[Gryphon Compound] Unwanted Meetings [Kasumi, PM for invite]

[Laisera]

25th of Melora in Winter of Era I of the Celestial Mandate of Era XV Post Fractum

To say that she was annoyed was merely just too simple. Supposedly, she was meeting the heir of the family, the one that would take over...She rolled her eyes. Whatever happened in this family did not concern her. As soon as she got everything ready, she would run away from this stupid home. She crossed her arms at the thought of this, telling herself to take a deep breath. Getting angry would only shorten her life and it was not worth it for this family.

Honestly. Then why did she come early before the expected time? Even if she did not like the ways of the family, she could not help but wonder how Kasumi Adsa was like. She might have seen him once or twice in the household, but she never got the chance to talk to him. Clan customs were annoying, in her opinion. Laisera knew many people, but if you asked her if she talked to any of them... She wondered if Kasumi was like her, isolated from the outside world. Laisera shrugged away those thoughts. Whether or not he was isolated did not matter to her.

"Wonder when he's coming..." She had said her thoughts without realizing it.

[Kasumi Adsa]

It was another quite normal day for the young gryphon. He had been given yet another request from the clan, but for what reason he wasn’t told. He was to meet with the sixth daughter of the Jerojima and his first wife. Quite a prestige position even though she was born so late. Anyone born into the Riishi had privileged life over all other families in Zinn’Sunn. Yet in the end most of them were used as tools to further the family. Kasumi was also just a tool to the Riishi, even if he was the most likely candidate to take over the Adsa. A harsh truth about the Gryphon clan he had long come to terms with. All members of the clan should have realised this, but whether they accept the fate or fight against it was another thing.

It was a little past the appointed time of their meeting when Kasumi arrived. Not like it was noticeable so he might as well have been on time. He approached the young Riishi, with his somewhat piercing eyes. “Serale, I am Kasumi Adsa, third child of Ansai Adsa and his first wife; and eldest son to Adsa family. I assume you are Liasera, are you not?” He asked after introducing himself. His attitude was somewhat softer, kinder even, than he was outside the compound. He though such action would suit the young girl better, though he still held a lot of hate for her family. He wouldn’t take things light since she might be as corrupt as her family.

[Laisera]

She noticed the first slight movement that happened in the compound. Whoever was walking her way certainly looked like a member of the family.

His manners surprised her a little. She had expected that he might have not wanted to be here. There was no point in talking with her. She had little to no influence. All the power was taken by her older sisters and it wasn't even much. When he gave his lengthy introduction, she figured that she would do the same. No point in making more enemies. Well, if he wasn't annoying and talked too...polite. She hated formalities, but she dealt with them.

"Yes, I am Laisera Riishi, sixth daughter of Lord Jerojima and his first wife, Naiy'Saen." She gave a short bow and continued talking, this time, more informal. It suited her better and she was more use to talking this way. "So...first time I actually even talked with you. How's life in the Gryphon clan for you?"

She shrugged, "It's probably going well for you, right? Getting to study what you want and all." She looked at him again, this time, laughing a bit. The next sentence, if he chose to tell her parents, would probably get her in a lot of trouble. "I HATE pouring tea, just to let you know. Did you ever try?"

[Kasumi Adsa]

He didn’t expect as much to come from a Riishi. She not only introduced herself, but started up a pointless conversation about how much she disliked her life, and pouring tea. Kasumi felt quite insulted by it in fact, though it was most likely because she was still quite immature. He wouldn’t inform the Riishi of this because even if they didn’t know it already it would serve little purpose. Though if they wanted him to explain the situation than it would be different story. Kasumi felt no loyalty to someone he didn’t know, and even less since she was a Riishi. There could even be a possibility this was a ploy by the Riishi to test his loyalty, but he doubted they’d be so foolish. Even so he wouldn’t say anything that could be considered treacherous.

He would continue as he normally would. Kasumi was an heir to the Adsa, and was brought up well. It would consider normal for him to see the young Riishi behaviour as quite unfitting. “Don’t talk so freely. What you just said is offensive to the clan, your house, and me. I’m quite surprised the Riishi didn’t educate you better, or perhaps you’re just foolish. Don’t let here you speak like that again.” He scolded her lightly. He couldn’t let what she had said go unpunished, but he didn’t want to end the meeting like that. After almost no interaction with her the reason why the Riishi had asked for this would hardly be served.

