Indignation is a Fire Emblem Roleplay. It takes place within the Outrealms as worlds collide and kingdoms wage an endless war. However, amongst the quarrels of men do the horrors of the Outrealm reach in to kill and destroy. Fight alone or join forces with other warriors as we create dramatic tales or wage war!
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The basket whined under the weight of the glass bottles. If Cas hadn't caught herself, she would've scolded the vessel for complaining. It wouldn't have mattered much if she stopped herself or let the words flow. It wasn't like there was anybody around to hear her, not now at least. Not for a while. As far as she knew she was still quite a ways away from any village or city. Though she could be wrong. It most certainly wouldn't be the first or last time that that would be the case. Cas readjusted the bow and quiver on her back, then the basket on her hip, before continuing onward.
It was always so strange coming out so far into Hoshido, despite coming through this path three times now. Izumo was all she really knew and even that place felt foreign. Still, even with it's unfamiliar surroundings the area was peaceful. She credited this more to the soft sounds happening around her rather than the actual scenery. That was kinda nice also, she'll admit. The bottles clinked together with every step she took, a constant reminder of why she traveled so far in the first place.
Cas never imagined the Hoshidan Army taking an interest in her work. Of course it wasn't the whole army, just a small training camp, but it still brought on the same reaction as if it was the entire army. She made enough different concoctions and brought everything from elixirs to extracts to supply a small infantry. It wasn’t excess, she had told herself, it was being prepared. Being prepared came at a the price of a heavy basket that seemed only dig more and more into her hip with every passing minute no matter how many times she switched sides. It was on the fifth hour of her journey that she decided to take a break.
Break time. A sigh escaped his lips, back relenting as it arched some; wooden pole limply falling to the ground as the grip loosened. Watching the class of soldiers take their time in relaxing; some walking away with their comrades towards their quarters, while the more exhausted lot decided to just flop on the ground right then and there. Dirtying their training robes, but surely in solid reason. He too was in their place once, and could easily relate. No matter how pleasant the weather or how much shade, it is a given that they would exert themselves enough to sweat. A chuckle escaped the instructor's lips as he smiled at his trainees. They earned it, I suppose.
With a light excuse of retiring to his own tent, Sakaba left the second-in-command in charge as he began to make his way away from camp. That is to say, he knew exactly what the soldiers were doing in his absence, especially with him responsible. He didn't mind, it was only natural, and he too had wished to engage in such. If only he could allow himself... And so, the instructor made his peaceful walk uphill. Through several trees and sounds of birds, in a carved path to the other person.
Surely, his more arrogant superiors would chastise at him for an unorthodox method, but this was something he experienced firsthand and therefore believed in. The assortment of concoctions, elixers and the like were not made by enlisted medics or shrine workers, but an outside source Sakaba chose to place his trust in. His walk barely took a couple tens of minutes before, by the side of the road, the young man spotted a lady. Relatively young in appearance, taking her own time to rest. What caught his eye however, was more the basket by her side, filled with goods. That must have been it. "Hello." He called out once in proper vicinity, flashing a welcoming smile and standing near. "That there must be quite the burden on you." Sakaba commented, referring to the boastful assortment.
If by the mere chestplate placed over his personal kimono, he assumed his status would be recognizable right away. "How fare you?"
It was easy to get taken in by the scenery. Being free of her burden most likely contributed to this quick escape. Cas hugged her legs to her chest, placing her head on top of her knees, and closed her eyes. The warmth from the sun and the sounds of the winds and the leaves dancing was enough to lull her into a light sleep. She probably would have taken a nap right there if it weren't for the sounds of approaching footsteps. Her hand was already reaching for her yumi when she saw who the steps belonged to. A soldier. What was a soldier doing all the way out here? Cas pushed down her questions to answer the man, fingers still brushing against her weapon.
"Not really, but after some time it begins to be." She looked over to the basket and the contents inside. It would've been best to cover them. Some of the extracts don't handle so well in the heat. Cas brought her attention back to the man in front of her. "I am well, thank you. I hope you are faring just the same."
