Stately Strides <Earth Kingdom>

[yuuka]

"Ladies!"

The weather in Nadeshiko was calm and pleasant that evening, which could allow the warriors standing in a row to enjoy the setting sun and balmy spring air as their leader gave her ultimatum. Not even those blasted spider-gnats, who at dusk seemed to love forming tiny swarms as insignificant as the bugs themselves and landing on whomever got in their path, were discouraged by a light breeze. Yes, it was beautiful and enjoyable, but Yuuka tried to keep the girls' minds on more important matters.

"The time has come to decide," Yuuka said in serious tone, pacing in a straight line before her comrades, making sure her eyes didn't go too long before looking back at their expressions and body language. Were they uncertain, she was was neither sure nor terribly concerned, but knew the time they would comply or disagree was at hand. "We can no longer stall, unsure of our course, my warriors."

Thanks to sharp forethought, Yuuka could keep her features relaxed. Aiko, who helped greatly in forming the Nadeshiko Kyoshi Warriors, had already been contaced and told of the plan to leave across the ocean, without any emphasis given on whether or not the other warriors agreed. For that reason, Shiori and Kasuga, who already supported Yuuka's plan wholeheartedly, were taken along with the oldest of the six to pay such a visit. When Yuuka uttered news of her action, she knew the uncertain ones and even the opposers would be forced to agree. Naysayers would have the honor of staying behind and training a new band of warriors. At least then, they wouldn't be missing out on any 'action'.

Like a short, sharp shock, Yuuka thrust out her closed fan, with a tight grip wrapping her fingers around what was effectively a baton and pointing it straight at (sadly) the least confident of the six. In contrast, she switched from a stern and abrupt exterior to a calm and motherly side in an instant. The folded fan in her hand, grasped securely, was now at her front and held at the other end by its twin. Yuuka smiled, merciful in her expectations of Kasuga to recite their Earth Kingdom-centric plan. "Kasuga, my dear...why not remind the others of our mission?"

[kasuga]

Positioned at the far end of the line of young warriors, Kasuga stood. She’d have preferred standing in the back of the group or the like, but that wasn’t an option at this point, the others had lined up as they had and Kas had just followed along, as usual. At least it was a nice evening, a warm breeze meandering through the peaceful little fishing village, a light gust blowing a stray bit of hair into Kasuga’s view but she paid it no mind. Yukka was speaking, but Kasuga was off in another world, peering dreamily down towards the harbor and then, off into the distance, out at the warm red glow that spread across the western sky as the sun set into the sea. Her brother, Toru, was out there on a fishing boat somewhere, the Captain was a trustworthy fellow and they always came home quickly when storms were brewing, but Kas was a natural worrier.

Dark Green eyes, glazed with a distant look, slowly moved over, focusing upon the group’s leader as she paced back and forth before them, tracking her as she moved. Yuuka, speaking in serious tones, seemed to simply exude power, control, confidence, she was a born leader, or so Kasuga had always felt. Paying more attention to the young woman then her actual words, Kas couldn’t help but think how lucky she and the group were to have Yuuka leading them, without her, what would they do? It was unthinkable that she might not be there with them and the young warrior put such thoughts from her mind.

"We can no longer stall, unsure of our course, my warriors." The words passed through one ear and out the other as Kasuga’s mind wandered. It had been nice to Aiko and some of the other warriors from the village to the south, it was a pleasant outing, though Kas had felt a bit nervous being in a town she wasn’t quite used to. In Nadeshiko, she knew a least most folks by their appearance and felt relatively comfortable when out and about, but in the other village she knew so few people, it was unsettling. Sighing very softly, she figured she’d simply have to get used to such things if the group was really going to the Earth Kingdom. Knowing Yuuka, Kas would find herself there soon enough, whether or not the other young warriors wished to go.

She did not see herself as rude, letting her mind wander some, it was in her nature to do so, Kasuga had always been a bit of a daydreamer. She’d already agreed to join Yuuka on the journey to aid the Earth Kingdom, what more did she need to say or do? In all honesty, Kas couldn’t imagine staying behind while her friends went off to face danger and the like, she have worried herself to death!

