The revelation of Y'mithra's appearance was still a lingering shock in Yuna's mind, and there was much to be done to prepare the ambassador for the rigors of Realm politics, even in a distant satrapy such as Kori. At the very least they had finalized the arrangements for a few sets of garments that would be more suitable to the ambassador's role at court, which was a good beginning. As Yuna mused about her upcoming lessons with Y'mithra, she returned to her quarters, and was surprised to see an unknown man waiting for her, dressed with the servant garbs common to the palace.

OhmSun reclines against a windowsill — the same window through which she'd released a moth earlier in the day, though she likely does not remember it — raising an arm to offer a friendly wave as Yuna returns to her bedroom. "Hello, again," he says, offering no immediate explanation for his presence. He straightens up to a stand, though he doesn't step away from the window, adjusting the sharp jacket of his uniform so that it fits properly over the curves of his muscles. He isn't a hulking brute, but his well-developed physique definitely looks out of place on a supposed servant. "Sorry for falling behind," he continues, adjusting his cuffs, "but I imagine one unusual tagalong was hard enough to explain to your teacher. Besides, I had things to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

Yuna froze for a moment as she walked into her room and found someone waiting for her, the Guardian flickering calmly in the little lantern she wore at her belt. Her expression smoothed in the next moment, but an exhale colored by smoke still spoke to her nerves. She raised an eyebrow to the stranger and crossed her arms, stepping more fully into her rooms without closing the door and regarding the stranger with what she hoped was a cool, discerning eye. Like someone dissecting something faintly unpleasant. So someone dissecting most anything so far as Yuna was concerned.

It was a decent enough expression to hide that she had absolutely no idea what this man was talking about. But she couldn't ask. Better to ignore it entirely. She was Dragon-Blooded and above some petty confusion. Right. Confidence. "I would have expected anyone the satrap sent along to have better manners. And to be more timely in delivering whatever message Papashan or her highness sent. Unless, of course, you came for yourself, which would be unthinkable." She raised an eyebrow. Just remember the people who used to come into the scribe shop. You couldn't act like this around them. "Either way, I suggest you leave quickly, before your boldness becomes more annoyance than novelty."

"Oh!" Sun lets out a cry of faux surprise, bringing his hands up to his lips and waggling his hips back and forth in an exaggerated squirm. "So scawwy! But!" He stops, leaning back against the windowsill and holding up a finger, "Buuu, that's wrong. I wasn't sent by the satrap. Really, what a rude way to greet someone. Is that standard for dragonblooded? And here, after I saved your life." He puffs out his cheeks in exaggerated annoyance, arms crossed and looking to one side. "Next time you're in a shipwreck, see if I pull you out of it." His 'annoyance' was interrupted by a laugh, a single chortle that bellows through the room. "Kidding, obviously."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Wed 28 Oct 2020.

Yuna felt a legitimate surge of annoyance as the servant dismissed her order, less so for the refusal as she was still new enough to authority that it did not come naturally, but the tone. Dismissive, condescending. She took a slow, low breath and the exhale was dark, trying to calm a now rapidly-stoking temper that was building in her. She'd almost died in that shipwreck and then she'd come back here to deal with the politics and figure out how she was supposed to fit into all of this without messing i--

What did he mean, 'next time'? Yuna blinked and, for a moment, the Dragon-Blooded's mask fell away revealing a very real confusion that was followed very shortly by a shocked realization as she made the connection. She put her expression back to something resembling confidence and dignity and... whatever she thought Momodi might try to present in such a weird situation.  She opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it again, turning on her heel to close the door. Should she be closing the door? She had the Guardian, but could she trust this person? They had saved her life, though.

Turning back to the man-- the illusionist? the shapeshifter?-- she regarded them as evenly as she could. "You followed me. But only covertly. So you want something from me but you don't want anyone else to know you're here or what it is." Confidence. What would Momodi do? ...Well, Momodi might have stabbed the man by now, so maybe not that. What would Nanamo do, perhaps? "Perhaps because of what you are, perhaps because of what you're after." She crossed her arms, watching the man and waiting for his reply.

Sun's smile widens, the broad, wild expression looking out of place upon his stern visage. "A bit of both. Frankly, I'm not good at politics, and I do not like cities. Hunting monsters is more my taste. But I want to be in this city, at least for a little while, for my own reasons, meaning doing things I am not good at, that I would rather not do. But you," he points to Yuna, "you know how to speak to people. You can do what I can't. And, considering for the briefest moment you were actually going to try and attack me..." His head lowers, casting his eyes into shadow, leaving the implication to hang in the air, "I can do what you can't."

"So," Sun looks back up, letting the tension his half-threat had filled the room with ease, "I'm here to offer a truce. Or, no... an alliance. I need friends in Jianta and, based on how ready you were to see an assassin in your room, so do you. Though, of course, I wouldn't expect you to trust me as easily as that... so let us start with working relationship." His arms unfurl, coming to rest on the windowsill. One ducks behind him, then pulls out a large book, heavy, bound in leather, and clasped with metal at the front. He lifts it up next to his face. "That in mind, I've brought a peace offering." Extending out his arm, Sun offers it to Yuna, inviting her to cross the space between them and take it.

Closing the door was probably a mistake. Yuna probably should have walked out of it and found Momodi, then explained what had happened. Closing the door and hemming herself in with someone she knew was more physically capable than her was a thing stupid people did. Or a thing someone confident would do if they were actually able to back it up. Maybe a little less false confidence would serve her better going forward, but for now there wasn't much recourse but to commit.

Yuna offered a raised eyebrow to the man, as if thoroughly unimpressed with the implication of a threat as well as by his offer for a truce. "I already have allies in Jianta." Not a lie; Momodi would certainly help her, after the other woman got through chewing her out for fraternizing with a probable Anathema. And Y'mithra was warming up. "...But I will say that you have piqued my interest," she conceded, as if doing the man a favor. She stepped toward him and accepted the book to begin flipping through.

Sun smiles as Yuna steps across and takes the book. With his hand empty, he drops it back to the windowsill. "Heh. Stretching the definition of friend, I think." He relaxes further, running a hand over his close-cropped white hair. "That is a ledger for Auntie Cheng. She's supposedly one of the big names in Jianta's underground, and is looking to expand her territory soon. She also had a knife that was stolen from the sand- I mean, satrap. Didn't get a chance to steal that back, but it looked very fancy."

Flipping through the book's pages, Yuna quickly realizes that it is an encoded ledger. Most of the contents seem like the innocuous trade dealings of an ill-reputed inn or similar establishment, but coded messages lay hidden inside; she would need to focus on it to decipher the true contents of the book, but it shouldn't be a difficult endeavor.

As much as Yuna knew she should be paying attention to man who had very likely broken into her room, she soon all but forgot him as she paged through the ledger. Not an overly interesting read on its own, but she could already begin to see little inconsistencies and patterns, a code lying somewhere in between the lines. Everything else here seemed so far beyond her depth, but this... This was something she was good at.

Yuna stopped short, however, clearing her throat and looking back up at the man. The name he'd mentioned meant nothing to her-- yet, anyway-- but the idea that this might involve a thief skilled enough to take something from the satrap was more than pertinent. Perhaps step one of helping Jianta would be tracking the phantom thief Yuqi had mentioned after all. "This is an interesting tidbit, I suppose. Perhaps enough to warrant some small form of payment. What in particular are you looking to accomplish?"

This was a bad idea as well. He'd all but admitted to being Anathema. She should be planning to turn him in... but she wasn't likely to find a better lead than this on the thief and she very badly didn't want to let Momodi down.

Sun extends out an upturned hand, all fingers curled but the index and thumb. "Not quite the give and take I was aiming for, but since you're offering... A job." His grin subsides somewhat, though only down to wry. "As your bodyguard. I am not very socially sneaky, but I figure the small, scholarly Dragon-Blooded's hired muscle is about the least suspicious — and, heh, least social — position I could take. I've been a bit manic this evening... it has been a very good day for me... but normally I am pretty sombre, so I should be a natural fit."

He pauses regularly as he continues, thinking through his words. "As for what I want to accomplish... for now, I want to stay at your side." His grin flashes. "A newborn Exalt, fresh off the boat in a country stood at the edge of a civil war... It sounds exciting."

Yuna watched the man with what she hoped was an inscrutable expression, still aiming for imperious and confident in her manner. This could go very poorly. In fact, this almost certainly would go very poorly. The shapeshifter was probably an Anathema, probably stood to gain something here she couldn't see, didn't have the pieces to puzzle out... But they'd been nothing but helpful since they'd met and they were certainly more than useful and...

And she really didn't want to let Momodi down.

"A job," she said it with a tone that implied she very much didn't believe that was it and that she had an idea of what the other aspects might be. She did not. "Very well. A job, then, as my steward. I have other means of personal defense, as you have seen; a bodyguard might not be believed. Is that amenable?"

Sun lets out a rough laugh, loud and sudden. "Hah. Fair enough. I don't know that I'd make a very convincing steward, but you know your way around this better than me." He lifts a hand up to stroke the perfect line of his chin, then lowers it, gesturing to his body. "Would a different form than this work better? A bit less strapping, maybe? I could arrange something."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Sun 01 Nov 2020.

Yuna startled at the abrupt laugh from the shapeshifter. He'd said he gotten 'manic' earlier. What could that mean? "Your... current form should suffice," Yuna told him, though part of her couldn't deny that she was curious about how he managed to change forms. Was it an inherent ability, something to do with Wyld corruption, some Sorcery that he knew? "I can instruct you in what you need to know and if anyone questions your physique or areas of expertise, well, I am a fan of complementary perspectives."

Shifting the book to one hand and closing it for a moment, the Dragon-Blooded continued, "However, before we go much farther, there is at least one thing we should take care of." She held out a hand to the shapeshifter. "We have not yet been properly introduced. I am V'neef Yuna. And yourself?"

Sun straightens up as Yuna extends out her hand, offering his in turn. He grasped her hand with his, consciously avoiding squeezing too hard. Even with the effort, his grip is firm. "Ohm, though names are a bit more complicated for me. You can call this form Sun. Happy to be working with you."

