A Unique Wedding

[Kirin]

Tamotsu's face blanched at the sight of his family's sacred swords being taken apart. After the flurry of curse words in a foreign language, he had religated himself to drinking more of the wine. Chizuru was examining her sword and her new daggers. She bowed to Thorin.

"Thank you." Her admiration for Thorin's skill was great. Smiths were hard to come by in the Empire. She held up her flask and drank while Thorin worked on Tamotsu's swords.

By that time, Tamotsu was listless. He leaned against Chizuru, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I can't stand." He muttered. Once Thorin was done was Tamotsu's swords, she steadied him so he could accept his swords. Tamotsu immediately bowed. "Domo!" He was beaming with a boyish sense of glee.

"He says thank you, Thorin-san." Chizuru smiled warmly. "We will make sure your wife remains safe." After her drink. She drank a little more, having been occasionally taking sips while she watched Thorin work. Once the pair exited the forge, Chizuru was a little tipsy and Tamotsu was barely able to stand.

Chizuru could hear Thorin speaking to another in the house. She helped Tamotsu sit down in one of the chairs and went to look for Amariel. She came across William and Thorin. Chizuru gave both a courteous bow.

"Oh!" Her cheeks colored slightly, but it was unclear if it was from William's presence or her drunkenness. "Hello. I am sorry. I am merely a guest here. My name is Chizuru." She giggled softly, girlishly.

"Is everyone here a giant or something?" She wondered outloud. It was true that Chizuru was exceptionally vertically challenged. Tamotsu was even taller than her, but not by much. Chizuru placed her newly forged weapons in various portions of her sash. She seemed to forget about finding Amariel to tell her about the drunken guard in the kitchen that was probably passed out at the table now.

[Thorin]

“Everyone is always just passing through....” Thorin took one of the fine linen table cloths and wiped his blackened face with the delicate material. “So, brother of Nimue, care to have a drink with us, or can your other half not handle it?” Challenging William might not have been wise, but he was not in a sober mind to make conscientious decisions.

When William spoke of his wife's magic, he felt some pride and quickly boasted about her skill. “After she gives birth, she will fight alongside her Queen, as it should be...” Thorin let the alcohol speak for him. Even if Nimue could not admit it, his cruel choice had dulled some of her spirit. Since the short arrival of William, he had witnessed the fire in her return.

Their conversation was quickly interrupted, by a very drunk Chizuru. Sighing, he covered his face with his right hand, wondering how he would explain that one to Nimue. It was obvious that there were less full flasks in the bag, than what he had come home with.

“This is our nanny, Chizuru. She is empress to her homeland....I see we have lost her companion to the drink.” Leaning back in the chair, he waited for some sort of reaction. Nimue would more than likely be too embarrassed, or dumbfounded to speak. Most of the fey type were too high and mighty, acting above everyone's station in life, but William appeared different.

As a final gesture, he slid one of the flasks across the table to William. “Stay as a guest. You have made my wife very happy, which something I am unable to accomplish as of late.” Motioning toward Chizuru, he made an effort to explain her current state. “Forgive her. I introduced her to the drink. I had no idea it would make a human this drunk.” Thorin made a note to William's nervous behavior. “Join us and maybe you can enlighten us about Rangers.”

[Shin]

William’s amusement slowly changed to indifference as he looked to Nimue, one eye brow raised and then back to the drunk sitting at the table. He was obviously becoming less impressed with her choice in mates as time progressed, he cleared his throat and shook his head as the Fey Wine was pushed in his direction.

He nodded towards the other women, this Chizuru, but that was all the recognition she received before he returned his attention back to the buffoon sitting across the table from him. “I’m afraid it’s effects would be wasted on me. I have a tolerance to such things.” He explained, he was obviously judging Thorin and he made no attempt to hide it. This was perhaps why Fey creatures got the stereotype for seem prude and looking down their noses at other race. That’s exactly what William was doing.

