Yoshiko's Path to Jiuweihu 1

[05:07] Kendri asks, "All set?"
[05:07] Anastasia ven Astor says, "I'm set, yes."
[05:07] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Ready.."
[05:07] Kendri says, "."
[05:07] Kendri says, "No, Magnus."
[05:07] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "--"
[05:08] Magnus Perridi II says, "Aw."
[05:09] Kendri asks, "Anyways.. What'd you bring, Esther, right?"
[05:09] Esther Aryn says, "Uhhh."
[05:12] Esther drops a picnic basket in front of the bench, lifting its top to unveil the magnificant spread she brought. A bunch of basic or premade foods she managed to hastily assemble in such short notice.

Containers of tomato soup, a bunch of baked potatoes, three pickleless pork sandwiches, a bag of a jerky, bowls of leftover stir fry and one packet of peanuts to top it all off.

"Tha's everythin'! Pick wha' ya' like I guess. I heated everythin' up so it should be nice an' warm. Everythin' tha's supposed ta be heated at least."
(Esther Aryn)
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[05:17] Kendri would walk with the three towards the bench located west of the village. Sitting down next to Esther, he'd watch as she would reveal the basket and its contents.

Seeing the items, the teen would place a finger to his cheek- giving it a light scratch.

"Hm.. Well, thanks I suppose."

Reaching into the basket, he'd most likely take the peanuts that had been placed in there. He wasn't too hungry for much else.

"Hm.. And what do you three do exactly?" The least he could do was make conversation, let it be small talk or not.
(Kendri)
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[05:19] Anastasia followed them to the West, realizing now where they had meant. She had mistakenly thought they meant a beach somewhere so it was perhaps good that she was proven wrong in the end. The Astor took a seat upon the bench now, and as Esther lifted the top of the basket she leaned forward a little to inspect the contents closer!

Containers of soup, baked potatoes, some pork sandwiches and other items were included within it and she stared pointedly, unsure what to say before a small exhale was offered.

"I ah - perhaps later!" She commented with a wave of her hand. "Honestly I should be meditating more, so I can commune with my star. It's important I learn how to do so... Then I can protect my brothers and our people, of course," She mused out loud. Emerald eyes shifted upwards to stare at the starry night sky now. Anastasia fell silent.
(Anastasia ven Astor)
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[05:24] Yoshiko steadily followed behind the group. They were going to head near a part of the area that was near the water where they could relax and watch the waves crash gently against the cliffs. Her kitsune ears twitched at the sound of the waves washing away and the smell of the water when they transitioned to this area.

After Yoshiko watched everyone settled, her nose caught the hint of the food that Esther prepared. Containers were opened and placed for them all to enjoy and Yoshiko was a bit shy to grab what she wanted. She wasn't entirely famished or hungry at the moment but a bit to snack on wasn't bad. However, she felt a bit of conversation would cause her hungry to arise where it was noticeable for her.

"It smells good..." Her eyes would gaze from the food to the water. "Ah.. this is so relaxing." There was no hints to cry at all here. She felt like she would come here more often as the days went by.

"Oh! I'm learning to worship someone you probably don't know. Her name is, Jiuweihu. There's a lot on her so I won't explain it much..."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[05:28] Allowing everyone to pick and choose what they wanted, Esther would snag her choice afterwards. A hearty sandwich was acquired, she deserved it. She was the oldest and she was the one that prepared the food!

Munching and gnawing with a satisfied hum her gaze averts to Yoshi, frowning when noticing her snackless paws.

"Ya, Jiuw.. wha'ever is cool an' all, but ya' should eat Yoshi. I made these jus' fer ya'.. Without tha' pickles."
(Esther Aryn)
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[05:29] Esther Aryn says, "All of ya'.. barely took anythin'. After I worked so hard too."
[05:29] Esther clutches at her chest.
(Esther Aryn)
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[05:34] He'd open the pack of peanuts, breaking them off and tossing them into his mouth. As everyone explained exactly what it was they were trying to do, or currently doing, the teen nodded.

"I see. So you're one with the cosmos then? Interesting. Never really battled against it nor seen it.. So my knowledge on it is very limited." Once more, he tossed the snack between his lips before facing Yoshiko.

"Jiu..Weihu. Jiuweihu. If it's someone you enjoy talking about, then by all means go ahead. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind." A brief smile was flashed until he noticed Esther.. Looking back down at the basket, Kendri would sigh before taking the bag of jerky too.