Yuuka was pacing back her way now, moving closer, but Kas was now pondering dinner, her mother had offered to feed the group when they returned from the village in the south. A hot meal was really starting to sound good. She remembered spotting several fresh fish from the market upon the counter before she’d gone up to get dressed and made up. Her mother was likely planning to fry them up or make a stew with them or the like, either sounded great and… A folded fan was suddenly thrust in her direction. Kasuga nearly jumped back, she wasn’t expecting this, not at all. Her mouth hung open slightly and her eyes crossed, focusing upon the tip of the fan. They slowly moved up, meeting Yuuka’s gaze with a look of uncertainty.

"Kasuga, my dear...why not remind the others of our mission?" asked the young leader. Though she was about two inches shorter than Kas, her mere presence seemed to tower over the girl. “Uhm… uh…” Kasuga muttered, her mouth opening and closing several times as she tried to focus upon the question, “Yeah..” She slowly turned her head, gazing to her left at her comrades, all peered back, leaning around one another to get a better view. “Well,” she began swallowing nervously and turning her gaze back to Yuuka, “E-everyday we live our lives here in peace, our cousins on the mainland fight a… loosing battle against the Fire Nation who.. visited our island and burned the village that our very own Avatar Kyoshi called home so… we haffta go out there and help beat them... er, the Fire Nation, beat them. Otherwise, the Fire Nation folks are probably going to come here next once they’re finished… right?” Kas asked, fidgeting a bit. Those were all the reasons, right? They had to help and it was preemptive and whatnot too, yep? She hoped her answer would be satisfactory, maybe she really ought to be paying attention after all.

[yuuka]

She was patient with Kasuga's stuttering, unnerved speech and understanding as always as the girl's lack of self-esteem was concerned, but Yuuka smiled assuringly and nodded when Kasuga essentially said exactly what the leader wanted. It was like music to her ears.

But what would the others think? Retracting her fan from Kasuga's facial region, Yuuka again folded her arms behind her back and began her same side-to-side march as before. Posture perfect, head held high, she would recap what Kasuga said. "Your comrade was correct. My warriors, this will be our mission. The Earth Kingdom needs our help more than our home village. There, the war worsens every day, lives are lost...but think what good we could do!" Yuuka ended on a positive note, trying to build up encouragement in her peers. What came next differed slightly from before, though. The tone would be changed.

"This is why we'll leave within the week. Your agreement is valued, but you are allowed to stay behind if you wish," reaching the end, Yuuka pivoted on her foot and marched the opposite direction before the lineup. "Personally, I've said goodbye to my family and to someone I'm sure you all remember fondly." She flashed her eyes over to Kasuga and Shiori in that order, the latter of whom straightened in posture and smiled rather obsequiously. If it were appropriate, no doubt the teal-eyed girl would have nodded emphatically. It was great to have allies.

"Earlier today, three of us said farewell to Aiko, who was integral in forming our humble bands of warriors," Yuuka continued, noting face after face for reactions. By now, there was even elss a chance someone would disagree, she could already tell. "Aiko gave us her blessing...though I never did mention we haven't all agreed."

Stopping again, Yuuka looked over her warriors. "Or have we? Please...feel free to speak up. I won't stop you." Instead of saying anything one might expect, no vindictive sayings, no pleas for agreement...Yuuka merely stood there. She was in front of everyone else, parallel from the exact middle of the lineup.

"Half of you have said nothing. Please..." They knew who they were, and it was time to speak freely. They would not be stifled. Then again, she saw something needed to be mentioned, maybe a way to gather more to her side. Gesturing to swing up a pointed index finger, her point was emphasized. "Staying behind would earn the honor of training a new class, of course. I'm sure plenty of preteen girls would love to learn our ways."

[kasuga]

Her Dark Green eyes snapped quickly downward, peering at her feet nervously, then, slowly rose to meet the gaze of the group’s leader, hopeful, though uncertain all the same. When a smile crossed Yukka’s face and the girl nodded, Kasuga seemed to relax visibly, her shoulders sagging slightly as she took a deep breath and let it out as a long contented sigh. She’d dodged the axe that time, or so she felt. With Yuuka’s fan withdrawn from the area before her face, Kas snuck a quick glance to her left, over at her comrades. Most had turned their attention back to their leader, though a few gave her nods of encouragement and Shiori, one spot to the left of Kas, smiled at her, cementing, at least for the moment, the young warrior’s blooming feelings of self worth.

It was good to know one was valuable to the group, at least, in some small way, and Kasuga reveled in any and all praise she received. Sometimes, she would wonder how she’d ever managed to get in with such a group of strong, skilled folks, she knew she wasn’t on par with any of her friends and fellow warriors and often spent nights lying awake, wondering why they put up with her incompetence, but it was moments like these when she did feel as if she belonged and it truly was a wonderful feeling.

