[[ psl's, memes, overflow and AU bullshit, you wanna bother Takame as a WoL or a Non-WoL, this is the place to do it so come at me with your starters or yell at me to get off my lazy ass. i'll match styles.]]
... Yes. [He Sure Does Have Horns What A Brilliant Observation.
Takame didn't flinch when the Ninja stepped in real close, instead giving him a full body head to toe scan. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say he was sizing the man up. Indeed, note was made of the decidedly rounded pupils and the longer tail when compared to a Seeker's.
He gave no reaction towards the comment of his age. Considering he was approaching his twenty-eighth summer, though, it came as something of a surprise to be described as young. But that was irrelevant to now where his aid is being requested. And in truth, he was curious of events overseas.]
I imagine you've much to share if you've come all this way. [A pause as he looked to the Shroud, away from the wall. Where an Aetheryte shined in the distance.] ... Come with me. There is a settlement not far where we may freely speak of your business.
Indeed, indeed! With haste we go but let us hope I don't scare the locals.
[ The Gridanians aren't typically fond of outsiders, least of all miqo'tes. Too many of his kind often prowl these woods as thieves and vagabonds. Yoshimitsu wouldn't be surprised if he gets confused for one but he hopes the Warrior of Light has a good enough rapport with local law enforcement. The Wood Wailers can be quite unfriendly towards travelers like Yoshimitsu. ]
Lead on, friend. Lead on.
[ He falls into step with Takame matching his pace as they walk towards the village ahead. Besides the melodious chirping of the birds and the faint howl of the wind, all is quiet. The Shroud is slowly waking from its tranquil slumber and the critters are just starting to stir. While Yanxia is much hillier with fewer trees and more stone, this realm certainly makes Yoshimitsu long for home. ]
What is your name, warrior?
[ He asks once he starts fiddling with the clasps of his mask. It's time to take this thing off. ]
Many know of your grand exploits but not many know of your name.
... Your choice of attire does come off as sinister. [Maybe that was... too rude. He cleared his throat quietly.]
Ah, but it is quite... extravagant. ["And Sinister." Right, changing that subject...] I am... known to the heads of the settlement. They are kind and welcoming. [A short pause. Many don't know his name, especially in the East, but that is by his own design.]
... My name is Takame. A pleasure, ser. Pray forgive my earlier hostility.
[He'll hope the rest of the trip goes without incident. That may be far too much to ask a Warrior of Light circumstance, but come what may it will be dealt with. Indeed as the majority of the trip was quiet on Takame's end, a few of the Wood Wailers stationed before Hawthorne Hut gave a reluctant look towards his guest. It was only after a nod from Takame that they stood at ease.
Given recent circumstances so close to their border, it was understandable that they were even more on edge. But what information may be shared between himself and this shinobi may cause for more alarm. He would have suggested Gridania proper for better privacy had he not had the benefit of his first language, not to mention the Echo.]
I would learn of your situation. [Spoken very plainly in Hingan. He could ensure privacy via the language barrier.] You said you required my aid and wished to know the circumstances of the events at Baelsar's Wall, correct?
[ That comment wins a glare from Yoshimitsu the second the mask is off. His slim fluffy cat-like ears are as dark as his hair but his complexion is oddly fair. He looks Doman judging by the narrow almost almond shape of his eyes. He's a miqo'te all right judging from the faint markings at the inner corners of his eyes. A scruffy-looking miqo'te with a bit of scruff on his upper lip but most of it upon his chin. He looks roughly around Takame's age but it's hard to tell. ]
There's nothing particularly sinister about me. However, my armor is meant to strike fear within the hearts of my opponents.
[ That's why he dresses like an Oni, a demon. The Manji often take on demon-like characteristics and personas upon the battlefield. After all, they're supposed to be fearsome.]
Think nothing of it. [ The ninja states dismissively with a waved hand. ] I am known upon the battlefield as "Yoshimitsu" but my true name is Nobuyuki Ito of the Manji tribe.
[ Now with introductions out of the way, Yoshimitsu can finally speak freely. He appreciates it when Takame switches from the common tongue to that of his native language. This means others won't be able to overhear.]
Aye, aye. The flames of rebellion are upon us in Doma but the Resistance is but small and few. We have yet to recover from our losses but the people seek freedom from their imperial chains.
His tribe isn't one Takame had ever heard of, possibly one that was erased during the occupation. One he hadn't been ordered to "take care of". Or one he forgot about.
