[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard​:

After less than thirty minutes meditating - what seemed like a lifetime to the Taurean - Hasgard finally opened his eyes and decided to go after the boy. 

He didn’t have enough time to think, but I’m going to propose something that’s going to make him a little more comfortable with this situation I guess…

As he found the meadow, Aldebaran started to look around until he saw the oak tree and a pair of legs coming out from it’s roots. -  If you are hiding, you’re going to have to find a better place! - His laugh was soft and funny to hear.  

- I don’t want to push you kid, don’t get me wrong… So I’m going to offer you something. - Said while sitting in front of Jin’s legs, crossing his arms onto his chest. - You can stay at my place up until you decide what you’re going to do. You don’t need to train or anything like that, but you can watch me teach my pupils so you can decide it a Saint’s life is what you want for you. How about that?

His green eyes shined with hope and his lips opened into a smile.

At that moment, however, Jin didn’t hear the laugh the way Aldebaran did. That was the last thing he wanted to hear, and he tensed up and frowned.

But his next words did help ease that practiced frown a little. Still, he didn’t give much more than that.

Was he being selfish by asking? Definitely. But he still had only himself to trust, even if...that wasn’t a given anymore. “What if it isn’t?”

[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard​:

Hasgard could feel, deep inside, the boy’s conflicting emotions and thoughts. He wanted to tell Jin to stay, but he knew the kid needed time to think and mature the idea of staying and becoming a Saint. 

Sighing, the giant sat on the ground in lotus position, removing his heavy helmet and starting a small meditation. That was unusual for him, but he as well needed to think. Asmita would have laughed at this., he thought while his mind was still fluctuating through lots of things before queting quiet. 

The meditation had a single purpose: to send Jin comprehesion and comfort. Maybe with some distance and prayers the young man would finally feel this could be his place now, his home. 

At that moment, praying was all Hasgard could do.

By the time Jin trekked up to the high meadow he’d come down from earlier, he was biting back the furry of emotions to his face. He dropped before the large shade of an elder oak, opting not to lean against anything but its roots.

Feeling mixed was to be normal. But mother never dealt with this level of drastic change. Even on the battlefield, a bittersweet reunion could be had. Even in a new kingdom, the same language was spoken, the same news passed. Here, it was thrust upon him. Like his lineage, like his original world...and a world he wouldn’t have traded anything for.

And just like everything else now, had stolen away from him.

Jin held his head in his hands for a spell, not knowing if the heat in his cheeks would finally betray his eyes. He shook his head and ran his hands over his face, briefing touching his burn scar. A shaky question drifted off on the stiff wind. “Is this the only choice I have?”

[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard

- Yes, I expect you to be here for a long, long time. Maybe forever. - He smiled to the young man, comprehension filling his eyes. He could sense the boy’s unwillingness to go home. - And be sure that if you stay, you’ll meet people that will become your new family, and people that will be great friends. This is a place of love, friendship and justice… We are like a big family and we are ready to die for each other, no matter when.

Hasgard had really great hopes for Jin’s future as a Saint. He could even imagine him wearing the cloth. You’re future will be as bright as the sun if you wish it to be, young man., he thought.

But despite all his anger, something inside him...broke at the idea. He fought, he survived, and he watched the tides of trust flake and coagulate within the wars. But through it all, he’d still had a few friends, and mostly family to lean on.

All he had here was the word and belief of a man he still barely knew. A lot of what he said sounded like his own homeland. Back there, things seemed so much simpler. This must be what it feels like to join a different kingdom. It must’ve been what his mother felt when she defected to join his father--that bittersweet farewell to the ones who watched you grow, knowing you’d never see them again on kind terms. Taking things for granted or not taking things for granted--they all felt the same: it didn’t matter anymore.

Jin’s harsh-neutral expression finally cracked. All that remained now was a bittersweet homesickness, and murmurs of words and sentences he failed to finish. None of it suited a young man who’d grown up in the war. His jaw tensed as he looked away and strode off to find the meadow he’d passed before.

