Rainblade-Ryalors Open Vulpinsula & Surroundings Westisle Cultural Appreciation Day

[Mileya Ryalor]

Mileya readily sat down beside Asta, beaming at the young marten's eagerness to play. "Fair warning," she offered, "I'm really bad at it. I was a terrible student, as Yūgure obasan could surely tell you. I did learn how to play 'Sakura, Sakura' though, so I'll teach you that." She nodded at the introductory booklet and added, "I'll bet it's in there. My understanding is it's basically to the koto what 'Chopsticks' is to the piano."

Daniil chuckled as he watched the pair bonding. He smiled as he looked over at Caden, warmth in his gaze. "Let's," he agreed, for a moment reaching for Caden's paw, then remembering himself and clasping his paws behind his back instead.

~~~

Marianna smiled as she watched Ivo carefully raise the hibachi to his lips, beaming at his joy as he experienced the dish for the first time. She chuckled at his kiss, wishing that she were holding her chopsticks with her other paw so she could squeeze his as they ate. At his comment about his age, however, her expression turned reflective. "I've only ever lived in Bully Harbor," she reflected. "Never set footpaw outside of it, of my own volition anyway. I don't think being born on the Hide should count. Everything I know, I learned either right here, or I learned from beasts far more well-traveled than I am. Some of them were todds," she admitted, "most of them older. Some of them a lot older. Never date someone twice your age," she advised.

She looked at him a bit more contemplatively as she continued. "You don't feel young to me, Ivo. I don't know if it's because you have an old soul, or that you're so accomplished for your age, or just that I like to feel younger than I am, but... I never feel unequal with you. If anything," she added, "sometimes you're too quick for me. I like it," she clarified. "I think the problem with the older beasts was I'd learn what they had to share, and then they'd bore me because they were stagnant. Nothing about you is boring to me."

She brought another sliver of pepper to her mouth and chewed on it carefully as she contemplated her next words. "I'm discovering the world with you," she finally stated. "I think that's the difference. We're teaching each other, and that just feels right." She gave him a small smile as she added, "Who knows? Maybe, after the heist, we can even take a little break. Go on a vacation to Alton Bay or the Tookumberry Keys or someplace, just see a sliver more of the world together."

~~~

Aramaeus started as somebeast addressed him, and he immediately put the book down, looking for all the world like a kit who had been caught searching through his mother's bedside table. For a moment he stared at the squirrel, aghast at being directly confronted with the very same work he had just been perusing; then, slowly, he remembered what Ivo and his pushy vixenfriend had said about femmes and such matters. Slowly he relaxed, though he didn't dare look to the page lest his face combust and steam shoot out of his ears. "It is certainly outside of the cultural guidelines established by the Ministry of Niceties for the promotion of traditional Vulpinsulan values," he allowed, trying and failing to clear the lump in his throat. "I was merely, ah..." He gestured vaguely with his uninjured paw, the one in a sling kept hugging his chest. "...browsing," he finally came up with, ending it somewhat lamely.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

@Aramaeus Lemon

Orina smirked at the uncomfortable todd. She leaned in to murmur conspiratorially. "I'll let you in on a small secret. I've heard from a reliable source that those guidelines are something of a joke within Niceties. Beasts always think Misanthropy would be the most deviant of the lot, but attend an after-hours Smudgie party, and you'll see just what Niceties thinks of certain 'traditional Vulpinsulan values'." Straightening, she flipped through the book, shrugging, before shelving it once more.

"I believe there's one happening this evening somewhere in this district, in fact, all in the spirit of cultural exchange. I feel like Vulpinsulans could learn a bit about sensuality, don't you think? Perhaps you might find it interesting yourself, even if you do simply browse. If you like books such as this, I'm sure there would be something there for you."

---

@Daniil Ryalor

Donning the tsume, Asta plucked at several strings, her ears forward and attentive as she listened to the notes. "Ja, I knowing 'Chopsticks'. Caden is learning piano and that being one of the first songs he playing."

Caden waved to the pair. "We're going to go get some lunch, but we'll be back soon."

As the todd and jack left, Asta briefly looked up and waved, then turned back to Mileya. She smiled at the vixen. "Thank you, again. You being very kind to me. Though, I noticing you very different from Daniil, less serious than him. More, um, I thinking open would be right to say?"

