Rainblade-Ryalors Open Vulpinsula & Surroundings Westisle Cultural Appreciation Day

[Pomodu lu Modokunomulo]

Pomodu listened to the feedback about the gesture, her eyes widening. "Sorri, sorri!" she apologized, bobbing her head in shame. "I no knowi'ngu. I no do now." She took a moment to recall his other question, addressing it carefully. "Lipadi-lugoto," Pomodu pronounced more slowly. "I'su fah, fah fua'm he're." She pointed toward the harbor, vaguely eastward. "Very fah," she confirmed. "Sai'lu beyon'd Fyadoh, go very lo'ngu way. I sai'lu..." She had to think, counting on her paws. "Fi've mon'thusu co'me he're," she counted at last. "Many shipusu, many citiesu."

~~~

Marianna felt herself relaxing as the water calmed her muscles, releasing tension she hadn't even realized she'd been carrying. A gentle chirp escaped her, and she blushed, realizing she'd just released a sound she only ever made alone in her room with a particularly juicy romance novel in her paw. Well, I'll never live that down.

She listened to Ivo's proposal, carefully considering what he was suggesting. In a way, he was getting at what had bothered her too. They'd found a physical outlet for their stress, a way to distract themselves, but really, all they knew of each other was their job and their bodies. They knew everything about each other, and nothing at all. She turned to lean against him, resting her face against his shoulder, the warmth like a blanket shrouding them both. "Mm," she responded, a small smile creeping over her as she closed her eyes for a moment. Oh, I could fall asleep like this. "Alright," she agreed. "I'd like that too." She shifted a bit closer to him, settling more comfortably. "I really do want to know you too, Ivo. So, I guess... Who are you really?" She lifted her chin, looking at him curiously. "I mean, I don't know where you're from, your family, even if that's your real name." Her paw found his beneath the water, and she squeezed it gently. "As long as you're okay to share," she clarified.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii patiently waited for the exchange between the sqiurrel and the red panda to finish before answering the question he was asked. "In a way yes. I am an engineer. Member of rising Intelligentsia. While I work primarily on machines and inventions, I find solace in knowledge itself."

Then he considered actually what was said in the conversation between the two, noting both the very foreign origins of the Red Beast, as well as the streetwise of the Squirrel. While he himself would never do such a gesture, it was worth knowing it wasn't an appreciated one. Really, social interactions had way to many abstract rules for Kaii to process, but the only way up was through those. So even if he didn't like it, he always was glad to learn something more.

"Lipadilugoto... I would love to hear more about your homeland if possible miss. If you are willing to share that is. Also, kind mister, I see you are not partaking in the dress up. You are not fond of the clothing?" Kaii asked with adequate curiosity. When everyone, even the poorest tried to adapt, seeing someone going against the flow was refreshing. He wished to know the reasoning behind such decision, even if it was a shallow one.

@Pomodu lu Modokunomulo @Kerney Erdősi

 

[Ivo Suresight]

@Marianna Furotazzi

Ivo sighed as he lowered himself into the water more, leaving only his head and shoulder, upon which Marianna was resting, above the warm waters. He had to repeat to himself a few times really, that he swore to not lie nor to hide the truth from her. He really was afraid of the fact he was just a nobody, but it was the time to share it, for better or worse. "Lemmie start with t' ugly." Ivo finally mused delicately.

"I do not remember me parents. Nor I do know if Ivo is my birth name. Me life really starts at age of five, when I woke up with many wounds, horrible headache and this." He gently lifted his paw from her to point at his scar and mutilated ear. "I woke among them Maws and they've treated me as their own. I still've no idea if I was a kit of one of 'em, if me parents were friends or someone close to t' leader at tha time. In a way, searching for that 's partly why I've even got to the business I am doing till today."

He took a pause. That was the first time ever he spoke about his past so openly. He just silently plead with his eyes for it to not seem too sketchy.

"And well, they quickly made me work for upkeep. Buuuut I wasn't good at pickpocketin' or beggin'. Instead, they've noticed I've a good memory for things I see. So, they got me to scout places out and sketch 'em. As ya know yerself, It's actually somethin' I'd a talent for." He held a bit firmer onto Marianna, his life was boring story of a tool, not a beast with own aspirations and ambitions and he knew it well. "Maw's owed me their prosperity in t' fifties'. But I's gettin very little for how much ma work gave 'em. And when I've realised it, I jus' went to sell it to t' highest bidder."

Another pause. Not just a tool, a traitor. He wasn't worthy of anyone's trust.

"So... I got me money and recognition I wanted sure. Got to also pull sum tongues. I actually became someone in t' underground and started mattering... Of course it ended badly. I was young un' dumb sooo, I didn't take precautions and as result, Fogeys raided Maws. Hit 'em everywhere cause they got me maps."

Dissapointment, failure, weak link.

"For some reason, they didn't kill me. Fogeys spared me under condition I would work for the town hall and make maps for 'em. I did accept. City got me educated and employment. Actually lifted me from t' gutter.B ut I never fully gave them what they wanted of me. I got wisah fortunately but... that is also how I've ended doing this for life. That's all I am good for really, having connections with both city officials and the underground."

And two-faced snake. That what he really was.

"So that's t' gist of it. That's who you've chosen to love Marianna. A selfish traitor who thought he deserves to be more than a tool for those with actual power."

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn certainly carried himself like he was a kit of the street. There were thousands of intangible things that all added up -- from the paths he chose, to the way he avoided running into other beasts, and even his pace. The only thing that was off today was his dress. (Being that, he was actually wearing a dress.)

