to them. Perhaps he could do so for this one.

He listened to what Kaii said, then nodded. He felt tempted, for a moment, to let the younger fox rise, but that would not be proper, not yet, and the pain that his protege felt would likely be cleansing. After all, while he had not disobeyed a direct order, he had disobeyed an indirect one, and the guilt would likely be eating at him. Talinn’s part in this was to see if the beast had a good enough reason for him to absolve him.


“Indeed…” he began, his voice becoming more firm as he got more used to speaking once more “...what is it you were doing with the idol? I had given instructions that beasts stay away from it for their own safety. Yet, you either willfully ignored such directions, or perhaps went out of your way to not hear them. For what purpose did you do so?”

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii stayed on his knees while he just allowed the words to pour out. He thought about the answer before, forming it on his way to the Duke's room. Just like the first time he came to the ship, he was prepared. However, unlike that time, now he was too shaken. A bit too deep of a cut into his mental state for him to ignore happened. Thus, his response, while as measured as he could, wasn't as concise as he wanted it to be.

"Your Grace, what I did was nothing more than preliminary research. I do not fear the unknown, I revel in understanding it. Thus, I myself have chosen to conclude most basic measurements for the sake of science. There wasn't any wish to disregard your instructions from me, but before this object reaches far more capable paws within your Ministry, I've managed to already write down most basic data they may want to process. I've managed to roughly establish, based on density estimate, it is made of an unknown metal. One that is paramagnetic and, more importantly, self-capable of releasing energy in thermal and light form. If my hypothesis is correct, that would possibly mean it also releases some sort of electric charge. I haven't done any damage to the Idol, nor left any stains upon it. However I refuse the thesis this piece of art is cursed. From what I've gathered through rapport with someone more capable in beastmanities, the symbolism is more likely related to the metal properties. The reaction to it that some subjects like Swifttail shown most likely comes from the fear of the unknown and unexpected. Granted, if this Idol releases energy in the way I suspect it, prolonged contact may be dangerous, but it would take a lot of it to make it deadly..."

Kaii wished to continue but finally he caught up to himself and realised he was here to answer not to give out a lecture. Fortunately, he did manage to shut on a spot, still prostrating in front of the Duke.

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn took quite a while to process what the last member of House Nashirou said, both in what it meant, and in how the young todd saw the world. His paws rapped the bed in thought about what exactly to do with Kaii, who had become something of an informal patron to, and whom he might consider offering a formal oath of patronage to in time. He still had to get to know the beast and what motivated him beyond restoring his House better before he could offer the reciprocal vows, but this was a good start and an insight into how he thought about the world. Logical, not prone to superstition like so many, much like he himself was, although his recent experience with the afterlife and that staff that he held in his possession made him wonder if there more layers to reality than they were able to perceive at the moment. Knowledgeable about the sciences, it seemed, more than he himself was, dutiful, and capable of showing respect where it was deserved. It seems his indirect defiance of his orders was not done out of a desire to undo the proper order of things, only an eagerness to assist.

Very well.

“You may raise, Kaii of House Nashirou.” He spoke authoritatively, although it still pained him to do so.

“The reason that the idol was forbidden to most beasts of the crew was indeed that it could cause harm, but, since you did not disturb it, and only endangered yourself by your actions, the discipline that you shall receive will be proportionate, taking of course, into account your reasoning for doing so.”

He paused, letting the fox sweat a little as was appropriate, before his tone softened.

“When we arrive back at the Harbor, and when I have suitably recovered, you will accompany me to the Ministry offices near Amarone. Once there, you will make your full report on your discoveries to my scientific team, and, if necessary, engage in further testing with the idol, or be assigned other duties until my business with the Empress is concluded. This will, of course, come from your shore leave time and benefits.”

It was, in theory, a punishment, but, in practice, for the curious todd it would effectively be a reward.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii wasn’t ready to stand up immediately. There were three conflicting messages he had to process first before bothering to rise and respond. At first, there was the case of his just nature. He did in fact endanger someone else. Darragh. He couldn’t really take a judgement without mentioning it for it wouldn’t be fair.

Secondly, there was a disbelief. For going against orders he was getting an effective reward and surely Duke knew this. No matter the political opinions, Duke was not an idiot. That is why Kaii had hard time believing the words he just heard. They made no logical sense at all. He was expecting a light punishment at best, maybe a few rounds of lashes. Not getting to present his findings and participate in science among the top scientists and engineers the Imperium had.

Lastly, there was also unease. Born from subtle changes in tone the minister did over his speech as well as the general way it was concluded. Minister wished to speak to him, showed interest, consoled him even, all while being in pitiful state. Now, it instantly moved to authoritative tone, speaking of punishment and guilt. Even Kaii who was, even in his own eyes, bad at social cues, could see that something was going on. He just... couldn't put a claw on it, due to said lack of social intelligence.

Even for someone like the marble fox, who was able to switch his emotions off at a whim, it took Kaii a lot of effort to not show them. Possibly way more than standing up with appropriate decorum, despite his wounds.

"Your wish is my command your Grace. With no hesitation I shall put myself under the fate you've chosen for me."

Confused, mentally strained by many conflicting thoughts and oddities. Kaii only gave a final bow and paid his respect once more.

"If that is all you desire of me, I shall take my leave. May the nature run its cause and bring your body back to the full health."

Kaii voice was as flat as ever, but he spoke each word with overdone articulation. Simply because, even while awaiting his que to leave, his mind raced at grasping what exactly was the Minister onto.