---

Though he wished to walk arm in arm with Daniil, Caden was happy enough to be strolling through the festival beside his lover despite the pit of guilt that had found its way into his gut that he was attempting to rid himself of. They followed their noses to a group of food stalls. A thin rat dressed in ill-fitting Westislander garb stood just outside the stalls with a table in front of him. Several beasts hovered around the table, watching closely as he shuffled three cups across the surface of the table in various patterns before stopping and looking up at the group. A weasel within the group rubbed at her chin and then pointed to one of the cups.

"That one, it's gotta be."

The rat lifted the cup. There was nothing beneath it. The group laughed.

"Ah, he got you again! Come on, mate, show us which one it was under."

The rat lifted another cup to reveal a marble. "See? You just gotta be quicker is all. Again?"

"Fine, fine, one more time." The weasel jill tossed down a gilder, which the rat quickly snatched up.

Caden stared at the rat, trying to remember where he had last seen the beast. Something about him made the jack feel uneasy. So intent was his attention on the rodent that he did not notice the much smaller and younger rat darting around the group before the pup ran directly into him and Daniil.

 

[Kal Goldtail]

@Tal'Rakan

"Land of Phoenixes, 'eh?" She mumbled, trying to remember anything like that from her studies, and failing. Lynx looked rich enough that it didn't really matter if this land was in their imagination, or real, but it was curious nonetheless.

"Well, I know very little of nation of yours too, sir. Would like to hear what it's like. In the meantime-" She gave a nod to a shopkeeper, who was about to shoo her away, before noticing her company. "Thought you'd like to see Westisle weapons, sir. Um. These are for training, wooden ones. Katanas, if I'm not wrong-" Here, the shopkeeper decided to sweep in with a waterfall of words, advertising their craft. Kal was slightly relieved at that, as this conversation would've been hard for her. She didn't know that much, and whatever she did know, she shouldn't anyway. She took the occasion to swing the training sword a bit, though with lack of grace or proper knowledge on using this type of blade it probably looked ridiculous.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

@Kerney Erdősi @Pomodu lu Modokunomulo

Kaii was glad to oblige, remembering to introduce himself. "Gentlebeast Kaii of house Nashirou." He said giving a proper, for the outfit he wore, ojigi (bow). "Don't feel obliged by my title despite my introductions. Also I don't believe I have caught your name..." He finished the last piece of sashimi, Tuna was always his favourite, before he gestured with his paw to follow him. It didn't take too long before he had found the closest place that offered to lend kimono's and other outfits in Westisle/Fyadoran style. It was meant primarily for the tourists who wished didn't have need to get those outfits for more than one day in potentially their lifetime, but in this scenario, it was perfect.

After making sure the cloth at the display was clean and neutral-smelling, Kaii got the other two beasts he was with to the stall. One melanistic vixen stood behind it, her white hikizuri contrasting well with her ink-black fur. "Good day to you." Kaii started. "How much would it cost for one full outfit for this fine beast." He leisurely but surely spoke while pointing at Kerney.

The vixen with a smile thought for a second, her brown eyes jumping between each one from the rather unique trio of beasts. In the end, She spoke in a bit of a deep voice. "Well. That depends on the style! Mister, what type of kimono would you rather have?" She started pointing out the displayed outfits hanged on her stall. "A Komon? Maybe a Yukata? Do you want a haori jacket?"

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo continued consumption, tiring his paw still, while listening attentively to Marianna. One thing he really enjoyed about talking with her was that she made him think, look for things he normally would never consider, especially not while being but a simple-minded tool. After she had finished speaking, he took a moment to finish with a piece of a shrimp before he got to answer her. Letting his own thought flow, albeit with a rather melancholic tone.

"Good thing am only datin' someone jus' a dozen years older than me." He chuckled, but he still was saddened by the thought that led to his next words. "I'm young... but I've got robbed from me kithood. I didn't get'ta play or do much stuff otha' kits I 'member from me childhood did. At least, not in ma memory. I thought I was cool, bein' serious gangsta an' criminal while other orphans were strugglin' t' live another day. Turns out, they've still got it better 'cause they at least had one anotha. I had nobody my age." He sniffed, it wasn't clear if he was this saddened or if it was the spice finally kicking in.