Alwyn had insisted it wasn't a dress, but was actually a hakama that the Westisle Ronin warriors wore. Surely, the fox was pulling his leg... Finn wouldn't be caught dead wearing something like this. But Alwyn had a manner of being... persuasive. And there he was, stalking about in sandals, and wrapped up in a kimono.

Of course, he had to try and play it cool around Cricket, though. The foxkit played off his insecurity inducing garb with a sarcastic eyeroll. "I'm gonna mash one of those cupcakes in 'is face when I see him!" he vowed vengefully... ...before resuming his regular cheer.

As the kitten approached, Finn's hackles perked a little. It seemed she wanted something, and heavens knew he'd look ridiculous running in this thing. "E-er! ...yeah, we just haven't found'm yet!" he said, scratching the back of his head.

@Cricket
@Mariel Rustyfangs

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna listened quietly to Ivo's confession. Her paw strayed from his as he spoke, coming to rest instead in the tuft of fur just above his heart. Her pawfingers laced through it, the sound of his heartbeat pulsing through her paw. Some of it, she'd admit, was bad; some of it was... It was just sad. Mistakes had been made; that was something she understood far too well.

She settled her head back down on his shoulder, playing with his fur quietly as she considered. "You've done the best you could for yourself," she observed. "The Maws may have taken you in, but they also used you; they weren't parenting you, but exploiting your talents." 'Gates, that was hard to say; in stating it out loud, she felt like she was finally making a comment about her own upbringing and her relationship to Vito. "You tried to get a better life for yourself. It might not have been honest, but honesty is a rare commodity in our world."

She lifted her head, looking at him contemplatively. "I suppose," she allowed, "that even though you've betrayed before, I'm not worried that you'll betray me - at least, not yet. When you tell me that I'm the one you want, well... I believe it. I still do." The corner of her mouth twitched as she added, "When you were honest about what Falun asked of you, and what you told him in turn, I think that cemented it for me. You're an honest beast in dishonest circumstances, Ivo. That's who you are." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

 

[Mariel Rustyfangs]

@Cricket @FinnianBrightfur

Bingo! Two interested and clearly competent partners for a heist. The gecko sounded a bit older than Mariel expected but it didn't matter. Now it was just a matter of selling the idea.

Padding a bit closer, she took a large chomp out of her muffin. "Mmm. What if I told you... you could get as many cupcakes as you can carry." She tried carefully. "I know a place, and have a plan! Just need some partners and we could get all the cupcakes! Juuuust a bit risk may be included. But that's where the fun is right?"

Mariel finished her treat and leaned by the wall, showing off her still growing fangs, glittering from frosting she just consumed, with a grin.

 

[Ivo Suresight]

The kiss Marianna gave him was like none before. It felt liberating to be accepted with all flaws. Just like he accepted her. The red fox melted under it and purred with joy at the newfound lightness. His gentle grasp on her, one that was afraid to let go, now was gently running claws through her fur under the water. It took him a good moment to speak again, with a slightly wetted eyes, not just from the abundant moisture.

"I... thank you." He buried his muzzle into her neck. "I did promise ya me honest side. And am not goin' back. I wanna be honest to at least one beast on this world."

Ivo then leaned back to gaze into her eyes. Less to read her emotions, more to show his gratitude that was etched into his stare. Again, there was a long pause before he spoke again. Now more confidently and smoothly.

"Am not jus' doom 'n gloom fortunately. Beside me work and sorry life, I like paintings an' know a good bit 'bout fancy drinks. I train muscles by navigatin' them shantytowns at speed. I love carrots an' raspberries. I've two little 'hobbies'. One bein' architecture, another bein' spices. And... am readin' anarchist papers, though am not a revolutionary. There. All that is somewhat interersting 'bout me in a nutshell." He took a long breath as he now got to ask the question that he desired to ask. "And... if I may. Who is Marianna Furotazzi? I've took restrain from lookin' for anythin' more 'bout you than you wanted to share."

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna listened to Ivo's list of hobbies, weighing them against her own interests, a small bit of bubbly glee rising in her stomach where she found shared interest (art) and, for the rest, a certain amount of keenness to learn more. She wasn't an expert with mixed drinks, but she certainly enjoyed them, and would love to learn from him, even experience a few of his own creations; she might not enjoy running herself, but she would gladly support him in his exercise; carrots were fine, and raspberries were good, though not her favorite; and architecture and spices were both areas she didn't know much about, but she would happily learn from him in that regard. As for his revolutionary reading... Well, she decided, that could make for some interesting pillow talk.

She stilled as the question was turned back on her. A certain amount of gratitude washed over her as Ivo assured her he hadn't looked into her past; she was sure that, if he'd dug far enough, he'd have uncovered the aspects of her that she really didn't like to consider. She looked down at his chest, averting his eyes as she tried to cast the same away from herself. "There is no Marianna Furotazzi," she admitted. "Not until a few years ago, anyway. There was another Marianna, once; she was just a little girl when, thirty years ago, a Furotazzi agent stole her and her brother out of their home, on the same day that Vito Furotazzi murdered that little girl's mother." The murder of the mayor's estranged wife and the disappearance of his kits had been front page news; the understanding that the 'Tazzis had been behind the murder didn't come out until years later, long after Anithias Freedom had been hung and the authorities had given up looking for Falun and Marianna, assuming they were either dead or being held prisoner overseas by the Ryalors. Marianna had always wondered if Vito had paid off the Fogeys to shelve the investigation.