“Not to mention, times are far more dangerous now than they were before. I do no trust Igraine’s new husband.” He spoke to Nimue, and she would also feel the building of Williams own magic which was not as powerful as her own, but held it’s own properties as a result of his half-heritage.

“Rangers, true Rangers that is, are at one with nature. Similar to a druid, but with a different goal. Still, the natural world is full of magic and some of us are lucky enough to be blessed by nature. Take myself for example, I can hardly do that might things you see wizards do. Nor can I call forth beasts to fight for me or coerce the trees to walk.” William shrugged as it mattered, he then took a step back fixing all but Nimue in his stare, a spell tingling at the tips of his finger-tips.

“However… neutralizing poisons, minor healing, and effecting the minds of beasts and animals alike are well within my power.” William smirked and grabbed hold of the flask, the magic he had prepared coursed through it, neutralizing it and reversing it’s effects. A single sip from it would sober any of the three drunken buffoons up in a hurry. There was no visual sign that William had done anything different, but he and Nimue would know the exact effects of his spell while the others, at best, would simply know that he did something.

He pushed it back to Thorin with a shake of his head. “Things will get worse before they get better.”

I hope this is an out of character act for your husband and nanny, they both seem fools with current events. But… I trust you. He didn’t so much speak as project his thought to Nimue, sharing a knowing look with her.

[Kirin]

"I'm being rude, Thorin-sama. So sorry." Chizuru muttered casually as she reached for the flask. Her eyes followed William's fingers and, though, she didn't know what William did, she wasn't going to let Thorin simply drink. Chizuru drank from the flask and sighed softly.

Both hands travelled to her forehead and she sat calmly for a moment. There was a moment of silence before she spoke. "Domo arigato. Eh, thank you." She turned and spoke to Tamotsu, telling him to drink. She couldn't have a slovenly drunken guard.

Tamotsu drank from the flask. He quietly pushed the flask away. "Domo." He muttered. His eyes moved towards Chizuru, looking for any sign of forgiveness for his behavior, but he could remember doing nothing wrong, so his doubt passed briefly.

"I apologize for our behavior." She just bowed her head. "It is not typical of my lazy bodyguard and myself to behave so shamefully."

Finally, her bodyguard spoke hurriedly in Chizuru's language, the Empire's tongue. He apologized to her. "I'm sorry. So sorry to have shamed you and myself in front of the guest. I wish to commit seppuku, for I cannot live with the dishonor I have caused you and I have brought upon myself."

Chizuru's eyes narrowed and she spoke almost casually, in the same language. "No, Tamotsu-san. You do not deserve the honor of committing seppuku in Nimue-sama's peaceful home. It would be a shame for blood to spill in her peaceful home. Go sit there. When we get home, you will shave your head and follow the way of The Monkey Princess." She gestured to the door.

Tamotsu got up. His face was pale, but he did as he was told. He would lose his title and his land, but he wouldn't do so dishonorably. He felt foolish as he knelt down on the floor by the doorway.

Chizuru was not sure if William could understand what happened. "Although I am the Empress of my homeland, I will not force my upon those who are not from my homeland. Tamotsu apologized for bringing dishonor to both of us, but honestly, we are both at fault." She offered a slight smile. "He asked to, eh, punish himself. I told him there was no need and blood shall not be shed in Nimue and Thorin's home. Please. So sorry for the interruption. Again."

[Thorin]

Thorin growled, his mood changing with the scene. William had obviously done something to the drink, but he wasn't about to ask. Listening to Chizuru apologize, sent him into a spiraling fury. Chizuru had done nothing wrong, yet she was apologizing to this haughty Fey. William had come into their dwelling and acted above all who were present.

Chizuru was innocent in all of this.Thorin knew that she did not hold magic in her veins, so she wouldn't be able to defend herself, against someone like William. While Thorin did not possess Fey magic, he did hold a tight grasp on Vuri elements. His element happened to be darker than his siblings, something only he would have to endure. Thorin's ability, could bring out the fear, in an otherwise competent and strong individual- the same influence that he had used against his own father.