"Ya know somethin' about that I 'ssume. Bein' forced t' grow 'cause life makes ye deal with adult problems 'fore ya can get to be one. That's only reason why am I kinda mature. Otherwise? I ain't even old 'nough to grow me sum chinfur." He quickly finished last piece of his meal before saying the last part a bit quieter. "I think... we just both wanna be 'em kits we didn't get t' be. That's why how many winters we've lived matters not."

Spotting as she too was done with her food, he stood up and, since they've already had paid, took Marianna paw, slowly starting to pad down the street to the tea parlor he spotted on their way before.

"I like t' think we are teachin' one another." He slowly mused after a moment of silence. "Though am unsure how much can I teach ye. Ya have me word though, If ye find me not boring, I'll try t' make sure it stays that way."

Just reaching the place, Ivo stood before it for a second, contemplating something. An idea that while stupid, was really doing wonders for his mood. "And as fer visitin' a place... I would like that yes..." He smiled more as his certainty grew, yet he snapped, focusing more on the reality, while inviting Marianna into the parlor.

 

[Tal'Rakan]

@Kal Goldtail

The lynx looked at the so called katanas they were not that far off in the look from the obsidian blades the Priests' guards were using. He noticed distinct lack of maces, varied polearms and battle claws. Were they really using only the weapons that were expensive and only good in trained paws? If so, they must've been either very rich, or have very small and professional army. He did spot a spear-like thing, apparently called yari. That one was actually of good design. Simple, cheap and deadly even in paws of a serf.

After the inspection he pulled out his battle claws to inquire if the Westisle people ever used something akin. As it turned out, they didn't. Resigned slightly, Tal'Rakan returned to the one vixen he conscripted to be his guide. "Well, it seems like I've seen enough. It was insightful, thank you. I can tell you about my homeland as we walk to the next place you can show me. Ask what do you wish to know about the chosen land of he divine Phoenixes." His voice hinted at a bit of boastfulness. Rakan was waiting for the vixen to both start walking so he could follow her, as well as for her questions.

 

[Aramaeus Lemon]

Aramaeus first blanched white, then flushed a bright red. "Y- You-" he sputtered, seeming to struggle to find words. "You aren't surely suggesting attending a - a bacchanal of indiscriminate carnality!" He shifted a bit, pulling his coat about him to better obscure what might or might not be occurring beneath his trousers. "My lady," he cried, then lowered his voice, glancing about with ears flattened lest anyone overhear. "I am a dedicated servant of our Empress! It would be unbecoming of me to engage in such... such debauchery!" He hated the part of himself that was both overwhelmingly curious toward and terrified of the possibility.

~~~

Mileya cheerfully performed the right-pawed part of the song, which was actually far easier than the left-pawed part and hence far easier for her muscle memory to bring back. She gave Asta a brilliant smile at the marten's comment. "'Free thinking' is the Vulpinsulan," she remarked, "or maybe 'open-minded'. Either way, thank you!" She gave a small shrug as she added, "I should really thank you, though. Daniil is so happy around Caden, and he really cares for you too, I can tell. I'm glad; he's spent too long wallowing in his own misery. He really just needed to find someone to be happy with."

There was something bittersweet in those last few words, a wistfulness that she dared not voice. She looked down to the instrument, checking her posture, before inquiring, "So, I think I remember Daniil saying in one of his letters that you were playing with the Philharmonic? What's that like? It's been a while since they were last invited to perform in Amarone, and I'd love to hear you play."