After a period of silence, a few seconds or so, he restarted the conversation. “If you could, tell me what you dislike about your life. I might not be able to help much, but I would I might as well try.” If by chance her attitude was the reason he was asked to speak with her, then starting here would probably be the best. If it wasn’t, surely this would at least give him a little more information to work with. Whatever may be the case, he hoped she was willing to speak with him. If she wasn’t willing to do so things would get a whole lot harder. If she wasn’t willing to listen to reason, he would waste his time though. The clan hadn’t asked him to do anything but meet her so he had little obligation.

[Laisera]

Laisera frowned. Guess he thought differently from her. She shrugged. Most of the members valued manners above everything, she guessed. Couldn't they break the rules though? It was for the clan's honor and all that, but that was up to the clan to decide. Why not be happier, like those families out in Zinn'Sunn that weren't part of a clan. She had seen them, once or twice. Harder lives they led, but they seemed...happier.

Her eyes stayed on Kasumi, "Fine, I will cease all talking--immediately." There was a frown evident on her face, though she tried to mask it. She tried to look normal and happy, but nevertheless, the frown stayed.

She brightened up when he spoke up again, "Really? Would you? Well...I want to train, for real. Not just about the clan's history, how to be polite and all that. You know, with a sword?" They might not have listened to her, but perhaps they would listen to him. A brief smile formed on her lips before she concealed it again, trying to not look to eager.

[Kasumi Adsa]

The young Riishi female seemed more open to discuss her dislikes, or whatever, than Kasumi had expected. The first thing she had mentioned was learning how to fight. The idea of the young Riishi with a sword seemed like a very bad one to him. He could understand if it was for protection, but that was hardly the case for someone in her position. There was little reason to target the women of a clan and if one of them was, it would be very unlikely it’d be someone in Laisera’s position. Most likely she wanted to fight. Did that sound fun to her? She’d seek out a little more excitement by putting her life on the line to murder others. Kasumi felt there was something deeply wrong with anyone who would take that mentality. In his mind achieving victory without swords or lives was a lot more meaningful and a lot more prosperous. Sadly, in Zinn’Sunn people wouldn’t listen unless such methods were used.

Kasumi hoped that, whatever her reason may be, it wouldn’t be as twisted as that. For some reason Kasumi didn’t take her for a psychotic killer, maybe she just felt that learning manners and such were pointless. Kasumi still couldn’t condone approving of her learning for that reason. What the clan taught her was all for her benefit one day. The level of those skills would determine the level of luxury her life would have. Voicing that such things weren’t needed would go against the traditions and lifestyle of Zinn’Sunn. Kasumi didn’t have a problem with changing such things, but right now he couldn’t say anything against them.

Instead of guessing the reason he’d just asked her, “Why does swordsmanship interested you?” The question seemed natural after she voiced her interest. Kasumi had quite a lot of inner working behind it, but she didn’t know that. Kasumi had already started thinking about what use she could be. The girl obviously had a lot of spirit and even if she was a little harsh and rude she could still be useful. If she had managed to come through, free of the taint of the Riishi that was.

[Laisera]

Laisera expected the question. It made sense that Kasumi would want to know, given her request. It did not make explaining any easier though. She was uncertain, how much she should reveal to Kasumi. Swords had interested her from long ago, when she was a small child. Instead, she was given a tessen and learned that. The fan was interesting to use, and she planned on continuing her lessons, but the sword was a nice option as well.

"I want to learn the ways of the sword because I want to prove myself. I may not be able to use it against someone, but I would like to show what women are capable of."

It was a straightforward answer and Laisera couldn't find any better way that to say it. The words were truthful and polite, a rare feat for the young woman. Having lived her life under the eyes of the Gyphon clan, it was hard to do the things she wanted. If she did anything, it was either to please an elder or her parents.

"Think you can help me?" Her words were light. She didn't want to pressure Kasumi, for she knew that he had other duties to attend to in the clan. Everyone had their duties. It was a way of life, but if he could help her with this, then she would be in his debt.

[Kasumi Adsa]

The Adsa waited patiently for the Riishi’s response. No notable behaviours were shown, as the Adsa remained still, without any unnecessary movements. The answer naturally came from Laisera in a quite polite manner. It was a little surprising, but Kasumi much preferred Laisera when she spoke as such. The content of her words sounded very sincere. She had explained that she didn’t like the oppressive nature Zinn’Sunn had on the females of the culture, even though most of those problems were supposed to be fixed. Kasumi could understand what it must be like to be the daughter of the Riishi, though it wasn’t much different to his lifestyle. He had little free time away from what the clan needed of him. Sometimes it was political, and other times it was more physical. He was in constant demand, but at least he half consented to going through with it. He was in no position to free her of her duties and wouldn’t be for some time.