Releasing his grip, Sun transitions into a bow from the waist, with a hand over his heart. "And now that I am employed, where will you have me for the evening?"

Yuna's hand was warm in Sun's, perhaps just a little too much so. She had to catch herself before she tensed but, sweet Heshiesh, the man had a tight grip. "Very well. Sun, then. As for where you'll stay..." A slightly more complicated question, at least until Momodi and Nanamo left. Lying to either of them would be more difficult, not the least because she did not like to do it. "For now, here. There are still many things I'd like to know about the circumstances about how you acquired this," the Exalt said, hefting the ledger.

She stepped over to her desk and sat down, opening the book in front of her. Yuna also took out a pen and paper, ready to take notes on the cipher. "And you may have an interest in what's in here, particularly if we are to work together. So." She turned her attention to the book and opened it to the first page. She took a moment to skim along it to read what was apparently written on it, going through the first few pages as such before returning to the start again and this time taking in the oddities and inconsistencies. She sought a pattern within them, carried through to each page, familiar from her days as a scribe and some of the clients'-- and the business's-- somewhat less-legal activities.

But this time she had an additional edge, breathing deep and feeling the natural Essence in the air suffuse her and sharpen her mind further.

With Essence suffusing Yuna's eyes and mind, the words on the pages of the stolen ledger seem to swirl and move of their own volition, neatly separating into useful information and the filler meant to hide it. The cipher used is secure enough for a mortal perspective, but it crumbles effortlessly under Yuna's practiced -- and augmented -- abilities. In a handful of minutes, the Dragonblood has copied over all the actual information from the ledger into her notes, revealing a history of transactions, stores, and information that points to a well-established criminal organization operating in the streets of Jianta. Unfortunately the notes do not provide any obviously damming evidence pointing towards persons, possible conspirators, or specific locations the organization operates from, but by itself it is more than enough proof of their existence.

Of particular note are three details: one, the ledger mentions one "Iron Boar" as a consistent ally and conspirator, and by context Yuna surmises this refers to someone from the nobility of Jianta, possibly a malcontent trying to take advantage of Jianta's other troubles via influencing the underworld; two, the organization seems to be at least partially funded and assisted by an outside interest, from neither the Realm nor the city itself; and third, the owner of the ledger -- presumably this "Auntie Cheng" Sun mentioned -- seems to have her own machinations in place, taking advantage of her benefactors but also playing their goals against each other, clearly looking to at some point betray her allies and get the upper hand for herself.

Yuna frowned as she gazed down at the information she'd gathered from the ledger. Good that she had something to work with, but regrettable that there wasn't anything more specific for parties involved. But that would certainly have been too much too hope for. She glanced up at Ohm-Sun for a moment, considering whether or not she should reveal all the information, but if they were going to be working as closely as their new arrangement would imply, there was no reason to hide it. Besides, he'd brought it to her in the first place.

The Dragon-Blooded relayed the information aloud for Sun-Ohm, adding, "You said this Auntie Cheng had the satrap's knife, correct? There has been a rash of thefts from the nobility-- perhaps perpetrated or at least encouraged by one of their own, it seems." Yuna rapped her fingers on her desk, considering the papers for a long moment. "Do you have any sort of in with this organization? Or further knowledge of their doings?"

Sun nods along to the first of Yuna's questions, then falls silent for the others, thinking of how to respond. When he finally decides the shape of his reply, he raises a thick finger and speaks. "The rest I know guards the safety of innocent others, so I cannot tell you. For now, all I can give you I have given."

The large man lifts himself off of the windowsill and  straightens up, placing his hands on his hips and stretching his back. With a groan, he straightens. "Ah, this body is so heavy... how do humans manage it?" Rolling his shoulders, he continues; "If possible, let us cooperate with what has been said. I will share more if you... mmm, I suppose saying what would bias your behaviour? Ah, well." He falls silent for a moment, considering his next words.

"For now, then, let us rest. The early sun will be busy tomorrow." Sun steps past Yuna, walking over to a corner of the room. Pressing his back into the wall, he slides down into a sitting position, eyes closed, evidently intending to go to sleep right there.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Sun 03 Jan 2021.

Yuna frowned at Ohm-Sun's refusal to answer her questions. There could be something vital that the shapeshifter was keeping from her, whether he knew it or not. But there would likely be no sense in pushing at the moment; it would likely only damage the relationship and she had no means of leverage and... well, they were supposed to be working together for now, so she'd prefer to be polite.

"As you wish, then. We can revisit it later, if necessary," she said. "In the meantime... you are probably correct. Rest would be a good idea." But the Exalt hesitated for a moment as Ohm-Sun settled down in the corner. She had invited him to sleep in her quarters for the time being, at least until Nanamo and Momodi had made their departure, but that didn't look particularly comfortable.

Turning away, Yuna moved to her bedroom and collected a couple pillows and a few spare linens. Returning to the other room, she walked over to Ohm-Sun and set the neatly folded pile beside him without a word. As she retreated back to her bedroom once more, she paused as she closed the door and said, "Good night."

With dawn comes Momodi's departure -- and most of her entourage's, given what she was set out to do; a few of the more administrative staff remain behind to coordinate messages the Dragonblood might receive and otherwise keep her interests in the city, but most of the soldiers move out with their mistress, leaving Yuna with a short supply of allies. Rather than make a show of it, Momodi decides to leave the city in secret, reasoning that the less is known about her movements, the better; because of this there would be no grand entourage leaving the city gates, nor any grand farewells, leaving Yuna free to start on her own duties as soon as she is up.

When Yuna awakes, she finds Sun already up, standing at the window and adjusting the cuffs of his palace servant's uniform. The most-likely-stolen fabric fits him well — doubtless thanks to the deep reserve the palace staff keep in the remote parts of the palace — but can't help but look faintly ridiculous, taut against every curve of the outlander's bulging physique. His golden eyes are staring out the window, watching the remaining members of Momodi's dispersed retinue slip through the streets and vanish out the city's gates.

When he hears Yuna stir, the enormous man turns his head, then the rest of his body, facing her and offering a shallow bow with a hand over his heart. The slightly offputting joviality he'd held the night before is gone, replaced with a hard-jawed severity oddly similar to the rocks into which Jianta is built. This, it would seem, is the affection he holds in this form.

Straightening, Sun greets Yuna with a gravelly, "Hello," then turns away, this time walking over the to room's door. Standing with his back to it, he clasps one hand over the other in front of him and stands, eyes, closed, waiting for Yuna to ready herself for the morning.

Yuna woke and dressed as she considered the various things she would need to accomplish today and tried to figure out where in the world she should start. Momodi... Momodi would be on her way to Meitan with most of her retinue. So the people she knew she could count on as allies were in short supply. At least the loneliness was somewhat offset by the fear that she was far beyond her depth.

She sighed and forced all such thoughts from her mind as she went through the daily ritual of dismissing the Guardian to resummon it. Odd how something like pulling a sword of flame from her heart could become so commonplace. Shooing the Guardian into its lantern, she packed a few essentials into a satchel, along with the book and her cipher of it.

Emerging into the sitting room of her quarters, she regarded Ohm-Sun as he greeted her. He was certainly not the least of her complications. "Good morning," she returned. "I suppose we should start with breakfast and from there, I will have to start making plans and whatnot with the satrap, the princess, and the Bao's ambassador. Some of which, I imagine, will be aided by the book you brought. Is there anything in particular that you need to accomplish today?"

Not exactly elegant, but Yuna still wasn't sure how to address the shapeshifter or what it was he was after. He was, however, ostensibly one of few allies she had at the moment, even if she wasn't sure for how long or how reliable he might be.

Sun shifted from his casual pose into one with fully crossed arms, the stance emphasising his physique. "For now, let me be your shadow. I will tell you if I have something to do. Otherwise... politics and conversation... I am not so good at them. Breaking people and things is more of my field, yess?" That last word's "s" was slightly slurred, perhaps a relic of his more insectoid form. With the diminutive, fluffy girl he had been two days ago, Sun describing himself as inclined to violence might have seemed absurd. Now, the hulking man's words seemed hauntingly believable. "Be careful about speaking of what you found in the book, though. It is a secretsome book, and you are surrounded by secret men. Hard to know when one and the other will mix into poison."

Yuna frowned at the idea of the shapeshifter 'breaking people', as it were. Best to, perhaps, not inquire on that too far. And maybe subtly discourage him from that course of action where not strictly necessary. "Sound advice. And very well. For now, I'll put you down as my steward if anyone asks. We'll have out morning meal and then check in on Y'mithra and make appointments to meet with the satrap and the princess," she said, belatedly altering her tone so that it would come out as a statement rather than a question. This seemed like the prudent course of action; decorum would likely have her speaking to the satrap first, but Y'mithra was somewhat uniquely her responsibility so that could probably be excused.

After a brief breakfast, Yuna and Ohm make their way to Y'mithra's quarters. They find the Ambassador there, at her sitting room, reading over some scattered papers. The hunter is now clothed in voluminous robes that are far more appropriate to their station than the hunting leathers they previously had worn, while still hiding the entirety of their body. As the Ambassador turns to greet the two newcomers they see a silver, slightly adorned mask covering their entire face.

"Ah, good morning Yuna. Is there something you need?"

Maybe it's only wishful thinking, but Yuna thinks there is a bit more warmth in Y'mithra's voice than there had previously been in their conversations.

As the two of them enter the hunter-cum-diplomat's room, Sun offers a shallow bow with a hand over his heart, then steps away from Yuna, taking up a post next to the door. He otherwise remains still and silent.

Yuna tried not to shoot glances over at Ohm-Sun as the pair of them moved through the palace as that certainly wouldn't become a Dynast and her steward, but it was rather difficult. When the door opened and Y'mithra peered out, now adorned in robes and a silver mask, Yuna was surprised at how genuine and relieved her smile was. The ambassador actually seemed somewhat happy to see her-- or maybe that was her own imagination?-- and it was almost shockingly welcome to have someone happy to see her with everything else going on.