She continued, her voice subdued. "That little girl was raised by Vito Furotazzi... almost, anyway," she amended. "There were nannies and tutors, and he came by occasionally to see us. I wouldn't call him a father exactly; Falun wanted him to be, and certainly my brother strived to be the sort of todd that Vito would be proud of. He and I, though.... I think we both understood each other too well to ever see each other as family. He was more like a mentor, and I was his mentee." She hesitated before admitting, "I thought he might make us real Furotazzis, though. He didn't let us mingle with his blood family; they knew of us, and were always very aloof, even cold. I don't think Vito ever told them who we truly were; I'm sure they assumed we were his illegitimate offspring who, for some bizarre reason, he chose to keep in his second home. Still, I was foolish enough to believe that, after doing everything to help him protect his family, his blood family, from the fallout of our business, that he would at least arrange my marriage to one of them, to help protect us as well. Instead, they cut off communication as soon as his funeral was over. Blood or not, as far as they concerned, we weren't family to them."

She was quiet for a moment, her pawfingers playing with one of the tufts of his fur that, when soaked, developed a playful little curl. "I hated him for stealing me," she admitted. "I hated him for taking away the beast I might have been. I don't know who she is, though- Marianna Freedom. She's a ghost as well, just like Marianna Furotazzi, the daughter who wasn't. And, somewhere between those two ghosts, there's me."

She let out a chuckle that might have been covering for a sob as she wiped at her eyes with her paw. "Sorry," she apologized. "That was so melodramatic of me. I suppose I should tell you that I have a love for literature, especially the overwrought and sentimental kind, so even my own prose can become overdramatic at times."

 

[Kerney Erdősi]

@Pomodu lu Modokunomulo @Kaii Nashirou

Kerney smiled toothily. This was a type of meekness he never saw in the Slups. It was refreshing, really. "Yah fine," he said, nodding along as his pronunciation was corrected.

While the squirrel didn't understand Pomodu's earlier words, evidently the fox did. An engineer. One of those academic types.

Not exactly the type of beast he'd stumble across regularly. It seems like it had been a lifetime since he'd spoken to anyone of the sort. He was in the trenches, after all; not his usual grounds. He used to enjoy poking fun at them in taverns and dives, feeling invincible with barley ale inside of him, saying their brains would pour out their ears if they'd stuff any more in there. Tended to make good drinking mates, though -- at least the ones he was around. He cracked another smile thinking about it. He always did respect a beast who knew how to build. Practical smarts.

Kerney looked down at himself as the fox questioned him, suddenly aware of his state. The off-white baggy shirt hung off of him like wet paper. It was a sad sight. In truth, he had been eying some of the merchandise the clothing vendors were selling - if only to try to blend in - but they were all well outside of his price range. Actually, he wasn't sure he had any more gliders on him today to begin with. It was a shame, really. He thought some of the simpler, less-attention-grabbing kimonos would almost look decent on him. Maybe next year.

"Och... Well... Suppose I'm not one for dress-up," he lied, stuffing his hands back into his pockets in a secret attempt to gauge how much money he had left. Only some pence, it felt like. "Wouldn't know where to begin, anyhow."

He turned his head to Pomodu, listening intently to whatever response she may have. A land that was 'far, far from here' didn't exactly satisfy the squirrel. He was glad the fox asked. Maybe it would shed some light on what she was.

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo took in the revelation with a gentle nudge of his snout into hers. He knew already she didn't have the easiest life. Desire to escape their lot was what connected them in the end. Still, hearing from her the truth built within him naught more than a desire to protect her. He was too young to remember events she spoke about, but he knew still good amount of details, both about Freedom and Furotazzis pasts. Even if he were not going to believe her words for some reason, Ivo could see the dots connecting before his eyes.

But this could wait for, more importantly, the fox had his vixen in pain and hatred for the past that was still bounding her. Just like he tried constantly to escape the ropes he found himself in over and over. "Don't apologise t' me. Ya've got yer tough past. One of abuse, mistreatment an' hate. One that ye're forced to endure an' get through. It ain't wrong to get emotional over it..." He paused for a moment, cupping her paw on his chest with his own. "But I have t' say, ya may not be Marianna Freedom anymore. Ya may not feel like Marianna Furotazzi for she wasn't meant t' be. But you are Marianna. Sure the other two 've defined ya, but ye ain't either from what I hear and got t' know ya."

He allowed for his tail to tangle with hers underwater, coiling like two snakes around one another. "And If ya wanna to, I'll be helpin' ya t' find what that real Marianna's called and what defines her."

 

[Pomodu lu Modokunomulo]

Pomodu brightened, both at the fox's invitation to tell him more about her homeland, and the squirrel's implicit invitation to help him buy garments. "I he'pu you!" She volunteered. She reached to her side and struggled with the inro container tied to her obi sash. She managed to work open the ties on it and carefully retrieved from inside a small stack of coins, the largest of which barely fit in the case. Very few beasts outside of Zann's Backyard and the Insanely Rich Area even ever saw a golden hundred-gilder coin, but there it was, sparkling in the strange red beast's paw. It was enough wealth to feed a Slups family for a year, to rent a halfway decent condo for a month, or to sit in an architectural masterpiece in the Insanely Rich Area for ten minutes.