The Riishi added on to the end a request. She wanted Kasumi to help her learn the sword, or maybe even prove that she is more than just another clan woman. It was quite brave to want to change things, but not so much if it was only and immature way of rebelling. Getting her indebted to him would be useful in the future. The question was whether he should do something a little dangerous now in hopes it might pay off later. The Riishi probably wouldn’t approve of teaching the girl how to use a sword so finding a teacher would be hard. Kasumi wasn’t nearly skilled enough yet to teach her. A little more practise then he could give her a slight run over swordsmanship, but the principles were simple. Until then he could really help her with that either.

He couldn’t really do anything for her at the current time, but maybe he could fix her behaviour a little. “I don’t think a sword would fit you. They have only one purpose and that is to take someone else’s life. To see you murdering another person would be a pitiful sight to see. If you were only a little more refined and respectful you’d be, what I’d called, an ideal woman.” He said, randomly making a slight approach. “The passion you have to change things is good, but the way you are going about it is wrong. I promise you that I’ll help you when I have the ability to do so. Trust me, I won’t forget.” He paused before changing the subject to something less serious, “The training might even come in useful later on. If you are really good, you might be married off to a powerful man. They might even be able to make your wishes come true.” Kasumi tried to show a positive side to the training in which it would help her. With this Kasumi might still be able to ask a favour of her later on, depending on how she took it. It was entirely possible for the clan to have them be wed. The meeting did seem a little weird, maybe they had something planned for both of them.

[Laisera]

Waiting for Kasumi to answer was agony itself. Knowing that her fate rested on what he was going to say next set her heat beating. She could hear it pounding like a drum in her ears. Her fingernails were digging into her palms and she still had to maintain the appearance of being calm. Such was the cruel fate of being born into the Gyphon clan. She understood her fate, but chose to go against it. Many have tried, but most subjected to their fate eventually. Would she be the same and act like a coward?

It was because they did not have help. If Kasumi could help her...

Her heart dropped with his statement. The way of the sword didn't fit her. Imagine that. She dropped her head down, staring at the floor. She had her hopes up for nothing. Laisera never learned. She was a wishful girl that hoped for a better future. The girl seemed empty now, gone of that firey spirt that she had shown Kasumi a while ago.

"I don't plan on murdering anyone. I won't. Never." His words sent her slightly back on track. It was true. No matter how much she endured, she would never find the malice to kill someone. "Just because one wields a sword does not mean that they will kill someone." She paused uncertain, "Right?"

"I rather die in my code of honor than be an 'ideal woman' that merely stays trapped in the clan," she said, "If other women disagree with me, then that is their opinion." She wanted to make it clear that others' opinions did not matter to her. What mattered was what her heart believed in.

"Thank you!" her face brightened up and a rare smile appeared on her face, "You are pretty nice person. If you have any problems in the future, I promise that I'll help you out if you ask for it."

[Kasumi Adsa]

OOC I though I might try some colours

The girl reacted differently to how he would have like her to, but often things didn’t go to plan. She seemed to be crushed by his suggestion that the sword was not for her. She tried to get Kasumi to change his words that someone who used was not just a murder. Kasumi wouldn’t lie; a sword was not weapon for defence. “No matter how you try to justify it there is only one way a sword can be used. Unlike the tessen or the Zinn’ka which can be used for defence, a sword is basically an offensive weapon. If you aren’t willing to kill your opponent then a sword isn’t for you.” Kasumi hoped she would understand. His training was how to strike an opponent to kill or maim them, and there was little other way to subdue the opponent. “Have you heard that it shames the blade if it is drawn without intent to kill?” He added.

Giving her ample time to responded Kasumi moved on to the rest of what she had said. She was very stubborn. She refused to be Kasumi’s definitely of an ideal woman. He hoped that maybe the idea that Kasumi thought it was very attractive might make the idea more attractive. Sadly the girl didn’t think that matter, claiming that just because other people thought it was so didn’t mean she wanted to be that way. Kasumi had to concede that she had no intention of being a Zinn’Sunn woman, but with her clan life she’d have to get used to it. Kasumi would probably not even try to change things around here to suit her even after his restructuring of the city. He quite liked how things were, and the slight change left woman able to get jobs and such. If he judged it just than it was just. That way of thinking was a little stubborn, but he was willing to change his beliefs if it made enough sense to him.

The final thing she had said was weird. She happily told him that she thought he was fairly nice and would be willing to help if he had any problems. It almost felt like she was reading his mind, but he could justify it as a response to his own promise to help her if she needed it. He chose to forget about her opinions that he couldn’t change, and continue with this help topic. “Consider what I’ve told you so far my first attempts to help you. Be careful, there are many things at work in this city. Drawing too much attention could bring unwanted trouble to the clan, and to you.” He warned her. He gave some pause before continuing. “If I do ask for your assistance I promise it’ll be something to your liking.” He wanted to get off such serious topics. He had avoided mentioning anything about his plans or hate for the Riishi, but didn’t want to discuss things like that too much further.