"Good morning, Y'mithra," she greeted. She half-turned as if she meant to introduce her companion as well, but stopped, not sure where to begin or end for that story. Yuna wasn't even certain what name she would be better off introducing him with. "I hope we're not bothering you. I wanted to check on how you're settling in, if there's anything you need, and perhaps see if we can either arrange your introduction to the princess or perhaps actually accomplish it, if you and she are both available."

She could probably technically apply pressure to force the princess to clear a time for them, Yuna realized with a bit of discomfort. That was a uniquely strange amount of pull to have. But it would be rude and Yuqi had seemed polite enough at the meeting.

"Ah," Y'mithra seems slightly surprised about Yuna's words, though the mask and robes make it as hard to read the hunter's body language as their leathers. "No, you're not bothering me. I was reading up on the city," the hunter motions towards the papers around their desk. "I've known these lands -- Kori, I should say -- well, but I did not expect to have so much to learn just by changing the perspective. Many things that I assumed... are being challenged, I could say."

Y'mithra pauses for a moment, perhaps pondering what they had just said. After a brief shake of their head, however, the Ambassador rises, "But I digress. Yes, starting a rapport with the princess as early as possible might be for the best."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

It was hard to tell with Y'mithra whether or not she was reading them right, but Yuna was pretty sure she'd surprised them. Was that because of what she'd said? Was she still being too timid in how she phrased things? Momodi and Nanamo had had to work particularly hard to break her of that habit. Mostly. But being polite was still easier for getting people to work with you. And Y'mithra seemed-- Yuna was overthinking it.

"Perfect. Princess Yuqi seems at least somewhat amenable to more friendly relations with the Bao, so I'm hopeful that we might be able to gain an additional ally here in her." Hopefully both of them could. They certainly wouldn't find one in Papashan unless she was particularly careful in how she spoke with him and presented her ideas to him. "We can stop by to see if she is currently available and, if not, we'll make an appointment for sometime later today, if at all possible." Better not to barge in and demand an audience with someone she was hoping to work with and to help Y'mithra work with.

Turning to make ready to go, Yuna's gaze hesitated on Ohm-Sun for a moment. That was still complicated. Would it be dangerous to take him to a meeting with the Princess? Given how easily he had infiltrated her own quarters, if he'd wanted to hurt Yuqi, he could have already. Letting him in on state business was more questionable, but she'd already made her bed in that regard, at least to some degree, by agreeing to work with him in the first place.

With the course of action decided, Yuna leads her motley group to Yuqi's study; with the queen's ailing health, the princess had been taking more and more of the ruler's responsibilities, though the extent of her mother's sickness was still being held back from the nobles and public at large. This increased responsibility came with a likewise increased workload, and Yuna had learned that the princess spent most of her days in her study, convening with advisors and going over orders and reports from the province at large, so that was the best bet for them to find the princess.

As Yuna and her group turned the corner into the hallway containing Yuqi's study, they saw two stone-faced guardsmen at the doors of the study, indicating that the princess was indeed inside. They nodded to Yuna as she approached, making no motion to stop her; muffled voices could be heard from the inside, someone other than the princess in the middle of giving a seemingly impassioned speech.

To Ohm's supernatural hearing, the words being spoken inside were clear: the speaker was ranting about the relationship of the province with the Realm, criticizing Yuqi for bending too much to the Exalts' wills.

Yuna stepped up to the door with Y'mithra and Ohm-Sun beside her and forced herself not to give the guards much more than a glance. They were so far below her station as to not be worthy of further note. Or they were supposed to be, just part of the scenery.

Through the door to Yuqi's study, the Dragon-Blooded could hear someone speaking quite passionately about something to the princess-- or was that the princess giving the speech? Either way, Yuna's first instinct was to wait politely to the side for Yuqi to conclude her current meeting-- but that wasn't correct. She outranked the princess and it wouldn't bear out for her to simply stay here like a meek servant girl. Right?

She'd been seen so she couldn't well turn around now. She was pretty sure that'd be bad for her image. Or give her away as a fraud. Not a fraud, a Dynast. Just... a new one. Who was a peasant. And has no idea what she's doing. Yuna held back a sigh and reached out to knock lightly on the door. That should still be polite without being timid, fit the image she was trying to present to Yuqi.

The speech going on inside the study abruptly cuts off as Yuna knocks, and after a moment the door opens, revealing an older woman dressed in what is, even to Yuna's relatively untrained eye, obviously a masterwork suit of armor. The woman's face is drawn into a scowl, clearly wondering who would dare disturb the princess, and her hand clutches a sword at her side, but as soon as she sees Yuna her eyes first widen slightly in surprise, then her face smooths into impassiveness. With a short bow the woman steps aside, motioning for Yuna and the dragonblood's entourage to enter the study.

Within, they find Yuqi seated in a large desk filled with many papers and two surprising items. The first is a delicate-looking silver crown that seems to have been unceremoniously put aside, instead of resting atop Yuqi's head, which indicates Yuqi feels at ease in her current company. The second surprising "item" atop the desk is a third woman, of an age with Yuqi and Yuna, sitting carelessly with her legs crossed and with a posture that clearly denotes familiarity. Her clothes are finely made of expensive silks, and her hair is woven with a thin chain of gold with dangling crystals that shine softly with Essence, giving the woman's face an eerie cast. She is also very clearly not from Kori, her dark-tanned features betraying a Southerner heritage. Upon seeing Yuna and her party enter, the woman's eyes widen in shock, and she quickly rises from her impromptu seat, sliding to the floor and bowing towards the Exalt with a sheepish smile.

"Ah, Lady Yuna. I apologize for the rather... informal reception." Yuqi does not actually seem overly bothered by the informality of her study's state, and makes no motion to correct any of the small breaches of etiquette occurring at that moment. An arrogant Exalt might have taken offense at her lack of bowing, but as the province's Crown Princess sitting in the center of her authority that is not strictly necessary according to Realm protocol. "Please let me introduce you to General Fengxian," she nods towards the armored woman at the door, "the supreme commander of Kori's armies, and to Chung Ha," she nods towards the third woman, "my chief advisor."

Yuna was barely able to suppress a twinge of instinctive fear as the door opened and she was faced with a woman in full armor, looking angry and grasping for her sword. She had to cover a hand half-reaching for her lantern-- and the Guardian therein, despite the fact that it hardly needed to be physically drawn-- with a light brush to smooth down her clothing. A step back hidden with a look back to Ohm-Sun and Y'mithra, as if to invite them along with her. Her heart was beating a little fast; facing down an armed individual, particularly one important enough to be in the princesses chambers was not something she'd had time to get used to. Maybe she should've done more in combat before splitting off from Momodi.

She offered the woman a nod as she stepped into the room. If she was important enough to be armed in the princess's study-- and casually, if the state of the other occupants was any metric-- then it certainly wouldn't hurt to show a modicum of politeness. As to the easy nature of the gathering, ruined by her presence as Chung Ha rushed to her feet, it sparked a pang of regret and longing in the Dragon-Blooded. She felt bad for intruding and, perhaps moreover, she missed such things. Momodi and Nanamo had been nothing but kind and she did love being around them, but... she'd had friends, family. People she would not see again.

"No need for apologies, Your Highness," Yuna said, smiling slightly, pushing down the light sting of melancholy. She nodded her greeting to Chung Ha and acknowledged Fengxian once more. "After all, I did not forewarn you of my intentions. Though, I confess that finding such illustrious persons meeting with you feels somewhat fortuitous as I had come to help facilitate introductions myself." Yuna turned to Y'mithra and said, "I would like to formally present Y'mithra, Ambassador of the Bao to the satrapy. I would also like to introduce Sun, my steward, who will be aiding me while I provide assistance to the city."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Sun's reaction to the armoured woman grasping towards her sword is more composed than even Yuna's, though it is a composure born from a more genuine place. A swordswoman, even a very fine one, did not bother him. He kept up behind Yuna this time, rather than taking a post by the door, hovering next to her shoulder.

When he is introduced, Sun gives a firm three-quarters bow — about as subservient a gesture as he can stomach performing, and hopefully enough to satisfy the princess. When he rises, he takes a single step back from Yuna, to give her space to do what he assumes will be more negotiating. He plants his feet apart and crosses his hands, watching the room with stern golden eyes.

As introductions are made, Fengxian moves back to stand by the side of Yuqi's desk, across from her chief advisor. The general stands in parade rest, though her body is otherwise relaxed and shows no sign of the tension from when she opened the door. Chung Ha, on the other hand, seems more restless, constantly fidgeting, crossing and uncrossing her arms, or shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"Ah yes. It's good to make your acquaintance, Ambassador," the princess says, nodding to Y'mithra. "I believe there is much our peoples can achieve if we work together. I'm glad you came to us, even if the circumstances are not... ideal." She sighs. "But our current troubles are not something for you to worry about."

Y'mithra hesitates a moment, before giving a courteous nod. "Yes, your Highness. I, too, believe we can do much together, and look forward to working with you."

Yuqi smiles at this, before turning back to Yuna, glancing towards Sun. "I hope you've found yourself a capable steward, Lady Yuna. We need all the help we can get to deal with our current troubles." At these words, Chung Ha scowls, glancing briefly towards the princess, though then she seems to remember they are not alone anymore and immediately looks away, trying to relax her expression again.

Sun gives a firm nod as Yuqi glances at him, though he remains silent as to her commentary of him. After all, Ohm has every intention of proving herself abundantly capable... though that might require acquiring some new skills. The Lunar disappears into Sun's head, considering what sort of aptitudes would best suit her in this new, decidedly less wild environment. Espionage, probably. Half of it, the sneaking, she was already capable enough at. To be able to tell the useful information from the useless, though, at least when it wasn't kept in a large, important book... what would be harder. Probably a quicker tongue.

Ohm found her Sun-self glancing towards Yuna, the corner of his mouth lifting the faintest amount, the hint of a smile of admiration. There was, after all, a way this fire-blood could help her beyond being a cover story. Hmm... I wonder how she feels about teaching someone to lie?