Returning Shiori’s smile with a slightly shyer one of her own, Kasuga momentarily turned her attention back to the group’s leader, noting that she’d resumed her proud pacing before the line of girls. Catching the first of Yuuka’s words, Kas found that she was simply was restating what the taller warrior had said just moments before, likely for emphasis. Taking the moment to space out once again, Kasuga began to ponder the upcoming trip to the Earth Kingdom, would she be allowed to bring her sketch book and some charcoal pencils? She hoped so, at the very least, there would be new things and people to see – and draw – on the mainland. That could make things better, she thought, though the unknown was frightening, it might be interesting too, it all hinged upon where the group would end up. To that question, Kasuga had no answer.

Though, only half listening to Yuuka, Kas caught a pivotal tid-bit of information, “…we'll leave within the week…” Turning her gaze back upon the group’s leader, her eyes, having lost focus staring off into space, refocused as she peered over, hoping for clarification. Within the week? Really? Kas thought to herself, she had been half-hoping that things would be delayed and they’d get to stick around longer… though, truthfully, it was good to have a fairly certain idea of just when they were to leave. Not knowing was somewhat unnerving, though Kas knew well enough that Yuuka would have given fair warning before springing something upon them.

Paying somewhat closer attention to Yuuka now, Kasuga realized she had yet to bring the group’s plans before her family. Suzu and Anda would not protest, Kas knew that much, but a simple good bye would not do, she’d never been away from home for more than a few days, this journey to the Earth Kingdom could last months… years? The young warrior missed Yuuka’s look in her direction, as she was deep in thought. Her face scrunched up somewhat as she pondered several questions. She wanted to ask Yuuka, ask where they would be going, how long they would be staying, but she did not wish to interrupt a precisely planned speech and cost her leader the support of some of the other girls.

Remaining silent, the young warrior watched and listened as the group’s leader continued to stroll up and down the line, relating the details of the trio’s trip down to visit Aiko and the others. Kas was near to slipping back into daydreams, wondering about how her family would take the news, surely she’d be sorely missed… but it seemed an opportunity to pose a question had presented itself. Yuuka had stopped pacing and was now addressing the lot of them, Kasuga felt her questions stick in her throat, now probably wasn’t a good time, after all.

The group seemed to stand in silence for a time until a girl at the far right end of the line took one step forward, holding up a hand. Naeko was her name, likely the oldest member of the group at nineteen and quite sure of herself, she was first to break the silence, “Just where are we going?” she asked, speaking in a polite tone, “I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s curious to know. Do we have contact with anyone on the mainland? Are any plans set once we arrive?”

Kasuga looked over, down the line at Naeko, then to Yuuka, curious to hear an answer to the girl’s questions as they were similar to the ones, she too, wished to hear answered. Kas made up her mind, however, to ask her other question later, when it wouldn’t spoil Yuuka’s “presence” before the group. Yuuka couldn’t have one of her supporters questioning her now, even if it wasn’t meant to question their motives for going.

[yuuka]

"Naeko," Yuuka said aloud, drawing attention to the upcoming exchange of ideas between herself and the slightly older warrior. "You raise a good question. Good questions, in fact," she corrected herself in a heartbeat, acknowledging she listened to just what Naeko was saying, instead of glossing over important details that were said. Quite notably, her march came to a halt, no longer walking along the perimeter of her warriors as she spoke.

"There have been no arrangements thus far, no." A scope of the other warriors would tell their reactions. Honestly though, there were more problems than she originally foresaw rising now. Fortunately instead of being all gung-ho and diving in head-first, she had prepared a bit, even if it was just to the best of her knowledge and that gathered from people around the village.

Traders knew the land outside the island well, but their first stop wouldn't be the main port; rather, it would be Tang Zhu Naval Base, not too far east from the village of Chin - a village she and her fellow warriors wouldn't dare set foot in, thanks to a rather lengthy feud. Considering they each resembled the Avatar who apparently killed their beloved "Chin the Great" (blurring the fact he was a bloodthirsty tyrant), it was no wonder trade with the town of Chin wasn't even accepted by the humble inhabitants of Kyoshi. How blessed they were to know, passed through the generations by the stately and tall Avatar herself, that she was no heartless murderer of the ruthless man.