[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard

- I’m a Gold Saint. I’ve devoted my whole life to perfecting not only the five senses a human has, but also my sixth and seventh senses as well. Believe me, young man, I know when someone is lying or is not trustworthy. - His countenance was serious and his green eyes shined with a milion colors. That was the power of a Gold Saint, a whole universe inside his body waiting to explode.

- But it’s not going to be easy just because I know I can trust you, child. You’ll need to go through several tests, trainings and quests before you’re ready to wear an Armor.

Back home, eyes like those would've been cause for praise or suspicion--and sometimes simultaneously. The poets would've sung of it. Or he'd end up like his uncle, feared for the faults of nature or man's hands.

Jin's eyes narrowed to slits, dubious and yet still curious about his plans. But there was something else, too, if you cared to hone on it enough: weariness and resignation. He would never go home again. "I suppose that means you expect I'll be around for a long time to come," he murmured.

His shoulders sloped down, unlike its usual proud neutral. He'd many cousins, close like his own siblings, and his own twin sister...what'd become of the space he left behind? Even his father...

He couldn’t let the cynicism slide on by. “And that’s why you’re asking me to join Lady Athena’s battle.”

[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard

- In short? Yes. - Aldebaran felt the confusion on the boy’s eyes. I know kiddo, it feels weird when we have no idea what to do with our lifes... - But it’s not my army, it’s Athena’s Army. And our duty is to protect the world from Hades’ Army and himself. His only goal is to deepen the world in darkness, death and suffering.

Ok, it sure was a lot to process but with time the boy would find a way to understand everything. I’ll be here to explain everything to him anyways, he thought.

- You’ll have something to fight for, and we’ll find a way to explore your talents and powers in order to make you even more stronger. This - He pointed to the young man’s chest, indicating his heart - needs to find something to fight for, I can feel it. It’s your destiny to become more than just a kid with a problematic family.

The frown on his face drew itself even deeper. To be stronger was one thing. To devote oneself to a cause was another. He peered down at the spot Aldebaran indicated, closed his eyes and exhaled shortly. But his voice left him in a whisper, like he’d intended only for himself to hear. “My destiny, huh?”

“Master Aldebaran, how can you be so sure I can be trusted afterwards?”

[masque-en-mask]

taurus-no-hasgard

- It’s good to see that we barely started but you already call me Master. - Said the Taurus, smiling. He was very surprised at the young man’s bow, but would not show that anyway. There’s no need to make him uncomfortable, he thought.

- Oh well, do you mean Athena and Hades anthological fight for the control of life on Earth or the incredible amount of marble that this place has? - The question was obviously a joke intended just to make things a little less serious. The man was pretty aware of what the boy meant, but to explain everything would require time and lots of patience. - Tell me, young man, what do you dont understand? It’ll be easier if i know exactly what concerns you the most about this place and it’s purpose. Things can be very confusing when you’re about to join a whole new world.

He took a minute to look around and check if there was someone there, but no-one could be felt. Sighing, Aldebaran looked Jin in the eyes.

- What I want from you? I want you to find something to fight for so you can use all this power I know you have within you.

Jin only gave him a confused look in response. Wasn't it courtesy to greet someone that way? Or...was that something this world had done away with? And Aldebaran's response only confused him all the more. Everything. Everything confused him. The crease between his brows deepened even further. Something to fight for. In the time of his parents--no, in his time--you pledged your allegiance to the one you felt could unite the country. The two figures Aldebaran had mentioned were far beyond that. It made him feel small, made him realize how useless the wars his family fought were. His frown deepened, but he said nothing of it. "So you are asking me to join your army?"

[somniattis]

The Cosmos Within Us || Closed: masque-en-mask

It was a beautiful, sunny and very pleasant day at the Sanctuary. The wind was blowing softly and the sky was as blue as the sea right in front of the last villages that surrounded Athena’s home.

Aldebaran felt that the day was just perfect to start training a new pupil. 

Jin, who had been quite a mystery to him, later became what the man secretly called “a future Saint”. As you could imagine the Taurus had grown affection, but mostly curiosity over Jin’s amazing abilities, such as telepathy.

Truth it was that Hasgard still barely knew the boy - at leas not as much as he wished -  but that was no problem to him. You can get to know people and still be able to reconize their talent to do something, thought him while coming down the stairs of the Taurus Temple to meet Jin.