~~~

Marianna couldn't keep the smile from breaking over her face at Ivo's encouragement, and her tail wound close around his as her paw clung to his. "Thank you, Ivo," she whispered to him. A part of her brain, taken with the idea of finding a name to truly call her own, whispered in her ear: Marianna Suresight.

No! No no no no no NO. She was not a lovestruck teenager, she was not going to doodle her name with a todd's surname attached in the margins of her paperwork. Ivo was sweet and clever and playful and tender, but it was also far too soon to be considering something like marriage. Besides, he was still very young; she was sure he still wanted to experience life before getting tied down with a wife and family.

But you want kits, don't you? And you're in your thirties now. You don't have that long left, especially when you factor in finding a todd who will take you as you are.

Shut up! Shut. Up.

Just saying.

Marianna cleared her throat, blinking away tears. "You know," she commented, "I'm really lucky that you have such a weak grip. If you'd held onto that drawing of yours, we never would have met." She meant it as a playful comment, but she regretted it immediately since it sounded back-handed. "Sorry," she apologized. "That came out as mean."

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo chuckled at the reminder how did they come to meet one another. It wasn't that long ago and yet it felt like so much have changed ever since. "Well I s'pose I'll have t' find whoever bumped into me and thank 'em for makin' me meet ya..." His words were lighter now than before, for he felt something that he was experiencing for the first time in his life.

