Nineteen

Priya had sent a message to Kara as soon as she’d arrived in Darhkvale. Now she made her way to the Penumbra Central Station to continue with her mission. The training and testing facilities there offered her much in the way of entertainment, chuckling along with the other employees at the efforts of one individual who was trying so hard to keep up with the other guards. She could see by the way they moved that they had been behind a desk for many years and was merely out of practice. She could have moved to somewhere more comfortable, which after a few hours she decided was the better option. It had been a long and arduous journey by sea, and she could use a hot shower and a comfortable chair. There were suites available for her of course, and she retired there to patiently wait.

[*OOC - This is Priya, Kara's Unique NPC]

After an emotional exchange with Tamwyn, and an impulsive decision to head to Darhkvale, Kara and Doku appeared in a beautiful and spacious apartment, hopefully with Tamwyn in tow. The apartment was darkened, the curtains drawn to block out any light from outside, while inside there were various candles set up on tables to light the area. All the furniture was in a dark shade; rich brown leather and mahogany wood with deep red velvet fabrics. Other than the furniture, the apartment seemed empty. It wasn’t of course, since there were lit candles it was a reasonable assumption even for Doku that there were people somewhere in here.

Doku again looked queasy, travelling by teleportation did not seem to agree with him and he placed the small crate of materials on a nearby table and immediately made himself scarce. Kara would look around, trying to see where her faithful employee was, and seeing no one would call out. “Priya?”

From above Kara’s head on the top of a bookshelf came a rich and warm voice, a voice that was both respectful and held a hint of humour in it. Humour that was probably related to her ‘disappearing act’ upon their arrival. “Took you long enough.” On top of the bookshelf lay a short and lithe woman with long glossy black hair and dark skin, her dark eyes glittering in the candlelight. Priya smiled as Kara finally noticed her and would hop down from the shelf, her dark leather clothing whisper quiet as she touched down with the grace and elegance of a cat. “Took you long enough. . . Mistress.” Her words seemed harsh but there was a smile on Kara’s face as she spoke. The two women clearly familiar with each other and comfortable with the camaraderie.

After taking Kara’s hand Tamwyn would appear within a darkened room in a place he had never been before. He felt fine, probably because he was used to moving at high speed and the kind of forces that entailed and as such the quick burst of movement that seemed to pass in an instant was little more than annoyance. Upon arrival he would immediately send out a sensory pulse. He didn’t think for a moment that Kara would take him somewhere she called her city and that place be unsafe. However it was a new place and he didn’t know anyone here or what or who in the ever loving fuck was around. Besides, it was a habit he had picked up from the war. Always be aware of your surroundings, always. His pulse would pick up someone on a bookshelf and his golden eyes would turn to the figure as Kara called out a name. The woman would comment on their arrival in a subtle joke that Tamwyn while having not missed, didn’t acknowledge. He did not know the woman and so far as he could see this was probably Kara’s apartment.

Clearly she was a close friend of his sisters though given the camaraderie that had displayed between. Tamwyn’s eyes quickly acclimated to the candlelight and he took the opportunity to look ‘Priya’ up and down. Her dark leather clothing was tight against her body and did nothing to hide her figure and dark eyes reflected candlelight as swarthy skin blended in smoothly with the dim light of the room. Long, shining black hair sat atop her head and he could tell at a glance that the woman would draw stares everywhere she went. ‘Like my sisters apartment from random yellow eyes men who have just lost their wives. Stormfury Tamwyn get it together.’ He would think to himself, cursing at himself in his head as he began to look around the apartment. Doku had made himself scarce for some reason but Kara was here and he spoke quietly for the first time since arriving. His hand still holding onto the scroll for dear life. “Where are we? An apartment?” He would ask, golden eyes turning toward her.

Kara nodded as Tamwyn asked if they were in an apartment. “Yes, this is Priya’s apartment. Apologies for the intrusion Priya, I have deviated somewhat from the original plan.” Priya would just shrug nonchalantly at the apology, she’d been expecting Kara for some time, so one extra body was no big deal to her. Priya noticed the once over and gave Tamwyn a wink, although she didn’t yet realize who he was or why he was here. Kara cleared her throat gently and made the appropriate introductions.

“This is Priya. She is my. . . right hand.”

Even though she had just minutes before been actually crying, her dark humour reared its ugly head as usual and she had to really struggle to not chuckle at the inappropriate joke. “And Priya, this is my brother, Tamwyn.” Until Kara said Tamwyn’s name, Priya had been eyeing up the white haired man, but as soon as the name was spoken recognition flashed across her features and she bowed respectfully. “Pleasure to meet you, Tamwyn.” She was still friendly, but she realized that her flirtatious behaviour was much akin to not recognizing royalty, and also flirting with said royalty.

Kara would turn to Priya and hold out a hand as she spoke quietly. “I’ll need three of those senbon please, Priya.” Without any hesitation Priya moved her hand and in it appeared three senbon which she gently placed in Kara’s open palm. Where they came from might have been noticed, but her movements were quick and fluid and intentionally made to obscure the original resting place of the weapons. “Thank you. Now. I’ll need to arrange housing for you, dear brother. You can have anything you like, an apartment or a house, mansion. Truly the sky is the limit. I will put in the necessary paperwork to ensure you are uninhibited in your movements in Darhkvale, and until then Priya will accompany you. If you need or want for anything, Priya will deliver.” She would give a no nonsense look to Priya as she laid out the plan for her employee, turning to see Tamwyn’s reaction as she carefully tucked the senbon into her hair. From somewhere down a hallway came the unmistakable sounds of someone who really had trouble with teleportation retching into a toilet.

Nodding at the confirmation Tamwyn would look around idly, taking in the environment around him and when he was eventually caught eyeing Priya up and down she would flash him a wink and he would blink in surprise. He felt his heart lurch in emotional pain and he took a deep breath before holding his hand up to his chest and letting the pain take him away for a moment. He would let it settle before setting it aside. He had done so in the past with trusted soldiers' deaths. The death of subordinates. However it was so much harder for this that the comparison was impossible. He would tune back in as Kara cleared her throat and proceeded to make a bad joke. He would snort in amusement before looking at Priya, then back at Kara, in particular, her right arm. Then he would cycle back between the two before raising his arm toward Kara and putting a hand to mark a possible location for a cut on his shoulder. “Would taking it off here do?” He would ask, his tone drier than some deserts.