He could feel the boy’s Cosmos down there, waiting for him. Jin’s energy was still very suspicious from his point of view, hence the boy’s extraordinary origins and powers, but that could not fright Hasgard. The man had had enough of the world to not be surprised by different people anymore. However, there was a lot to explain to the boy before they could start training. He must bow before Athena and swear a few things before we can start.

- Look who has showed up early today! - Aldebaran greeted the young man when he finally reached the end of the stairs, almost at the Aries House. - I bet you could barely sleep out of curiosity after our last conversation, huh? - The laugh was loud enough to make the birds flew away a little scared. 

- So, do you still want to know more about the Cosmos and what it means to be an Athena’s Saint? 

[masque-en-mask]

To his surprise, he slept well. Getting slapped around by the unknown and emotions drained him. He had spent much of that emotion in confusion and anger. And Hasgard...Master Hasgard had been kind enough to overlook that for the most part. He did deserve that tonguelashing for being so rude; he wasn’t so entrenched in anger that he couldn’t recognize that.

He was sitting at the base of the stairs when he heard the clink of armor. Standing up, he gave the man a bow in greeting. “All due respect Master Hasgard, but I still don’t understand all of...this.” He gestured to the beautiful surroundings. “What exactly do you want from me?”

[masque-en-mask]

It's been a...very long time since I've been on this account.

I'll have to clean things up but would anyone like to chat or RP?

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

defender-of-justice

“You can leave your horse here. One of the soldiers will take it to the stables. (He gave a assuring smile.)You are here in Shu as peace. So I must show you kindness. So please follow me. We will get you everything that you need for your information.” He gave her a small wink. As he walked in the Achives the place looked abandoned. There were several Officers going through books and records but there were practically no commoners in here. “You want the time we are in? I believe it is 220. Spring has come earlier than we had thought this year. But our farmers are doing there best. But anyhow. I’ll leave you guys here. I’ll be back soon I am going to get some tea would you like any?”

They filed in after him, Jin hanging slightly behind the two. The subtle notes between the two had not gone unnoticed, especially when he caught a smile towards the general on Qing’s countenance.

But that quickly disappeared.

Qing looked back to Jin, her brows furrowed. “Two hundred twenty two.” That was 5 years after father’s birthdate. That put a huge damper on their plans. Father would never recognize him as his own, and the story would go over his head completely.

Jin gave her a nod and a slow blink. “...If you could, please. We’re parched.”

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn’t all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. “Very short version, we’re looking for clues. We’re looking for any trace of our parents.”

The Changban they were used to wasn’t the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

“Please.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He flickered the reins on the horse and began pushing forward.. his gut was telling himself not to trust these two. So he was going to make sure he watched them the whole time.. especially since they were people he has never seen before.

“Follow me. I will get you to the heart of Changban, it’ll take a while though. But I am warning you now… if you even attempt to harm my lord. I will cut you both down with my spear. ”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin and Qing followed suit, saddling up and rearing their horses to catch up. This time, it was Jin that refuted the suggestion.

“If it makes you feel any better, we’re only looking as far as he public eye goes.” He turned to stare back at the fields, scanning for any other movements. Was this really what the land used to look like? It was so… beautiful. “We’re not affiliated with any kingdom.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

“As great as that sounds it makes you even more dangerous.. but we will leave it at this.. you make a wrong move and I WILL kill you.. ”

Around 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the famous Changban Bridge. As Ma Chao spoke with the guards he made sure that they weren’t going to be harmed. Telling the guards that they are here for “business”. The guards let them through peacefully

[masque-en-mask]

“You’d be right to be suspicious.” Jin replied, leaving it at that, his eyes wandering back to the scenery.

For the next half of the ride while there was silence. Qing seemed uncomfortable with the silence but said nothing to Ma Chao, biting back all the questions she had about this era. Jin, on the other hand, was used to this kind of cold shoulder.

Murmuring a thank you to the guards as they passed, she finally spoke up.

“So how do we know that we can trust you?”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

Ma Chao looked back at her over his shoulder. The shadows bring the hate and pain in his eyes.