“I am the one who should be apologizing. I am ashamed for being a brother to the Fey- especially if they behave like William.” The familiar element, began weaving and interlocking around his forearm. To an individual like William, it would feel like a maddening pull- as if something were breaking a barrier in his mind. Thorin made a simple deliberate crushing notion of his hand, which would indicate that his spell was beginning to penetrate Williams protective barriers- if he had any at all.

Emotions would cave in around William, almost cascade in one melancholy moment. William would still have time to defend himself and realize that Thorin was here to defend all in his home. Even if William saw the spell as harmless, Thorin was unfamiliar with Fey magic. Compared to what his attack could be, it was a very mild awakening for William to experience. The discomfort and warning would be there, but not the agonizing pain that usually followed.

“If you are truly a friend of Nimue, you will treat all of us with respect.” Thorin watched the man's body language, careful for any sudden movements. The shadows that once held the room, framed his body in a dark cowl. William would be able to witness the creature that Nimue had wed. “I don't want to worry about you poisoning my wife...are we in understanding of one another?” From everything Thorin had been through, paranoia shook his nerves.

Keeping his element alive, he spoke to Chizuru with a calm voice. “You did nothing wrong, you are a welcome guest here. Tell Tamotsu, that he is forgiven.” Thorin's voice had changed to something of a grating murmur. The deliverance of his speech was dense with indignation.

“Are you friend or foe, William Hawk?” Thorin knew to keep his guard and keep a watchful eye on his wife. He had been hoping for a peaceful evening, but he wondered the outcome of this abrupt meeting with her friend. Everything depended on William's response.

If the barriers were penetrated, William would experience his own personal Hell. The most excruciating moment in his life, would become a reality in his own mind. Thorin had had enough with games, and guessing who was on their side. Now he wanted straight answers.

[Shin]

William couldn’t begin to piece together the words that were exchanged between Chizuru and the male at her side, but based on the tone and their body languages it was obvious to the half-nymph that Chizuru was the one in control. He would have smiled at seeing a women in charge, it seemed to be the way of more than just the Fey realm. But times were too dangerous and William had other thoughts on his mind.

“No need to apologies..” William spoke but was cut off as an intense pain attack his sensibilities, it was of such force that it caused him to stagger back a step and worse because of his connection to Nimue she was susceptible to the intense pain was feeling. That wouldn’t do, William shut down the connection to her as quickly as he could and focused a wall of anger at the source of his pain. Thorin.

Such mind effecting abilities rarely had any effect on William, however, this was not a conventional attack and it came from a place that was foreign to William, all he could do was deny it and in a matter of a few moments William stood recovered, a deep scowl on his face.

Thorin was the worst kind of man, the kind that attacked when he didn’t fully understand. “You are a fool.” William spat from gritted teeth.

“You have no idea as too what I just did, do you? And so you lash out. You mistake my attitude for aggression and so you strike at what you fail to comprehend and in doing so you put your wife in danger of your abilities.” William shook his head, the constant assault was something to contend with.

“Poison?” William openly scoffed at the man now, looking at Nimue than back to Thorin. “Nimue can feel every move I make, if I were to cast any sort of spell she could identify it’s purpose before it had a chance to leave my lips.”

“And you should apologies, I did you a favor, look and see how your nanny is no longer under the effects of the Fey drink.” William fought back now, his anger building, though he wouldn’t attack Thorin. Not because of fear, but because of out of respect for Nimue. She would deal with him accordingly he figured.

“If I words offend you, than good…because that means they ring true. Open your ears and try to understand more than what the tiny brain of yours allows. Now cease your attack against me.” William demanded, placing a hand against the wall to steady himself. Thorins powers had not yet cracked his defenses, but it was obvious that they were having an effect on him.

“Next time, use words to try and express yourself rather than a show of power. You barbarian.”

[Kirin]

Chizuru's eyes flitted to Thorin's hand. She grew uneasy now. She didn't know what to do. Quickly, gray eyes moved to Nimue. Her hand rose and she shook her head. Her expression was unreadable and her hands folded slowly. She was clearly uncomfortable. It was not because she wasn't safe. She simply didn't want these two to fight.