The worst part was, Ivo wished for this feeling to stay. But it was too fragile yet. A single thread of genuine connection that, while he was in love before, went beyond any physical or emotional barriers. Simply put, Ivo just felt right. That is also something that made him afraid deep down. It wasn't even a question if he wished to bind himself to this vixen. He was afraid more about if it could stay like this. If no matter what, those threads would be stronger than anything safe for betrayal. Ivo just wanted honesty and assurance of at least one thing in his life. That is why he decided to work on this connection even more.

"Dun worry dear. I ain't great at it yet, but am decent at recognisin' yer humour. Speakin' of... We both know the sad. But I wanna hear your happy parts too! Unless... Yer wanna make it into a game of guessin'." He coyly suggested, albeit he wished to learn more about her, he wouldn't mind a bit of digging for it. Granted, his occupation made this game a bit unfair.

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

@Daniil Ryalor

The jolt of surprise that nearly sent Caden's paw to gripping the hilt of his sword sublimated to curious, bittersweet delight as he watched the siblings interact. He had always wished for a sibling. Faint, fond memories of his time with Tanya's kits had always been close to his heart, and he thought he had found such a relationship in his adolescence with Sebastian. Before he could follow that particular melancholy track, however, Mileya was throwing her arms around him. He squeezed her gently with one arm, grinning over her head at Daniil.

"Everything?" Caden laughed. "I don't suppose he mentioned the life or death experiences we seemed to keep finding ourselves in. Your brother has had my back through some tight spots, and I owe him my life."

He stopped himself from nuzzling Daniil affectionately, given the public setting, though the warmth in his gaze as he looked at his partner told well enough of his feelings for the todd. "If I'm being honest, he already had my heart the first day we met at the Ministry of War. We just happened to be there on the same day to sign up for the Guard." Caden nudged Daniil with his elbow, winking. "Something about those grappling bouts we did that made it hard to stop thinking about him afterwards."

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna smiled as she settled herself against Ivo's chest. "Well," she mused, "I have hobbies of my own. I tried my paw at gardening, back when we lived at the old house, but I haven't had much opportunity since Vito died. I enjoy a good mixed drink, especially something fruity, so I'll certainly be interested in seeing your expertise at work. And," she added, "I'm an amateur literary critic. I actually have an occasional column in the Smelt - just in the 'Personals' section, but still." She chuckled as she recalled, "That actually led me meeting and getting into quite the scrap with the Minister of Misanthropy, if you can believe it. We stick to sparring on the page now."

~~~

Mileya's eyes gained a glint of mischief as she looked between the pair. "Oh, I'm sure they did," she quipped. "My brother has been needing some grappling practice for about, oh, fifteen years?"

Daniil blushed a deep red. "Mileya!"

"What?" She put on her most innocent expression, paws behind her back as she swung her shoulders lightly. "You really don't get enough exercise, brother. I'm glad you've found such a talented exercise partner."

Daniil's blush only subsided slightly, but he murmured, "He is very good." He cleared his throat before, a little louder, adding, "We should introduce you to Asta too. She's over there looking at the koto. Didn't you take lessons back in Eastisle?"

Mileya made a face. "Yes, and I hated them. I wanted to learn the Alkamarian guitar, but Aunt Dusk said that wasn't fitting for a young lady at court. As if she's ever been one to know. You know she sent me another letter trying to set me up with a todd?" she complained. "Some mucky-muck from her ministry. I didn't even respond to that letter; I hope she got the message."

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo raised his brow at the last part specifically. Being in a scrap with Minister he had intel pointing at her being very to die for... certainly a hobby for the brave or foolish and Marianna wasn't dumb at all. Before he could make any comment at all however, his stomach decided to make a very political statement by rumbling audibly. At which he remembered that both wished to eat. They have been in the hot spring, snuggling and sharing their hearts for a good moment now. "Hmm, I s'pose I'll have t' start readin' the literary. Sounds like a duel worth keepin' an eye out for. But... I think 'tis time for that Hibachi ya wanted. Unless ya want t' stay bit longer. In which case, I can't promise t' be tame." He allowed a small joke as he awaited the decision of his vixen... He liked that idea of her being his and him being hers.

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

Caden resisted the urge to give Daniil's tail a playful tug as the todd and his sister bantered. He settled for a self-satisfied smirk instead as he crossed his arms over his chest and let his tail sway back and forth, nodding in agreement at Daniil's assessment. When Mileya spoke of Dusk, Caden's smile faded, and he could not help but roll his eyes.

"You can do far better than a beast from Misanthropy. Anybeast the Minister is setting you up with is somebeast to stay far away from, I would think. I can't imagine her tastes--"

"Caden!" Asta dashed over and grabbed his paw. "I really liking this one." She stopped, noticing Mileya. Her gaze darted between the vixen and Daniil, noting the similarities between the two. "Oh! You being Daniil's sister, ja?"

The jill let go of Caden and executed a perfect bow that she had seen some of those from Westisle perform in greeting. "Hallo. I'm Asta, Caden's daughter. It is so nice to meet you! Daniil saying much about you." She smiled. "All good things, of course."

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna chuckled as her own stomach growled in agreement with Ivo's. "As delightful as it would be to do things I'm sure the Fyadorians wouldn't approve of in this onsen, my stomach demands to be satisfied before any other part of me," she confirmed. "Let's get that hibachi, and maybe, if you're feeling up to it, you can help me pick out a kimono." She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Hopefully one that will look good on your bedroom floor."