He would get off this topic as quickly as possible and do so by changing the subject. “Do you know why they asked us to meet? I have made a few assumptions, but I feel there is something a little more serious going on then what I’ve come up with so far.” Kasumi couldn’t believe they’d ask him to come here just to meet her and possibly try to change her ways. Whatever the case was he wanted to know. He would find out eventually but the soon the better. He doubted Laisera knew since she probably would have brought it up earlier, but Kasumi judged it worth discussing, and less dangerous than talking about Laisera’s hate for the clan customs.

[Laisera]

Laisera's face did not make any visible changes as Kasumi pointed out the dangers of the sword. It made sense to the girl and she might have been told that a few times in the past, but it wasn't what she wanted to hear. If she was born male, perhaps she would have been able to practice with a sword. She might have even been expected to use a sword. He asked her a question, about shame and what not. Laisera supposed it may have been correct, but she said nothing. The disappointment that sat in her heart was too great for words to be spoken.

She remembered how a tessen looked. Harmless, but strong enough to protect herself. Was that how she was? She did not know. It was a blunt reminder of how she could never wield a blade while living under the Gyphon clan. Zinn'Sunn was a beautiful place to live in and she was privilaged to live her life out in this city.

It would have been nice to travel out though, to see the world. She wanted to ask Kasumi, but figured he would decline this request just as he declined her request to be able to use a sword.

"What...do you mean that there are many things at work?" Laisera temporarily forgot about her woes and focused on his words. She knew about the many different clans and conflicts that they had with each other. That was a normal day of life, but what Kasumi said had sounded grand. It scared Laisera, no matter how much she was not willing to show it.

"No," Laisera shook her head, "I do not know why they have asked us to come. It is a strange encounter as they never had a reason to call a meeting for us together before..."

[Kasumi Adsa]

Laisera was mostly quiet during Kasumi’s lecturing, and it was mostly due to disappointment. Kasumi attempted to destroy her dreams with his logic, though whether that’d stop her was her decision. Kasumi definitely thought she was unsuited and hoped his words would prove effective, but with her kind of passion he couldn’t be sure. The conversation got off the topic of learning to fight and on to the current happenings in Zinn’Sunn. She had asked for information on what Kasumi had hinted was going on, and given him and answer to the last question he had asked. Neither of which gave him much to respond about.

For the information she had asked, he couldn’t tell her anything. The main reason was he didn’t know much, and the other was because he did know wasn’t something he could share so easily. “I can’t tell you anything else than to be careful.” He said firmly. She should get he wasn’t willing to tell her anything, and he hoped she didn’t waste time trying to get the information out of him. If she did try it would probably prove unsuccessful. Kasumi wasn’t easily persuaded.

As for her answer to his last question, it provided almost nothing for Kasumi to use. He had little to base his assumptions on and he hoped she could provide some information. She didn’t know why they were here, but she didn’t say anything other than it seemed a little weird. That much was obvious if neither of them knew. He figured even if she didn’t know anything about why they were here there’d be something she did know that might help him. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to know if you have noticed anything strange recently. It could be something small, but I need something to go off if I’m to figure out why we were asked to meet.” He stopped to take a breath thinking of the outcome a little. If she couldn’t think of anything this conversation would go nowhere. “If not, is there anything else you’d like to talk about?” If she had nothing else to talk about then there’d be little reason him to hang around.

[Laisera]

"Well with all due respect, I find it rather hard to be careful about something I don't even know about." Laisera did not find herself as an attention bringer. She rarely interacted with the other clan members, choosing to hole herself up at her own room. She shrugged uneasily, hugging her body with her arms, "It's always unsafe with those clan wars...it's not its a big difference."

She felt Kasumi was a nice person, but she also felt that she had to watch out for him. He clearly knew what was going on in the city or else he wouldn't have warned her. How much power he had in the clan, she did not know, but it could have been a lot or nothing at all. Kasumi was someone that went by the strict morals of the clan, something Laisera had been going against all her life. She supposed it was part of life at Zinn' Sunn, but every time she tried to give in to those morals, her mind would not allow it. It was against her instinct, to follow some petty law that would only make her life miserable.

When he asked more about the meeting, she lifted at eyebrow, "Why would anything be strange?" she froze, "You don't suppose something's going to happen to one of us?"