"Please, no more of this. No more name-calling or insults, please." Chizuru was rarely of a gentle nature.

She soon realized that Makoto was right. Three was a crowd. At least Tamotsu would stay out of trouble.

"I am not wise by far, but we should all make an attempt at being civilized, neh?" She then quieted down and blushed.

[Igraine]

“Enough.” Nimue walked forward and crossed her arms under her breasts and over the gentle swell of her belly. Her eyes, distinctly blue like a brilliant geyser pool, sought no one in particular – but graced every face for a brief moment. When she turned her attention to Chizuru she smiled and tipped her head in her direction.

“Forgive my Husband for passing a drink to you that you were unprepared to consume. Fey liquors are a powerful sort of drink because we are capable of drinking vast amounts of human liquor with no effect. I believe Amariel is extremely excited to learn the dish you spoke of. She’s been dicing vegetables for some time in the kitchen. It’s right through the doors behind me.” Nimue gestured to the doors behind her and smiled. It was not an order but a manner of escape for Chizuru. “I am curious about this dish as well so I will join you when I am through here”

Nimue’s calm nature was something William might be wary of. Nimue was a creature of emotion and she was typically only completely calm when she was angry. Her eyes moved between William and Thorin for a brief moment before she came to stand near the two tall men. Nimue wasn’t a tall woman, she wasn’t even an exceptionally strong woman, but she was a creature that commanded attention and respect all the same.

“I am disappointed.” The words were soft, calm, and quiet. Her eyes stared straight ahead for a brief moment before she rested her hands on her belly, uncurling her arms carefully.

“Thorin, you are not to attack my brother. He may not be a blood brother but I knew his mother well and she was friends with my mother. We have known each other for a very long time, and he only wishes the best for me. When you use your power on him I can feel it when he’s connected to me. He was connected to me, Thorin. He tried to protect me from the brunt of the force of your power, but I felt it. You will not assault my family in my house. You may not love me at all, or even as much as you love Igraine, but you will show me respect.” Nimue reached up with one hand and brushed stray pieces of crimson hair away from her face. It was then that she leveled her gaze on Thorin. There was a small lingering edge of pain in her eyes that she couldn’t hide and he was the reason for it on many different levels.

“Both of you should be ashamed. Now, on the eve of war, you two battle each other. This is what the Unseelie King wants! Dissent between brothers and friends, sisters and lovers, he wants it all destroyed so he has a clear path straight to the Seelie Throne. He will wreck everyone that stands in his way; obliterate each and every one of us that do not present a unified front. Do the both of you understand this? Quit fighting with each other and turn your anger to the true cause of all of this unrest. Trust each other than, because you're both on the same side, neither will harm the other without just cause to do so.”

“William. Be a dear and bring me some of the water from the spring outside. It’s behind the house, you will feel it when you focus on it – the power is a constant thread through the natural landscape. There will be a silver bucket overturned on a pile of river rocks. Fill it three quarters full and bring it back to me, will you?” Nimue smiled, a ghost of a smile.

When Nimue and Thorin were alone, Nimue walked away from him to their bedroom. He was fully expected to follow her, and when he did he would find her changing out of the white dress. She was not afraid of showing her body to anyone that was willing to look, but she gestured for him to push the door closed. There was a long angry bruise down her back and it wrapped painfully around one side of her neck and the angry red nature of it was spreading along one shoulder.

“Your power will affect me very differently than you’re used to. I’m sorry you have to see this, Thorin. I need help getting into a new dress and washing the bruise to encourage it to go away. That is why I sent William after the water. I will go spend time with Chizuru and Amariel when we’re done here.” Thorin might notice that she was trying desperately to be stoic about it, keeping calm about the pain so it didn’t disturb the child in her womb. She sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, her presence guiding William to the bedroom door once he completed his task.