It was both an escalation of the joke and a compliment toward the woman he had just been introduced to. He did not want to be rude toward her in anyway although it hurt to think of flirting even mildly with anyone at the moment. It was also the first joke he had made in days and it felt odd. Kara would introduce him and the mildly flirtatious manner disappeared. Tamwyn would raise a hand, a mildly dismissive one that he himself used. While he wasn’t as famous to the world as Kara soldiers on a battlefield would recognize him on sight and he had used such gestures to request them pause. “Please, just treat me normally. I’m not up for anything overly respectful at the moment. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Priya.” He would say, his voice quiet as he looked down and realized he still clutched the scroll in his hand. He tried to move it toward his hip pouch. However he couldn’t seem to do so, couldn’t make himself set it down. As he did this Kara would request some senbon from her subordination and Priya would deliver. Pulling them from some of the mysterious places that Kunoichi tended to hide sharp and pointy objects.

His sister would then inform him that she would arrange housing, any kind of housing he would like and he nodded his head. That she would put in the paperwork to ensure he was not hindered in his movements and that Priya would accompany him. That last one caused an eyebrow to raise. Was she a babysitter? Or a watch dog? Or both? Frowning mildly he would simply ask, while also clarifying what he would like. “I’ve grown used to living at a certain station. I’ll take a mansion if it’s not inconvenient. Now, is Priya going to be my guide? Or my babysitter?” He would ask, the question having no hint of disapproval in it. He was simply curious as to what the relationship between the woman and him would be and that was all. From down the hall the sound of Doku retching into a toilet would draw a look in the general direction from him but then he would look back toward the women. What was he gonna do? Tell him it was just a little ’teleportation’. For some reason he doubted that would go over well.

[2]

Priya and Kara both chuckled at Tamwyn’s dry joke, though Priya blushed just the tiniest bit. When Tamwyn insisted that he be treated normally, Priya nodded and flashed him a smile, resuming her rather relaxed stance. “Normal it is then.” Her version of ‘normal’ was a bit cavalier and full of flirting, but she was willing to try for whatever Tamwyn considered normal. Priya would step to the back of an overstuffed armchair and rest her palms on it, using her arms to swing herself up and land on her rear on the chair, listening as Kara gave out her instructions.

When Tamwyn requested a mansion, Kara didn’t bat an eye. “Of course, a mansion is perfectly fine. You’ll have your pick of a few that were recently constructed.” Money was absolutely no object for the wealthy Darhk and she would never deny her brother anything. When he asked whether Priya was to be a guide or a babysitter, Kara’s lips curled into a good natured smirk. “Well that depends, dear brother. Are you blind? Or a baby?” He was neither of course, but grief caused people to do strange things and she wanted to ensure that he was well taken care of in her absence. “She can be both, or merely a traveling companion. That is up to you. I would love to spend more time with you, but I cannot, my work never ceases. So in my stead she will watch over you.” She didn’t expect Tamwyn to be too bothered by this, Priya was excellent company and a skilled combatant, though if he voiced strong concerns she would be willing to discuss the matter.

The two women would laugh at his jest and Priya would actually blush a bit. Although given the caramel tone of her skin and the soft light of the candles he wouldn't actually be able to see that. When he asked her to treat him normally she flashed him a smile and a nod, agreeing to do so. Then she would do something a bit odd. The woman would move to the back of a large armchair, place her hands upon the back of it. Then swing herself up on top of it. This would cause the amber eyed man to blink for a moment. Did she eschew normal seating all of the time as a personal quirk or just to try to get amusing reactions out of people? Regardless it was something interesting to see.

When his choice was 'mansion' his sister didn't even seem to note it. It amazed him at times how cavalier some could be with money. He had kept meticulous records of his funds and ensured he could afford his and Yenn's lifestyle with plenty to spare. However Kara didn't even seem to notice such amounts as being missing. Was she really so rich that she could ignore such things so easily? The idea astounded him. It astounded him further when he considered just how powerful 'money' in it of itself really was. It could truly make the world a better place if used properly, or bring it to it's knees with just as much ease. It almost made him to shudder to think of just how much 'power' his sister actually had at her disposal with that one, singular resource. He made a mental note to never get in his sisters way if she wanted something. When he asked if Priya was to be a guide or babysitter the blonde would crack a sarcastic joke at him and his only response was a look that could be translated directly to the word 'really?' However then she would elaborate, explaining that she could be both, or a simple traveling companion. He smiled sadly at her as she said that while she would love to spend more time with him her work would keep her busy constantly. So that Priya would watch over him in her stead.

He would nod at her, accepting her words and his burnished gaze would fall back onto Priya, looking at her more carefully. Although not as someone desirable, though she was. He was getting a gauge of her capabilities. They would have to hit a training ground together to see just what the difference between their capabilities was so that they knew what to expect of the other in case shit hit the fan while traveling. However for the most part he'd probably keep her safely out of reach of danger. Mostly because she and Kara seemed close and he wouldn't want his impatience to get her killed. After all, according to Ryuko it had already gotten him killed once. Still, there was another matter, a couple of more actually. "I have a couple of questions then. First, while I will be traveling once I've taken some time here to get my head right I would ask if there's anything I can do. You're doing so much for me as it is and paying me to boot. I can't just freeload off you dear sister. In the Kumogakure military I had responsibilities, duties to perform. I'll have none of those here, or in my travels. So I ask, what can I do to support you in anyway I can? It goes without saying if you need my assistance martially then you have it, period." He would say, his words coming out a bit harder at the end. Like bared steel daring any takers to try to harm him and his. Yenn was gone, and that meant he only had Kara left. Especially after what he was about to do. "That said, the second is a personal favor I need from you sister. Y-..Ye-..My Wife and I had children, but I'm not even remotely going to be alright to raise them as needed. I am unfit to be a proper parent for them. Would it be possible for you to find someone in my behest? I'll pay for anything they might need." He would ask, his voice breaking at the attempts to say Yenn's name until he finally gave up and didn't use it. It hurt too much, and when he thought of her his hand automatically clutched the scroll in his hand tighter. Stillborn tears causing his eyes to glisten slightly in the candlelight.