The thought nearly prevented him from turning to face this Yoshimitsu, but to speak with his back turned would be beyond rude and he's offended the man enough. So turn around to speak he did only to see that he'd removed the Oni mask. He paused slightly, pursing his lips and letting out a small exhale. He was quite handsome... But of course, gaining information trumped his desire to ogle. Sad.]
You sought my help to bolster your numbers, then. [A long pause.] What is left of Doma's rebels will not last long against the hand of the Empire if that is true. [He looked to the direction of the Wall again.]
... As we speak, Ala Mhigo prepares for their own uprising against Imperial occupation. But as with Doma, they too have suffered tremendous losses. [That he could not stop. Because Zenos was someone he could not best.]
[There's no harm in ogling. Nobuyuki is shockingly dense about that kind of stuff. It's a trait he shares with Lord Hien himself but neither of them is aware of it. Even so, the ninja is rather handsome for someone who've spent most of his life fighting on Doma's behalf. He's remarkably well-preserved in that aspect, especially since most of his esteemed colleagues are dead. He has Zenos to thank for that.]
This I've heard whispered in the wind. [The ninja states with a hint of disappointment in his tone.] However, I know what you have been a thorn at the empire's side ever since your arrival to these lands.
You've bested Gaius van Baeslar, did you not?
[A faint smirk lingers upon Nobuyuki's lips as he regards the man with what seems to be admiration.]
Tell me, do you believe there's still hope for any of us in this plight? Do you think we can still win back what was once lost?
[He wants to know the Warrior of Light's opinion on this matter before going further.]
[There's a small hum in confirmation, though he laid the Black Wolf low so long ago it felt like. Much has changed since then, much more has been at risk to the point he couldn't afford to return to the Pugilism he employed before Operation Archon.
Whatever admiration Takame was regarded with he felt that he did not deserve. Not just because of his recent failures, but because he need not be admired for doing his duty.
Still, he's silent for a while and his eyes fell shut. Is there hope for them in this plight? Takame was someone who knew intimately the lengths which Garlemald will go to crush the people's will. The few remaining fools who had will left, at any rate. Fools so the Imperials would call them next to Savages. And if at the foot of these quashed rebellions was Zenos yae Galvus, someone who he could not best. The first man in a long time Takame could not best...
But what would he tell Yoshimitsu? That the Warrior of Light thinks that hope is lost? Even if Takame believed it, he would not dare voice it. Doing so would invalidate every sacrifice and failure. Every loss and everyone he could save. And after what he did in the past did he not owe it to Ala Mhigo and Doma both to at least try and reclaim their homes? He is a symbol of hope, is he not? Should he not act like it? He lacked a way with words, but... what would Hina or Zhian say to this, he wondered.]
... If there was no hope, no one would fight. We are still fighting.
no subject
Takame didn't flinch when the Ninja stepped in real close, instead giving him a full body head to toe scan. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say he was sizing the man up. Indeed, note was made of the decidedly rounded pupils and the longer tail when compared to a Seeker's.
He gave no reaction towards the comment of his age. Considering he was approaching his twenty-eighth summer, though, it came as something of a surprise to be described as young. But that was irrelevant to now where his aid is being requested. And in truth, he was curious of events overseas.]
I imagine you've much to share if you've come all this way. [A pause as he looked to the Shroud, away from the wall. Where an Aetheryte shined in the distance.] ... Come with me. There is a settlement not far where we may freely speak of your business.
no subject
[ The Gridanians aren't typically fond of outsiders, least of all miqo'tes. Too many of his kind often prowl these woods as thieves and vagabonds. Yoshimitsu wouldn't be surprised if he gets confused for one but he hopes the Warrior of Light has a good enough rapport with local law enforcement. The Wood Wailers can be quite unfriendly towards travelers like Yoshimitsu. ]
Lead on, friend. Lead on.
[ He falls into step with Takame matching his pace as they walk towards the village ahead. Besides the melodious chirping of the birds and the faint howl of the wind, all is quiet. The Shroud is slowly waking from its tranquil slumber and the critters are just starting to stir. While Yanxia is much hillier with fewer trees and more stone, this realm certainly makes Yoshimitsu long for home. ]
What is your name, warrior?
[ He asks once he starts fiddling with the clasps of his mask. It's time to take this thing off. ]
Many know of your grand exploits but not many know of your name.
no subject
Ah, but it is quite... extravagant. ["And Sinister." Right, changing that subject...] I am... known to the heads of the settlement. They are kind and welcoming. [A short pause. Many don't know his name, especially in the East, but that is by his own design.]