"Tell me, is there a training camp close by? I didn't expect to run into anybody until evening, let alone a soldier." Cas' brow furrowed and her head gave a slight tilt as she got a better look at the man. "Are you the one who sent for my help?"
Years of experience do pay off. As he drew himself closer to the female, Sakaba could notice her free hand's retreating movements, quickly coming to conclude the possibility of hostility rising. He himself had believed to be alright, should things take a turn for the worse. With crime rates so low in Hoshido as a country, a mere skirmish wouldn't threaten him by a longshot; especially when camp was close nearby. Regardless of the circumstances and theory backing him up however, the instructor also made a mental note not to come any closer than he already was to the girl. Any sudden actions without permission would surely result in suslicion against him growing further. In addition, from this distance he could allow himself enough time to react, as well. In short, it was best to play safe.
That didn't stop the young man from his usual approach, though. To him, she was as welcome as any other. "I am well, thank you for your concern." While he decided to omit any details about the nearby camp-- for professional reason, he did genuinely give his gratitude for just the mirroring question, bowing quickly but respectfully to the opposibg woman in response.
He didn't mean to pry, but his eyes merely happened to catch the few bottles in sight. He failed to discern what they each were, though. "I assume so. If you are a herbalist, then it is very likely." Sakaba presumed, taking a light pause before continuing; "There should be an order under the name Ouyuu?" Only to make sure, the instructor asked before getting to the point.
She kept a careful eye on the man while he spoke. He hadn't tried to move any closer, something Cas was thankful for. The yumi hadn't been in use for several weeks now and fighting in such close quarters would prove to be difficult, even if she had both eyes to use. The man's bow was returned with a small head bow. This was more out of reflex than anything. A bow wasn't something she expected to see the man do, nor did she expect to do in response. How strange. Upon hearing the name Cas relaxed instantly.
"Then I am the one you've sent for." The reply was ended with a grin. Loose grass and dirt was brushed off of her skirt, and the basket was back in her arms once more though she hadn't taken a step closer to the man. Her legs tingled with the sudden flow of blood.
"There's a question I've been wanting to ask since I received this order, and I hope you don't think me rude for asking." Cas shifted from foot to foot nervously. The question wasn't huge. It wasn't even bad. It was just her curiosity getting the better of her, but maybe now wasn't the best time to ask. "I was, ah... Ah, never mind. It can be saved for later. Would you like to review your order? There's much for you to see and for me to explain."
As expected. His smiling face had not changed at the affirmation, though he did feel only a tiny bit relieved. This girl was there for him after all. "I see. That's good to hear then." He calmly assumed, reaching slightly forward as the girl's guard lowered and she stood up. He dared take but just a single step forward, foot sliding on the ground some as he took the initiative to come closer. Sakaba still knew better than to pose a threat on the woman, though for the moment he would work slowly towards it. But more than that-- "Allow me to help you with that." He suggested. His actual motive laid bare. "It may not be much, but it is the least I can offer in thanks for your long journey." It's just a shame he never made more of the way.
An eyebrow was raised at her. Names left omitted was natural, though it appeared like she had something on her mind. He wasn't going to push if she didn't feel like going through with it, but his curiosity was piqued anyway. He failed to come up with any assumption regarding what it would be, however. "Hmm...? Well... Alright then." He huffed out, taking liberty to come closer now that the offer was granted. "Yes. I wouldn't dare mistrust you, but I would like to be sure." And on the way, he himself had some questions about the job too. So why not take the chance?
"Excuse me." As the request was already paid for and just delivery was in store, it was natural that Sakaba held every right to intrude onto the basket case. He resigned himself from any feelings of guilt in daring to pry into the assortment this time, seeing how it was kept in proper reason. "Then, let's review. Please." He allowed, lifting his gaze from the basket and looking into the young woman's eyes.