“Qing was it?…. Because, I would have already killed you. I’m not sure you know who I am or you must not have known about me from where you are from.. As soon as your brother went to grab his weapon I was going to kill him. ”

He look forward and put his hands to his side.

“The only reason you both are not dead is because of you”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin raised his eyebrow. A bit rude and a bit too soon to be referring to her by first name alone. But he said nothing, simply choosing to focus on his steed. Since Qing had given away their names already, part of their ruse was up.

“…You do realize I’m armed, too, right? But, my brother over there,” she nodded in his direction. “Works on instinct. You pulled yours first. That’s how it works, right?”

She gave a nervous chuckle as she brushed her hair away from her face. “Though… thank you, I suppose.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He stopped his horse near the Archive building.

“This is the building you are looking for.. also, young lady if you think that your brother is so slick.. then you must not really know much about my history. While you are in there finding information on your father then you should look up my name next. ”

He gave her a small laugh. Then a small smirk came across his face.

“Oh and another thing.. be Happy I’m not going to kill you because of your father alone. ”

[masque-en-mask]

She grimaced, switching to the local dialect. “You don’t know ours either.”

Jin gave a whistle. “…Awesome.” The archives were off limits and very under key and lock before…not to mention probably very forbidden knowledge and heavily edited. But even more than that, this place was lively as a capital should be. The two took a deep breath and shared a laugh when they caught the other.

“Feels like we’re home again,” he remarked quietly.

“…yeah.” But as soon as that realization hit, the smiles faded from their faces. In its stead, paled with exhaustion of different shades apiioond perhaps even more, nostalgic and homesick. Neither sat as tall.

They dismounted, and Qing worked on unhooking her ring blade from the saddle.

“Ma Chao, born in 171 AD and one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu, correct?” Jin murmured off handedly as he collected his baldric. As he did so, she turned back to the man, giving her brother the reins.

“Again, thank you for leading us here, but if I may ask another favor from you? Master Ma Chao, should we ever meet again…” her face darkened, any trace of expression draining. “Please do not ever use my father or my brother as a reason. If you have any misgivings against me or my brother, take them up with us. After all, it’s not the first time we’ve had to fight on father’s behalf.”

She turned back to look at Jin, who had removed his headpiece, a bit of the nasty burn scar visible.

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

“Do you not realize where you are.. I could have every soldier arrest you right here and I could kill you. But I don’t why.. you may ask yourself. It’s because I think you are beautiful. In the end you will be a hassle I can tell. ”

He walked up to the archive and went in. Looking at them to follow him.

“I’ll be here at the exit. If anything happens make sure to yell for me. If you need help just ask..”

[masque-en-mask]

"Hey, you did say we're still here because of me. If i can talk circles around you...my negotiations can't be too far behind. Either way, those were more on the warning side than actual threats. We got the memo," she tapped her head. "The second you turned around in the field. Like I said, we're not worried. We like Changban as it is. And we know our way around a book, so." She trailed after him. "We're set on that notion. We might need you to tell us the time since we love books but--didnt you have something to be doing?"

Jin stayed behind, looking for a stable or something enough for their horses.

"I doubt I'm as you say I am, but while we're on the topic, you're not so bad looking yourself."

"Behind her, Jin groaned, his tone drained. "<>"

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn’t all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. “Very short version, we’re looking for clues. We’re looking for any trace of our parents.”

The Changban they were used to wasn’t the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

“Please.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He flickered the reins on the horse and began pushing forward.. his gut was telling himself not to trust these two. So he was going to make sure he watched them the whole time.. especially since they were people he has never seen before.

“Follow me. I will get you to the heart of Changban, it’ll take a while though. But I am warning you now… if you even attempt to harm my lord. I will cut you both down with my spear. ”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin and Qing followed suit, saddling up and rearing their horses to catch up. This time, it was Jin that refuted the suggestion.