Leave the water outside the door. Stay until I can talk to you further. These times are not for dissention between family and friends. I know he is no friend of yours, but he is on our side and we need to keep him here. Nimue’s voice was tired and William might feel some of the pain, the various types, she was feeling with the link between them.

[Thorin]

His right arm containing the power, began to spasm. Since the spell was not yet released, he attempted to contain his temper. Delving into this dark magic consumed most of his thoughts and reasoning. These were just some of the reasons why he didn't often revisit such force. When William spoke, he became speechless by his words and by Nimue. His mouth moved, as if he were about to say something, but he quickly shut it. Forcing his arm muscles into a jolted control, he kept the power contained, content that it at least kept William in his place. He could sense some unease and mild fear from the half elf.

Thorin understood the situation better than any present. Nimue's words stabbed at his pride, but Williams lecture pissed him off even more-so. His anger stemmed, from the fact that they were sitting too idle, while Igraine was practically trapped with the bastard.

Before he left with Nimue, he shared some childish words with William. “Alright, fairy, I hope you can do more than just change the flavor of his drink. We need real warriors in this...” That was when he felt the anger of Nimue. When she motioned for him to follow, he followed her with a caution, that a warrior would take to the front of the line.

When she requested his help with dressing her, he inwardly cringed at the sight of her bruise. Shutting the door behind them, he waited for her words, feeling much like a child being scolded. He loved Nimue, but he wondered what more he had to do to show it. His feelings for Igraine were slowly disintegrating, but that wasn't to say that they were completely gone. Helping her with her wound, he knew that he could be tender and he hoped that she recognized that motion.

After he finished helping her, he wondered about this bond she had with William. Did that mean they felt everything together? It was a shame, that he wouldn't be able to punch the man without consequence.

It was an awkward feeling being accepted by the Fey, but having known only one world. Action and violence, were often the only methods he knew for solving differences.

“How many more are you bonded to? What else should I know?” Thorin's arm nagged at him, but he kept the result hidden under his sleeve. William had just shown up, so the entire incident had made him a little more than uneasy. “Will my power affect you every time I use it?” If that were true, then things just got even more complicated. “...or only when I want to snap a Fey's neck?” Thorin paced in front of her, trying to keep his thoughts calm and collected.

Thorin was bothered that she was so hurt and torn, the bruise proof of his recklessness, yet he had not known that consequence. “I'm sorry...you know I would never purposely hurt you. I have never been violent toward you.” Nimue was possibly one of the few people, who could keep his calm. “I just can't stand that guy, but I'll try to get along for your sake and our child's.” Thorin hadn't been ignorant to the damage he could be causing Maira. He waited for her response, expecting the worst. “I fought enough with Igraine. I don't want that with you.”

[Shin]

William remained calm, though he was relieved that the assault against his sensibilities had stopped. He didn’t know how much more he could take. He never shied from Thorin however, nor did he bat an eye when Nimue stepped in to intervene. In retrospect William knew that he might have been a little bit snobbish, but certainly not enough to warrant an attack, and he also knew that he was right for lecturing them both. Now was not the time to get drunk.

He did as Nimue asked, knowing that she likely wanted a couple private words with Thorin. He only nodded and made his way outside, the cool air of the night was refreshing to William and he stayed out there for several minutes before moving to get the water as directed.

Eventually he did make his way outside, loathe as he was to enter a building. William hated buildings, he hated being confined…though strangely he never felt that way when in a natural cavern underground. The thought amused him and he was smiling to himself when he stepped back inside and set the bucket down.

Then he turned around and went back outside, he’d stay around the area and Nimue would be able to feel that. But the Ranger opted to stay outside and in the darkness of the night where he felt more comfortable.

[Kirin]

Bowing her head quickly, she left to go help Amariel. Chizuru seemed to enjoy Amariel's presence. She oddly felt safe and nearly refered to Amariel as "Mama-san", a term of endearment. Chizuru and Amariel were telling each other stories while they waited for the rice to cook. Standing on her tiptoes, the Empress glanced outside. Once the meal of steamed vegetables and rice was finished, she helped Amariel divide up the meal. She left, assuming that Amariel would serve the rest of the meal to the others, just taking two bowls for herself and William.