"The Tang Zhu Naval Base will be our first stop. Valued word of mouth has informed me it was the very place our predecessors went, so we will follow suit." Valued, of course, because the elder of Suki's village, Oyajii, told her firsthand about two weeks before. There was no need to plan too extensively when someone left you a trail to follow, at least in part. It was like Suki and her crew were Yuuka's parents taking their young daughter for a walk in mid-winter, leaving large footprints for her to place her smaller feet into so her balance wouldn't suffer. Yes...a rather fitting illustration, she pondered, smirking to herself as she lost a blink of a moment to thought.

"From there, they'll recognize us as Kyoshi Warriors and our plans will be made. I'm a fairly quick thinker and planner, but it'll go much quicker if," quickly, she pointed her baton-like, closed fan and swiped it toward Naeko, "and when we work together. This is as much a group effort as always." She kept more than a grain of faith in the Earth Kingdom army's registration and record systems. If they saw one group of Kyoshi Warriors, they would know just where to send the next incoming group. And the next, if others followed the example...

[kasuga]

The elder warrior let her hand drop slowly to her side, having caught Yuuka’s attention, and listened quietly as she responded. From down the line, Kasuga watched the exchange with interest and admiration. She, herself, could never, would never have the courage to stand up like that and ask a question, though it really didn’t seemed at all offensive to their illustrious leader’s authority, simply a request for more information. And more information meant less worry for Kas and, likely, the lot of the warriors as well. The unknown was scary, having set plans and certainty about their mission made things considerably easier to deal with, or so the young warrior thought.

"There have been no arrangements thus far, no," Yuuka replied. The only noticeable reaction from Naeko appeared to be a quirked eyebrow. A faint murmur ran through the group but quickly faded away as the young warriors focused their attention upon their leader. For a moment, Kasuga stood with her mouth half-open, peering down the line, there really weren’t any set plans established with the folks on the mainland? Catching herself before anyone noticed, Kas shut her mouth and tried to look casual and calm, taking a small step back behind the girl to her left helped some too.

Still curious though, if not more so with the news that Yuuka had no set arrangements with their Earth Kingdom cousins, Kasuga peeked around the girl to her left, watching and listening. They couldn’t go blindly charging off into the unknown, that was the most frightening thing of all. Who knows what could happen to them? Who knows where they might end up? They might never see Kyoshi Island again if they were to get lost or the like. The mere thought of never seeing home again put the fear in Kasuga, the idea had nagged at the back of the girl’s mind for sometime, but she’d done her best to suppress it. Hopefully, Yuuka had a plan for this; she always seemed to have a plan. That was something Kas felt she could always count on.

Naeko stood silent, resting her arms behind her back, right wrist in her left hand and nodded as Yuuka spoke, laying out the plans for their journey. Going through the navy base seemed like a good idea to Kasuga, especially considering that the other group had gone that way before. Surely the base personnel would know where to send them and whatnot. Where they would be sent from there, though, that still remained a mystery and Kas understood that, at present, there really wasn’t any way to know much beyond that.

Yuuka continued, "From there, they'll recognize us as Kyoshi Warriors and our plans will be made. I'm a fairly quick thinker and planner, but it'll go much quicker if…" Naeko seemed to sway backwards with the fan thrust in her direction, though she did not take a step, simply standing her ground and nodding. "…and when we work together. This is as much a group effort as always." When the fan was retracted, Naeko bowed slightly before the group’s leader, “Thank you for clarifying,” she said, trying to sound respectful.

Kas still wished to ask how Yuuka how long they were planning to stay in the Earth Kingdom among other things, but she had resolved to pose her question later on, specifically, at a time when not in front of the group. Her mind began to wander, however, when the scent of fried fish came to her on the warm breeze. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was her mother’s cooking, though, the Abe home was across town. Kasuga was becoming a bit hungry and the thought of dinner caused her mind to drift away from the conversation at hand some, though she was still interested in hearing more. If there happened to be more to the plans.

[yuuka]

Yuuka knew from the start her first reply wouldn't exactly comfort everyone, implying there was no actual, tangible path in which the warriors would trod. It seemed it even made a few of them move out of the lineup, which, although it wasn't an official request and more of an unspoken suggestion, irked Yuuka a bit. She couldn't keep her eyes on every one of them, anticipating actions and noting reactions, if they kept moving around like that. The warrior kept silent however, as the matter wasn't of the greatest import. Her fan was withdrawn after Naeko spoke in affirmation, which brought Yuuka to a pleasently content grin. "My pleasure."