"I'll take this to go, then, is that fine?"
(Kendri)
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[05:37] Anastasia looked to the Kitsune at her side when Yoshiko admitted she was learning about Jiuweihu and she fell silent. She had never heard of such a thing before in all honesty, but then again... Her own upbringing was closed off from the rest of the world, relatively speaking. With Esther's statement that they had barely taken anything there was a tinge of guilt on the Astor's face and now she took a bag of jerky now.

Opening it, she munched upon the jerky before continuing.

"My House was blessed by the divine - by the cosmos itself to always watch out over the Petrakis lineage," She admitted, eating casually. "Since I just turned thirteen I have to be prepared wholly, especially if I'm going to be a proper Knight someday. Even a Lightbringer."

The thought of all of that riding upon her shoulders was a lot of deal with. That she knew there had been many Lightbringers from the house of Astor left her with a heavy burden on hershoulders... Especially given the latest one had been her deceased Mother.

"Anyway yes! Tell us about this Jiuweihu, Yoshiko. Please... I've never heard of her before." Emerald gaze once more reached heavensward.
(Anastasia ven Astor)
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[05:52] Yoshiko sat there and honestly she was still wasn't hungry so she shook her head when Esther said she needed to eat something.

"I'm.. fine for now."

She turns her form to face the water and letting a bit of air escape from her lips as she found the sight and smell of the water relaxing. A nice place to take a nap as well.

However, that moment of relaxation wouldn't last that long seeing as everyone wanted to know about Jiuweihu. Or at least let Yoshiko talk about it. Albeit, Anastasia spoke of her lineage first which, Yoshiko respected and allowed for her to speak before Yoshiko took her time on what she wanted to say. She was shy after all and this wasn't going to be easy.

"W-Well... Jiuweihu is basically the star that watches over us everyday. She gives all kitsunes that are born her blessing and we can further enhance..."

Yoshiko felt a slight fluster as she spoke but held her urge to tear up and continued. "..that blessing and attune to her light. I don't know full details but I read some books that my parents handed to me. My ancestors have done this many times apparently. So, I will do the same... as tradition."

Now! She was hungry. Talking that much has given her a strong urge to take a bite out of the pickleless sandwich that was specifically made for her. Of course, she still held her manners and only took small noms of it. Well, it was also because she was shy.

"W-What about you guys?"
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[05:59] Throughout Yoshiko's explanation, Esther had continuosly snacked away. It seemed none of them had the intention of consuming her delicious treats. She couldn't let any of it go to waste, she'd eat it all if she had to.

When the kitsune finished speaking, Esther decided to pipe up with a mouth stuffed with burger.

"Wow.. ya' kids are so much more ambitious than I was, than I am. Four years ago I ain't do shit 'cept beg fer coin an' drink. I do... less o' tha' now, but all I want ta do is ta learn how ta punch tha' shit outta people real good."

She was almost jealous of the two, set on the right path by their parents. They had direction, they had ambitions.

She asked, secretly hoping that he didn't. She didn't want to be the only one, she wanted to relate with somebody else!
(Esther Aryn)
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[06:02] Esther Aryn asks, "Wha' 'bout ya' Kendri? Got anythin' like tha'?"
[06:05] He'd pop another peanut in his mouth after breaking it off, chewing it silently prior to glancing over towards Anastasia.

"So you're related to the Petrakis family then? I guess that does make sense, mhm." Hearing that she was preparing herself to become Knight though reminded him of a certain someone, "If you ever need help training, don't be afraid to ask. I'd be more than willing to assist you. Or ah.. The brother of the boy that was talking to the King."

Honestly, he began to wonder just how that entire situation had played out.. Soon enough, Yoshiko was the one talking, and this time not just in small sentences. Whenever she was finished, he'd simply smile.

"That sounds nice. Once you delve deeper into it all, perhaps you can enlighten us about more of it and the blessings she has given onto you.. It'd be interesting to know, if you're comfortable enough." Though when Esther would ask about him, he'd shake his head.

"Ah.. I'm afraid I can't exactly tell you what I'm involved in, apologies. But, long story short, I'm just practicing to become a better swordsman. Peace isn't going to come if I sit around doing nothing, mm."

And that's all he had to say about that- the teen popping another peanut up and consuming it.
(Kendri)
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[06:10] Anastasia listened to Yoshiko explain what she knew about Jiuweihu politely, eating the strips of jerky within the bag. Occasionally she'd turn to look between the Kitsune and the night sky, towards the stars assembled up above in silence, wondering just which one out there was her star.