Realising that she'd fully lost track of the conversation, Ohm-Sun's gaze snaps away from Yuna, returning to casting sternly about the room.

Yuna smiled slightly as Yuqi and Y'mithra greeted each other. Hopefully, that relationship would develop beneficially for both sides and without any complications. Trying to manage Papashan in regards to Y'mithra and the Bao was going to be hard enough, without the added difficulty of one of the other most powerful people in Kori also being against the idea of an ambassador.

The Dragon-Blooded could see Ohm-Sun watching her from the corner of her eye, but didn't look; she shouldn't be bothered by her steward looking to her for anything. Besides, more relevant was the scowl Chung Ha was shooting Yuqi at the mention of needing Yuna's assistance in the satrapy. So, the chief advisor didn't like her already for some reason. It wouldn't be because she was an Outsider as Chung Ha had the look of a Southerner to her and they were in the North; perhaps because Yuna represented some sort of threat to her, her authority, or she expected a threat to Yuqi, given how casually she seemed to get along with the princess?

Whatever the case, it certainly wasn't an ideal place to be. Yuna allowed her gaze to shift to Chung Ha as the other woman looked away, frowning herself with a faint note of concern before her eyes turned back to Yuqi. "Indeed, Your Highness. Is there, perhaps, something I might be able to help you with presently?" The implication that this might be why Chung Ha was upset, letting it be known that she had noticed but that she may not be aware of the reason-- or was being polite enough to offer a way around the faux pas of the other woman's displeasure.

Yuqi chuckles, "Things are such that I wonder if there is anything that you can't help me with." She sighs, shaking her head then motioning towards the chairs situated in front of her desk. "Please, sit. Would you like some tea?"

At the question, the princess begins to rise, but Chung Ha puts a hand on her shoulder, gently forcing her to remain seated and eliciting a smile from Yuqi. The advisor then moves to the side of the room, where she starts preparing tea.

"I've told you some of our troubles in yesterday's meeting, Lady Yuna. While I'm glad about Lady Momodi's help with the situation in Meitan, and believe she will have matters there settled swiftly, our domestic issues worry me." She glances to the general, who nods encouragingly. "Simply put, we don't have the manpower to properly patrol the capital at the moment and counter the rise in criminal activity. If fear that if we do not find and eliminate the root cause of this unrest, there won't be much left of the city in a few weeks' time, and we won't have to worry about all the other problems that are looming."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Fri 29 Jan 2021.

Yuna felt a flicker of surprise as Yuqi nearly rose to prepare the tea. This was a relaxed setting for her, to be certain, and Yuna did outrank her, but with Chung Ha and the general present, the choice was still surprising. A sign of of her being comfortable? Respectful? Both? Not that having the princess's advisor-- and friend?-- making her tea is any less strange.

Yuna smiled with clear fondness at the mention of Momodi as she took the proffered seat, saying, "Your confidence in my cousin is well-placed, Your Highness. Momodi will have that sorted out and be back in the city before we've had a chance to miss her properly." There was genuine fondness and warmth in her tone.

"As for the matter of criminal activity..." It likely wouldn't do to show the ledger, not at this stage. She needed to know more about the political landscape before she showed that information off to anyone. "Unfortunately, with most of Momodi's contingent assisting her with Meitan, I don't have much of a way to assist with patrolling. Though, I imagine Sun might be able to offer his services if necessary." Yuna glanced over to Sun-Ohm. One man would not generally make too much of a difference, but she was confident that if one man could, it would be a man of comparable skill to his. And getting a possible inroad to having Ohm-Sun patrol the city could be useful.

"More particularly, I should be able to aid you with the investigation into the criminal activity in the city. You said that there was a phantom thief of sorts about, robbing the rich and the nobility, while other elements are pressuring the poor. Is there anything more you could tell me about either issue?"

Not having been dismissed, Y'mithra also takes a seat beside Yuna, and Chung Ha brings a cup of tea to both, as well as one for herself and one for Yuqi. Ohm seems to be left out, perhaps due to his role as a servant, and so was the general -- however it was likely that she was just not a tea person in the first place.

The princess nods to Yuna's question. "There isn't much mystery about the pressures; just an increase in criminal activity overall. Shakedowns, thugs forcing merchants in the poorer neighborhoods to pay for protection, robberies, the usual. The only reason we think it is connected is that this is very organized for just random criminals, and also that there was a marked increase in their activity precisely as we had to lower our manpower; and we didn't exactly advertise the fact that we were sending troops away in the first place."

"As for the other issue... there isn't much I can tell. Some of the noble houses have come forward, privately of course, complaining about the theft of important relics or just valuable possessions. No one has seen this thief, but on the other hand they haven't hurt or killed anyone either. Were the times different, I'd almost even suspect if this wasn't an elaborate prank being pulled on me by other young scions of the nobility, but sadly that is almost certainly not the case. I don't know if those two matters are related or not, but it seems too coincidental for them not to be."

Yuna dipped her head, if only slightly, in thanks to Chung Ha as the other woman passed her a cup of tea before turning her attention fully to Yuqi once more. She paid close attention to what information the princess could provide, little thought it seemed at the moment. She took a sip of the tea, more to try to keep herself from drumming her fingers on the saucer or her leg than because she was thirsty.

"You said you didn't advertise your impending loss in manpower. That being the case, do you have a list of all the individuals who would have been aware of when precisely you meant to move the guards?" Such a thing might be relatively long, but it would still be better than nothing. "Similarly, do you have a list of the nobles who have come forward about the thefts and what was taken? And are there any apparent connections between any of them? Common enemies, similar ideals, that sort of thing."

Her gaze shifted briefly over to Fengxian and Chung Ha as well, apparently curious about whether or not they would have further information in regards to her questions.

At Yuna's question, Yuqi and the general trade a meaningful look. "Yes, the probability that there is a traitor working with these criminal elements has not escaped our notice." The princess sips from her tea, pondering what to say next. "The only reason I'm sharing this freely with all of you right now is that these problems started before your arrival, therefore we can be sure none of you are in league with these elements."

The princess sighs. "Unfortunately, things aren't simple. Virtually all the noble families had access to this information, because they take part in the decision process. The Crown doesn't have the authority to make such large-scale troop movements without the approval of the noble's Assembly, and we can expect all of its members to possibly have shared such information with members of their own houses."

"As for the thefts," the general steps forward, joining the conversation. Her voice is deep and raspy, possibly because of an old throat injury. "Unfortunately we haven't been able to make out any patterns or fortuitous coincidences such as specific families not being targeted. On the surface the targets were simply the most wealthy and powerful families, meaning the perpetrator is either smart enough to have included their contact in their targets, or was simply motivated by wealth after all."

Yuqi nods to the general's assessment. folding her hands. "Not to belittle your offer for help, Lady Yuna, for it is genuinely appreciated. But we're stuck with the information we have, and have already trod all the obvious paths of investigation."

Yuna considered what Yuqi and Fengxian have said, contemplative, still tapping the saucer as she thought. The information on the troops would have been annoyingly free as far as secrets went, so trying to insist on a list to investigate on that end would likely be impossibly slow. It'd still be useful to get a list for the thefts, at least. If nothing else, she could compare it to the ledger for consistency. Perhaps that might help reveal the traitor.

Finally, Yuna smiled and set down the tea and saucer on the desk before her, careful to avoid any papers or such. She had always hated it when clients had set their drinks on her work; if it wasn't theirs, it didn't matter. "Well, you are and you aren't stuck with it, Your Highness. I presume the three of you have all looked through it and bashed your heads against it to no end. But sometimes all you need is a shift in perspective.

"I am new to Kori and the satrapy. I don't have any of the preconceptions or generalizations about anyone or anything here that I suspect you've all developed growing up here and in the court-- or in the duration of your tenure," she added, glancing over to Chung Ha. "Sometimes, that's all you really need; a fresh set of eyes to check for flaws and implications hiding in plain sight.

"Beyond that..." Yuna looks gives a somewhat apologetic look to Yuqi. "Meaning no offense, I am a Dragon-Blooded Dynast. I may be able to press them more fully or in different ways than you can. In particular, I may be able to get more information from the other Dragon-Bloods, if there is anything else they may know." Or they'd be mired in House politics. Particularly the House politics of Yuna's exaltation.

"At the very least, Princess Yuqi, as you said, the problems started before my arrival. There can hardly be much harm in me at least taking a look into them. At worst, you remain where you currently are. At best, we resolve these nuisances for you-- with the same caveat I suggested to Momodi. Any credit that may accrue goes to Crown in the interest of helping to stabilize your image in the city."

It was a matter of giving people what they wanted-- or at least making it seem like you could. Offer the chance of a resolution, even the slim hope that you could give them what they wanted, and they tended to take it. At least, that was how it worked with customers. But it usually worked with all customers from peasant errand-boys to Dynast's and their aides.

Yuqi shares a look with her advisor and general, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, those are good points, and I guess having another perspective at the very least wouldn't hurt. I'll have an itemized list of the thefts we know about prepared, and sent to your quarters. As for the other matter, as I mentioned before there would be no point in doing such a thing, as every noble in the city would be privy to that kind of information."

Sun's ears perk up as he senses a lull in the conversation. Stepping forward, he places a hand on the back of Yuna's chair, and speaks. His voice, deep and open, is notably lacking any trace of decorum, nor deference towards the princess. His golden eyes gaze plainly at her. "If you are looking for leads, I have something that will be of interest. Except..."  His gaze flicks away from Yuqi, passing over the other two before returning. "These words would be for you, and for Yuna. No one else."

At Sun's words, the general stiffens, and Chung Ha openly scowls, stepping forward. "Preposterous," the advisor starts, speaking for the first time. "You would dare to presume you can--"

She is silenced by Yuqi raising a hand, a frown on her face. "Peace, old friend. You don't need to fear for my safety; with Lady Yuna here, there is hardly anyone in this city that could harm me." There is a very clear 'unless she wishes it' unspoken in the princess' words, but they nevertheless seem to have the intended effect, making both other women relax slightly with thoughtful expressions on their faces.