“If it makes you feel any better, we’re only looking as far as he public eye goes.” He turned to stare back at the fields, scanning for any other movements. Was this really what the land used to look like? It was so… beautiful. “We’re not affiliated with any kingdom.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

“As great as that sounds it makes you even more dangerous.. but we will leave it at this.. you make a wrong move and I WILL kill you.. ”

Around 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the famous Changban Bridge. As Ma Chao spoke with the guards he made sure that they weren’t going to be harmed. Telling the guards that they are here for “business”. The guards let them through peacefully

[masque-en-mask]

“You’d be right to be suspicious.” Jin replied, leaving it at that, his eyes wandering back to the scenery.

For the next half of the ride while there was silence. Qing seemed uncomfortable with the silence but said nothing to Ma Chao, biting back all the questions she had about this era. Jin, on the other hand, was used to this kind of cold shoulder.

Murmuring a thank you to the guards as they passed, she finally spoke up.

“So how do we know that we can trust you?”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

Ma Chao looked back at her over his shoulder. The shadows bring the hate and pain in his eyes.

“Qing was it?…. Because, I would have already killed you. I’m not sure you know who I am or you must not have known about me from where you are from.. As soon as your brother went to grab his weapon I was going to kill him. ”

He look forward and put his hands to his side.

“The only reason you both are not dead is because of you”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin raised his eyebrow. A bit rude and a bit too soon to be referring to her by first name alone. But he said nothing, simply choosing to focus on his steed. Since Qing had given away their names already, part of their ruse was up.

“…You do realize I’m armed, too, right? But, my brother over there,” she nodded in his direction. “Works on instinct. You pulled yours first. That’s how it works, right?”

She gave a nervous chuckle as she brushed her hair away from her face. “Though… thank you, I suppose.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He stopped his horse near the Archive building.

“This is the building you are looking for.. also, young lady if you think that your brother is so slick.. then you must not really know much about my history. While you are in there finding information on your father then you should look up my name next. ”

He gave her a small laugh. Then a small smirk came across his face.

“Oh and another thing.. be Happy I’m not going to kill you because of your father alone. ”

[masque-en-mask]

She grimaced, switching to the local dialect. "You don't know ours either."

Jin gave a whistle. "...Awesome." The archives were off limits and very under key and lock before...not to mention probably very forbidden knowledge and heavily edited. But even more than that, this place was lively as a capital should be. The two took a deep breath and shared a laugh when they caught the other.

"Feels like we're home again," he remarked quietly.

"...yeah." But as soon as that realization hit, the smiles faded from their faces. In its stead, paled with exhaustion of different shades apiioond perhaps even more, nostalgic and homesick. Neither sat as tall.

They dismounted, and Qing worked on unhooking her ring blade from the saddle.

"Ma Chao, born in 171 AD and one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu, correct?" Jin murmured off handedly as he collected his baldric. As he did so, she turned back to the man, giving her brother the reins.

"Again, thank you for leading us here, but if I may ask another favor from you? Master Ma Chao, should we ever meet again..." her face darkened, any trace of expression draining. "Please do not ever use my father or my brother as a reason. If you have any misgivings against me or my brother, take them up with us. After all, it's not the first time we've had to fight on father's behalf."

She turned back to look at Jin, who had removed his headpiece, a bit of the nasty burn scar visible.

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn’t all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. “Very short version, we’re looking for clues. We’re looking for any trace of our parents.”

The Changban they were used to wasn’t the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

“Please.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He flickered the reins on the horse and began pushing forward.. his gut was telling himself not to trust these two. So he was going to make sure he watched them the whole time.. especially since they were people he has never seen before.

“Follow me. I will get you to the heart of Changban, it’ll take a while though. But I am warning you now… if you even attempt to harm my lord. I will cut you both down with my spear. ”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin and Qing followed suit, saddling up and rearing their horses to catch up. This time, it was Jin that refuted the suggestion.

“If it makes you feel any better, we’re only looking as far as he public eye goes.” He turned to stare back at the fields, scanning for any other movements. Was this really what the land used to look like? It was so… beautiful. “We’re not affiliated with any kingdom.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

“As great as that sounds it makes you even more dangerous.. but we will leave it at this.. you make a wrong move and I WILL kill you.. ”

Around 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the famous Changban Bridge. As Ma Chao spoke with the guards he made sure that they weren’t going to be harmed. Telling the guards that they are here for “business”. The guards let them through peacefully

[masque-en-mask]

“You’d be right to be suspicious.” Jin replied, leaving it at that, his eyes wandering back to the scenery.