"That seems to be very important to you, Yoshiko, so you should keep at it. As I said, I've never heard of her until now, so she seems interesting to me!" She stated with a small nod. Far from it for her to ruin the poor Kitsune's ambitions, after all. Now her gaze befell Esther and there was a shake of her head.

"Just because one isn't ambitious doesn't mean their life is worthless, necessarily. Plenty of people take some time to figure out what they want to do in life, or who they wish to be. It isn't technically a bad thing, but it isn't exactly a good thing either since you've wasted so much time. The sooner you realize it and move forward, the better, I think." Now, onwards to Kendri.

"The King and the Prince are my half-brothers, since we shared the same mother. That's all. But I'm to be the head of House Astor when I become of age, so I must live up to my family's expectations in the end. Become a Lightbringer, do great things, perhaps slay a dragon. Things like that!" She said with a matter of fact attitude. Anastasia was nothing if not blunt and direct at the very least.
(Anastasia ven Astor)
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[06:21] Yoshiko would lean her head forward to catch a glimpse of everyone sitting together while she held her burger in front of her. She was still chewing and most likely had some crumbs on the side her lip. Oh well, she failed to be curious of that despite her being part fox.

"I-I will try...! I don't know how long it will take so.." Yoshiko would find herself releasing a light giggle hearing Esther talking about her younger days and honestly this was probably the first time that Yoshiko has ever done that around people.

"You guys have really... high goals. I think mine is really important but there so much more going on with you guys... That's good.

There's a balance..."

Yoshiko really did plan to focus on her path with Jiuweihu. Although there might be those who think she should follow or worship another god, most didn't think it was all that abnormal for Yoshiko to do what she did because of her race. Kitsunes were just born into and like this. Can't change what she was destined to be.

"I-I can talk about it more another time if you'd like! I'll need help along the way... honestly. It's a hard prospect... I think I'll cry again if I do it alone.

Thinking about it now..." Yoshiko felt the need to let down some tears but only light ones would fall down her cheek this time. "Sorry..."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[06:32] "Mm, Anastasia's right about that much." He'd glance towards Esther as Anastasia said her bit about being ambitious. Which, honestly was true. It wasn't a good thing nor a bad thing.. One would just.. Be there.

"Half-brothers? I see.. Well, I believe you can do it then. Can't say I've seen anyone slay a dragon before, so I hope to see you become the first one I've witnessed." Though his words may have came off as just trying to be kind, what he spoke was genuine. The three seemed like great people. Finally, his gaze dropped on Yoshiko.

"Sometimes it's not good to have high goals.. The higher you get to it, the more it hurts when you fail. Anybody could break from that sort of thing, you know?" He'd pause for a second, tilting his head backward to look up at the sky.

"And mhm. You don't have to be alone. Just ask and any of us would help you out. It might be hard, butit'll be worth it, right? And you don't have to apologize for that, we understand." With that said, the teen would bag of jerky in his cloak.

"I've a question though, Anastasia.." That gaze of his fell on her once more, "How do you feel about all the things going on right now? Is it too much pressure or do you just try not to think about it and push forward?"
(Kendri)
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[06:39] It seemed as if Esther had fallen asleep? Perhaps she had worked on the snacks a bit too much... Those emerald eyes fell to Yoshiko as she realized she was crying? Her gaze widened at such a sight as the Kitsune began to lightly cry and she apologized for thinking about the prospect of doing things alone. Her hands rose up,

"Don't cry, Yoshiko. We can help, most definitely. But you shouldn't cry, you look much better without tears after all." She admitted.

Now she turned to Kendri.

"Ersen Astor slayed a great dragon many many years ago, with the blade called Balmung. It'd be... Nice to slay one myself and perhaps find my ancestor's sword admittedly," She said with a light sigh. She ate more jerky in the meantime.

Then, a question came her way and she peered upwards towards him curiously, listening. He asked her feelings on everything that was going now and the only thing she could do for a long while wastear her gaze away. To look upon the stars above and there she sits and thinks. For a moment it seemed as if she wasn't going to even answer him, until her voice spoke up.

"I'm upset that my family lost our home - my entire family, I mean. House Astor, and the Petrakis family. I'm upset my Mother died, and I'm pretty sure my Brothers hate her. But they don't hate me. I'm upset that my Father is a wanted fugitive and he's aiding our enemy... It's a lot of pressure. Like... A lot a lot. I'm expected to do great things like many that came before me, and I'm expected to act proper as someone befitting my station at all times."

"So yes, it's quite a great deal of pressure but they do say that diamonds are only made from a monumental amount of pressure. So..."

