Ian munched on his food and listened to Ray suggesting we split up it was a good idea but we all need cleaning, clothes and weapons. “Why don’t we just stay together for now and when we require our individual equipment we split up then?” Ian suggested, “It might be more efficient. And that way we can recognise each other with looks, rather then the face only.”

After his explanation he continued to eat and listened to what the others had to say. “The way I see it, this is the most efficient way of operating and we keep with each other. So if we where to get lost we wouldn’t have to find each other. Plus, where would we meet, at the bathhouse?” Ian explained after finishing his meal.

"I agree with Ian, might as well all go together so that we can notice each other by what clothing we are wearing at least," he noted, "though... if we did go separately, I could get a whole new wardrobe and be like a master in disguise, fufufu."

With money in hand Ben left the Inn with his friends to go search for said bath house, clearly though he reeked the most of blood. Though his cloth had been cleaned with Owen's magic, the smell was still almost unbearable to him, too bad he had to start noticing it now. He didn't really make for much conversation to the bath house, but he at least listened.

After feeling refreshed he moved onto the Tailor whom was next door. Ben disliked the thought of shopping for clothing, it was boring, and nothing ever seemed to fit just right. He would simply picked something that wouldn't cost him more then he had and try on a couple of sizes until he found something that worked. Ben was rather surprised however when the tailor asked for his measurements after he had entered. He was rather delighted that he didn't have to do much work other then pick out what kind of cloth he wished to wear. His clothes consisted of a crimson tint that covered his body from his neck down. Minus his brown sturdy boots, his linen pants and long sleeved linen shirt were both a dark crimson color, and his leather belt was a granite shade. He also wore a checkered red and black scarf around his neck, as well as white leather gloves on his hands. His clothing had several pockets to hide things in, as well he got himself a cloak and wide brimmed hat for those rainy days.

When he was done, Ben joined Ray and waited for Ian, as they had planned to go to the blacksmith together, and he certainly didn't have the courage to go wander off on his own. Definitely not having any money for anything, he picked out Studded Leather to protect his body, though he was disappointed that he couldn't afford a chain shirt. Ben wore his armor over top his clothing, and followed Ray to the next store, where they gathered a few supplies they might need for their travels. Ben picked out a Bedroll, a Hooded Lantern, three Flasks of Oil, a bag of Caltrops, Flint and Steel, and finally a Backpack to fit it all in. He also managed to fit the cloak he had been carrying around into his pack. Ben returned to the inn, content with what he got today, and neatly placed his pack in his room. He returned to the first floor to meet up with the rest of his friends, and to find out what was for dinner. Afterwords he hoped to have a peaceful sleep on a real bed for once.

---

Gold Leftover: 20g

Change:

AC to 14
Weight 46lb/58lb

During Lunch Lady Emerita turns to Ray sitting at her left. She listened to what he had to say, glanced past him to Ben and then looked back at him. “Yes, of course. I understand your need.” She looked up to her bodyguard standing at her right, and nodded for him to add ten gold nobles to each hireling’s personal wealth.

Around the time Emerita left and beyond "I'm going to head to the bathhouse. I'll probably end up taking the longest anyway because of my long hair; I want to give it a thorough wash." Galen said, going for the door. Ben turned to me, "A bath is sounding pretty nice right about now, though should we check out our rooms first?" Why he was asking me to decide was beyond me, but I had an answer anyway. “Galen, would you like to drop off your things in the room before we go?”

We went upstairs and found our rooms directly across the hall from one another. One room had a window that overlooked the street behind the Inn and the other overlooking the thatched roof of the stables. In both the windows had already been cracked open to let the windy day in, and to keep visitors from dying of heat exhaustion. There were three beds lined up, separated by three nightstands, and a desk and chair in each room (three beds in one, two in the other if Jeremy dies). Finally, each room contained strongboxes for more expensive articles that demanded extra protection.

My possessions, coming to a grand total of one spellbook and the clothes on my back, were easy to store. I decided after some deliberation that keeping my spellbook on me would be a great way to get it lost, so I left it in the strongbox, where presumably the caretakers didn’t clean and wouldn’t discover a sorcerer in their midst. I also left half my coins stacked in the box, so I wasn’t carrying around a large sack of money wherever I went—there’d have to be a money pouch in my transactions today, and maybe a pouch for my spell components. Ultimately, Galen never received his head-start on us, which was probably a good thing in a strange place.

Three silver coins per person bought access to the bathhouse, or five for a private tub. I wasn’t sure whether a private tub would be preferable or not, but I eventually went with the cheaper option. Understandably, not everyone was willing to take this same option, and Galen took a private bath. The water was murky with soap, but it was warm enough and did the job freeing our bodies of dirt and sweat. There’s something about clean clothes on clean skin that feels absolutely wonderful. There’s something to be said for that feeling—“Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” I believe is how they put it.

After the bathhouses we walked en masse to the tailor’s shop and had garments fitted for us by a motherly woman. I personally got a cotton garment that was like an overly long split-tunic with wide sleeves past the elbows and a large hood, and a pair of pants. The tunic was dark-blue and the pants black, having the tailor’s assurances that the loose fit of the tunic would ensure that stepping into the sun wouldn’t result in heat shock. To me the tunic seemed to say ‘wizardly’ but without being too overt about it, or at least I hoped it didn’t stick out too much.