For the next half of the ride while there was silence. Qing seemed uncomfortable with the silence but said nothing to Ma Chao, biting back all the questions she had about this era. Jin, on the other hand, was used to this kind of cold shoulder.

Murmuring a thank you to the guards as they passed, she finally spoke up.

“So how do we know that we can trust you?”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

Ma Chao looked back at her over his shoulder. The shadows bring the hate and pain in his eyes.

“Qing was it?…. Because, I would have already killed you. I’m not sure you know who I am or you must not have known about me from where you are from.. As soon as your brother went to grab his weapon I was going to kill him. ”

He look forward and put his hands to his side.

“The only reason you both are not dead is because of you”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin raised his eyebrow. A bit rude and a bit too soon to be referring to her by first name alone. But he said nothing, simply choosing to focus on his steed. Since Qing had given away their names already, part of their ruse was up.

"...You do realize I'm armed, too, right? But, my brother over there," she nodded in his direction. "Works on instinct. You pulled yours first. That's how it works, right?"

She gave a nervous chuckle as she brushed her hair away from her face. "Though... thank you, I suppose."

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn’t all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. “Very short version, we’re looking for clues. We’re looking for any trace of our parents.”

The Changban they were used to wasn’t the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

“Please.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He flickered the reins on the horse and began pushing forward.. his gut was telling himself not to trust these two. So he was going to make sure he watched them the whole time.. especially since they were people he has never seen before.

“Follow me. I will get you to the heart of Changban, it’ll take a while though. But I am warning you now… if you even attempt to harm my lord. I will cut you both down with my spear. ”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin and Qing followed suit, saddling up and rearing their horses to catch up. This time, it was Jin that refuted the suggestion.

“If it makes you feel any better, we’re only looking as far as he public eye goes.” He turned to stare back at the fields, scanning for any other movements. Was this really what the land used to look like? It was so… beautiful. “We’re not affiliated with any kingdom.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

“As great as that sounds it makes you even more dangerous.. but we will leave it at this.. you make a wrong move and I WILL kill you.. ”

Around 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the famous Changban Bridge. As Ma Chao spoke with the guards he made sure that they weren’t going to be harmed. Telling the guards that they are here for “business”. The guards let them through peacefully

[masque-en-mask]

"You'd be right to be suspicious." Jin replied, leaving it at that, his eyes wandering back to the scenery.

For the next half of the ride while there was silence. Qing seemed uncomfortable with the silence but said nothing to Ma Chao, biting back all the questions she had about this era. Jin, on the other hand, was used to this kind of cold shoulder.

Murmuring a thank you to the guards as they passed, she finally spoke up.

"So how do we know that we can trust you?"

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn’t all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. “Very short version, we’re looking for clues. We’re looking for any trace of our parents.”

The Changban they were used to wasn’t the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

“Please.”

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

He flickered the reins on the horse and began pushing forward.. his gut was telling himself not to trust these two. So he was going to make sure he watched them the whole time.. especially since they were people he has never seen before.

“Follow me. I will get you to the heart of Changban, it’ll take a while though. But I am warning you now… if you even attempt to harm my lord. I will cut you both down with my spear. ”

[masque-en-mask]

Jin and Qing followed suit, saddling up and rearing their horses to catch up. This time, it was Jin that refuted the suggestion.

"If it makes you feel any better, we're only looking as far as he public eye goes." He turned to stare back at the fields, scanning for any other movements. Was this really what the land used to look like? It was so... beautiful. "We're not affiliated with any kingdom."

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

[masque-en-mask]

It wasn't all that difficult to tell his suspicions had come back. But without so much as a beat or a blink, Qing replied. "Very short version, we're looking for clues. We're looking for any trace of our parents."

The Changban they were used to wasn't the same as the one here, they soon realized. In fact, the plain they stood in should have been familiar, but he was so used to seeing the piles of carnage and shoddy shelters that this was unfamiliar territory all over again.

"Please."