She rose up, still carrying the bag of jerky strips.

"I'll make do."
(Anastasia ven Astor)
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[06:51] Anastasia was a noble. She'd subconsciously keep a note of that. Royalty made great targets for her begging. Even if she wasn't likely to begin again, it was a habit that was far from dead.

"I can only imagine what ya're goin' through. Everythin's been so hectic lately.. especially fer ya' family. But don't try ta work yaself too hard. Ya're still young, ain't nothin' expected of ya' yet.. Even if ya' are an Astor."

She said despite knowing the fallacy of her words. Astor children had unfathomable pressure placed on them. They had a sworn duty, a vow to protect the kingom's people. The expectations were brutal.

Noticing Anastasia's departure from the seat, Esther glanced upward. It was already past midnight.

"Damn, it's gettin' pretty dark out. I think I'll leave with Anastasia.. Can't let Ely with me missin'. Yoshi, if ya' want ta spend tha' night ya' know where I live. Ya' can come too if ya' want Kendri. Or ya' guys can stay, ain't matter ta me."
(Esther Aryn)
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[06:57] There was a quite deal of fallacy with Esther's words. There was plenty expected of her already. Despite her standing, she did not outright leave quite yet.

Her gaze shifted back upwards to the sky, and eventually did those eyes shut tightly. There was a deep inhalation given, as the Astor simply... Stilled, and grew quiet. Heat wrapped about her form all at once and they could all feel it. Whilst she was blessed by the stars themselves, she was also August's daughter all the same - and fire ran deep in her veins same as cosmic magic.

There were no words spoken, just a desperate plea. A calling for that star that had made her feel safe previously to do so again. She felt it useless, foolish even to try and do so while others were present but...

That same soothing feeling could be felt. It was warm and it started at her heart and then branched outwards, and the tension within Anastasia's shoulders relaxed and disappeared altogether.

"I should... Get back now. It's been very fun though! We should do this again later on, absolutely. Thank you for inviting me regardless," She said, turning to glance at Yoshiko, Esther, and then Kendri, offering them all a polite smile before she'd move off.
(Anastasia ven Astor)
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[07:20] A finger raised to touch upon the kitsune's cheek. Wiping away a tear that wouldn't fallen onto her lap if she had not touched it prior. This happened once more to the other side as she was told not to cry. She listened mostly because she didn't want to seem like a downer in this relaxing scene they were having together.

She'd merely just munch on her sandwich before soon finishing it.

Yoshiko didn't really put much input into the other's conversations. She was listening to them fully seeing as her ears would twitch in the direction of who was speaking but she had no say in any of their words. Aside from the light nods she gave to agree on the topic.

"I.. will keep it in mind. I don't think my parents would approve of me not spreading what I know and worship. Or doing it alone... for that matter. It'd be a hard trip to take.."

"And I honestly don't want to take it..."

Finishing her meal and getting something to drink if there was a beverage available, Yoshiko would go back to gazing at the water. Such nice people who didn't hesitate to offer help to her. Where were these types of friends when Yoshiko was younger and most people avoided her for her constant sobbing?

These were better times it appeared. Although, she did miss it back in her original home. It felt less traditional here... That reason was obvious.

"Oh.. Are we leaving already? Well, I suppose it is getting late. I'll... stay over. The trip from here and back home is long."
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[07:20] * You have been awarded 5 Roleplay Points! *
[07:32] "Ah. Well, I'm sure you will, Anastasia. Judging from the way you speak of it, it sounds like you have no choice but to." A simple nod was given towards her as he turned towards Esther, whom had finally chimed in after a bit.

"That it is. And I'll be around. My teacher is probably waiting on me somewhere around here."

Standing from his spot on the bench, Kendri would stretch a little bit, that bag of jerky still in his cloak whilst the pack of peanuts were empty. Crumpling the thing up in his palm, he turned to face the others- dipping his head respectfully.

He looked towards the Astor, "Anastasia, do try to take it easy. You may feel as if you have a duty to fulfill, but take the time to have moments like these where you can relax." And then Esther, "I enjoyed the snacks. Perhaps I'll see you again. And thanks for introducing Yoshi to us, mhm." And finally Yoshi- "Be strong. I think you have what it takes to achieve what you want."

That said, he'd tug on his cloak a little bit closer to his figure.

"If that's all, I'll be going. Until next time."
(Kendri)
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[07:35] Anastasia nodded and she'd move off, offering a wave towards the other three.
(Anastasia ven Astor)