~~~

Mileya beamed at Asta's flawless bow, which she returned with ease. "Oaidekiteureshīdesu, meikko-san!" She stepped forward and pulled Asta into an enthusiastic hug. "Daniil hasn't told me almost anything about you save that you like music, and I can't forgive him for his negligence! You can call me Mileya, or ane if you'd like."

Daniil snorted. "Ane? Don't flatter yourself, Mileya, you're definitely her oba at this point."

"Oi, damare, omae! Ignore him," she advised Asta. "You want to learn the koto, yes? Why don't you show me which one you picked out?"

Daniil sighed as Mileya took to Asta like a long-lost sister. "I may not have considered the implications of introducing Mileya to Asta," he admitted. "Asta's going to be her new favorite person now. Mileya seems to have a lot of those. Anyone she can make her project so she doesn't have to..." He shook his head. "Forget it."

 

[Asta Dalgaard]

@Daniil Ryalor

Asta beamed at the vixen, taking Mileya's paw with as much familiarity as one would a sibling and leading her to the vendor's stall. She pointed at the instrument she had just been playing that the fox vendor had on display. "He saying this one of high quality, but affordable. What do you think?"

Behind them, Caden leaned in towards Daniil, a question in his expression. "So she doesn't have to...what? Should I be worried for Asta, or is this a harmless sort of 'favorite beast' relationship? Given Mileya's proximity to the Empress, I'm inclined to advise at least some caution on her part, but perhaps that's me being over-protective, which Asta has complained of on numerous occasions."

 

[Daniil Ryalor]

Daniil shook his head, a touch of regret in his expression. "No, Asta will be fine. Maybe a bit smothered with kindness, but just fine. No, I just... I worry for Mileya. I mean, she says she's happy, but sometimes I see this look on her face and I just... I don't want her to reach the end and realize it's too late. I wouldn't be where I am now without her; 'Gates, I might not be here at all. I want to help her just as much as she's helped me."

Mileya beamed as she saw the koto. "Oh, it's excellent!" she enthused. "I'll tell you a secret that my old koto instructor told me: to almost any ear, an affordable koto, well-maintained and tuned, sounds indistinguishable from a koto that would cost a king's ransom. As long as you take good care of it, that koto will last you for years." She made a face as she added, "I'd ask to have my old koto shipped over from Westisle for you, except I gave it to my cousin Ameliya when she started learning. It's just as well; Aunt Dusk insisted on getting me one that was way, way too expensive, thinking that would incentivize me to play it. It did the opposite; it was so valuable that I was afraid to touch it lest I break it. Especially when you're learning, having something you aren't afraid to play is important."

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

"From what you've told me of her, she's not had the easiest time of things. Well, none of you have." Caden briefly reached up and held Daniil's shoulder, the contact brief enough to appear like a casual touch between friends. He dropped his paw to his side again and looked on as the vixen and jill conversed about the instruments. "I don't have siblings, so I don't quite know the rules there, but perhaps there are ways we can both support her without pushing her into something she's uncomfortable with. You did say she's more comfortable with malebeasts of our inclinations, so maybe she'll be more apt to take our suggestions than your aunt's."

Asta nodded along with Mileya. "That making sense. My father, uh, Caden's late husband, he made lutes. Made some that were being so expensive, I was afraid to touching them. He made my lute, but it being sturdy, good for traveling and dancing with. Not as expensive, but still good." She addressed the vendor. "How much this koto costing?"

He glanced Mileya's way, hesitating only a moment before giving the price. "One thousand eight hundred."

Asta's only reaction was to look at Mileya in question. "What thinking you about that?"