Moon straightened, smoothed down her clothes and took a deep breath letting it out slowly.
"I mean no disrespect to you," she said to the branch man, "nor to either of you," she said to the toad and dragon.
"If I accept whatever that is, I am delaring to you now that I am binding myself to no contracts or boons. I already have a purpose here and until I am satisfied that I am in a satisfactory position what that purpose I will not take on ANY new cause that I have not formulated or propsed myself."
Then she turned to the toad creature directly. "I do not know your circumstances Bujo, but at this point I am not aware of any purpose for which I would have need of your services, so you may relax. I do however, reserve the right to call upon you all in the future should this proove to be otherwise."
Taking the bag from the creature she asked, "Is this something for now or somthing to take with me?"
Hunters Moon - IC
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arcanus
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Hunters Moon - IC
The branch elder smiled and nodded “The words of a strong Lantern, there is no service asked of you other than your protection of the little ones” he gestured to the bag which wriggled in response
“No the pledge of service is Bujo’s, he must work off his debt to the Jade Court, in this case he is bound for a year and a day to be called upon by a Lantern of the Beast Court!”
Bujo looked around distainfully “So what am I suppose to do, she dosen’t want the help!” to emphasise his point he shrugged his shoulders petulantly
“She didn’t say that, she said she would call upon you when she was ready!” Said Master Tails pointedly “Perhaps you need to make more of an effort to show your contrition!”
The Elder Branch turned his attention from the spirits back to Moon and gestured to a small black jade figurine of a curled up lizard that had appeared on the long table beside her.
“Lady Tiger, this token will permit you to return to this place, it is sometimes frequented by those of wisdom, a neutral place for natures denizens”
His branch dipped allowing him to once again bow
“Lady Tiger, Lord Gin Kkoli“
Moon blinked and she once again stood in her room only now she held the Jade Token and bag in her hands.
“No the pledge of service is Bujo’s, he must work off his debt to the Jade Court, in this case he is bound for a year and a day to be called upon by a Lantern of the Beast Court!”
Bujo looked around distainfully “So what am I suppose to do, she dosen’t want the help!” to emphasise his point he shrugged his shoulders petulantly
“She didn’t say that, she said she would call upon you when she was ready!” Said Master Tails pointedly “Perhaps you need to make more of an effort to show your contrition!”
The Elder Branch turned his attention from the spirits back to Moon and gestured to a small black jade figurine of a curled up lizard that had appeared on the long table beside her.
“Lady Tiger, this token will permit you to return to this place, it is sometimes frequented by those of wisdom, a neutral place for natures denizens”
His branch dipped allowing him to once again bow
“Lady Tiger, Lord Gin Kkoli“
Moon blinked and she once again stood in her room only now she held the Jade Token and bag in her hands.
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Re: Hunters Moon - IC
Moon placed the bag on the sand and opened the top wide.
A rustling sound from within, the stampede of tiny feet. Small spirit creatures poured out onto the fine golden sand, some visible, some not, but all left tracks in the beach heading for the cover of the jungle.
“Halt!” Moon bellowed, the voice of authority. She could sense the spirits tense as though expecting the worst.
“This is my home, my domain, here I am Empress and my word is law. You are all free to roam and explore, but you are not welcome in the cliff cave. Alter this place or break it or otherwise disrespect it and therefore me and you will not be welcome here.”
She could sense them all staring at her like a room full of admonished school children.
“Beware everyone, there are all the animals you would expect to find in the jungle, although I am the only hunter here.”
With that she waved her arm in an arc. “Go! Play!”
Moon shifted gleefully into her feline form, a sleek, muscular, exotic creature that surged through the jungle and up to the cave.
Tails hissed and leapt into the window sill at the sudden appearance of the white tiger in the attic room.
Moon laughed as best as a big cat could before shifting back to homid.
Moon grabbed her sword, strapped it onto her back. She bowed low and flamboyantly to the cat.
“Come, my LORD!” she said in a sarcastic tone, “we shall get breakfast and visit our friends at the curiosity shop as we said we would.”
A rustling sound from within, the stampede of tiny feet. Small spirit creatures poured out onto the fine golden sand, some visible, some not, but all left tracks in the beach heading for the cover of the jungle.
“Halt!” Moon bellowed, the voice of authority. She could sense the spirits tense as though expecting the worst.
“This is my home, my domain, here I am Empress and my word is law. You are all free to roam and explore, but you are not welcome in the cliff cave. Alter this place or break it or otherwise disrespect it and therefore me and you will not be welcome here.”