[3]

Kara listened attentively as Tamwyn asked his questions, she could see that he was having trouble with the idea of being ‘taken care of’ - even by family. She also knew that the sort of attitude that went along with that often became troublesome and was usually avoided by making said cared for person feel useful. Just keeping him on retainer as protection should she require it was unimaginably useful to her, but it may not seem so to him. So she gave him a task.

“I’m not paying you for no reason, dear brother. Of course, you’re family and anything you asked for I would give you, but as an employee I do have things I will require of you. Firstly, you said you were intending on travelling. Please feel free to use a Corvette, the Midnight Corvid should be in dock currently.” Priya nodded in confirmation as Kara looked to her, it was the ship that Priya had sailed to Darhkvale on recently and was in essence Priya’s ship. “While travelling I want you to keep an eye out for things that may interest me, and more specifically the Eclipse Federation. I am interested in expanding my land holdings, so if you see some place that looks. . . lucrative and has the potential for profit then summon me with the Twin Seal.”

She wasn’t particularly clear about what constituted a geographical location that was both lucrative and profitable, but she was sure he could figure it out. Reaching into the pocket of her black gown Kara would retrieve a small scroll and neatly folded stack of ryo. With a simple gesture she would seal the five million ryo into the scroll, roll it up and hand it to her brother. She could have just as easily handed him the stack of money, but the fact that he now had two scrolls might aid him in finally putting the other one away. By now she had realized that the scroll he had clutched firmly in his hand had to be one that contained the body of his deceased wife; she could not think of any other reason for him to cling to it as though he might die again without it. Holding out the scroll for Tamwyn to take she would give him a gentle smile. “I realize that even though I am paying you, you may end up with some hefty expenses travelling around doing this task for me, so take this. Five million ryo to cover any costs incurred, spend it as you see fit. Oh, and try not to spend it all in one place, I can send more of course but it’s a tiny bit of a hassle.” The last part was said in jest, Kara couldn’t care less what Tamwyn spent the money on, he could spend it on five million geese and build an army entirely out of water fowl.

“As for your children, of course I can find someone to care for them. I would be delighted to, in fact I may know just the person. And don’t be ashamed, you know your limits and that is more than most people do. They will be well cared for and loved, you have nothing to fear regarding their upbringing.”

If Tamwyn took the scroll from her, she would pull Priya aside to speak quietly. If not she would simply entrust the scroll to Priya, either way she spoke to Priya in confidence once they had moved to the kitchen area of the large apartment. “Priya, please watch him closely. He just lost his wife and he isn’t stable. I need him alive and in one piece, beyond that I would recommend giving him free reign for a while. What am I talking about, you know all of this, you were one of the ones that helped me after all. Keep him safe Priya, and don’t let him do anything completely idiotic.” Priya would nod somberly as Kara explained her earlier request in greater detail, she felt worse now, especially about the flirting. “I’ll look after your brother, don’t worry. Well, worry if you want, that’s not my business. But I will guard him as I would you.” Giving Priya a gentle clasp of the shoulder, Kara would smile sadly. “Thank you, Priya. Once again I must ask this of you, know that you have my eternal gratitude.” Priya bowed respectfully and when she rose again she had a sly smile. “Although it hardly feels like a chore, I mean, I’m sure you didn’t notice but your brother is hot.”

Kara shook her head in mock exasperation and then walked towards the bathroom down the hallway, calling out for her indisposed caretaker. “Doku, we need to go, please finish up quickly.” Doku would just groan loudly from the room and then eventually make his way out to follow after his Mistress wherever she needed to go. Before she left, Kara would approach Tamwyn once more, offering him another embrace. Whether he accepted or not she would leave him with gentle parting words, taking her leave before her own emotions overwhelmed her. “Take care, dearest brother. I am only a seal away, and if you need anything do not hesitate to summon me. One thing though, if at all possible, please summon me in a discrete location. The fewer people that know of my abilities the better, and safer, it is for me. I. . . will always be here for you Tamwyn.” She had paused for a long time after the single word ‘I’. She knew that families typically told each other that they loved each other. But she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Not yet. Barring any interruptions, Kara would then exit the apartment through the front door and make her way to her office with Doku in tow.

Once Kara and Doku had left, Priya would walk back over to Tamwyn and sit on the surface of the dining table that Doku had left Tamwyn’s supplies on. Crossing her legs and flashing him another smile she would try to keep his mind occupied. “So what first? Want to go look for a house? Or you hungry? Thirsty? All of the above?” She fully intended to follow Kara’s directions, keep him both safe in body and cared for in spirit.

[Kara and Doku Exit Thread - Giving Tamwyn 5 million ryo, taking 3 A-Rank Senbon from Priya]

He would listen to her carefully as she spoke. Intent on her words as she explained that she would want him to look for prosperous business ventures for her in the world. Specifically locations that might be lucrative. He could do that and it would simply involve him traveling around. Her granting him the usage of a corvette was something he certainly had not expected. However it would cut down on his travel time over the open sea quite nicely. As a matter of fact he thought he might go ahead and start his travels off in the east. However that would come after a bit of time getting his head together. Nodding his head in understanding and acceptance he would nod. “Seems simple enough, very well.” He would say, his voice somewhat quiet as he watched and listened. When she withdrew some ryo and a scroll he would watch as she sealed the ryo in the scroll and passed it to him. He took the scroll idly in the same hand he had Yenn’s scroll and set both in his pouch together. He would give her a small smile at the gesture small psychological manipulation. He didn’t mind it when it was simply in the effort to help him. Having the scroll out of his hands seemed to make him feel somewhat better too. As if there was less weight upon his shoulders.