The general is the first to break the silence, "In that case, I will return to my duties." She salutes the princess, then bows to Yuna and leaves the room. Chung Ha seems like she still wants to protest, but finally sighs and relents. "Very well. I'll return to ou-- my quarters." She gives a bow in the general direction of everyone in the room, then leaves.

Yuqi leans back in her chair, massaging her temples. "Very well, we're alone now. Let's hear it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Tue 23 Feb 2021.

Yuna frowned slightly, puzzled at Sun-Ohm's request but smoothed out her expression. Was he going to reveal the ledger? Yuna had been hoping to hold that back until she was more sure that she could trust Yuqi to keep that confident from even her advisor and the general. Or was it something that he hadn't yet told her about?

Yuna allowed herself the hint of a sheepish smile at the implication in Yuqi's tone-- and the fact that of all the things she had come to excel at since her Exaltation, playing bodyguard was certainly not one of them-- and dipped her head in response to the princess. "Princess Yuqi will be safe in my hands," the Dragonblooded promised, making silent note of Chung Ha's slip. Push come to shove, she could always simply throw herself in front of Yuqi; her own regeneration should save her, unpleasant though that might be.

As the others filed out, Yuna turned her attention to Sun-Ohm.

Sun opens his mouth to speak, expression growing stern and ready to retort to the advisor's scornful tone in turn. He stops when Yuqi raises her hand, leaning back and letting himself relax. The broad man returns to silence as he waits for the two women to leave the room. When they are alone, and a few moments have passed, he again speaks.

"I have found at least one of your thieves," he says, raising a hand as if offering out this information. "She was a hand for hire in the underground, working to provide food for her family. If you were to regularly give me food and supplies for about a dozen people, I could remove her as a concern, and possibly get more information from her. More information about who she works for, and what she stole and why. And this, at least, could be settled peacefully." Eshin would probably happily supply Ohm with answers to whatever questions she asked, but improving the ratgirl's cooperation wasn't Ohm's motivation for asking for supplies, anyway.

"I also have a suggestion regarding your criminal element, in general, though it is far less peaceful. I know someone who can eliminate every criminal in the city and the port, with little risk of discovery." Sun delivers the grime statement plainly, and with an unsettling calm, considering he is suggesting the murder of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. "If you want to pursue that path, your approval is all I will need. No supplies, no payment, no papers. If not, I will do what I can to aid in the path you decide to take, and I will not speak of this again."

Yuqi leans forward, resting her chin on her hands as Sun speaks. She glances at Yuna when the steward is done, before leaning back again and shifting her gaze back to Sun. "Even if this thief's motivations were noble, she still committed several acts against the laws of this city. Are you suggesting that I not only forget these transgressions and let her go free, but also give her a continuous supply of resources? Why should I show this unprecedent mercy to this one individual and not to the others you've suggested slaughtering, many of whom no doubt turned to crime for the same reasons as your friend?"

Sun holds out his hands to either side in a shrug. "Because I like her."

Yuqi's eyes widen in surprise. Then, somewhat abruptly, she bursts out laughing. "Well. That is a refreshingly straightforward answer, at least." She turns to Yuna, wiping an actual tear of laughter from her eye. "What do you think of this plan, Yuna?"

Yuna's mind was turning with ways to try to mitigate the fact that Ohm-Sun had just suggested they rout the city's criminal element but not the one she liked simply because she liked them when Yuqi laughed. The Dragonblooded let her shoulders sag a little with relief that this hadn't been taken quite as poorly as it could have. She reached a hand up and ran it down over her hair. How serious was Yuqi being about going along with Ohm-Sun's plan? How serious was Ohm-Sun about 'getting rid of' so many people?

"Ah..." Yuna began showing, somewhat rarely, a sense of uncertainty. "Perhaps that's a tad extreme? As Yuqi pointed out, many of them may be in similar straits as your friend and I suspect a wholesale slaughter is... uncalled for and would not be well-received. Some rumors would start about it relating to the Dynasty or the Crown or else point to their inability to protect the citizens. Besides, there are certain advantages to leaving the majority of them alone, particularly if we have a reliable informant. Better the devil you know." And she would prefer not to simply order the deaths of some nonspecific number of people.

She cleared her throat, settling back into her usual, logical manner of working through things. "But getting one of the thieves removed from the picture and providing us with some insider information certainly seems like it may be worth the price of a pardon and a stipend of supplies, no?" Yuna asked, looking between Yuqi and Ohm-Sun. "Especially if she can reveal any... less-than-loyal elements among the nobility."

Yuna tapped a finger against her chin as she thought. "Perhaps remove the other thieves as well. If it is feasible, convert them like the one you have; if not... perhaps enact more drastic measures." Unfortunately, she suspected that holding phantom thieves for trial would not prove very doable. "And similarly plan to remove the elements responsible for putting pressure on the common folk of the city? Not the muscle themselves, but the ones responsible for those orders. Or else make it very clear that whatever bribe they're receiving to do so certainly isn't worth our ire." Yuna shrugged after a moment. "Or make them a better offer." Like she had said. The devil you know.

Sun's hands swing back around to clasp behind his back. "Very well, then, Lady Yuna. The individual I know can be used more precisely; I only wanted to make it clear the degree of their abilities. If you wish to us those abilities in any way, let me know." He glances towards the door. "Having covered these sensitive topics, I believe we can bring your allies back inside. No reason to say twice what can be said once."

Yuqi waves Sun's comment away. "The good general has duties to attend to, and Chung Ha is too hostile to be a useful voice at this moment. I'll talk to her later about that." The princess sighs and leans back in her chair, turning the conversation back to the plan. "As for the plan, I'm of a mind with Yuna. Even despite the possible social repercussions of such an act, I will not condone the wholesale slaughter of my people, even criminals. I have no intention of showing such mercy to the actual ringleaders of this operation, or to any of its members who are particularly vicious, but we have systems in place for dealing with run-of-the-mill criminals other than simply killing them."

The princess pauses, thinking for a moment. "That is not to say that this... contact... of yours could not be useful. There may well come a time when we have no options left, and overwhelming violence is the only solution... but I believe we are not yet at that point." The grimace on the princess' expression is proof of how much she does not want for the situation to get that far, but her voice is nonetheless determined.

"As for your thief, if you can assure me that her crimes do not go beyond what you've told me, then we can arrange for their cooperation. One can hardly be faulted for stealing from the rich to provide for their own family." The princess' expression hardens. "I will not, however, blindly trust the word of an unknown 'steward', even if Yuna trusts you. Before we can work out any arrangements, I would like to meet this thief myself."

Sun responds to Yuqi's first point quickly, his low, heavy voice still oddly flat. "To be clear, I'm talking about an assassin, not a tyrant lizard. I did not mean to imply that they were so capable as to purge a city of criminals in a night. More like... weeks to months?" Sun cups his chin, contemplating the dense warren of caves beneath the city. "I don't know that anyone could wage such a war in a single night. Especially if the criminals have magic." He waves the dark idea away. "Anyway, they could be a valuable tool if deployed more specifically, as well."

When Yuqi asks to meet with Eshin, Sun's expression does darken. His golden eyes fix on Yuqi's, watching her for a long moment. "Does the princess have the ability to move so freely as that?" he asks, not even really listening for the answer as he thinks. Finally, after stewing on it for a long moment, he does reply: "I will speak to her of this, and see if a meeting is agreeable. If not..." He lets out a huff, unsure how to finish the sentence. We'll get there when we get there, his silence seems to imply.

Yuqi's eyes widen slightly at Sun's response, the wheels clearly turning in her head as she slowly leans back again. "And is not assassination an act of overwhelming violence? I never implied anything else, nor said anything about a timeline."

As the conversation went on, Yuna was having more difficulty deciding whether or not it had been wise to bring Ohm-Sun along. He certainly had useful information and, apparently, useful connections. But he also suggested things like slaughtering the criminal underworld and brought up assassination some few minutes into a private audience with the princess. And it did not look as if this was going to be so easily brushed off as the slaughter remark had been. And wasn't that a thought?

Yuna cleared her throat, both trying to get the others' attention and trying to give herself an extra moment to gather her thoughts. "Right. So, one of our first steps, it sounds like, is seeking to arrange a meeting between this thief-informant of yours, Sun, and the princess. I presume you can begin working on that today and we can work on the particulars of how to proceed in regards to the thefts at large once we have that properly settled."

"Furthermore..." The Dragonblooded trailed off for a moment and turned her attention more fully back to the princess. "I realize that we've already asked much of your patience and understanding, Yuqi, but if I could ask something more? There is something I would wish to show you, but only with your word not to speak on it with anyone else-- General Fengxian and Chung Ha included." Yuna smiled apologetically. "I hope you will understand; a secret is best kept when known by as few people as possible." And she couldn't be sure who to trust yet, but she was somewhat explicitly working to help solidify the Crown's position, so Yuqi would be the least likely to do anything untoward.

Yuqi's eyes narrow when Yuna mentions keeping secrets from her general and advisor. "I can assure you, Yuna, that both the General and Chung Ha are loyal to the Alabaster Seat, and to me personally." She crosses her arms, looking sideways. After a moment, she sighs and uncrosses her arms, shoulders slumping. "But very well. I will keep this secret of yours, for a time at least. What is it you wish to show me?"

Yuna felt a reflexive twinge of nerves-- fear?-- as Yuqi narrowed her eyes, but didn't let it show. She was treading on a princess's patience, just some upstart scribe. But she was an Exalted Dynast now. Right. Why had she suggested parting from Momodi?

Yuqi agreed, however, for all that she seemed very tired by it and Yuna offered her a shallow, grateful bow. "Thank you, Yuqi. Again, I am sorry to intrude so far onto your understanding and trust. But, here." She pulled out the ledger, her own brief-- and admittedly messy and half-shorthand-- notes on the cipher. "Sun procured it. I'm hoping I might be able to compare the information in there to the list of stolen goods to see if anything shakes lose. ...And it does also imply that there is a third party which is looking to gain from the discord in the city."

"I hope you can understand, somewhat, my desire for strict secrecy now."