Perhaps the best way to end this coil that she foresaw was to assure them of one final detail, which probably weighed on their respective minds as much as she thought it did. Not many would be willing to follow if she left a gigantic gray spot on the tapestry of the plan, not filling in a necessary blank pertaining to their Earth Kingdom mission. If they didn't know how long they'd be seperated from their families, more of them would say no. The smile left Yuuka's face soon after it came, and her eyes departed from viewing any one of the other girls, lulling down toward her bridge of her nose if at anything, really. The grip on her fan came loose as she burrowed it into her sash.

"We won't be there forever. The end of the war and defeat of the Fire Nation will mark our return," she said as she stepped back a bit, gaining a wider scope of her warriors. Shiori, Naeko, Kasuga, and the others would no doubt be relieved to know that vital information, even if it easily could have been guessed by simple details. What other purpose would they have in the mainland after the enemy was gone? "You know as well as I the Avatar has returned and I, for one, have faith." She would elaborate, of course; "I have faith the war will soon reach its conclusion due to him," she pounded her fist against the other palm, glove meeting glove and surely catching attention, releasing others from the pitiful snare of idle daydreams and thoughts of impending meals.

"And I have faith we, although few, will leave our large footprint," perhaps unintentionally, that claim made her think of Avatar Kyoshi-- large footprints indeed, in physical and historical senses of the word, not to mention a shared trait among many females on the island. Thankfully foot size didn't dictate perceived ability and bequeathed status, or Yuuka's tiny feet would have made her a lowly porch-sweeper by now. "This is a time of selflessness and honor, my warriors. Our home may mostly be past the Fire Nation's reach, but this is no reason to rest on our laurels. We will learn just what it means to be a Kyoshi Warrior." Emphatical were her ending words, arms held wide to the sides and her grin almost exactly so, conveying joy and confidence unbridled. Soon her hands fell slowly, behind her back again in seconds. "I need your answers soon, preferably by tomorrow. We cannot be on the fence forever."

[kasuga]

With her attention drifting back and forth between the scent of dinner cooking and Yuuka, Kas squinched her dark green eyes shut, trying to focus. She shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts of spiced, fried fish sizzling over the stove from her mind and turned her gaze back upon the group’s leader. It seemed Naeko’s questions had been sufficiently answered, though, Kasuga still had a few buzzing about in her little mind and she watched curiously as Yuuka returned the fan to her sash.

"We won't be there forever. The end of the war and defeat of the Fire Nation will mark our return," she said, taking a step back from the group. Kas felt a wave of dread wash over her; they’d be there that long? There was no telling how long it might take to defeat the iron behemoth! The stories she’d heard were not reassuring, the tales the fishermen and merchants brought back from the mainland, even her brother had told her stories. A fleet or thousands of warships, hundreds of mysterious metal monsters with wheels and tracks that surged across a field at the speed of an Ostrich Horse at full gallop, millions of soldiers with spears and swords and fire gushing from their fists like hellish geysers. The young warrior shuddered noticeably at the thought and gripped her little hands tightly together, rocking back and forth on her heels nervously.

"You know as well as I the Avatar has returned and I, for one, have faith." Yuuka continued. Kasuga looked to the group’s leader, trying to get a grip upon her nerves. This was true, the Avatar had returned and news of his achievements had already reached Nadeshiko, the Defense of the North was quite the inspiring tale. It was reassuring to know that he was back, but would he come soon enough? Could he end things quickly? Would the war end before… before… Kasuga couldn’t fully grasp her thought, it was too terrible to think that some, or perhaps all, of the Nadeshiko warriors might not return home to their families, but, it was a very real possibility, wasn’t it?

Yuuka seemed so certain, so confident and Kasuga couldn’t help but feel a bit better with her words. They’d be alright, right? They would, they would, they would. Kas nodded to herself, trying to drive the point home. As long as they were together and had their leader, nothing could happen to them; they would be ok. "And I have faith we, although few, will leave our large footprint." Kasuga’s eye sank and she peered down at her large feet, a shy smile creeping across her lips as she looked back up at the group’s leader. They were a strong little group with a great heritage and could surely do great things. As Yuuka’s words continued to elevate Kasuga’s confidence in the group and their mission, the young warrior stood straighter, proudly. The Fire Nation would feel the wrath of the descendants of the great Avatar Kyoshi!