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

If it weren’t for the fact he had a horse beside him, they would’ve completely missed him. After all, it’s one thing to wear gold and green in a city, but it’s something else entirely when you were staring down at a field of tall grasses.

Two figures and their horses stood some dozen feet off the ground, watching the third. Beside the only male, his horse neighed and shook it’s mane, as if to voice their confusion.

He angled his head towards the shorter female, his sister. “Do you think he knows where he’s going?”

She shrugged. “Probably. He’s got to have a better idea than we do right now. Come on, let’s head down and ask.” She gave a gentle tug to the reins and turned away from the view, beginning down the jagged face.

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

As he walked with his horse down the path, his horse picked up on the others before he did. Once he noticed that someone was headed his way he quickly grabbed his spear turning to face the 2 visitors. When they arrived Ma Chao gave them a cold look. Preparing himself for a fight.

“What is the chance that I would get some unwelcome guests as I make my way home? But if it’s a fight you truly want then I will be happy to kill the urge inside of me. *squeezes the handle of his spear.* So state your business! ”

[masque-en-mask]

It seemed his horse saw them long before he did, but he reacted in little time after it did so.

Well, shit,Jin thought, growling. He narrowed his eyes at the gesture. If it was a fight he wanted, well, he wouldn’t say no…not exactly. Behind him, Qing eyed her brother’s hands, clawed and twitching.

“Wait!” She pushed past him, ducking under his arm. “You’ve got it all wrong! We were looking for directions!” She clicked her tongue, squinting her eyes at the surroundings. “We saw you from up there.” She pointed at the ridge.

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

Her courage took Ma Chao by shock for a moment. The way she carelessly went between her companion and himself. He pulled back his spear slightly. Knowing that she would get herself killed if it continued..

“Listen lady.. I would never suggest running in front of your friend here.. unless you wish to lose your life.. lucky You remind me of my friends back home.. *he paused for a moment*

My name is Ma Chao.. I could probably help you find where you want to go.. *pulling himself on the horse.* so where do you plan on going. ?*

[masque-en-mask]

She simply smiled at him, tilting her head and giving a quick raise of the eyebrow. "Maybe, but I know my brother well enough to know he has better control than that."

Behind her, Jin was still tensed, so that made two pairs of studying eyes. The man had gone past the idea of a fight right here, so they weren't in any immediate danger. Jin shifted his eyes elsewhere, looking for any sort of pebbles or stones in visible range.

"The name's Zhong Qing--" "Qing." She held her hand up to stop her brother. "This here is my older twin, Jin. We were looking to get to Changban...sound familiar?"

[masque-en-mask]

||Starter||

If it weren’t for the fact he had a horse beside him, they would’ve completely missed him. After all, it’s one thing to wear gold and green in a city, but it’s something else entirely when you were staring down at a field of tall grasses.

Two figures and their horses stood some dozen feet off the ground, watching the third. Beside the only male, his horse neighed and shook it’s mane, as if to voice their confusion.

He angled his head towards the shorter female, his sister. “Do you think he knows where he’s going?”

She shrugged. “Probably. He’s got to have a better idea than we do right now. Come on, let’s head down and ask.” She gave a gentle tug to the reins and turned away from the view, beginning down the jagged face.

[defender-of-justice-blog1]

As he walked with his horse down the path, his horse picked up on the others before he did. Once he noticed that someone was headed his way he quickly grabbed his spear turning to face the 2 visitors. When they arrived Ma Chao gave them a cold look. Preparing himself for a fight.

“What is the chance that I would get some unwelcome guests as I make my way home? But if it’s a fight you truly want then I will be happy to kill the urge inside of me. *squeezes the handle of his spear.* So state your business! ”

[masque-en-mask]

It seemed his horse saw them long before he did, but he reacted in little time after it did so.

Well, shit,Jin thought, growling. He narrowed his eyes at the gesture. If it was a fight he wanted, well, he wouldn’t say no...not exactly. Behind him, Qing eyed her brother’s hands, clawed and twitching.

“Wait!” She pushed past him, ducking under his arm. “You’ve got it all wrong! We were looking for directions!” She clicked her tongue, squinting her eyes at the surroundings. “We saw you from up there.” She pointed at the ridge.