"Thank you for your help, Mama-san." She finally let it slip, then giggled. "I..Oh. It's just a term of endearment. It doesn't mean you're my actual mother." She blushed. The word "Mama-san" hadn't slipped her lips in a long time.

Chizuru took out a bowl to William and she held one as well. "A light meal, sir." She seemed content, though it was probably going to be short-lived. "I'm sorry, I do not remember if you had introduced yourself."

She looked up at William with curious gray eyes. "It's so nice out here. I am not one that likes to spend time indoors often. Or on land for that matter." She started to talk after William took his bowl of food. Of course, it would be considered very rude if he did not.

"What did you do with that foreign drink? I have never seen a spell like that before."

[Igraine]

“William was connected to me, that is the only reason your power affected me.” Nimue walked to the door of the room and pulled the bucket inside. She spent some time washing herself with the water. Where the water touched her skin it soaked in at first. The bruise started to become less angry and less red. Soon it looked like a bruise a few days old and the water began rolling down her skin. Nimue rolled her neck slightly, as if she was loosening up her muscles, and turned back to Thorin.

“I’m not fighting with you, but I don’t want you fighting with anyone on our side either. William meant no harm by what he did. He was just trying to protect me and Igraine. You really should warn humans before you offer them Fey drink – they don’t understand that it is ten times more powerful than their strongest liquors.” Nimue spoke quietly and without judgement, simply speaking what had to be said. She pulled a gown over her head, quickly hiding the gentle swell of her belly. She let Thorin finish tying the stays of her dress but didn’t bother to put an overdress on at the late hour.

“I don’t have the energy to argue with you. I think I will have some of the food that I smell cooking.” Nimue left Thorin then, slipping through the door and out into the rest of the house. She found Amariel just as Chizuru was leaving, calling her ‘mama-san’.

“Call me whatever you like, my dear!” Amariel squeezed one of Chizuru’s hands before turning back to what they had cooked together. “I will have to teach you some of the recipes I know next.” The short slender Fae woman spoke with a great deal of authority. She looked to be in her fourties or fifties, with a light silvering of her hair. Her actual age was known only to Nimue and Mab, and they were sworn to secrecy. A lady never revealed her age after all.

“This smells delicious!” Nimue said before Chizuru could leave and offered her a warm smile as she was seated at the table in the kitchen by Amariel. Food was seated before her and she began eating eagerly – hoping to restore some of her strength and energy. William would understand, of course, but she still wanted to speak to him. Amariel’s harsh words of rebuke about eating too fast rang in her ears, and so she took her time between bites.

Amariel sat with her and discussed the way that the food was made and some other inconsequential Fae matters. Simply keeping her company as she ate.

[Thorin]

Thorin kept his anger masked, with a look of content and understanding. Watching his wife's silhouette disappear into the hallway, he wondered if he shouldn't just collapse then and there. With the workings of the spell and his energy spent in the smithy, he was surprised he was still standing. Then again, when had he ever been thought of? Everything always boiled down to his actions, even if they had a purpose behind them and it was within the best interest of Nimue, or someone he cared about. Sighing, he went to his private quarters and bathed, putting on clean clothes and rethinking his plans.

William would be tolerated, much like a stray dog being let in from the cold. If he played his cards right, he could win Nimue over again and put her in a good mood. Gifts and words of endearment always seemed to win her over. Amariel would be giving their guests regular meals, but she would always have a special dish put aside for him. The raw meat would give him some energy, if not boost his spirits.

The insulting word “barbarian” stuck in his mind, which might have been responsible for his outfit of choice. Pulling over a charcoal colored doublet, he noted the difference in weight and fabric. Embroidered detail, embellished the roping, with silver threaded accents. The style did not compliment his personality, but Nimue had been the one to pick his recent wardrobe. His pants were simple, but complimented the look. Next came the vambrace's, which were detailed in ornate runic markings.