... My name is Takame. A pleasure, ser. Pray forgive my earlier hostility.
[He'll hope the rest of the trip goes without incident. That may be far too much to ask a Warrior of Light circumstance, but come what may it will be dealt with. Indeed as the majority of the trip was quiet on Takame's end, a few of the Wood Wailers stationed before Hawthorne Hut gave a reluctant look towards his guest. It was only after a nod from Takame that they stood at ease.
Given recent circumstances so close to their border, it was understandable that they were even more on edge. But what information may be shared between himself and this shinobi may cause for more alarm. He would have suggested Gridania proper for better privacy had he not had the benefit of his first language, not to mention the Echo.]
I would learn of your situation. [Spoken very plainly in Hingan. He could ensure privacy via the language barrier.] You said you required my aid and wished to know the circumstances of the events at Baelsar's Wall, correct?
no subject
[ That comment wins a glare from Yoshimitsu the second the mask is off. His slim fluffy cat-like ears are as dark as his hair but his complexion is oddly fair. He looks Doman judging by the narrow almost almond shape of his eyes. He's a miqo'te all right judging from the faint markings at the inner corners of his eyes. A scruffy-looking miqo'te with a bit of scruff on his upper lip but most of it upon his chin. He looks roughly around Takame's age but it's hard to tell. ]
There's nothing particularly sinister about me. However, my armor is meant to strike fear within the hearts of my opponents.
[ That's why he dresses like an Oni, a demon. The Manji often take on demon-like characteristics and personas upon the battlefield. After all, they're supposed to be fearsome.]
Think nothing of it. [ The ninja states dismissively with a waved hand. ] I am known upon the battlefield as "Yoshimitsu" but my true name is Nobuyuki Ito of the Manji tribe.
[ Now with introductions out of the way, Yoshimitsu can finally speak freely. He appreciates it when Takame switches from the common tongue to that of his native language. This means others won't be able to overhear.]
Aye, aye. The flames of rebellion are upon us in Doma but the Resistance is but small and few. We have yet to recover from our losses but the people seek freedom from their imperial chains.
no subject
His tribe isn't one Takame had ever heard of, possibly one that was erased during the occupation. One he hadn't been ordered to "take care of". Or one he forgot about.
The thought nearly prevented him from turning to face this Yoshimitsu, but to speak with his back turned would be beyond rude and he's offended the man enough. So turn around to speak he did only to see that he'd removed the Oni mask. He paused slightly, pursing his lips and letting out a small exhale. He was quite handsome... But of course, gaining information trumped his desire to ogle.
Sad.]You sought my help to bolster your numbers, then. [A long pause.] What is left of Doma's rebels will not last long against the hand of the Empire if that is true. [He looked to the direction of the Wall again.]
... As we speak, Ala Mhigo prepares for their own uprising against Imperial occupation. But as with Doma, they too have suffered tremendous losses. [That he could not stop. Because Zenos was someone he could not best.]
no subject
This I've heard whispered in the wind. [The ninja states with a hint of disappointment in his tone.] However, I know what you have been a thorn at the empire's side ever since your arrival to these lands.
You've bested Gaius van Baeslar, did you not?
[A faint smirk lingers upon Nobuyuki's lips as he regards the man with what seems to be admiration.]
Tell me, do you believe there's still hope for any of us in this plight? Do you think we can still win back what was once lost?
[He wants to know the Warrior of Light's opinion on this matter before going further.]
no subject
Whatever admiration Takame was regarded with he felt that he did not deserve. Not just because of his recent failures, but because he need not be admired for doing his duty.
Still, he's silent for a while and his eyes fell shut. Is there hope for them in this plight? Takame was someone who knew intimately the lengths which Garlemald will go to crush the people's will. The few remaining fools who had will left, at any rate. Fools so the Imperials would call them next to Savages. And if at the foot of these quashed rebellions was Zenos yae Galvus, someone who he could not best. The first man in a long time Takame could not best...
But what would he tell Yoshimitsu? That the Warrior of Light thinks that hope is lost? Even if Takame believed it, he would not dare voice it. Doing so would invalidate every sacrifice and failure. Every loss and everyone he could save. And after what he did in the past did he not owe it to Ala Mhigo and Doma both to at least try and reclaim their homes? He is a symbol of hope, is he not? Should he not act like it? He lacked a way with words, but... what would Hina or Zhian say to this, he wondered.]
... If there was no hope, no one would fight. We are still fighting.