She could sense them all staring at her like a room full of admonished school children.
“Beware everyone, there are all the animals you would expect to find in the jungle, although I am the only hunter here.”
With that she waved her arm in an arc. “Go! Play!”
Moon shifted gleefully into her feline form, a sleek, muscular, exotic creature that surged through the jungle and up to the cave.
Tails hissed and leapt into the window sill at the sudden appearance of the white tiger in the attic room.
Moon laughed as best as a big cat could before shifting back to homid.
Moon grabbed her sword, strapped it onto her back. She bowed low and flamboyantly to the cat.
“Come, my LORD!” she said in a sarcastic tone, “we shall get breakfast and visit our friends at the curiosity shop as we said we would.”
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Hunters Moon - IC
The Golden Sun Tavern
Master Tails gave Moon a look as she shifted back to human form, quickly sweeping up the broken tile the pair of them made their way down to breakfast, Yung Ren smiled as she appeared as usual failing to notice the enigmatic cat.
Again her mouth watered as the lady fo the house put a plate of Kimchi rice topped with fish and eggs, before she could react several pieces of diced meat disappeared into the ether, finishing breakfast Ren handed Moon a bumdle of wrapped up dumplings "For your busy day" again she smiled warmly
"Oh and a young girl dropped this off first thing this morning" she handed her a cleverly folded red envelope tied with a black and white ribbon.
Of the four auspicious colours of Koryo, red symbolised the sun, fire, creation, passion and love, she chuckled, the black and white symbolising the two sides of chi yin and yang.
From within the envelope her spirit senses told her of small items of power, she sensed these to be positive they smelt good like a clear breeze in the Emerald Mothers wilderness, tucking the envelope in her tunic she thanked Ren and left, the pair of them mading their way through the maze of narrow streets until they'd covered the short distance to The Dragons Eye Curio Shop.
As she stopped outside the shops door she caught the distinct pungent stink of a cigar, snorting she opened the door its bell tinkling as she entered. She immediately sensed something different and not right, nothing was out of place, a few new trinkets had appeared with their brown paper and string tickets, but that wasn't it, it was a lingering scent that had been in the shop a short time ago, a bad scent, bad blood.
Chang Mao appeared from the back room, as always stooping through the very low doorway, Moon noticed his movements were slow, she had stalked enough wounded animals to recognise someone who was sore and injured, their movements measured but keeping going nether the less.
Master Tails gave Moon a look as she shifted back to human form, quickly sweeping up the broken tile the pair of them made their way down to breakfast, Yung Ren smiled as she appeared as usual failing to notice the enigmatic cat.
Again her mouth watered as the lady fo the house put a plate of Kimchi rice topped with fish and eggs, before she could react several pieces of diced meat disappeared into the ether, finishing breakfast Ren handed Moon a bumdle of wrapped up dumplings "For your busy day" again she smiled warmly
"Oh and a young girl dropped this off first thing this morning" she handed her a cleverly folded red envelope tied with a black and white ribbon.
Of the four auspicious colours of Koryo, red symbolised the sun, fire, creation, passion and love, she chuckled, the black and white symbolising the two sides of chi yin and yang.
From within the envelope her spirit senses told her of small items of power, she sensed these to be positive they smelt good like a clear breeze in the Emerald Mothers wilderness, tucking the envelope in her tunic she thanked Ren and left, the pair of them mading their way through the maze of narrow streets until they'd covered the short distance to The Dragons Eye Curio Shop.
As she stopped outside the shops door she caught the distinct pungent stink of a cigar, snorting she opened the door its bell tinkling as she entered. She immediately sensed something different and not right, nothing was out of place, a few new trinkets had appeared with their brown paper and string tickets, but that wasn't it, it was a lingering scent that had been in the shop a short time ago, a bad scent, bad blood.
Chang Mao appeared from the back room, as always stooping through the very low doorway, Moon noticed his movements were slow, she had stalked enough wounded animals to recognise someone who was sore and injured, their movements measured but keeping going nether the less.
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Re: Hunters Moon - IC
Moon wrinkled up her nose and looked sideways at Tails who was doing the same to her, his expression conveying the same message; something happened here last night.
"Find out, if you would, plwase Master Tails," she said aloud.
The cat's tail swished and he vanished from her sight.
"Hmmm?" The old man looked up at Moon having missed what she had said.
"I was saying waht a beautiful morning it is outside, oh honourable grandfather. Did you sleep well?" She quickened forward to hook her arm under Mao's as any loving granddaughter might do with an elderly granparent.