Based on her tone when she gave him the Ryo he knew the last part was a jest but he did not intend to utilize her as a personal piggy bank. He would take what she gave him here. And endeavor to take no more from her. He wanted their bond to be of brotherly and sisterly affection. Of trust and respect, not having her money or power involved. When she accepted his request to find someone to take care of his children. Even had someone in mind, he smiled softly at her again, the tears that had died in his eyes leaking. He would nod weakly at her words, trusting her implicitly. When she stepped aside to talk to Priya in another room he would idly begin to think on what he would do first. He had the materials for the equipment he had intended to make. Perhaps it was time he made it, time he outfitted himself properly for combat once more. Eventually Priya would return as Kara’s voice came from where the bathroom door would be, calling out to Doku to finish up so they could go.

He would soon come out of the bathroom and idly Tamwyn would reach for a canteen of water he kept on his belt and tossed it to him. “Keep it, you’re probably going to need it again.” He would say simply. It was of course meant to give the man a chance to get the taste out of his mouth. Tamwyn himself had a couple more on his belt anyway. As he did that his sister would approach him once more, and when she did she would offer him another hug. Which he would accept, holding her tightly in his embrace. She would speak quietly, gently, telling him to take care and to not hesitate if he needed something. Simply asking of him to ensure when he called her that he was in a discreet location. He would nod, his chin rising and falling on her head before they finally separated from the hug. Finally she would tell him that she would always be here for him. He heard the pause after the ‘I’ smiled softly at her, knowingly. One did not need to be a genius, or emotionally stable, to recognize what she had tried to say, but couldn’t. “I know Sis.” He would say, the operative word having a deeper meaning to it. She did not need to say it, and he wouldn’t make her uncomfortable by saying it either. “The statement about not hesitating applies to you too. If you need me do not wait, just use the seal so I can make sure I’m safe and don’t come if I don’t send the response. There is no reason I would not send the response in a reasonably quick time frame.” He would say simply, smiling at her before watching her leave out of the front door of the apartment with Doku following along.

Once they had left Priya would move toward him and sit on the table. She’d cross her legs and flash him a smile before asking him what they should do now and he would raise an eyebrow at her. “Do you sit on everything strangely just for fun? I mean it's your apartment, but I’m just curious.” He would ask idly, his tone a bit lighter. It had a forced feel to it, even for him. However for now that was the best he could do. “I feel the need for a strong drink but given the general state of my current mental health that might not be in my best interest. So...let’s start by picking out a house. Then getting things for it. I need at least an Anvil of my own. While we’re out we can get something simple to eat. But I intend to start making my armament as soon as possible. I’ve been without my full capabilities for too long as it is.” He would say, his amber eyes thinking intently before they turned toward her. “That seem good to you? I know Kara will want you to stay near me to make sure I’m okay, that said you can consider any home I select to have a room for you in it if you wish.” He would finish, narrowing his eyes in thought as he considered if there was anything else. Should she agree with him, he would get the small crate of materials and nod for her to lead on. “So, interested in a bit of exertion when I finish that equipment?” He would ask, himself not quite realizing the much more..intimate way that question could be interpreted. “I’d wanna get an idea of your capabilities for myself anyway and give you one of mine before we travel regardless. Build up a bit of a trust in what the other could handle. Although I do want you to stay safe when traveling with me. I won’t tell my sister what seems to be her closest friend was killed. So you fighting will be purely a back up plan, nothing more.” The follow up statement would of course clarify what he had actually meant.

[4]

At first Priya had assumed that Tamwyn’s raised eyebrow was in response to her questions of him, but as he asked a question of her own she would laugh. “For fun? Sure. I could say that I’ll stop if you like, but like you said it is my apartment.” In truth it was partly for fun, but it was a long ingrained habit that she’d developed during her training. The ability to be charmingly off putting. It made certain parts of her job easier if she could off balance those around her without giving off suspicious or aggressive vibes. The ‘sure’ she had answered Tamwyn with was as close as she was willing to currently get to revealing her true reasoning. A non-committal reply that could mean yes, but in this case also meant ’that’s a good enough answer as any’. If he figured it out that was fine, but she didn’t see how it could possibly help her to start giving away trade secrets.

She did get down from the table however, pacing silently around the room and started extinguishing the candles with a gentle puff of air through her lips. She listened as he worked through what he wanted to do versus what he should do and eventually settled on picking a house and getting some lunch. “Excellent plan, we’re not too far away from the Black Tortoise district anyway, so we can do that easily.” She would move to the front door, eager to keep the man occupied and his thoughts far from grief. She paused though as Tamwyn mentioned her having a room in his new house. Turning to face him she would give him a smile. “I get to stay with you then? Sounds fun.” There was no hidden meaning in her words, she just sincerely spoke her thoughts and feelings on the matter.

Standing by the front door she watched as Tamwyn picked up his crate of materials and asked a . . . fairly interesting question. It was a bit forward, and also misinterpreted by her. But she still raised an eyebrow of her own and blushed deeply, her cheeks darkening. It didn’t take long for that misunderstanding to be cleared up and when it was she was both relieved, embarrassed and a little disappointed. “Training, alright. I’d be interested to know what you’re capable of. How are you at dodging sharp things, because that’s about all I do and well, if you can’t dodge we probably shouldn’t train.” She grinned as she opened the door wide and walked through expecting him to follow her and also close the door behind him. She wouldn’t care much if he didn’t close the door, she had little of value in there anyway. If he followed her she would lead him to the Black Tortoise district and start showing him various mansions that were vacant and available for him to own.

Her response to his initial query would result in a snort of amusement. He didn't expect her to stop and wouldn't ask her too. "It's your body, place it where you want." Which was a completely honest and true statement. He didn't personally care and what was he, her keeper? That was literally her job at that moment. Still, she would hop down regardless and begin to pace the apartment as he considered his options. When he finally settled on a path she would comment on the plan, pointing out that the housing district he would be living in is out there. He would consider for a moment, before deciding that he didn't really give a shit what mansion he had. He was used to a lifestyle but he didn't particularly have a care for the outer structure. He'd probably just select the first one Priya pointed out to him and be done with the decision. She would comment on getting to stay with him and he would simply nod.