It seemed the small meeting was winding down and Kasuga was snapped out of her visions of grandeur and victory, quickly remembering that she was to invite Shiori and Yuuka over for dinner. She felt a bit apprehensive at the thought, she would have loved to bring the entire group, but the Abe home’s meager dining room wasn’t large enough to seat the everyone, nor would there be enough dinner for all. Mulling about a bit as the others wandered off, trying to look nonchalant, Kas waited. The last thing she wanted to do was leave anyone out, but it was unavoidable, at least, she hoped to ask the two while the others weren’t around.

Shiori seemed to be on her way off and Kasuga quickly skittered after her, alarmed, “Uhm…Shiori, wait a minute here, okay?” The other warrior turned around, pausing, “Oh, right,” she said, nodding in realization, remembering the dinner invitation. “Yeah,” said Kas smiling, “I still need to ask Yuuka and then we can go,” she said quietly, mindful that Naeko was passing nearby. “Okay, I’ll linger,” replied the teal eyed girl, understanding.

Quietly approaching the group’s leader who now stood alone, watching the others depart, Kasuga bowed her head slightly and wrung her hands before her as she reached Yuuka’s general area. “Hey,” she began, nervously, peeking up to meet the girl’s gaze. She’d always been a bit uncertain speaking directly to her superior, fearful that she would make a fool of herself in front of the person she idolized. “Would you.. like to come to home.. er, come home, er..” her words were ‘being stupid’ and she tried again, sighing, “My mom said I could invite you and Shiroi to have dinner with us, would you.. like to come? I know you’ve got a ways to go to get home and stuff..” she said, holding her right elbow in her left hand, a hopeful look upon her face.

[yuuka]

So they were dismissed, free to go where they pleased. The other girls dispersed, likely each to their own homes, but Yuuka's attention was pleasantly diverted by a diffedent voice managing artfully to make the shorter of the two turn to meet her, relatively face-to-face, and smile cordially. When she was about to state a simple reply of 'yes?', dear Kasuga spoke on sorts of convivial delights, which led Yuuka's hand to her chin, stroking gently in consideration. Not long did it take for the leader of the small band to agree.

"I'm sure my household will understand," Yuuka spoke of her family so impersonally, like they were equals instead of parents and a brother-- which was mostly the case, as Yuuka's status about the village was of great import, more so than the well-off proprietor of an orchard. "So I would be both honored and delighted," Yuuka kept on with a gentle smile, her voice robust and her arms down by her side. She now imbued a very casual image much unlike her prior shadow, able to make others feel at ease, rather than at attention. Her words conveyed much of the same mood. "...My friend."

Not far was the lingering, teal-eyed warrior named Shiori. Their ally and supporter of the decision to depart, she was a good friend indeed-- and not just when the term 'friend' applied only to those who supported your cause and aided you in strategic efforts, but one who truly did care. While somewhat sycophantic, Shiori was certainly a caring individual, and a very find asset to the unit. Yuuka walked over to Shiori, probably followed by Kasuga (unaware as she didn't happen to watch), and stood nearer her, smiling and waiting for Kasuga to become their host. From there, she could lead her guests home for a pleasant evening meal.

[kasuga]

Watching her superior ponder the offer, Kasuga couldn't help but feel her nerves worsen, her large feet turned inward and she seemed to tense up, waiting on the shorter girl’s words. Could Yuuka really say no? She wouldn’t say no… she couldn’t say no.. no. Kas told herself, bringing the question up, defeating it then bringing it up again, trying to remain calm and composed, though such terms could not be not readily applied to Kasuga Abe and she knew she must have appeared overly hopeful. Which, in her opinion, could be just as bad as looking nervous. She did not wish Yuuka to believe her evening and the like rode upon the decision. There was still so much Kas wanted to ask about their impending trip to the Earth Kingdom and simply getting to spend time with her idol and comrades was enough to bring her great joy.