She guided him to the stool behind the counter and smiled at him.
"Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?" she asked.
Mao looked awkward but the radiant smile on the beautiful girl's face put him at ease.
He nodded. "That would be most welcome, young Shaolin," he said.
Moon skipped off to the back room where a kettle already sat above the fire steaming.
She spent a while properly making tea and carried it out on a tray with two cups.
"So," she said in a firm tone. "Tell me what occured last night."
"Find out, if you would, plwase Master Tails," she said aloud.
The cat's tail swished and he vanished from her sight.
"Hmmm?" The old man looked up at Moon having missed what she had said.
"I was saying waht a beautiful morning it is outside, oh honourable grandfather. Did you sleep well?" She quickened forward to hook her arm under Mao's as any loving granddaughter might do with an elderly granparent.
She guided him to the stool behind the counter and smiled at him.
"Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?" she asked.
Mao looked awkward but the radiant smile on the beautiful girl's face put him at ease.
He nodded. "That would be most welcome, young Shaolin," he said.
Moon skipped off to the back room where a kettle already sat above the fire steaming.
She spent a while properly making tea and carried it out on a tray with two cups.
"So," she said in a firm tone. "Tell me what occured last night."
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Hunters Moon - IC
The shop door having not completely shut she noticed Master Tails circling at it threshold, from just outside he nodded at her requst before vanishing.
Mao smiled thinly "It is nothing, nothing, everything is fine, nothing to worry about young shaolin" he mumbled waving his hands to emphasis
As Moon entered the back room she noticed a woman in her thirties tidying, she looked up as Moon entered "Hello" she said
Quick bows and introductions exchanged, she smiled saying that Mao had told her of Moon whilst they had dinner and that she was Mao's oldest daughter Jia.
"And it wasn't nothing" she said loudly as Moon prepared the tea, declining tea herself she followed as they made their way back into the shop to where Mao sat, frowning "Jia, don't trouble Chuang"
"She, like I are concerned about you, you old goat" she scolded turning to Moon "He was given a beating by the Wing Kong for being a member of the Gongshang Tuenti Guild, all craftsmen and shopkeepers are members, he's been a memeber for over a decade and then we were visited by more thugs who wanted to offer us protection from the Wing Kong!"
Mao smiled thinly "It is nothing, nothing, everything is fine, nothing to worry about young shaolin" he mumbled waving his hands to emphasis
As Moon entered the back room she noticed a woman in her thirties tidying, she looked up as Moon entered "Hello" she said
Quick bows and introductions exchanged, she smiled saying that Mao had told her of Moon whilst they had dinner and that she was Mao's oldest daughter Jia.
"And it wasn't nothing" she said loudly as Moon prepared the tea, declining tea herself she followed as they made their way back into the shop to where Mao sat, frowning "Jia, don't trouble Chuang"
"She, like I are concerned about you, you old goat" she scolded turning to Moon "He was given a beating by the Wing Kong for being a member of the Gongshang Tuenti Guild, all craftsmen and shopkeepers are members, he's been a memeber for over a decade and then we were visited by more thugs who wanted to offer us protection from the Wing Kong!"
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Re: Hunters Moon - IC
Moon bowed her head in thought. Conflicting feelings coursed through her. She had a task to perform, another person to protect and now she had this situation which demanded her attention.
But she also had to look at this from a Lantern's perspective. If she offered her protectction to Mao and his family, then she would also have to offer it to the rest of the mershants, and there was only one of her and she could not be in all places at once.
One thing she was sure of, from the lingering aura within the place was the one or both of these gangs were run by Shen of one kind or another. She would need to determine if the Shen were serving the Gaia, Emerald Mother, of if they were creatures of the Wyrm.
"I assume this protection comes with a substantial cost?" Moon surmised.
In a resigned acceptance, Mao nodded.
She looked at Jia who reminded her of her mother. Her mother had been kin-folk, her father having been Khan.
Moon sighed heavily. "I am torn, Jia. I am here from across the sea with a specific purpose, but my heart pulls me to your plight. However you plight mirrors that of many more in this city. I would like very much to help you but am duty bound to offer my protection to my distant kin here also."
Jia's neutral expression turned sad. "I understand," she said quietly.
Moon knew that what she was about to say was stupid and she could not take everyone under her wing, at least, not yet. However, she said it anyway.
"Adopt me," she said.
"Pardon?" Jia said as though she had heard but not understood. "You wnat me to do what?"
