A Capella with Thunder

With a storm like this one nothing could really fly. The thunder, low thick cloud and rain would make it near imposible for a Pegasus or any other type of flying creature to take to the skies which meant Mitsuko was now stuck not being able to perform her duties as a member of the black market.

The girl informed West about it, promising her employer that as soon as the skies where clear she would continue on with her regular duties. With that out of the way she excused herself out of the office, getting a parasol to keep the rain from drenching that elegant dresses she liked to wear.

There was no point in spending her time off bunkered up in her quarters so she decided to go for a little stroll around the city of Marcarth, maybe do some window shopping here and there to keep her mind occupied. It was then she laid eyes on a familiar blonde woman quite literally singing in the rain.

" Mademoiselle Fierre, Are you trying to catch a cold? " The rain was so cold Mitsuko would have gotten sick if she'd even attempted to stand around in the storm rain like how Fierre was doing.

" My Kurogane is grounded and since I got nothing better to do I thought I could go out for a relaxing walk under this lovely weather." There weren't any hints of sarcasm in Mitsuko's remark. She was particularly fond of rainy weather and the calm it brought to her soul.

" There's less people on the streets and the stores are still open so i'm going to get distracted for a bit. blend in with the local culture and all that." From the looks of it Fierre wouldn't be particularly pleased to be put under the umbrella Mitsuko currently held over her head so she kept some distance. A few ponds had already formed in the side of the streets so if they weren't particularly careful either of them could get splashed by passing by carriages.

" I'm still new in town so I might go check some places of interest. " Back when she was much younger Mitsuko was scared of storms but with age she'd gotten over that primal fear.

The Madame

" Of course. I was thinking about having you or the boss show me around town one of these days but even now he's so busy. " Once Fierre had come up to Mitsuko to join her under the umbrella she extended a hand with a clean handkerchief for the blonde to sort of dry up her face. Now that they where up close Mitsuko couldn't help but notice how youthful Fierre looked even without make up. She couldn't be much older than herself, at least not for a couple of years or so the Hoshidan thought.


" I don't want to seem like a bootlicker but maybe I should bring West a souvenir of sorts. What do you think he'll like? He seems like the sort of man that already has everything ... " Since she'd joined the black market mere days ago Mitsuko wasn't exactly sure what sort of person West was. He seemed rather whimsical and unpredictable and whatever chance the two had to exchange words went by rather quickly due to the hectic nature of their work. It wasn't her intention to sway the elf with material things but she wanted to gift him a keepsake of sorts.

Even with how hard it was raining she raised her voice enough to be heard as the two walked down the streets. Even while conversing Mitsuko's eyes where checking all directions, occasionally glancing over her own shoulder. She was still a Hoshidan in Nohr so there was no telling when there could be trouble due to her appearance.

 The Madame

" If Herbal tea is what he likes then i'll get him something he wont forget anytime soon." Now that Mitsuko knew the sort of thing her employer was into she could work towards obtaining a unique herb mixture she was sure West would enjoy. One of the many things she'd learned being the daughter of a Samurai was the preparation of the traditional tea ceremony and as much as she detested it at first now she could put that knowledge to better use, serving whom she considered to be her new master.

" I've never been into gambling myself but I suppose It wouldn't hurt to drop by and test the waters. " Ever since she was younger Mitsuko held the belief only greedy idiots waged bets. She also knew people often went to Casinos not just to give away their money, foolishly hoping to get wealthy in the blink of an eye but also to socialize, make connections or just have fun at other people's expenses.

Mitsuko was definitely the sort of young lady who found poetic justice to be Destiny's way of pulling a practical joke.

The Madame

" I could go for a stiff drink." Wherever there were people recklessly throwing their money away there certainly was a source of wine. Before she could even invite Fierre to a cup of her favorite spirit the blonde woman grabbed her hand, making a frenetic run for it towards their destination.

If Mitsuko hadn't started running she was certain The Madame would have ripped her arm off. She was stronger than she looked for certain. It was near imposible for the Hoshidan to orient herself since this place street layout was somewhat maze-like. Having her host frenetically run only added to her confusion.

" Are you originally from this city? " Even though the two of them had started to work together Mitsuko didn't know an awful lot about Fierre other than her affinity for singing. Once they arrived Mitsuko folded the parasol before making her way in to the Casino.

" Pretty fancy place." The decoration was just as impecable as the lounge back at the capital. This was a sophisticated establishment and the patrons where mostly decadent nobles who did this as a hobby. Some of these people where so disgustingly wealthy they could only have fun gambling their gold away. There where card games, roulettes and more trivial hazard games and of course there where guards in disguise making certain no one tried to cheat on the house.

" They even have a snack bar. I think i'll try the local specialty." It had certainly been a while since Mitsuko's last meal and while she enjoyed eating what was provided she needed to broaden her horizons when it came to traditional Nohrian recipes.

" Its a pleasure to meet you, Mister Halgam. " Being a member of the Black Market certainly had its perks. in exchange of running dangerous errands the young woman was given access to the Nohrian underworld. Exactly the less likely place where her own people back at Hoshido would expect her to hide.

Mitsuko as always showed her proper education when making an acquaintance. These people didn't bow so she shook his hand as it was customary in this country. There was no need to have anyone identify her as another Hoshidan even if her last name was a dead giveaway.

" I appreciate the offer. I'll have whatever The Madame is drinking." This senior butler was an elder in their organization so she had to show proper respect now that her actions represented their group as a whole. Just the thought of the connections she could make in a place like this was enough to make a genuine smile appear on her face.

The more time Mitsuko spent on the company of the Nohrians she realized they where mostly alright people. This war was such a messy affair it made her wish it could have been adverted.

" You have a beautiful singing voice but i'm sure you get that a lot. " The idea of getting to share a table with this talented songstress surrounded by the creme of the crop of the Marcarth rich and powerful people convinced the younger girl defecting was the best thing she could have done.

These people that her father and peers considered to be their sworn enemies had shown Mitsuko the respect and recognition she'd lacked back home. Back in the Hoshidan Pegasus Corp she was a mere disposable tool who was expected to give away her life and honor at the whims of the Generals.

Mitsuko took a seat on the booth which allowed her to keep an eye on the entrance which was a subtle sign of paranoia in her part. " You must have a legion of men trying to win you over." From what she'd seen at the stage The Madame was quite the celebrity.