[Nadeshiko Higarashiki]

(joint post with me and Cal)

The process of bandits, wagons and more bandits rode by, seemingly without noticing the armoured girl. As the column advanced, one sight stood out: Isokla seated regally on a wagon, looking for all the world as if she owned the land, and potentially a sniper's target.

: "...." Kagirioni steps out. Enough to attract their attention, but her sword's sheathed, clearly presenting no target. "... this is unexpected."


Staring down at her, Isokla held up her hand before the bandits gutted the newcomer; their weapons were being drawn and notched already. "You." Isokla stated simply, without looking at anyone except her former student, whom she stared straight in the eye,"Bring her to me. Unharmed."

The young bandit hopped down from beside the silver haired girl, and picked his way over to Kagirioni. He waited to see if she would resist, even with bows half lowered, half raised to shoot her and swords drawn.

Kagirioni isn't that dumb. That is, she takes no more chances than necessary, so she's not resisting at all. Besides, it's a little clear that unless she's much faster than she looks, she can't draw her sword in time to do anything.

"Come, sit beside me." Isokla commanded impassively, waving her hand for the young bandit to give them space. "You've recovered, I see."

".. it took a while. That and not getting crushed .. sorta drained me for a week. I'm.. a little surprised to see you .. leading this column." Kagironi deliberately avoids mentioning what they are, and figures that she has a reason. Or something. It's been a while.


"Little about me should surprise you," There was no hint of warmth in her tone, her eyes on the road ahead. Calmly, she added, "I grieved for you. Why have you returned?"

"... well, I could run around some more doing nothing of value. It's not really something I should be doing, but it's not going to bother me. But, I'm still your apprentice. I think." Kagirioni is somewhat calm.

"I was about to return these to you." She held up a small pouch, and shook it. Coins jingled; and several bandits glanced up, more on second nature than anything else, only to realise who they were looking at, and glanced away again quickly.

"So, tell me, how did you survive? The rubble crushed the entrance and none of us could enter."

"I got.. lucky, and was able to hold a magical shield for long enough to escape. Or at least, deflect enough so I could worm my way out."


"And it took you this long to seek me out?" Nothing incredulous; simple statement. "You will find things have... changed somewhat."

".. well, yes, I decided directly following you would be a bad idea. I wanted to, but after .. running into some things left behind, it.. didn't seem wise to take that much of a difficult path."

"Indeed? So where have you been in the meantime?"

".. after first returning home to put my old armor up, my sisters asked me to take care of a problem on the estates, then I had to work my way here..." She shrugs. "It was.. n't bad? But I can't say I like being sidetracked by a problem my sisters could have solved for themselves."

"Very well," Isokla inclined her head, then smiled sweetly in a 'you'd better play along or else we're both dead'(which could also be mistaken to those who knew as 'or everyone else is dead'), "As you are aware, as a priestess of the Master it gladdens my heart you have returned to me to don the robes. The Master requires full commitment. Our sisters may be present at our destination, where we shall formally induct you into our ranks. It is pleasing that the Master saw fit to spare your life so you may serve him as one of his Brides."



The bandits paid no attention.


"Ah. It's.. an honor to be inducted."

"As is right." She cast a sweeping hand over the column, "These who serve the Lords of Vision serve also the Master, who is their Master as they await his return. Loyalty shall be rewarded; traitors shall be slain. Such is the will of the Lords of Vision, decreed by his Brides, the mouthpieces of the Master."


"I see." .oO(.. you know, there's something about this...)


"As do we all who are blessed with sight. The Master gifts generously to all who embrace him." Isokla shot Kagironi an unreadable look; there was more going on than she was letting on. She also pointedly avoided discussing any of the others. "Still, now you have returned, we shall resume your lessons..."


"..yes, mistress."

"Now, begin by reciting the herbs required in the use of..."



Isokla's voice droned on, barely pausing for the better part of three hours. Some things had not changed as she drilled her student tirelessly, correcting and instructing as needed. By the time the sun had passed its zennith, the bandits were beginning to tire themselves. The ceaseless stream of knowledge stunned them, as one of the Brides of the Master educated the new recruit. Many of them found themselves scratching their heads, or chins, amazed at the remedies from the simplest combination of plants. The one for the hangover was one that to a man, they vowed to try. Pausing for break, Isokla watched 'her men' behave as common men, obviously rising above their loutish manners with veiled disdain. As they continued, she paid little heed to them, only occasionally issuing commands as one born to rule. The young bandit stayed close to her side, but still at a respectable distance, listening intently and awed by her words.



Afternoon approached and they were greeted by a band of scouts, all bearing the scarlet uniform of the Lords of Vision. As the leader approached, he stared at the two women with narrowed eyes.

"Speak with him," Isokla issued her apprentice quietly, "Find out what he wants. Show no fear."

Kagirioni quietly nods, then approaches him, calmly. "I'm the apprentice of the Bride of the Master riding with this column. How can I help you?"

"Where are you headed? The forest beyond is dangerous." His tone had changed at her words; he was wise enough not to anger one of the priestesses, but his look was still harsh.

"I will have to ask her." Kagirioni gives a half bow, and goes back... to ask her.

"Tell him it is none of his concern, and to stand aside or escort us." Isokla did not even bother to rise, but disapproval was heavy in her words.

"Yes, mistress." She returns to the man . "She says it is none of your concern, and asks that you either stand aside, or escort us." .oO(.. he'd be an interesting fellow to do the second with no destination.)

"If it is her will, then we shall escort you through the forest. After that, you may resume alone." Gesturing to his men, the five scouts loosened their grip on their longbows. Two of them stood at the fore, and two moved to cover the rear. The leader strode past Kagironi and to Isokla herself. "My men place themselves at your service." His eyes flickered towards the former leader of the convoy, "And we are pleased to stand beside our brothers."

"As well you should. Nothing less is expected. Now, let us proceed..."

.oO(... when did I take that last blow to the head?) Kagirioni sighs, and decides to more or less talk to a few of the bandits and decides a direct approach is unwise. So she simply asks them why they joined with the Lords of Vision. Hey, curiosity.

They reply typically: for glory, honour... ...wealth and women.

Kagirioni nods, and then returns to Isokla, pondering exactly what game is going on her end .oO(So she knows a lot about this organization, I suspect she might hvae done something to gain control of the troupe, and can rapidly assume a very imperial attitude. The troops know nothing, they're just being led...)

.oO(So where's the key in the middle of this..)

Kagirioni returns to find Isokla deep in conversation with the scout leader, who seems to be probing to see if she's genuine. Isokla rarely smiles, cracking only the faintest and allowing only a small indulgence of his queries. Both know she is tolerating only so much; his main question seems to be her lack of crimson robes and symbols. Whatever answer is given is lost to the wind, and he seems... half convinced. Her preaching continues, lecturing all in earshot (namely, half the convoy) about the Master's will, and the need to purge the evil of selfishness from within themselves as individuals, and as a society. A few of the men grunt in agreement, but most seem to grumble at the idea of a lack of excess... even so Isokla promises drink for the obedient as a 'reward of the Master, who gives generously to all who obey him'...

.oO(..sigh, this could be amusing, or a nightmare. Not sure which. Note to self. Don't drink tonight.)

The journey continues through the forest, until finally, after many winding trails and turns, they come across a palisade guarded by watchtowers... ...and a lot of men all in the Lords of Vision's scarlet. Through the gate beyond, they could glimpse a cliff - one that had been built upon with wood. The cave fortress of Tek'Iyre.