When he grabbed the crate and moved toward the door, asking his question he would of course miss the blush for the exact same reasons as before. More so now that the candles were blown out. When she asked if he could dodge he would smirk in the dark. A tone of wry amusement in his answer as he moved toward the door and stepped out of it. Waiting in the hall for her to close it and such before letting her lead. "I think I'll manage. We can make a game of it, tag me with anything during that training exercise. Hand, foot, kunai, and you can have anything you want from me. No questions asked." He would say, following her. His tone wouldn't be overly filled with braggadocio and as he moved he slowly began to step into a much more regular posture. Back and shoulders straight, golden eyes taking in everything around him. He would follow Priya where she led them which he assumed would be the 'Black Tortoise District.' "Game time, first unoccupied one you take me to is the one I take. I meant it when I said I was used to a lifestyle. I'm not one for 'style' generally, if it works, it works and I accept it. So if you feel drawn toward a certain aesthetic or feel like one fits then go nuts." He would say, giving her the pick of the place.

Honestly though, he was having trouble making decisions for himself at this point. His eyes would narrow as he noted the quirk and they would fall to the ground as he considered. He would make sure he followed her the entire time though and he was more than perceptive enough to maneuver through any crowd with only half a mind on the process. He considered the problem and decided that he subconsciously must want to rely on others for decisions while he dealt with his inner demons. However that wasn't good enough for him. He would choose what they would eat, he would make sure of it.

[5]

Priya could appreciate a challenge, especially one that didn’t even seem that hard. She didn’t have to win, just tag him. She’d heard of some of his exploits, but one thing she had in her corner is that he’d never heard of her. And hey, even if she lost, she still got to spar. And knowing the Darhk’s. . . or Kazehana’s or whatever, he’d probably give her anything she wanted even if she lost. So with a cavalier smile she would wait until they were on their way to finally answer his challenge. “You’re on. I tag you, I get whatever I want. You tag me. . . hmm. What do you want if you win?” She was being cocky and she knew it, but it was a question designed to keep him interested in training, keep his mind off things.

As he announced game number two, she worried a little. He was probably serious, but picking out someone’s home was, well, not usually her job. She thought for a time and then wove her way towards a recently constructed mansion. If she had any dreams of owning a mansion it would probably be this one; An exquisite and grand estate, sprawling grounds filled with a small forest and a private spring. A large area that was suitable for training and sparring. It had a main building and several smaller outbuildings including a private dock and stables for horses. There was more than enough room for a large staff with several smaller cabins designed for cooks and wait staff and the like, or if he preferred only one or two there were rooms inside the main mansion set aside for staff as well. Unlike a lot of the other mansions around, this one was set on a hill and had a fantastic view of the sea. The earthen coloured stone was complimented by terracotta tiled roofs, the same colours peppered throughout the grounds in winding walkways, fountains and garden benches. The entire property was surrounded by thick trees which granted near total privacy from prying eyes.

Holding her arms out and gesturing broadly as the walked through the secure gate, she turned to gauge his reaction. “How about this one? It has a huge space for training, and it’s nice and private. Furnished too, or heck you could probably just chuck all the furniture and get your own if you like. You don’t seem. . . overly fussy though.” She would bound up on top of a nearby stone pillar that held together a fenced off sitting area, a wistful faraway sound to her normally rich and full voice. “I would live here.”

Tamwyn would blink as she accepted his challenge but asked what he got if he won. He turned toward her for a moment, trying to figure out what to say because honestly. He didn't want anything in particular beyond laying his wife to rest. He had asked his sister to get him out of Kumogakure and she had offered a choice of a home, given him money for travel expenses, a boat, and a task he could do. But Tamwyn would have been fine if she had simply teleported him out into the wilderness and left him there. She hadn't, instead she had done everything in her power at that moment to help him in anyway she could. She had been there for him, hugged him, cried with him. Had shared in his pain. He was eternally grateful to have her as a sister, as family. But he would have been alright with a cot in a small room with four walls and a roof. He'd slept in worse conditions enough times. He was fairly spartan on his own when it came to decorative sense. Even his and Yenns own bedroom had been decorated by him to match what she would love. Simply because he was simply not picky. So what could Priya give him if he won? He honestly did not know. Furrowing his brows he would finally speak, coming up with a possible solution. "Honestly, I don't know. So how about this, if I win, you get a one time pass to make me accept something I wouldn't otherwise. Be it a gift, an invitation, anything. Personally I don't know what I would choose if I won and got to pick anything. I'd probably just never use it. So instead you get to choose something you think I need at the time you choose to press the issue." He would say. It was an odd solution, but he couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

When they arrived at a mansion she would spread her arms out as his own eyes took in the scene. It was an extravagant place and definitely something he would not have picked for himself. But that was not in fact a bad thing. Tamwyn had a habit of picking things more for practicality than anything else. Before the war, when he was a genin and Chuunin, he had wanted to become wealthy. To be known throughout the world. He had become known in Kumogakure, and he expected if he continued work of his accomplishments would spread around. However he had been wealthy personally for a quite a while now. He had long since gotten used to it and tended to focus more on function than aesthetic nowadays. Still, the property was gorgeous and it had a large training ground and the hilltop area made for promising prospects in a basement to place a forge and anvil. Nodding in acceptance as she climbed up a nearby stone pillar and said she would live there he would speak. The words coming easily. "Well, you do now, whenever you want to use the room and other such amenities." He would say before walking through the gate and up the path.

"Who do I send word to?" He would ask idly as he moved up the path, crate in hand and into the main foyer. The place was huge and beautiful decorated. Although Tamwyn didn't really seem to notice. He was more focused on tasks that needed to be done. A habit he had long since gotten into. He found his way to a basement door and opened it, moving downstairs. When he got down the stairs he would find himself a large wine cellar with another doorway. Moving into it he would find a large empty space with a wooden table. Nodding to himself he would set the crate upon the table and look around. As he did a man would come down the stairs, wearing the attire of someone attached to the house as it's staff. Tamwyn's golden eyes turned toward the man and he would speak up, immediately. "My name is Tamwyn Inazuma, I've been given leave my Miss Darhk to pick a mansion as my own and I've chosen this one." He would say, leaving any mention of his familial relation with his sister out. The man would nod before standing as if in presentation. "Nigel sir, majordomo of the estate. How might I serve?" He would ask, his bearing that of someone prepared to get to work. "I'm going to be going into town. Ensure the master bedroom is prepared by this evening. For that matter a few deliveries will be ordered including an anvil and other such items for a forge to be placed in this space. Be prepared to have the men bringing the equipment shown in here." Finally he would gesture toward Priya if she had followed, his eyes never leaving the man. "My companion is to have a room of her own as well, of her choice and allowed full access." He would say, leaving her name out in case she would prefer it be hidden. Nigel would nod his head in understanding and acknowledgement before speaking. "At once my lord." He would say before turning to leave.