When the shorter warrior finally responded, accepting the offer, Kasuga bobbed up and down upon the tips of her toes excitedly, “Oh! I’m so glad you can.. can join us,” she began, nodding furiously and clapping her small gloved hands together, “My mother’s making fried fish and.. uhm.. other stuff, but it’ll be good,” she said, smiling widely, following after Yuuka as she strode over to Shiori. Quickly joining her two friends Kas felt a surge of confidence, she was a hostess now and couldn’t let her guests, her friends, down! It seemed Shiori had been watching the exchange from her spot, a rather amused look upon her face and she quickly shot a friendly glance Kasuga’s way as the two approached. Kas didn’t quite know what to make of the little look, but, as the teal-eyed warrior’s look turned into a smile, she felt her confidence reinforced.

“Mmm, I think I can smell the food from here,” she said with something of a stifled giggle, “C’mon you two, my house is just.. well, you know where it is,” she mumbled to herself, a ponderous look upon her face, “Anyway, yeah, follow me!” Kasuga said, motioning enthusiastically for her friends to follow. Surely dinner would be good, Anda was a fine cook and had attempted to share that skill with Kas on many occasions but she often found some way or another to mess things up, burning a fish or adding too much of an ingredient or the like. Thankfully, the young warrior knew that she’d not had a hand in the preparation of tonight’s meal, so it would definitely be of the highest quality.

Down the path, into the heart of the village, past the larger homes and to the right, toward the thick pine forest, Kasuga lead her friends through the twilight toward the small glow that she knew to be the lantern hung up upon her porch each night by her father. Her father was home! That meant Michio was home too and that set Kas to worrying again, would there be enough seats? She quickly remembered that they had an extra fold-up-able table and a few stools for guests and the like, things would work out alright, she told herself. Approaching the porch, Kas explained things to her comrades, “You two can get washed up and such and I’ll see that the table is all set,” she said nodding to herself, “You can use the sink in the bathroom down the hall and such but… uhm, the hand-pump is a bit sticky so give it a good push to break it loose before you start filing up the sink and stuff,” added Kas, pushing open the door and holding it open for her friends to enter first.

[yuuka]

"Thank you, our hostess." Still feeling formal (perhaps even a bit too much so in fact), Yuuka nodded her head to Kasuga as she held open the door to the home and immediately looked back to Shiori, aiming to meet the taller warrior's teal eyes with her own and nodding once again. Of course, Yuuka knew well there was no command needed for the younger warrior by her side, which gave much more light to her realization that her speech had ended and there was no reason to speak so stiltedly. She could calm down now, as she had no superior and stirring air to maintain. Who was she now anyway, some snooty archivist from the North Pole?

Shaking her head slowly as Shiori walked ahead of her, managing to escape her radar and prevent a slight worry that would have arose at the leader's somewhat negative actions, Yuuka walked down the hallway and into the same bathroom as Shiori, where they both stripped the gloves from their hands and washed up in the sink-- Shiori pumped, of course, and chuckled realizing Kasuga had not distended the truth about the stubborn handle at all. Yuuka sighed in futility, wondering just why a day spent wearing gloves would require the washing of her hands anyway, but did so in a bow to habitual forces.

"Where do you suppose our armor can be set?" Yuuka looked to Shiori, unraveling the sash around her waist and letting free a few hidden catches that kept the dark-colored cuirass clung to her curvy torso.

"We should ask, but I agree," Shiori did much of the same, removing her own sash and cuirass. There was only so much one could tolerate of wearing armor, especially when they were to sit down and enjoy their meal. "It'd be heck to wear these things during supper."

"Unnecessary, too. We've no flaming arrows to block...yet," she smirked, joking about the harmless setting, though it easily could have switched to hints regarding an action-packed future in the mainland. Widening her eyes in a heartbeat, Yuuka realized the present wasn't the best time to speak of such things. Rebounding was quick and no problem, however. "Kasuga hasn't made me believe her family is too violent."

Shiori tilted her head, stopping on her short sojourn to the door, cuirass in hand; "I thought you meant..."

Yuuka followed, though not stopping like her comrade. "I could've meant many things. No worries."

Shiori let free a sigh almost unintentionally at the same time she spoke. "I suppose."

There was much evidence stacking against her that their mainland journey unnerved her. Yuuka felt for her, but knew the greater good was just that-- the greater good. One couldn't let their petty fears get in the way, and Yuuka expected the other young women to know that by now. Her rallying lectures weren't have been made in vain, and she couldn't let herself down by allowing the possibility that they hadn't listened.

Silently, the two made their way to the small dining room, turning the corner just in time to see Kasuga finishing her job setting up a table. The smell of fried fish and many other overpowered smells were ambrosial, endowing smiles to Yuuka and Shiori.