Yuqi's eyes narrow as she accepts the ledger and accompanying cypher, but then as she pages over both documents her eyes widen. "This... this could change everything." She shakes her head and glances up at Sun, "I'm very curious about how you got your hands on this. But at the same time, I'm not sure I want to know."

The princess takes a few more moments to read through Yuna's notes, then turns to the Dragonblooded once again. "This information will be of immense help. I understand your fears about my advisors now, given this 'Iron Boar' character, but rest assured that this conspirator is neither of them." She taps a finger on her chin, expression turning thoughtful. "I have my suspicions about who they might be, but I do not want to cast any hasty judgements. One could be discontent without turning traitor, after all, so it would be folly to just assume this mole is a vocal detractor of the Seat. Either way, this information confirms we have a traitor to look for, and other dangers besides. It will be invaluable in helping us fix this situation." Yuqi smiles, the ledger apparently injecting her with newfound hope.

Yuna felt her shoulders ease a little as Yuqi realized what the cipher was, some small tension gone now that the princess might not think Yuna was trying to pull one over on her. Now she just had to not think to hard about the fact that Yuqi had pointed out, that she should be much more curious and inquisitive about Sun-Ohm's means, methods, and intentions.

The Dragonblooded nevertheless felt a small, sincere smile curling her lip to see Yuqi looking genuinely hopeful. "Be that as it may, I'd still like to keep this between us, if possible. Secrets tend to get out one way or another, the more they're spoken," Yuna said. And she didn't know Yuqi's advisors so she could hardly render a judgement on how far to trust them. "But, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know more about this detractor? Even if it isn't them, it hardly hurts to have a place to start."

"Secrets kept from your trusted friends also have a tendency to fester and create division, Yuna." The princess looks down at the ledger, then back to Yuna. "I can keep this from Fengxian for a while, but I won't keep such information from my chief advisor. The general can be a bit straightforward at times, and thus won't be too helpful in deciphering this issue anyway, but I will need Chung Ha's help to work through this." There was a sense of finality to the princess' words, and Yuna had the impression that it would probably be better not to push on this issue.

"As for the malcontent..." Yuqi sighs. "That would be Lady Xiaoqi. We used to play together when we were both children, but a few years ago her father suddenly passed away in a hunting accident and she suddenly became head of one of the wealthier and most powerful families of our nation. She sequestered herself for a few years in her estates, no doubt getting acquainted with her new role as family head. When she resurfaced in the Assembly, instead of the friend I remembered what I saw was a vicious, outspoken critic who took every opportunity to point out any failing of the royal family and chip away at the nobles' trust in us."

Yuqi rises, stretching and starting to pace behind her desk. "Luckily, Lady Xiaoqi remains supportive or silent when dealing with her subjects or the population at large. I've never seen or heard about her acting publicly against the Alabaster Seat, or criticize my family in any way. Behind the closed doors of the Assembly, however, she is the royal family's greatest adversary at every turn."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:39, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

Yuna wondered rather uncharitably if it was keeping secrets from her advisor or from her lover that the princess objected to, but it hardly mattered either way. And it wasn't a particularly kind thought, anyway. Nor a constructive one. If Chung Ha and Yuqi were involved, as the advisor's prior slip had implied, then it would hardly benefit her to try to remove the Crown from power. And it's not as if you never got burned keeping secrets, right? Not at all.

To Yuqi, she dipped her head, acknowledging that she would defer to the other woman's judgement. On the one hand, the princess might be too close to see something right in front of her. On the other, she knew the situation and the people better than Yuna did. Yuqi was one of the most easily identifiable allies here, so it wouldn't hurt to offer her some trust in return. Probably.

"That is a somewhat... odd change. But I suppose several year is more than enough to change a person." Or replace them, came an unbidden thought as she glanced over at Sun-Ohm. A shapeshifter of some variety; was it overly paranoid to suppose the same might be true of Yuqi's once-friend? "Mm, circumstantial evidence is hardly proof, as you said, but it would seem at least somewhat in line with her mode of operation. Mm, criticizing you behind closed doors and staying quiet in public sounds like there's either someone on the Assembly she's trying to appease or she's not confident enough in her own level of public support or the Crown's lack thereof to attack openly."

"Maybe so," Yuqi nods at Yuna's train of thought, "or she could want to do a takeover while keeping the country at large strong. She is definitively crafty enough to attempt something like that; even as a child Xiaoqi had a keen mind. I had hoped she would be one of my strongest supporters when the time came for the two of us to assume our roles, but her father's passing must have greatly affected her."

The princess sighs, sitting back down behind her desk. "Either way, she does seem a likely suspect. Worthy of investigation, if nothing else." Yuqi pauses, thinking, then points to the ledger and cipher, "I will take these, and start crossing the information over in them with what we have gathered ourselves. If you're willing, it would not be out of place for you to meet with some of the noble families, and investigate them in the process." She glances at Sun, "I look forward to hearing from this thief friend of yours, as well."

Yuqi suddenly seems to remember something, turning back to Yuna. "Oh, actually. There will be a ball in a few days' time held by Lord Gaofeng. You should receive a formal invitation to it soon, if you haven't already. Gaofeng doesn't involve himself in politics much, but his family is wealthy and he enjoys throwing galas for the nobility. That would be a good opportunity for you to rub shoulders with the other nobles and pry into them a bit without arousing suspicion."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:39, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

As soon as Yuqi mentions her desire to keep the ledger, Sun's face grows grims. His yellow-moon eyes flick from the book the princess is holding to the woman herself. Last, his gaze moves from the princess to Yuna, staring at the back of her head and electing to defer to her decision. The book, Ohm knows, is important, but the nature of that importance is entirely outside of her grasp. She briefly contemplates if finding a particularly ancient scholar and eating his brain would fill her with wordsomeness, in the same way that drinking the blood of someone's heart gave her their shape. Perhaps there was some kind of brainish fluid that could be drank in blood's—

Noticing that Yuqi has looked towards him, Sun removes himself from his reverie, placing a hand over his heart and offering the princess a polite bow. "As you wish. I shall contact the thief. If they wish to meet, I will let you know of the terms."

Yuna hesitated as Yuqi made known her intent to keep the book, but that would probably be fine. She'd gotten a good look through the whole thing when she was taking down the cipher and making notes. She should be set to make her own copy of it from memory. If that was even necessary. And it might be safer not to keep multiple copies of the book around. And she'd just talked herself into showing Yuqi some trust.

The Dragonblooded's eyes lit up at the mention of a ball. The princess was right. That was a perfect excuse. "Excellent. So, in the meantime, we can continue studying the ledger and see what we find. Sun can attempt to arrange the meeting-- the sooner, the better."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

Upon returning to her quarters, Yuna found, as promised by the Princess, that an invitation to the upcoming ball had been delivered. Along with the invitation itself, a short letter by Lord Gaofeng was present, the nobleman expressing a desire to meet the province's newest Dragonblooded in as flowery a writing as Yuna had seen anywhere in the Realm, though incredibly devoid of anything substantial; Yuqi was probably right in that Gaofeng didn't have a desire to involve himself in politics, and if his letter was any indication he truly was just an empty-minded socialite.

-x-

As Yuna goes about making preparations for the ball, Ohm makes her way to the maze of tunnels in the lower city, intent on making contact with Eshin. Due to her preternatural sense of direction, finding her way back to the ratgirl's refuge is no problem, the warren of tunnels proving no obstacle. As Ohm approaches the tunnel that leads to the hideout entrance, she finds a small group of Eshin's children sitting in a circle and playing some sort of game. Distracted as they are, they haven't noticed Ohm's approach.

Having released her Sunform shortly after sneaking back out of the palace and secreted her servants' clothes somewhere near to Eshin's hidden entrance, Ohm had enjoyed her six-limbed scramble through the winding passages that snaked their way down through the mountain. When, some time later, she arrives near Eshin's home, she makes no effort to hide herself. The many-limbed, many-tailed beastfolk emerges from a shadowed passage, her white fur catching the dim torchlight such that she seems to glow softly with a light of her own.

Ohm sits down, rather than coming too close to the children too quickly, and calls out to them, "Children! Is Eshin here?"

The children are startled by Ohm's sudden appearance, though they also clearly recognize her. They hesitate, looking at each other, before a girl, apparently the older amongst the children, steps forward and gives a decent approximation of a bow. "N-no, she is away for the moment." The girl starts explaining, clearly nervous. "But she should be returning soon! You can come in to wait for her, if you want... m-milady." The child gestures towards the abandoned house that holds the secret passage to their nest as she says the last.

Ohm follows the girl's finger, looking towards the hidden entrance and then back to the girl. The vaguely moth-like girl does not move, remaining sitting where she is. "You can call Ohm Ohm," she says in her monotone voice. "Waiting here will be fine. More safe, anyway." She says and does nothing else, sitting at the edge of the torchlight and waiting patiently, first for the children to return to their game, then for Eshin's eventual return. Her enormous, fluffy ears perk up, swivelling to catch every faint noise that echoes through the tunnels.

The children blink at Ohm's words, and hesitate, but then the lead girl nods and says simply "Alright, Ohm-Ohm." They sit back and continue their game, with has something to with throwing and counting small pebbles.

After a brief waiting, Eshin appears across the light from her, eyes fixed on Ohm. Curiously, Ohm heard no sign of the ratgirl's approach despite her keen ears. Eshin holds a bulging sack in her palms, and motions the children towards their nest before turning to Ohm. "Greetings, god-king. You have arrived in time for feast-supper, yes yes." She motions towards the nest as well. "Please come and join us, yes?"

Ohm nods along, following Eshin into her den. She sits in silence while Eshin unfolds her takings — scraps, but plentiful enough to feed the young she surrounds herself with. Risky, though. Still risky. Ohm makes no move to join them in partaking, and does not respond when food is offered. Only once the others have all settled into her meals does she begin to speak.