With that done the Seraph would turn toward the dark eyed woman assuming she was there. "Task one completed, did you want to pick a room before we go into town and get things in order for my forge and some food?" He would ask, a white eyebrow raised in curiosity. They could easily stop long enough to let her look around and pick a room so that the staff could have it prepared for her as well. If she chose to he would let her lead the way. Actually regardless he would let her lead the way. Since he didn't know where anything in the city was yet. Regardless, where they went would be in her hands now.

[6]

Tamwyn’s reply to her question about what he would want if he won was puzzling, but not altogether surprising. She would nod in agreement and give him a wry smile. “Alright, brave man. You don’t know anything about me, I could insist on something ridiculous you know.” She wouldn’t. Probably. But it did suddenly occur to her that losing could be just as much fun as winning, since it seemed she’d get her way in either case. She wouldn’t ask anything terrible of him, this was Kara’s brother and she would treat him with respect. At least as much respect as she gave Kara, which to some may not seem like a lot, but Priya had held the utmost respect for the woman since they had first met in the Land of Wind.

Yet another puzzling scenario played out as Tamwyn insisted that she choose his new home, she found one that she liked and when she did he accepted it immediately. It was troubling to realize just how much power that currently gave her. Not that she would abuse that power, but someone else might. This was precisely the reason that Kara had insisted Priya watch over Tamwyn, his grief was such that he was willing to go along with just about anything which was a dangerous prospect for the man. She kept her peace as they approached the main house but worried about the problem all the while, trying to come up with a way to keep Kara’s brother safe from himself.

The best thing she could think of for the moment was to keep him distracted long enough for time to apply it’s balm to his wounded soul. It was a good plan. Easier to think about than to actually accomplish, but a good plan nonetheless. Keeping her plan in mind, she kept quiet as Tamwyn introduced himself to the majordomo and gave the man instructions, perking up as he asked for her input. Leaning against a small table she would thoughtfully tap her index finger on her chin while she considered the options Tamwyn had presented. “Hmm. . .” She hopped up to sit on said small, because at this point it would seem strange if she didn’t. “Well picking out a room does sound fun, and I’ll get to try out so many beds!” Without any consideration for the unintentional innuendo in her words, Priya would smile brightly and begin traipsing happily through the halls. Every time she saw a closed door she would open it and peek inside, and if there was a bed she would leap onto it. Each leap was preceded by an elegant and acrobatic flip or somersault or twirl, and each landing left her in a wild giggling fit as she enjoyed the simple pleasure of momentary weightlessness.

After doing this several times her rambunctious laughter was well heard by anyone in the house and before long Nigel the majordomo would show up to investigate. Walking up to the doorway of Priya’s latest trampoline room, Nigel would pass his gaze cooly over Priya as she lay giggling on top of the bedding and assuming Tamwyn was standing nearby would address him directly. “Has your concubine found a bed to her liking, my lord? Or shall the cacophony of her search continue?” It would be clear from Nigel’s tone that he was unimpressed with Priya’s antics and was speaking about her as though she didn’t exist at all. Nigel didn’t know Priya, which was by design - despite having the highest level of security clearance second only to Kara herself, it was easier for her to do her job without being recognized. Priya was reasonably perceptive, both physically and socially. It was part of what made her The Wraith and an indispensable member of Kara’s entourage. So even if Nigel had attempted to be subtle, Priya would have noticed. But as Nigel made no attempt to disguise his passive aggressive manner, he might as well have walked up to her and slapped her across the face - it would have had the same effect. Bearing the brunt of insults and disrespect was part and parcel of her job, but that didn’t mean she enjoyed it. Priya would cease her laughter and rise from the bed, exiting the room without so much as a glance at either man and made her way silently to the next room. There she found a chair and sat down, waiting quietly until Tamwyn told her he was ready to go.

He would shrug at her words before speaking "I know Kara chose to have you watch over me personally. I know she feels comfortable around you. That's all I require." He would say simply as they continued on. Eventually when he had given her the option to pick a room she would run off through the halls and he would follow her. Each time she came to a door she would open it, run in, and jump on the bed. Her giggling laughter was surprising to hear and she seemed to be enjoying herself immensely at each new room to test. Each time he would simply lean on the frame of the bedroom door, arms crossed as she giggled and laughed herself silly as she bounced on the beds. This continued for a time until at once such room she would be doing so when Nigel arrived. Tamwyn would keep quiet to allow the man to report in however when he spoke Tamwyn's blood ran cold at about the same time Priya stopped bouncing around and enjoying herself. Instead she would get up, all laughter gone, and move toward the door. Tamwyn would move off the frame to let her pass but she wouldn't even look at him. Instead she would simply walk toward the next room and enter it.

Nigel would simply wait a few moments before deciding she wasn't going to start jumping on the bed inside of that room too before commenting. "Excellent, Lord Tamwyn I must protest your..Protest you say Nigel?" The majordomo would begin to say only to be interrupted by the Seraph. Tamwyn's yellow eyes would be upon the open door to the next room before he began to walk toward it. "Follow." He would say simply, moving into the room quietly and looking to see Priya sitting in a chair. "Nigel please go to the desk and get paper and pen. I'll have you dictate a letter for me." He would say, prompting the man to nod before he moved toward the desk. Tamwyn would move toward the chair Priya sat in, and stand a few feet in front of her. Arms clasped behind his back, back and shoulders straight. Eyes as hard as chipped amber. However it would be clear from his eyes should she look that he was not angry at her. No, he was angry at the man who was about to writing. When Nigel was prepared Tamwyn would give him direction. "You'll write exactly what I say, word for word." He would order, prompting an impatient nod from the man that the Seraph could not see.