The man seemed careful when approaching her, his feet hardly lifting off the ground as he moved forward. It almost reminded her of how children would move when they tried to capture bugs. Was he worried about her attacking? The thought was almost enough to make her laugh. Still, she was grateful for the slow steps. It helped whittle the nerves that had started to build up. The man had shown that he could be trusted, even just a little, and that he was in fact the person who had sent for her. Or was at least in knowledge of the order. Ah, she hadn't really confirmed him to be the 'Ouyuu' who placed the order in the first place, had she?
"That's very kind of you sir, but you needn't worry. I can manage for the rest of the way." Cas smiled politely before shifting the basket slightly in her hands. She could claim that it was because she did not trust him fully with the items, but that would be an obvious lie. Having something to hold onto while in this unfamiliar setting kept her from getting panicked, it kept her grounded.
"Of course. It's a large order, there's no harm is checking that everything is accounted for. Though before I continue I must confirm that you are the Ouyuu that placed this order. You are them, yes?" As she spoke as walked slowly away from the man and closer to a small tree. If they were to review the products, it would have to be done sitting down and away from the heat. It was bad enough that she allowed some of them to get as warm as they did. Cas sat with the basket in her lap, her eye meeting his.
While his offer was met with rejection, Sakaba wasn't about to let that go. The basket seemed heavy enough and he'd have loved to be of use to the lady. It was only common courtesy for him, rather something of higher value. Though he wouldn't really push too hard into it if it started being a bother. "Alright then. Do remember that I am here too, however. I'd gladly help with at least that, if I'm allowed." The instructor calmly remarked, giving his offer once again as but a subtle nudge, fully optional.
It hit him as the woman began to take towards shade; the flaw in his etiquette. How careless of him, for such a fundamental thing! "--Oh." Eyes widened as he even stuttered a bit, taken aback by the lack of manners he displayed. His earlier assumption was proven wrong after all, and names were required regardless. At least from him, that is for sure. Though he did attempt at least to identify himself by stating the order name, she was correct to have suspicion remaining even after that one question. "I'm sorry. Then, the most I can offer to you is my word."
He cleared his throat before properly restarting. "I am Instructor Ouyuu, yes. My name is Sakaba Ouyuu. Unfortunately, that is as much as I can share with you regarding that." He declared, keeping a professional tone behind his words. As if the introduction was granted several times-- an assumption that would be true. The unfamiliar sources Sakaba tended to contact were perhaps a burden for some of the higher-ups, and as such he alone needed to find a way to deal with them. Part of which, is to use a set 'script', perhaps, to recite out of direct army affairs. "Now then."
As opposed to only a moment earlier, the young man did take a seat following his new company; but instead of basket, his stare remained on her. "I suppose I should be making sure as well, then." He jested, head lightly tilted to the side as he flashed a smile once more. "Might I ask for your name too, miss?" His politeness was merely given to go with the earlier joke's air.
"I don't require anything more than your name, thank you." With the name confirmed, Cas began to take out the bigger bottles and pouches. The noises that came from the containers varied from sounding water-like to something akin to thick oils. Thankfully this would be the mass of the order. The rest of the order- smaller vials containing the more concentrated essences and extracts- had been tucked away. There was a total of 10 different bottles and pouches, each containing something different. The jest was met with a short quiet hum and a grin. "Well instructor Ouyuu, you can just call me Cas. Pay close attention now.”
Each bottle and pouch was handed to Sakaba for him to examine. With each new explanation came the new holder in his hands. The concoctions were broken down to the man carefully, from ingredients to side effects to intended results. How the liquid in the first pouch was nearly identical to the syrup in the four bottle with the exception of one ingredient, and just how big a role that ingredient would play during intake. How the smallest of the bottles contained something that would help boost stamina at the cost of stomach pains during the first few days. Each of the containers held something different, and it would be up to Instructor Ouyuu to figure out which ones he prefered for his soldiers. Once he decided, she would make enough for the basket and take this trip again.