"Progress has been made. The city is strange in some ways, familiar in others. It seems like a river; it flows in one way yesterday, but another today. Yesterday it whet the mouths of some, now those go thirsty while others drink deep. Ohm has been so see a Yuqi, the city's princess. She is supposed to sit high in the leader's pack, but it seems an outsider, called Satrap, is leader instead. From what those around him say, he is reviled. But he is strong, or the strong protect him, so he squats atop all others in this little pool. Ohm does not think that he would bend. The river gifts him greedily, so why alter its flow? But the princess, she feels slighted. Someone not of her pack has changed the river, and she thirst and wants it back. She is weak, though, on her own, with few trustworthy packmates."

"Yuqi wants to shame Satrap in the eyes of the strong who defend him, so that she can rip out his throat without drawing their ire. To do that, she wants allies. She will take outsiders or whole other packs, so long as she thinks she can control them. She wants to meet Seshin; a skilled thief who knows secrets that can hurt Satrap, or can make her seem stronger, is valuable. For that, she is willing to give Eshin food and safety aplenty. So that is why Ohm is here, to ask Eshin. If a meeting, where? If not, Ohm will find other solutions."

Eshin listens to what Ohm has to say with a concerned expression on her face, even as she fusses over her children to make sure they all eat. "Eshin knows of Yuqi. Princess-leader, yes, beloved of all, even the lowliest." The ratgirl nods vigorously, "Eshin remembers. Yuqi-princess does not know Eshin, but Eshin knows her." She scratches at her neck, going silent for a moment, looking over her children. "Yes, I believe she would look-care after my children. If Eshin can pay for that with work, that is a fair trade, yes."

At the mention of a meeting, Eshin waves the question away. "Eshin can scurry-sneak anywhere, yes. Meeting place can be anywhere. Finding Yuqi-princess at the heart-center of her power, getting there undetected, will prove my worth-skill, yes?"

Ohm brings a red claw up to her mouth, briefly imagining the princess waking up in the middle of the night with Ohm and Eshin looming over her, shrieking in terror. Very funny. "Mhmm, yes. Ohm-Sun will tell the Yuqi these things, let her decide where to meet."

Ohm remains with Eshin until she and her children have consumed or hidden away the rest of the food, then gives the ratfolk a quiet nod, a flick of her enormous ear as indication to follow before fading back into the shadows of the tunnels. The journey upwards is only slightly slower, Ohm's robust physique offering the upwards slopes little chance to resist, and she soon reemerges from the hidden entrance amidst the servant tunnels.

A few minutes later, Sun is striding through the grand stone halls of the palace, arms clasped sharply behind him — a pose Ohm had noticed the servants take up when waiting upon one of the inner pack of the palace. Having asked one of the other servants about where the princess was before entering the palace proper, he heads up to her chambers. Lifting up a hand, he gives it a heavy knock.

Eshin follows after Ohm-Sun through the palace halls, scurrying lithely through the shadows, sometimes hanging off unlikely handholds on the walls or the ceiling itself; they pass by a few other servants on their way to the princess' quarters, but no one notices the ratgirl.

After Ohm-Sun's knock, there is no answer for a few moments, but the Lunar's enhanced hearing can detect the sound of movement coming from within the princess' quarters. After a few more moments, the door opens to reveal Chung Ha, the princess' chief advisor, who immediately frowns in recognition of Yuna's steward. "Yes? Do you have business with the Princess?"

When the door opens, Ohm-Sun pulls his hand away, placing his hand over his heart and offering Chung Ha a low bow. When he straightens, the stern-faced man looks at her directly — improprietous, Ohm suspects, for a servant, but she finds humans hard enough to understand even when she can see them directly.

"Yes," Sun replies in his low, stony voice. "She requested a meeting with a contact. The contact has been told, and now wishes to meet with her. Thus," Sun gestures across himself before returning his hand behind his back, indicating a 'why I am here'.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Mon 26 July 2021.

Chung Ha narrows her eyes at Sun, remaining silent for a moment; the stare the advisor gives him is almost hostile, but after a moment she sighs and moves back, opening the door further and motioning inside, into the quarter's sitting room. "Come in, then, and wait for a bit. I will get the princess." Without waiting for Sun to actually step into the quarters, Chung Ha simply turns and vanishes into one of the inner doors.

As soon as the advisor is out of sight, Eshin scurries to the side of Ohm-Sun and peeks into the room. "Are we meeting Yuqi-princess now, yes?"

Sun's golden eyes flick down to the ratgirl as she appeared, silently, at his side. Ohm does her best to form his face into a comforting smile. His lips do not move. "Yes, indeed," he replies, "though stay hidden a moment more." Placing a broad-rough-palmed hand upon the door, Sun stepped into the princess's quarters. He closed the door behind him, only pausing long enough for a shadow to slip through it and vanish among the furniture.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Mon 26 July 2021.

Eshin scurries inside at Ohm-Sun's urging, and the two settle in to wait. Quite a few moments pass, but eventually the Lunar's keen ears pick up the rustle of movement again, and a side door opens to reveal the Princess and the chief advisor. Yuqi nods to Sun as she takes a seat, while Chung Ha stays standing at the princess' shoulder, still frowning at Sun.

"Sun, was it? Chung Ha tells me you're here about your mysterious contact, is that right?"

Sun gives the princess a shallow bow, ducking his head as she enters before straightening back up. "Indeed." His vast arms sweep behind his back, hands folding against one another. The motion causes his chest to bulge against the supposedly-generous confines of his servant garb. "Before you meet her, though..." Sun's golden eyes fix on Yuqi, weighing her reaction. "She is a beastfolk thief. If that will not be a problem, she is ready to meet you now."

Chung Ha's eyes narrow as Sun mentions that Eshin is a beastfolk thief, but Yuqi shows no reaction, except for frowning.

"Meet me... now?" The princess' eyes flicker towards the doors of her apartment, then after a moment towards the windows of the sitting room, before she trains her gaze back on Sun. "You have her waiting nearby?"

Sun's stony mask of a face tightens slightly as a hand raises to stroke his chin in thought. "Was that not the right... The meaning was supposed to be — the task is completed..." He stares off into some blackened corner of the bedroom, contemplating the irritating vagaries of spoken language. "... But, yes," he pulls his hand away, tucking it behind his back once more, "that is also true. She can meet now."

"I'm curious how a beastfolk could infiltrate the palace so easily, but I guess that just speaks to your friend's skills. Well, let's get this over with then, shall we?" Yuqi makes a hand gesture that Ohm does not recognize towards Chung Ha, who sighs and nods; clearly some unspoken communication having passed between the two. "Might as well not waste the effort you have gone through."

Sun gives his own nod of stony acknowledgement. "Thank you for the consideration, Lady Yuqi." He gives a gesture to the room, speaking to no one in particular; "Miss Eshin, if you would?"

Eshin scuttles from behind some furniture, appearing as if by magic, and carefully moves closer at Ohm-Sun's urging. Chung Ha visibly tenses as the ratgirl appears, eyes opening wide in surprise that she was within the room. She starts to step forward, but a quick hand sign from Yuqi stops her in her tracks.

"So, you're the mysterious contact. Eshin, is it?" The princess also seemed surprised at Eshin's appearance from within the room, but is otherwise relaxed.

"That is my name, yes yes. And you are Yuqi-princess, yes?" Eshin nervously scratches at her neck, clearly uncomfortable, and sticks close to Sun's legs, half-hiding behind the Lunar.

"Yes. Sun here has told me of you, that you are a very skilled thief. I can see that from the way you were able to sneak into my apartments undetected, even if you had his help. I find myself in need of someone of your skills, Eshin, and information you might have regarding your previous thefts."

"Yes-yes, Eshin has been told as much." The ratgirl pauses, then steps out from behind Sun's leg, clenching her fists and locking gazes with the princess. "Eshin will help, if Yuqi-princess promises to take care of Eshin's younglings. Shelter-feed them, keep them safe. Do this, and Eshin will do all that Yuqi-princess requires."

Chung Ha frowns at these words, and Yuqi's eyes widen slightly. It seems that, despite Sun's words, both the princess and the chief advisor had expected Eshin to try to bargain for more of a reward other than simply the safety of her children.

"Very well. I promise you, Eshin, that I will take care of your family. All your previous thefts will also be forgiven by the Alabaster Seat, given the help you will give us." She leans forward, turning to Sun. "Now, Sun, I think it would be best if you went to fetch Yuna. Given her role in this, it would be best to have this conversation with her present... and that will also give me some time alone to talk with Eshin."

Sun lifted a hand to his face, broad palm clasping over his mouth at Yuqi's suggestion to fetch the dragon-blooded girl. He held it there for a long time, fingers squeezing his dark cheeks until pale rivers had been drawn through them, his sunshine eyes staring at nothing, a storm of thoughts raging beneath them. Finally, those eyes moved down to the rat girl, Eshin standing proud like she was about to stare down a storm. Sun's hand pulled away, leading the imprint of his palm before it faded a moment later. He reached down, placing that hand upon Eshin's head, taking comfort in the softness of her fur. Finally, he took a slow inhale.

"Very well, Miss Yuqi." Sun's gaze met Yuqi's once more. "But keep in mind... a great deal of trust is being show in this. One day, the princess's trust will be asked in turn." Having said his piece, the man turned to leave the room.

Ohm-Sun's journey to Yuna's room was brief and uneventful, though the Lunar spent it weighing what to say and how to say it to her accidental confidant. When she did arrive, still stewing about her words, she did not push her way into Yuna's privacy, instead knocking on the door and waiting for it to be answered, so as to give her a little more time to think.

When the door did, indeed, open, Sun was a little slow to speak, but when he did, it was precisely. "Miss Yuna, the princess wishes to converse. Ohm has brought her the thief-girl. There are... a few other things that must be mentioned."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

Yuna startled ever so slightly at the knock on her door, mind shifting unhelpfully between running through everything she knew about Kori's nobility and etiquette and going over everything she remembered from the ledger-- which was, to be fair, likely everything in the ledger. The Guardian was floating nearby, as she found watching the little flame helped her think sometimes, and she quickly shooed it into her lantern, flicking the switch to turn it on.