~~~

Daniil had never much had much interest in shell games and games of chance; his stomach was much more interested in the food stalls nearby, each of which he was trying to assess from a distance to decide which would be best (and have the most authentic cuisine). He was still caught up in that puzzle when a young kit collided with him and Caden. Immediately his bodyguard training kicked in and he reached out to grab the kit before he could fall. "Are you alright there, little one?" he inquired, looking down at the kit in surprise, followed by a moment of suspicion. He knew that some pickpocket crews used a public spectacle to draw a crowd, then had kits go through the mix to lift their wallets and purses.

~~~

Marianna gladly walked paw in paw with Ivo, considering his words. Really, he was right; they had both been robbed of a normal childhood, instead brought into a career that neither had chosen at far too young an age. It was no wonder that, when opportunity arrived, they had seized the chance to enjoy themselves, finding in each other their counterpart.

Entering the parlor, Marianna's eyes swept over the room, impressed by the sturdiness of the construction given its temporary nature. Her eyes went up to the ceiling, and widened at the sight of a thick beam that curved with the slant of the roof. "A genuine ushibari," she breathed, awe in her voice. "It takes years being soaked in water and bent into position to create that curve. I'm shocked they actually brought one over from Fyador for this festival."

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo himself was enjoying the view albeit for a vastly different reason. If there was one thing he knew a good bit about the Westisle, it was the architecture. Considering his position, it wasn't much of a surprise, he was after all sometimes tasked with giving permits to build something unorthodox. With time, he grew to like learning about different styles and found those fascinating.

"Sukiya-zukuri style... Never thought I would get t' see one with me eyes." His smile widened and his healthy ear twitched a bit. Then he turned his attention to Marianna to listen to what she had to say. It was quite nice to see her also enjoy herself. Assuming the pillows on the floor were made for sitting, he just did so, guiding Marianna to the one next to him and then into his embrace. "Well 'en. Is good t'know how those 're made and what they're called. I've seen lots of em and like, makes sense why they brought it here. Sukiya style is simple, austere, cherishin' nature. Look at 'em walls plastered with polished earth. Or 'em columns, lookin' like trees, barely carved."

He took a break as an attendant ferret came to take their orders. Ivo had zero clue about types of tea though so he looked to Marianna for silent help.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

@Aramaeus Lemon

Orina was enjoying herself far too much. While she had many, many types, the type of this fox was one she found distinct pleasure in introducing to all sorts of new horizons, or at least teasing him towards the edge and letting him fall in off his own accord. His guilt and shame were nearly palpable, and the squirrel basked in it. She lowered her voice to mimic him, as though anybeast in that particular stall cared.

"You'll find many dedicated servants to the Empress at such an event, my friend. Somebeasts who wish to remain anonymous simply wear masks." She tucked a paw into her jacket to retrieve a card from an inner pocket. A curling silver script on a black matte background spelled out an address. On the opposite side was the symbol of the Unsmudgables. She held the card out to the todd. "In case you find yourself curious. The doors open at nine o'clock."

---

@Daniil Ryalor

The young rat, no more than six or seven, started to stutter out a response before a coin purse and wallet dropped from her overly-large tunic onto the ground. Caden looked down in surprise.

"Gates, that's my wallet. That kit has fast paws." He stooped down to grab the item, also scooping up the coin purse. The little rat struggled in Daniil's grasp, letting out a squeak of distress as she tried to free herself. Caden lifted the coin purse and called out to the group of beasts.

"Somebeast lose a purse?"

The rat grifter reached forward and snatched the jill's purse directly from her paws, then made to dash away. Caden was faster, though, and he darted in, snagging the loose sash around the rat's waist, unfurling the sash and opening the yukata the rat wore to reveal a grubby tunic and trousers underneath. Coin purses, wallets, and gilders fell to the ground at the buck's footpaws.

"Oi!" Caden suddenly recognized the rat. "You're that rat from the Slups!" It was not the most insightful comment, but in the heat of things, with the rat suddenly drawing a dagger on him, it was all he could come up with.

---

@Mileya Ryalor

Asta caught the shift in tone in the vixen's voice as she spoke of her brother's happiness. She surveyed Mileya's face, her posture, and noted how she quickly changed the subject. The jill would not press, not on a first meeting. But certainly there was something there. She was beginning to learn that a great many beasts had not had the privilege of the kind of support she had experienced in life, and as such, so many she was encountering held a great deal of pain and sadness around the subject of relationships. It seemed very unfair to her.

"I am playing with them, ja." Asta nodded. She followed the vixen's fingers on the strings with her gaze, then shadowed the movements without plucking. "I playing lute in chamber groups, not with full orchestra, though. Maybe when I practicing more, I will playing good enough to perform a lute concerto with the orchestra."

The jill noted Mileya's posture and adjusted how she sat. "I also singing in choirs with the orchestra. Not opera, though. Vulpinsulan opera very...different from my singing." Her ears tilted as she continued to listen to Mileya play. "The tuning of this is being different, ja? Do you knowing what scale is used? Westisle music sounding like a different scale than Vulpinsulan and Varangian."