“You might want to pick two or three soldiers for each concoction. Results vary between people but it will help you decide which ones you prefer.” Cas rubbed at her eye with the heel of her hand before pulling out the last of the order, the extracts. Once the bulk of the order was safely secured she lifted the basket from her lap and placed it at her side. The vials- five of them- were held in a small sack. Gold, red, black, brown, and orange. Cas cradled the loose vials in both hands and brought the closer to the instructor for inspection. “I ask you be most wary of the gold one. All these extracts possess the same side effects more or less, but that one can cause quite a bit of head pain.”
At first taking to believe that his jest was not met well, a drop of sweat rolled down the instructor's head, a little nervously. He didn't mind being judged by her, but making the atmosphere awkward would be rather unpleasant. Fortunately enough, his request was met positively as the girl came to properly introduce herself; Cas. "Cas." He recited to himself, holding at his chin as his smile remained, thoughts running silently in his head as to not disrupt the herbalist's work. That's an unusual name. Perhaps a nickname of sorts? Or perhaps she's not a local? It would be interesting to meet another Oni village local.
One by one, Sakaba took the bottles handed to him. Opening their lids and bringing them close to his nostrils, taking a generous whiff from any one he held before promptly closing the lid, then moving on to the next one. Growing up at a shrine, he knew there was more to concoctions than just their ingredients and intake. Smell happened to be one of the extras that accompanied, sometimes for better but less often than so, for worse. The instructor's eyes moved rapidly between the bottles, the basket and Cas. Attempting to take in as much of her explanation as he could, for the sake of his soldiers. As he gave the bare minimum of reactions, Sakaba only mentioned names of soldiers that were undoubtedly unfamiliar to the herbalist; matching them with what he was given, out loud.
Despite the detailed and lengthy explanations, the instructor managed to take in several details regardless. "Alright. ...So..." However, it had occurred to him that he remembered little about each individual vial and pouch. Unfortunate. "Forgive me, Miss Cas." He abruptly started, almost on immediate cue after the lady had took to her feet again. Still holding onto one in particular, with several bottles laid in-front of him, Sakaba looked to her eyes. "But this is a little much to take in at once. Admittedly, I won't be able to use this effectively for my soldiers." He promptly apologized, bowing once again.
"--With that in mind. May I request you come with me?" To the near camp that may or may not exist.
Embarrassment heated her face. Her efforts to simplify the orders only caused more complication. She honestly should have expected this; the order was big, yes, but Cas was never good at keeping things short and simple. At least when it came to her craft. She would have to work on fixing that… Her eyes moved from the man to the ground, her fingers fiddling with her skirts nervously. "You needn’t apologize. It's me who should be sorry. I didn’t really make any of this easy to remember...”
“Of course. I must ask where it is we’re going first. I hope you understand the reasoning behind this question.” The rest of the order was packed away and lifted, her attention back on Ouyuu. She could only assume that the place they would be heading was the training camp. It only made sense to head there. Maybe he had to write the explanations down thus the trip back. Cas wouldn’t blame him if that were the case.
“Not to say that I don’t trust you. Following people blindly to unknown locations isn’t something I do often. You’re an instructor and soldier, but you’re also someone I don’t know.”
Oh. "No, don't apologize please." He requested, lightly chuckling as he flinched. "I happen to have, little experience in the area, so this is really just the magnitude of how much there is." It was easily more difficult than just remembering what each of the given assortments was intended for. Ingredients were to be taken to account, and not just regarding the concoctions but the soldiers they were meant for, as well. The same went for recommendations for applications. As such, Sakaba ended up complication a rather simple lesson about something he had ordered.
The corners of his lips pursed up in a smile once more, as the instructor picked up the several bottles laid in-front of him, then standing fully erect. "If I had to say," He pondered, "then it is to camp." Seems keeping professional would not get him a right way. Though, it was no secret that the nearby camp existed. In fact, as it was merely a camp-- and not a base, Sakaba allowed the slip. "I wouldn't remember all of that by myself. Fortunately, we can speed things up by meeting with my soldiers midway."