"My mother died a few years ago and my Father long before that. If I were to become your family, then you would become my kin and as such I could swear tooth and claw to you without compromising my purpose here. Do not answer me now. Think on this. I must find my true kin and do for them what I can but i will return. If you accept, then I will do whatever I need to to keep you and your family safe."
Jia's mouth hung open in disbelief.
"Now, Grandfather," Moon said to Mao. "Where might I find them?"
But she also had to look at this from a Lantern's perspective. If she offered her protectction to Mao and his family, then she would also have to offer it to the rest of the mershants, and there was only one of her and she could not be in all places at once.
One thing she was sure of, from the lingering aura within the place was the one or both of these gangs were run by Shen of one kind or another. She would need to determine if the Shen were serving the Gaia, Emerald Mother, of if they were creatures of the Wyrm.
"I assume this protection comes with a substantial cost?" Moon surmised.
In a resigned acceptance, Mao nodded.
She looked at Jia who reminded her of her mother. Her mother had been kin-folk, her father having been Khan.
Moon sighed heavily. "I am torn, Jia. I am here from across the sea with a specific purpose, but my heart pulls me to your plight. However you plight mirrors that of many more in this city. I would like very much to help you but am duty bound to offer my protection to my distant kin here also."
Jia's neutral expression turned sad. "I understand," she said quietly.
Moon knew that what she was about to say was stupid and she could not take everyone under her wing, at least, not yet. However, she said it anyway.
"Adopt me," she said.
"Pardon?" Jia said as though she had heard but not understood. "You wnat me to do what?"
"My mother died a few years ago and my Father long before that. If I were to become your family, then you would become my kin and as such I could swear tooth and claw to you without compromising my purpose here. Do not answer me now. Think on this. I must find my true kin and do for them what I can but i will return. If you accept, then I will do whatever I need to to keep you and your family safe."
Jia's mouth hung open in disbelief.
"Now, Grandfather," Moon said to Mao. "Where might I find them?"
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Hunters Moon - IC
The shop door opened the bell tinkling, after the revelation Mao stood in thought whilst Jia with a look of bewilderment on her face.
The acrid smell of black tobacco told Moon exacty who had arrived whithout her turning around, nether the less she did turn displeasure etched into her features.
"Silly cat" said the visitor loudly, he appeared as somewhat swarty old man, a visible limp where he also dragged his lame leg, bit curiously this did not slow him in the least, a huge annoying grin across his face.
He stopped taking his hob hat off and looked suspiciously around the ceiling and walls "Hmmm not bad, a bit amateurish but okay!", he pointed as if having a conversation with no one that the three of them could see, turning the old man grumbled "You call yourself a Lord can't even get past some simple I Qaio" with a wave of his hand a breeze flowed through the shop and Master Tails trotted into the store.
Mao and Jia just looked at each other, the old man turned his eyes shining and bowed which came across to Moon as slightly mocking
"I think thats an excellent idea, this one needs some family and when she says she will fight for you, oh she certainly will" th old man said nodding to illustrate his point
"I am sorry who are you sir' said Mao
"Oh I am a wastrel, a gambler and a drunk honourable sir and I have a debt to this one" he said gesturing toward Moon
"So if you accept her offer my debt will serve to help her and therefore you" he added his face now serious "Nice place" as he looked around
"Perhaps we should talk about this father" said Jia slowly
"No Jia, I don't pretend to understand what is happening but we are in the middle of things greater than us and we need the help of those greater than us" he turned towards his daughter "My children and childrens childrens safety matters more than anything else, my belly tells me there is nothing to think about if you are to be safe"
"Chuang Moon welcome to the Chang family" he smiled "I don't know where the second group are from but the Wing Kong can be found at The Hei Tu saloon on Jackson Street, be careful Chuang"
The acrid smell of black tobacco told Moon exacty who had arrived whithout her turning around, nether the less she did turn displeasure etched into her features.
"Silly cat" said the visitor loudly, he appeared as somewhat swarty old man, a visible limp where he also dragged his lame leg, bit curiously this did not slow him in the least, a huge annoying grin across his face.
He stopped taking his hob hat off and looked suspiciously around the ceiling and walls "Hmmm not bad, a bit amateurish but okay!", he pointed as if having a conversation with no one that the three of them could see, turning the old man grumbled "You call yourself a Lord can't even get past some simple I Qaio" with a wave of his hand a breeze flowed through the shop and Master Tails trotted into the store.
