Ronin Fable [M] IC

[Miss Fortune]

"So, you work for Lord Koji, too? Why didn't you travel with the rest of 'em?"

It wasn't exactly a question she had an answer to. "My presence among men isn't one that's widely accepted, even amongst Koji-sama's men. I would travel alone if I could, though I suppose I would be an easy target for wandering ronin to strike me down or," her voice trailed off, "or worse."

"I hope none of the boys cause you any trouble. They're a good lot, but some people aren't themselves when they've had too much to drink. If anyone's pestering you, just give me a call, and I'll set 'em straight, eh?"

Akisame managed a smile. The leader's concern for her was a bit heartwarming. "You could scare a man stiff in his tracks. Please don't worry so much for me; I wouldn't have been chosen for this task if I couldn't handle myself."

She bowed her head respectively when another man appeared and addressed Ebisu. Her mother would be amused with her shyness in light of everything. So many men surrounded her with swords strapped to their sides. If she was one to judge solely on appearance alone, stories of rape, murder and abduction would have swirled round in her head, but she learned from her father that not every man with a sword was a brute.

"We have matters to discuss in due time. I find you when some important matters are settled."

Surely Akisame had misunderstood what the man said. She'd never seen him before, not that she made it a habit to stare. Whether he spoke to her or not, she would learn either way. "If you'll excuse me, Ebisu-san, I should speak to commander Noroi and help set up camp." With that, she had left the man's side and made her way to the group of men she'd stake her tent with. Compared to the others, they were dressed in armor and clothing that wasn't suited for such a mission. She shrugged, so long as she wouldn't be tasked with cleaning, she could care less what they wore.

[infernai]

Noroi gave a nod of his head, the older man smirking slightly at the leaders words. This was the man he was going to be advising? He looked a bit like a brute, but he wasn't about to go under-estimating him. He hadn't lived as long as he had by under-estimating those he was forced to observe and work beside, but this Haran seemed a bit...easy going for his liking.
He figured it best not to push his luck and gave a nod, looking at the soldiers he had with him.
"Alright you lot, far west on the double! It's about time you got to experience a real campaign!"He chuckled heartily and walked along."Also, no hunting foxes..last thing we need is one of our new allies wanting our head". He carried his supplies and assisted in giving some of his soldiers directions as they headed toward the west. He only stopped briefly in-front of Haran, handing him a scroll."These are the outposts that our Lord wants destroyed. Lord Koji has told me to leave it up to you the best course of action, but don't hesitate to call on me once the battle plans been decided". His secondary objective now out of the way, he gave a quick bow to Haran before moving off with the rest of his men to set up camp.

---

Takeru stayed at Harans side, the boys eyes narrowed as the new group moved past them. He kept a hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it and cleave people apart at the slightest provocation. He didn't trust this group as far as he could throw them: Which, given his stature and strength, wasn't very far at all. Besides, he didn't get to be bodyguard by letting his guard down at a moments notice. But, the soldiers behaved themselves, and despite being at a ready stance he made no move or reaction outside of the odd glare to passerbyers. Most didn't seem the least bit intimidated by him, one or two giving the odd shove, treating him like a child.
He growled in annoyance, but otherwise didn't lash out or react.

He soon found his attention returning to the woman that was assigned to Lord Koji's forces that were to accompany them, Akimase. He didn't really know what to make of that woman, but he wasn't about to just trust her simply because of her gender. His mother had definitely shown that gender wasn't an obstacle when it came to being a proficient killer, and as such he would treat her as he would their new found guests until given reason otherwise.
If you'll excuse me, Ebisu-san, I should speak to commander Noroi and help set up camp.

As she said that and turned to leave, Takeru finally spoke to her.
"Stay out of trouble". The sentence was odd enough coming from someone his age, but it was only matched by an expression and gaze of annoyance. It wasn't the look of a child, no these were eyes she had likely seen before: A soldiers eyes.

Waiting for her to get out of sight and ear-shot along with the others of Koji's force, he finally spoke again, this time to Haran."Those people, i don't like 'em..." He shook his head, looking at him."If you need me to do anything about 'em just say the word, I'm here if you need me". He often gave words of assurance like this to the leader, but it was to be expected.
Out of the entire band, only Haran commanded the Boy Ronins respect and loyalty. He had befriended a few others but, if Haran had asked for anything, no matter how trivial, he had always gone and done it even if he hadn't liked it.