"We would also help you with the load." He expanded; "I understand this is the majority of the bulk of my order but, not everything fit in, right?" The instructor allowed to question; "In that case." pointing back to the path from which he arrived. "--Shall we?"
So there was a camp close by. Or at least somewhere within the area. At least it explained why the instructor was here. Cas didn't remember a camp being within range last time she traveled this route. Though she hadn't really been paying much attention to anything last time. Meeting with the soldiers would prove to be more beneficial that writing it down, like she had thought before. If they were the ones he had selected to take the concoctions, that would be even better. Explaining what someone was taking along with their effects and what they should pay attention to, was something Cas tried to do for all of her customers. "I see... That sounds good.." She nodded slowly.
"That's correct, yes. I appreciate the help. Thank you." Cas gave a small smile before starting to follow him down that path. There was something that lingered in her head, something he had said earlier. Something he had one also. First was his mention of previous experience. While he called it a small amount it was still knowledge. From her experience, most people knew the bare minimum when it came to medicinal herbs. She was curious where he had learned it or if he had ever taken any of the cures. That led to the question she had intended to ask him earlier. That question would be asked after everything was settled. An action was the last thing to stay in her mind. Cas, despite having her eyes cast down, could have sworn she saw the man flinch. This wouldn't be something she would ask about.
"You said you had little experience when it came to herbs and the sort. How did you learn? I'm curious."
Promptly turning around, Sakaba made sure that the woman had been following, reducing his pace on occasion until Cas had been placed beside him. It wasn't as much to monitor as much as it was in simple courtesy; while he was leading the way, he figured this would be more pleasant for the woman. This also made for easier conversation, rather just turning every moment he had to talk.
Despite what it had entailed bringing unpleasant memories, the instructor was far from the point of concealing it. "About that... It's not exactly little an experience." He opened; "In my past, you could say I used to deal with these sorts of things. My family owns a shrine, so medicine and health was an integral part of my childhood." He explained, grabbing one particular vial given as an example. "For instance, I was familiar with this here. The composition you've mentioned is a little different, but use of hydrangeas isn't foreign to me." He methodically explained, looking to the herbalist's eye as he admitted to his familiarity. Sakaba held some knowledge pertaining to a couple of the others mentioned, and only due to having tried them could he make a proper order.
"Even so..." He continued, beginning to contrast as he laid the vial down. "It is only a select few that I managed to deal with, heheh. In the end, duty calls." And therefore, he wound up a soldier and not a monk. Though, this did bring an interesting direction to pass the time. The two were heading down a hill, and the instructor did his best to assure the woman's heavy load wouldn't disrupt her balance. The last thing he needed was her falling. He could assume she could hold her own, specifically in proof of the Yumi carried by her side; but, just in case. "How long have you been a herbalist for, Miss Cas?"
She was both impressed and surprised, and it was clear to see on her face. There wasn’t very many people she encountered to have known so much. And to have learned from a shrine. Learning from her family was fun but she had heard of the ways that shrine created their cures and remedies, how they taught and gained their own knowledge. It did raise the question why he hadn’t stayed in the shrine. He seemed like he would make a fairly good monk. At least she thought so, from the little she knew of him.
There was a certain way that he said the last line that caused her to look at him curiously. Was he not happy in his current position? Nothing on his face had shown anything of the sort, but his voice.. It had answered her question at least. She had wanted to ask him about his feelings towards being an instructor but feeling that it wasn’t her place, she put the question down. Cas lifted the basket up to give herself a better view of where her feet landed. The hill hadn’t been as steep as she had thought. She carried herself well enough down but the man’s assurance was appreciated, and she let him know of this appreciation when they had reached the base of the hill.
“Not too long, maybe a few years. My uncle’s partners, the owners of the shop, taught me what they knew after I had first arrived here in my youth. I liked watching them work. I like the pretty plants and flowers they used. They couldn’t run me out of their workroom, so they decided to teach me instead.” Cas laughed lightly as she recounted the memory, but a weight began to form in the pit of her stomach. Despite the growing unease, she grinned. “And you needn’t call me ‘Miss’.”
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