Mao and Jia just looked at each other, the old man turned his eyes shining and bowed which came across to Moon as slightly mocking
"I think thats an excellent idea, this one needs some family and when she says she will fight for you, oh she certainly will" th old man said nodding to illustrate his point
"I am sorry who are you sir' said Mao
"Oh I am a wastrel, a gambler and a drunk honourable sir and I have a debt to this one" he said gesturing toward Moon
"So if you accept her offer my debt will serve to help her and therefore you" he added his face now serious "Nice place" as he looked around
"Perhaps we should talk about this father" said Jia slowly
"No Jia, I don't pretend to understand what is happening but we are in the middle of things greater than us and we need the help of those greater than us" he turned towards his daughter "My children and childrens childrens safety matters more than anything else, my belly tells me there is nothing to think about if you are to be safe"
"Chuang Moon welcome to the Chang family" he smiled "I don't know where the second group are from but the Wing Kong can be found at The Hei Tu saloon on Jackson Street, be careful Chuang"
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Re: Hunters Moon - IC
Cheung Moon gave a small smile and looked saddened.
“I am sorry, Grandfather, but I was referring to the Yun-Soo family when I asked where I could find them. My first priority is to determine if they are in immediate danger and from what. But I shall visit the Hei Tu saloon soon and shall inquire as to how they might be dissuaded from repeating their actions here. And do not worry, I will be careful.”
Moon turned to the Toad and wondered if she was even capable of not showing her disgust for the creature all over her face.
“Other than eavesdropping and offering your opinion where it is not asked for, I will assume that there is a purpose for you turning up here unbidden? However, before you regale me with your answer I shall task you with finding out information on the Wing Kong, like who are they affiliated with, are there any Shen behind them, what this Hei Tu saloon is like and how well guarded it is. And after that, see if you can find out who this other group are. And above all, keep it discreet.”
Returning her attention to Jia and her grandfather she said, “So, Yun-soo?”
“I am sorry, Grandfather, but I was referring to the Yun-Soo family when I asked where I could find them. My first priority is to determine if they are in immediate danger and from what. But I shall visit the Hei Tu saloon soon and shall inquire as to how they might be dissuaded from repeating their actions here. And do not worry, I will be careful.”
Moon turned to the Toad and wondered if she was even capable of not showing her disgust for the creature all over her face.
“Other than eavesdropping and offering your opinion where it is not asked for, I will assume that there is a purpose for you turning up here unbidden? However, before you regale me with your answer I shall task you with finding out information on the Wing Kong, like who are they affiliated with, are there any Shen behind them, what this Hei Tu saloon is like and how well guarded it is. And after that, see if you can find out who this other group are. And above all, keep it discreet.”
Returning her attention to Jia and her grandfather she said, “So, Yun-soo?”
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Hunters Moon - IC
Mao seemed to brighten at this apology, relief plain upon his face "Ah yes, now that is something we can help with" he smiled
Bujo jumped as Moon turned and chided him, he attempted to speak but she cut him off, after she had issued him with his orders he smiled and bowed "At last, yes, it will be my pleasure" before he departed he did something most curious in rubbing his hands together as if warming them up, he then blew into them, looking around he nodded with a smile "That better, job done properly and all that"
Moons spirit senses told her he had invoked the Emerald Courts power in some way.
Master Tails sat to one side of the passage that travelled between the stock tables watched preceedings with interest and Bujo sep out the door, shout something obscene, light one of this rancid cigars and despite his limp charged off.
Moon turned back to Mao and Jia "Your best bet is Yun-Soo's son as Yun-Soo and her husband rarely see visitors, he can be found at the Saeu Mulgogi Village at hunters point, its on the south road from the main ship port, a few blocks to the east" said Mao
"I can take you there if that would help Chuang, I have errands to run anyway" added Jia
Bujo jumped as Moon turned and chided him, he attempted to speak but she cut him off, after she had issued him with his orders he smiled and bowed "At last, yes, it will be my pleasure" before he departed he did something most curious in rubbing his hands together as if warming them up, he then blew into them, looking around he nodded with a smile "That better, job done properly and all that"
Moons spirit senses told her he had invoked the Emerald Courts power in some way.
Master Tails sat to one side of the passage that travelled between the stock tables watched preceedings with interest and Bujo sep out the door, shout something obscene, light one of this rancid cigars and despite his limp charged off.
Moon turned back to Mao and Jia "Your best bet is Yun-Soo's son as Yun-Soo and her husband rarely see visitors, he can be found at the Saeu Mulgogi Village at hunters point, its on the south road from the main ship port, a few blocks to the east" said Mao
"I can take you there if that would help Chuang, I have errands to run anyway" added Jia