Some of the runes, were a mix of Vuri and Fey influence, each symbol intertwining to form a complex design. Sighing, Thorin attached a black cape, to the snaps embedded along the doublet. The pauldron fit snugly against his shoulder, but his choice in dress had a purpose.

Damn, I can't breathe in this....

Tying his black hair in the usual fashion, Thorin made his descent downstairs. Nimue rarely saw him in such display, but he was sure it would please her, and maybe change the mind of the half-elf.

He could be civil.

From the change of atmosphere, he guessed that everyone was already eating and serving themselves. Making his way to the dining table, he sat down next to Nimue and pulled the cowl around his shoulders. There were no longer stains of soot, but a polished individual. Amariel noticed his presence and rushed to serve him his raw meal. He watched her take her place next to Nimue.

“From this day forward, we are all allies. We will rely and trust each other as kindred spirit.” Cutting into the meaty flesh of his meal, Thorin knew his words would be heard. William would be a fool to betray him and his family- especially Nimue. The Vuri would give the half-elf a second chance.

Nimue would sense the difference in him. The thought that maybe their conversation had sparked something in him.

Leaning back in his chair, he watched the women gossip, finally relaxing. “When you finish talking with William, have him visit my smithy.”

[Shin]

William was at peace when he was with nature, though this wasn’t exactly the same thing, he was near the edge of the forest and he could traverse back to the Fae realm from there. Which is exactly what he planned to do after dinner.

While lost in thought he heard Chizuru speak near him. He hid his surprise well and silently scolded himself for letting himself become so vulnerable. “I reversed its effects.” He stated simply, the smell of food catching his attention. “I believe it’s almost time to eat.” He offered her a friendly smile before moving in and taking his place at the table.

It was odd to sit at a table, it was odd every time he didn’t have to hunt and prepare his own meal. “This looks delicious.” He offered warmly and looked up to see Thorin entering in something even William found himself smiling at, perhaps a little over dress in the half-nymphs opinion, but certainly an improvement.

As William took a bite of his meal he nearly coughed it back up at the mans declaration. He looked to Nimue first and than nodded slowly. “Yes, that is a good idea. One step at a time though. One must crawl before they can run.” He took a sip from his water glass, William refused any mind altering substances, even Fae Wine.

“My obligations to Queen Mab don’t give me very much wiggle room. She always seems to have something for her Rangers to do, even if we don’t fully understand why. I think she is the wisest person I have ever met.” He spoke to everyone, but he looked at Nimue mainly, knowing that she above all others would understand where he was coming from.

“But, if time and duty permit, I would be more than honored to help here in anyway I can.” He added, wanting to make sure Thorin understood that he wasn’t denying his request, merely stating his own obligations.

“Smithy…ah yes, I had heard that you were very skilled at the forge. I would love to see your work, but after Nimue and I finish speaking I can stay no longer than a few moments. I fear I may already be running late.”

[Kirin]

Chizuru nodded. "Thank you." She said with a warm smile. She looked back inside, realizing that conversation was probably not something William was in the mood for. She followed William inside and spoke to Tamotsu softly, inviting him to the table.

"It's fine. You can sit here at the table. I'd love your company." Because, oddly, she felt lonely.

Tamotsu sat next to Chizuru. He looked down at the food. "Looks good." He said in the common language. He appreciated the food probably more than anyone else at the table.

Chizuru smiled. "Mama-san did all the work. I just told her the recipe. And I would be honored if she taught me one of her recipes."

She began eating and occasionally, Tamotsu and Chizuru would have short conversations about petty issues at home. They seemed content once again. Chizuru understood duty, so she did not question William's request to leave soon afterwards.

Tamotsu made eating look awkward and the Empress ignored him until she happened to glance over at him. A slight blush on both of their cheeks and Tamotsu muttered in frustration.

"These tools are awkward." He muttered in the Imperial language.

"Perhaps we can go see about crafting some sticks for you." She giggled at Tamotsu.