'Walter

Lady Darhk has seen fit to grant me a large mansion in Darhkvale, her city located in the Land of Bears.  I'm sorry that I left without a word my friend. But I could not bear to see the home with Yenn gone. Which I'm sure news has reached you by the time this letter will have. You have taken care of me for a long time Walter, and are a fine individual yourself. I wish to extend to you the offer, and my personal request. To move you and yours to Darhkvale, specifically my mansion home. In order to take up your previous duties for me. It appears I'm unable to rely on the Majordomo who came with this home when it comes to treating others and myself with decorum and respect.

Best Wishes, Tamwyn Inazuma.'

As he spoke the scribble of Nigel's pen would be heard and the man would be none the wiser as to the contents of the note until he heard the word 'Majordomo'. He would finish the letter as ordered. However once he did he would stand up and move toward Tamwyn, his words coming out mildly frantic. "S-Sir, I must protest!" He would say as he moved across the room and stood at the back of his employer. "No Nigel, I must protest. See, you have treated my guest with great disrespect, insulting her deeply. Not only that, but you've insulted me deeply. Beyond the insult it is to me to have my Majordomo say such a thing to someone I have invited to live in my home. You know I am married, or would not have made the comment you did. However you chose to insinuate with your words that I would ever cheat on my beloved wife. I would not, would never dream of such a thing. Beyond that, she passed on, eight months prior." He would say, his voice becoming colder by degrees as he spoke. As the words left his lips Nigel's pallor would get paler at the same rate. However now he wouldn't be able to speak. Tamwyn would continue however. "It goes without saying you're fired. However I find that to be..lacking in terms of punishment. I find myself lacking the sheer intellect of many. Including such individuals as Lady Darhk or other potential employers upon the island. I'm a solder Nigel, and as such my methods are usually very clear cut." With that he would turn toward the man and extend a single finger, touching the man's forehead with the tiniest pressure.

Like a light switch was flicked the light in the man's eyes went out and he stood there, expression aghast and stuck in a form of abject terror as every single sense of the body left him at once. He wasn't unconscious, however his nervous system had been overloaded with a minor effort of lightning chakra and the man could not see, feel, hear, smell, or taste, anything at all. To him he is a prisoner within darkness. Potentially very much dead. Tamwyn's eyes would fall on Priya's and soften slightly as he spoke. "He isn't dead, he'll come to in a moment. However I've decided to give him a taste of fear for his insult." He would say as a Nigel instinctively shat himself due to the fear that he was dead. A sensation the man could not actually feel. Of course Tamwyn and Priya were able to smell it well enough and the man's nose wrinkled in disgust. With a firmness of voice that allowed it to carry across the reaches of a battlefield the sound of him would echo through the house. "Who is second to Nigel in this home?" He would call. A few minutes would pass before a younger man, looking diffident and polite would enter. With a glance he would take in the situation, gulp nervously, before standing for presentation. "Allen my lord." He would say, introducing himself as Tamwyn nodded, giving the man his full attention.

He was brown haired and brown eyed, had a slight build, but carried himself with a certain degree of professional confidence. "Allen did Nigel complete the tasks I assigned him earlier?" He would ask, prompting the man to nod. "Yessir, or rather, he had me do them. The staff is prepared to receive whomever comes to deliver the equipment you have spoken of. We'll also have a meal prepared for you and the lady should you require it when you return from your shopping. May I assist in any other way sir?" He would ask, prompting Tamwyn to give him a careful look of appraisal before he nodded in satisfaction. "I have just had Nigel dictate the letter requesting his potential replacement come to take over his duties. His name is Walter, should he agree you will retain your position as second to him. Should he decline, you will take over as Majordomo. See that the letter is sealed and sent off to my old address in Kumogakure. Walter should still be there. Next, spread word around the city of Nigel's clear inability to remain professional at all times and his proclivity toward insulting an employers guests to their faces. Do not inform Nigel you are doing this. Finally, see to it that Nigel is removed from the property and this..mess...is cleaned up." He would say, prompting rapid nods from Allen who took the letter, folded it carefully and placed it within an envelope upon the desk. Then he would turn and stride out of the door intent upon getting a few more staff members to assist him.

With that done Tamwyn would turn toward Priya wherever she might be. "You have my sincerest apologies my lady. Please, let's get out of this room. For..obvious reasons I would advise you not select this one as your own." He would say, wrinkling his nose in disgust just before Nigels senses returned to him all at once and he groaned and shuddered in mingled relief, fear, and realization. With that, Tamwyn would move outside into the hall. Allowing her to lead him if she wished. "Please Priya, enjoy yourself as much as you like. Pick a room you would like to have as yours. If you wish rather than eat out we'll go shop for a time, have everything ordered, and then return for a meal here." He would offer, giving her the option.

[7]

Priya sat silently in the adjacent room, her back to the wall so she was able to see when Tamwyn entered after her with Nigel trailing behind. Nigel smirked triumphantly at the now stoic and silent Priya, and for her part she just looked at him blankly. She was struggling internally with her feelings; usually she kept them in better check but something about the way Nigel had treated her had struck a nerve. She was the Wraith, an enigmatic and intentionally chameleon-esque persona who worked better from the shadows. She had spent her whole life never revealing who she really was to anyone, and it had afforded her a lucrative career in information gathering and wetwork. But even though she was good at it, and finely crafted her skills in espionage and cloak and dagger, she was still a person beneath all of it. She held her tongue, kept her expression and body language neutral, but beneath the practiced surreptitious veneer she was still hurt.

Her attempts to distract Tamwyn from his troubles had led to her allowing herself some measure of freedom in her behaviour, and that joy she had felt while pure was instantly squashed under the contempt filled glare of the majordomo. That one look had put her back to the Land of Wind, before Kara had found her. To a time not worth remembering, a time she had heaped years of mastery and success on top of to bury the regret in the past. This was not something she would let on of course, in her own way she was just as professional as Kara. So she had removed herself from the situation in order to handle it with grace. Now though she was faced with the source of her discontent once more.