"Yes, I have a question. What is your opinion about the Gyphon Clan?"

[Kasumi Adsa]

She didn’t like him keeping what he knew from her, claiming she couldn’t be careful of what she didn’t know. Kasumi would ignore that part for now. He had no intention of say a word more and didn’t feel like continuing the topic would be beneficial, especially with his reasons for continuing the conversation waning. Of course if she gave him something of worth the work with this would not be the case. This was not the case. Her answer was quite simple and she questioned if something was going to happen to one of them or something. He thought such knowledge would be obvious due to weird requests by both of the families. He only hoped whatever it was happened to be some trivial matter.

“I can’t say for sure, but you’d think there was a point to this.” He answered. His gaze was removed from her, and he appeared to be in quite relaxed while looking at nothing particular. “Either way we should probably assume something is up. I for one like to plan for things in advance.” Kasumi didn’t hide his interest in knowing what was going on. Laisera could probably tell he was thinking over a few things while the spoke. He couldn’t say whether she was as analytical as he was for sure, but she really didn’t seem the type. If there was anything useful he picked up from his childhood it was this. The Adsa expected him to be good with numbers and calculations and had made sure to give him the education for it.

He was snapped out of his thoughts with Laisera incredibly blunt question, but it did intrigue him a little. He couldn’t tell her how he really felt, but outright lying seemed a little bit of waste as well. “I think very highly of them. I’d expect you to feel the same way.” He answered. Of course it was a lie, but she probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. He didn’t judge this place to be safe, and wasn’t all that willing to trust her just yet either. Still it would be too much of a waste to leave it there. “Would you accompany me for a little while?” He added in the same tone. He thought this might scare her away a little, but he decided it was necessary. He didn’t wait for her response before he started walking. He took the liberty of making the decision away from her. He expected this way she would have little chance but to follow him. It was also quite suiting for clan member such as himself to be this way. He expected her to follow behind him a few steps as was considered polite by their customs.

If she did choose to follow he would lead her to a somewhat secluded area of the estate. In fact it quite a beautiful area, but these days hardly anyone ventured around here. It was an overgrown part of the estate which was between the Adsa house and the Ancha house. It had been allowed to remain untouched due to some historical reason, and Kasumi was actually quite pleased about this. His brother had originally shown him this place and it was quite fond to him. Disregarding that, not many people came by here, so it should be safe. He made his way to a bench like rock nearby. It seemed like a good place to talk if any. Of course if she had chosen to follow him, he would have to scold her for her bad manners.

[Laisera]

OOCSorry for the delay

A point? Laisera shrugged at Kasumi's statement on how he believed the Gyphon clan to be...up to mischief. She tilted her head, staring up at the sky, noticing the blandness it took during the winter. The Gyphon clan was always up to no good, in her opinion, and it was better if she simply stop thinking about the subject, as it would most likely cause her to have brain damage before she could figure out why they had called both her and Kasumi for this strange meeting. From her past experience, she was the unwanted daughter, the extra out of the many sisters she had. Instead of the male her father had wished to finally have, she was a female. Even before, she had been fighting. It pleased her all the more that her father had no sons. "How can you plan for something that you have no knowledge about?" That was her response. She had no intention of it to be a witty comment of any sort, but she was merely curious. Perhaps Kasumi did have a way to find out about the secrets of the clan. It would not surprise Laisera at all if he did. Males did have more power in the clans. It was a fact of life that bit her every brightening.

She nodded simply at his assurance that he liked the clan no worse than anyone else at the clan. Believing that anymore outbursts would likely upset the Adsa, she said no further comment on this. Whether that was the truth of what Kasumi truly thought of the clan, it would remain a mystery to Laisera. Though she was geniunely curious to how the others thought of the clan, she was not the type that liked to force others into telling their secret thoughts. She, herself, was a guardian to her own and would have not liked it if others tried to find her secrets...and doubts.

His next question surprised Laisera, causing the kemite to widen her eyes before she blinked, trying to get appear calm again. She raised an eyebrow, curious to what he would have to say. In a few seconds, she was off, following Kasumi. She knew better to walk right beside him, least anyone say her. Laisera winced at this. She had enough scoldings to last her a lifetime. Still, her stroll was easy-going, not very lady-like, but there was still a sense of nobility in her walk. She was different from the normal people out of this clan and she knew it. How nice would it be to walk out in the streets without anyone to judge her!

She froze for a few seconds at the arrival of the new scenery. The beauty of the place shocked the girl, who was rarely fond of nature, but the aura of this place seemed to captivate her. She held her hands, as if to touch the air. "This place...is beautiful..." She was in her own world now, seemingly hypnotized.