With a quick, compulsive straightening of her clothes, Yuna opened the door with a carefully neutral expression so as not to appear too friendly to anyone too far beneath her nor too dismissive of anyone too far above her-- too on her level. There wasn't much of anyone who was above her any more. Technically. Much as it didn't feel that way. She pushed the thought aside as she came face-to-face with Sun-Ohm and tried to offer something approaching a smile to her 'steward', still not sure what to make of him.

The expression slipped at bit as Sun-Ohm spoke. He brought them to Yuqi. That was... Was that bad? How would that look? It was Yuqi they needed to meet with, so surely it wouldn't be too bad for her steward to bring the thief to the princess first? Confidence. It would only seem strange if she let it appear as anything other than her idea and their normal mode of operation. As if they had one of those.

Yuna gestured Sun-Ohm inside and closed the door behind him. She had to stop herself from asking by reflex if there was anything she could get for him. "What sorts of things do you need to discuss? If your thief friend is here, we should hasten to join them, no?"

Yuqi was alone with the thief, which implied a level of danger to the princess, especially if the thief was anything like Sun-Ohm. And it was another way Yuna had lost control of the flow of information, if Yuqi had a chance to question the thief privately. And she'd already lost the ledger and hadn't even been able to make Yuqi promise not to tell Chung Ha. Hopefully this is building some sort of trust with Yuqi, but either way Yuna can't help but feel that she's not doing a particularly good job at keeping things wholly in hand.

Sun weighed Yuna's reaction before responding, stepping aside to let her past him. "Yes, which is why Yuna should come promptly. The discussion can happen on the way. It will not be too sensitive."

A moment later, when they have begun the short journey back to Yuqi's room, with Yuna in the front and Sun a step behind, he begins. "Yuna's life has been sheltered, hidden away in the Scarlet Isle and away from the complexities of the wider world, yes?" For Yuna, who met Ohm when she mysteriously pulled her out of the ocean, her having such knowledge of Yuna's prior life must seem mysterious. No matter, Ohm thought. What was to be a gentle introduction to the strangnesses of life near the bordermarches would have to be accelerated, thanks to Yuqi's canniness. Ohm would have to rely on Yuna's own canniness to see them through. "Meeting Ohm was a first challenge to the prejudices the Isle tells you are truths. What follows will be one far greater."

As they approached the door to Yuqi's quarters, Sun brought up a hand, grabbing Yuna by the shoulder to stop her. An impropriety if observed, he was sure, but the offending limb quickly vanished back to his side. When she turned to face him, he met her gaze with a seriousness beyond his normally stony expression. "Miss Yuna," It was undeniably Ohm, not whatever amount of a person Sun was, that was speaking, "Ohm must ask Yuna to look, and to see, and to think... and to judge what is found with Yuna's own heart, and not the words of others."

Yuna nodded at Ohm-Sun's words and stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind her. She hesitated for a moment, waiting for Ohm-Sun to take the lead before it registered to her that she was supposed to go first. Sun-Ohm was her retainer, she should always walk at least somewhat in front of them. She started forward, trying to hide the little blunder by taking a moment to straighten out her clothing before starting forward.

Frowning as they walked and Ohm-Sun began to talk about things he certainly should not know, Yuna worked to keep her expression neutral for all that no one was around to see her at the moment. Many Dynasts lived and worked and stayed on or near the Scarlet Isle; it wasn't an unusual assumption. If it was an assumption. And calling Ohm a first challenge to prejudices was a bit of an understatement; knowing and working with Ohm was a possible grounds for... Well, she wasn't quite sure what. She was a Dynast, kind of, but Ohm was an Anathema. Possibly. Yuna was still hoping Ohm might be some sort of strange local spirit.

There was a brief moment of tension as Sun-Ohm touched her arm as Yuna was still unsure what to make of him. Yuna studied Sun-Ohm's face and remembered the odd, fuzzy creature she had originally encountered. She nodded slowly. "As you say. I promise to try, Ohm," she replied.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Tue 10 Aug 2021.

Their brief conversation done, the two Exalts arrive at Yuqi's quarters. Chung Ha opens the door upon Yuna's knock, looking if not happy at least more relaxed than she had been before. She gives a nod of respect to Yuna -- slightly inappropriate, as she should probably have bowed, but there was no one too see -- and ushers them inside, closing the door behind her.

As for the other two occupants, they had moved into the lounge area of the princess' sitting room: a low table set in a corner, with cushions and plush rugs arranged around it. Yuqi is sitting sideways on one such cushion, sipping from a cup of tea and listening to Eshin animatedly tell a story; the ratgirl sits on top of the table itself, legs crossed, hood thrown back to reveal her very obviously furred rat-face, cookie crumbs plastered all over her snout. There is no fear in the ratgirl's expression as she broadly gesticulates, two cookies clutched in one of her hands. Just as the two Exalts enter the room Eshin reaches the climax of her story, to which Yuqi suddenly snorts and bursts out laughing. Eshin looks pleased at this, and proceeds to eat more cookies while the princess regains her composure.

Yuna returned Chung Ha's nod with a shallow inclination of her own. A bow would be proper, but it would not do to call attention to it now unless she meant to antagonize the advisor. And it would do more harm for her to mention it and have Chung Ha simply ignore her. And... well, Yuqi had treated her somewhat more informally before. That was probably fine, out of the public eye. As long as Papashan didn't take too much notice.

Stepping in, she took note of Yuqi and the-- oh. A wyld-tainted girl. An Anathema. That would be what Ohm had meant with the speech, but unless the rat-girl was hiding some truly terrifying abilities, she would not be so hard to deal with as Ohm.

This did, however, all but confirm that Ohm was not some local spirit. She was working with an Anathema and owed her life to the same. Yuqi was laughing with one. One covered in crumbs and looking quite happy and rather cute and she was absolutely getting herself into more trouble than she was prepared for. How did this happen? She'd been separated from Momodi for hardly a day. The Immaculate Order would certainly arrest everyone here, if they found out.

They'd also probably be all-too-interested in Yuna's rather... abrupt and irregular appearance into House V'neef.

But the princess was just talking to her, this strange beastfolk, this Anathema. And the Anathema was eating cookies and sitting on the table. Trying to keep her expression neutral and not to panic-- and Ohm was an Anathema, was almost certainly working against the Realm, was certainly more dangerous than Yuna had hoped and she had actively advised Momodi to leave-- Yuna tried for a smile. "Princess. Sun said you wished to speak with me."

And Ohm had wanted Yuna to keep an open mind. Because there was another Anathema here. Eating cookies with the princess. Who did not in any way, shape, or form seem alarmed or off-put by this development.

Sun follows Yuna into the princess's apartment, giving Chung Ha a polite nod — more polite than Yuna's, just shy of a shallow bow. The woman was more patient and thoughtful than she had at first seemed to Sun, not simply some bratty noble-bred retainer. She warranted a bit more respect than Sun had been extending her.

More important was Yuna, and the Isle-born exalt's reaction to what was, doubtless, a challenge to her beliefs. Sun watched as Yuna's gaze flicked from Eshin to the calmly-seated Yuqi and back, hesitating as she thought through the scene in front of her, before calling out her greeting. It would appear her silvery tongue and talent for social pleasantry — and, perhaps, Sun's cryptic forewarning — carried her through without spilling the beans on this ever more complicated spider's web. She was capable, this girl... and either open-minded or duplicitous enough to run with the odd circumstances in which she found herself. Ohm quietly decided to leave all future politicking to her. That did leave precious little for Ohm to do...

Ah, well. From the stories she'd heard of Realm politics, Ohm would have something to sneak into or someone to break soon enough. In the meantime, Sun slipped into place, standing at ease along one wall and gazing severely at nothing in particular.

"Ah, yes." Yuqi says, straightening and turning to address Yuna and Ohm. "Please, take a seat. Eshin here," she smiles and nods towards the ratgirl, who had stopped with a cookie halfway to her mouth and looked ready to bolt at any time, "is your steward's thief contact. I thought it would be better if we heard what she has to tell us together."

As she finishes saying this, Chung Ha comes by with a tray holding teacups for Sun and Yuna, and a plate with even more cookies. She sets then down in the table, then gently pats Eshin in the head before taking a seat next to Yuqi.

Right. Yes. That was perfectly reasonable. Sit down and have a conversation with the Anathema girl that her Anathema 'retainer' had brought along. Perfectly reasonable and not at all something that could get her in... Yuna didn't even know what kind of trouble. Questioned by the Immaculates, at least, and that would be bad enough.

Chung Ha brought tea for Yuna and Sun and the Dragonblooded took it almost by polite reflex and sat down, taking a sip. The advisor also took a moment to comfort the beastfolk girl and part of Yuna, the one that was succeeding at not panicking, took note of that fact. Meanwhile, the girl looked about as afraid as Yuna felt, seeming as ready to run as Yuna probably would have been if she hadn't met Momodi. Not that part of her didn't still want to get out.

Sitting down, careful not to sit directly next to Eshin lest the girl actually bolt, Yuna just about kept her smile in place and hid some fidgeting by taking a moment to smooth down her clothing. "A good idea. Likely for the best if we get straight into it, then. Eshin, yes? Could you begin with your knowledge of the thefts? Whenever you're ready, of course." She took a cookie and took a bite, but it tasted like ash. Yuna made herself eat it anyway. It was important to appear composed and in control.

Sun did not join the princess and Yuna at the table. He retained his post near the door, letting his ears cross the steps between himself and the table on their own. Probably, it was improper for a retainer to join his master at the negotiating table, at least without her explicit invitation. Not that it mattered; Ohm had done enough negotiating for one night. Day? Sun glanced, disappointed, at the sunlight sliding past the window. What an interior way to spend the last few days before Calibration.

When Chung Ha offered Sun a cup of tea, the retainer took it, offering her a polite bow of the head as thanks. He glanced towards the table, at how the women sat there were sipping at their cups, then down at the delicate porcelain that sat in his palm like a scared mouse. After a long moment of consideration, he rested a thumb against the cup's handle to stabilise it, curling the rest of his fingers around its body, then lifted the cup up to sip the fluid from its edge.