She hadn’t expected Tamwyn to do anything for her, she fared for herself just fine and didn’t require any kind of protection as far as she was concerned. But forcing Nigel to write the letter detailing his own dismissal was pretty good as far as punishments went. Had she chosen to do anything at all, she would have stopped there, but Tamwyn went a step further. With a simple touch of his finger against Nigel’s forehead, Nigel went unconscious. Or he died. If Tamwyn wouldn’t have reassured her that he hadn’t killed the man, she would have assumed her disposal services were required. Her face revealed nothing of her feelings regarding the display, she honestly would have remained neutral even if Tamwyn had decided to begin peeling the man’s skin off. She’d seen worse, and better. How her betters chose to deal with their employees had little to do with her, save for any tasks requested of her. It was the same with Kara, and seeing it in Tamwyn made perfect sense and was not in the least surprising.

She was less impressed with the olfactory part of Nigel’s punishment, but again she’d seen worse and better. Priya just nodded to Tamwyn as he explained that a taste of fear was to be part of Nigel’s punishment. She did however rise from her chair and move to a window, opening it to allow some fresh air in and help mitigate the smell. The conversation with Allen had nothing to do with her, so she stood silently by the window until they had finished and Allen went to complete his tasks. She blinked as he apologized to her and stayed quiet until they were out in the hallway, her following after him. “No apology necessary, though I appreciate it all the same. And uh, I’m not a lady, just Priya. Miss Varitha if you must, but I really prefer Priya. To be honest, I probably won’t pick anything in this wing, I trust in Allen’s abilities but . . .” She cracked a smile as she joked. It was half hearted but she did it anyway to get herself back on track. She had a mission. “I’ll just take a room near yours, makes it easier to keep an eye on you and I’m not overly fussy really. We can go into town and pick up anything you need and then eat here, I expect you can have the chef make you anything you fancy. The seafood here is particularly delicious being that we’re so close to the coast.” She would walk away then, moving far from the mess that had been created and would eventually casually pick out a room beside Tamwyn’s assuming he allowed her to. Once that was done she would turn to Tamwyn again with a thoughtful look on her face. “You know, as far as punishments go, that was fairly creative. I can definitely see the resemblance, it’s the sort of thing she would do.”

Priya would stay silent, and watchful as she sat within the chair and everything occurred. She wouldn’t comment or bat an eye as he instilled the fear of himself within Nigel and when Allen had come into the room and had listened and took to Tamwyn’s orders as a man of his station she would still remain silent. It wouldn’t be until they were in the hallway that she would comment, and he would flash her a small grin as the first thing out of her mouth was to tell him that an apology was not necessary and that she wasn’t a lady. “At the same time, Nigel was head of my staff and his actions reflect on me. Even if I was not aware of his...personality at the time.” He would say. He nodded at her small jest and nodded at her decision to simply take a room near his. It made the most sense given what Kara had requested of her and as they spoke Allen would reappear with a couple of staff members. The man would stop near them as the two went into the room in order to begin cleaning up. “News of Nigels tendencies is being spread, my lord. I have sent off the letter and I’ve taken the liberty of preparing one of the rooms near your chambers for her use.” He would say, garnering a raised brow from Tamwyn.

“Well done Allen, please alert the kitchen, Priya and I will be leaving to the market to order a few things and will be returning to eat in the evening. If Priya has any requests please see that they are fulfilled. I myself would prefer to be surprised with the chef’s recommendation.” He would say, prompting a nod in affirmation from Allen. “Of course my lord. I’ll see it done.” He would say, bowing at the waist before moving into the room to supervise the cleaning. With him gone Tamwyn’s amber eyes would turn to Priya. “Shall we? I want to get a proper smithing set up in that space before the sun sets.” He would say, raising an eyebrow at her in question. When she commented that what he had done was the sort of thing Kara would do he would blink in mild surprise. “I feel like she would be much more creative than me. Although you do know her better than I do.” He would say simply, before motioning for her to lead them on toward the market. “After you, of course.” He would say, a mock little bow at the waist emphasizing the statement.

[Potential Exit]

Priya considered Tamwyn’s rebuttal to her statement about an apology not being necessary. She knew exactly what he meant of course, but that was never any fun. Besides as a sort of unconscious defense mechanism, her humour kicked in. “Does that mean. . . that one of the great Darhk’s is actually not omnipotent?!” She laughed as she teased him about not being aware of Nigel’s personality. No one expected him to be aware of things like that, so the joke was a fairly obvious one.

When Allen reappeared to report, he mentioned having prepared a room for her. Her eyes narrowed imperceptibly at the young man, studying him for a second and then returning to her joyful and wry exuberance. She would have to investigate this ‘Allen’ person later, they were incredibly efficient in a way that almost appeared like he was omnipotent. Which was ridiculous of course, but it did give her a red flag. Anticipating people's needs and wants was her job, and to see it portrayed so stunningly in a random second in command of a household was suspicious at best. But she filed that away for later and gave Tamwyn a grin. “With me in such close proximity, I hope you like not being alone, I promise not to make too much noise.”

Priya was eager to be on their way, so when it was indicated she could make requests she would shrug casually. “Nothing too big. If you could maybe bring me some Petha later when I’ve returned, I would really appreciate it. Not with dinner though, as you know it needs to be eaten fresh and isn’t exactly a ‘dinner table’ food.” She was partially lying, trying to give the temporary Majordomo an opportunity to either prove her wrong, try to murder her, or explain himself. She didn’t much care if the man wished ill upon her - but she was always trying to protect Kara and her interests.

Once she’d delivered her instructions she would lead them towards the marketplace, giving a laugh as Tamwyn gave her a mock bow. “I do know her better, but I’ve known her longer so that’s to be expected. There are similarities though, between you both. And it’s fascinating to see them.” She would talk as she walked out of the residential district. “No offence intended, but she is smarter than you, she’s smarter than me too, so this isn’t exactly a literal comparison. Buuuut. . . you both have a knack for creative theatrics in your punishments. Though more observation will be required to decide which one of you it is more imperative to not piss off. You know, just in case.”

[Exit]