I got a money pouch as a part of the belt for the tunic, bought a pouch that I might store magical oddities in, and having shoes needed no new ones. Seeing that everyone else was purchasing a cloak, I bought a waterproof hooded one myself. In all, I spent two gold nobles and two silvers on clothes, and an extra three coppers to get my shirt sewn back up after I changed.

Once our initial needs were covered, the consensus was to find some sort of weapon smith so that Ray could find a sword for himself, and Galen could buy himself another. Not really knowing anything better to do, I followed them as they hunted for such a place. As we wandered, we noticed for not the first time that there were a rather large number of cats prowling the streets. A quick glance around yourself near just about any alley was almost certain to bring a cat or two to your gaze. Maybe they had a bad rat problem here?

It didn’t take too long, with a little guidance, to find a smith who dealt in weapons. The walls of the front room were lined with weapons hung on the wall, pole-arms, big swords here and a variety of smaller ones there. At the desk sat, leaning back on his chair with his legs on the table, the most amazing creature that we have seen in this new world yet. He looked up at our arrival and took his feet off the table with a smile. “Hello, how can I help you?” He moved smoothly to his feet, coming to his full height somewhere just over five feet, all but dwarfed by us. Not only was he short, however, he was small. Other than his large pointed ears, almond-shaped hazel eyes, and brown hair rivalling Galen’s, every feature about him appeared almost frailly thin when compared to any of the six (or five) humans standing before him.

A silence, punctuated by the sounds of metal striking metal from the back, drew out for a second, and then another, as this world came creepily closer to being based on a certain game. The man chuckled, “Never seen an elf before?” he asked.

The elf, Aidan, attended Ray’s hunt for a longsword and then to Galen’s need for a second sword, as well as a selection of blocks I eventually realized were whetstones when the sword fighters went to purchase a handful. If Jeremy remains he also brings a rapier for him to try out, if he wants. I spent my time looking at all the weapons, wondering if my friends knew how to handle these weapons as instinctively as I knew how to cast magic. While I waited, my eyes wandered over to a stand filled with carved and polished walking sticks of varying sizes sitting next to the door.

As he brought the chosen weapons to the counter, Aidan saw me looking at the stand. “You like them? I cut them myself—I do a little side-business while I’m not acting apprentice. Would you like to buy one? They’re two gold each and very sturdy.” I considered the price and how much money I had left in my new money pouch and decided that I fancied a quarterstaff to defend myself with—that was what wizards used, after all, wasn’t it? At my nod, he came to the stand and started comparing staff sizes. “By the gods, you humans come in two sizes, tall, and even taller.” He picked the second longest staff and set it in my hand. At that moment I knew what most of my friends had already experienced—a sudden knowledge, as if remembered like riding the proverbial bicycle, of how I might fight with the weapon placed in my hands. I was no mere amateur swinging a stick around anymore, I was a mere amateur who knew how to use the staff, even if I didn’t have the combat training instilled in me that the others did. I bought it.

Before we left, Galen took the opportunity to ask about selling raw material. “For that, you’d have to ask the boss,” he said. “Hey! Caleb!” The shout failed to penetrate the din emanating from the back room, so Aidan went to go personally invite the smith for a break. When he returned, anyone who had doubts about the security of the shop had them immediately erased. Caleb emerged from the back bald, ebon, muscular, and a full three inches taller than me. “You wish to see me about raw materials?” His voice was predictably deep and his words lilted as one who learned it as a second language. If there was an Africa in this world, this man probably grew up near there.

Galen explained the weapons he had in the room at the Inn to the smith. Caleb frowned in thought for a second, then responded. “Why don’t you bring them to my forge later? I’ll see what I can salvage of these weapons.” He grinned widely, showing up his white teeth in contrast to his black skin. I always thought how it was funny how that worked.

A brainwave prevented us from having to wander around town in search of a craftsman specializing in making armour. Aidan directed us to another shop just down this same road. As we left the weapon shop, I asked Ian, “So why didn’t you buy a better weapon like everyone else?” Obviously, Galen didn’t count, I expected him to dual-wield.

At the armourer’s, most everyone got either a suit of leather armour with a hard leather cuirass or a suit with large metal studs set all over the soft leather. I brushed my hand over one of the hard leather cuirasses and confirmed my suspicion that I wouldn’t be ‘bicycle-remembering’ how to use armour any time soon.

After the armourer’s we found a general store that was fairly near the Inn and used up a good amount of our collective wealth purchasing necessities for an extended stay in this world—the least of which was a few backpacks to carry our stuff in. Thereafter we headed back to the Inn to drop off our burdens and to consider what to do next.

(If this feels excruciatingly slow progress to anyone, take heart, as the game progresses, weeks of uneventful everyday life or travel may pass by without a single post. For today, there is no such thing as everyday life and we’re still settling in. By the end of this post, the time seems to be late afternoon, sometime after four if the memory of the last person to hear the bells is correct. I know Galen has plans and I know that we still need to find some form of employment—anyone who knows where to find jobs in this age, speak up. For the record, I shall mention in character that I don’t think any of us should go out into the city alone.)

At the weapons shop, Ben wasn't too interested in buying anything, however he did look around at the different types of weapons just in case. He managed to spot a battle axe behind the sword rack, as well some great axes. He picked one up to get the feel for it. Naturally he knew how to use it, and he could remember his sensei's teachings on how to use it creatively as it was much different from a longsword. As much as he liked axes, he decided to just stick it out with the longsword he had with him, as it was much more familiar to him then the axe. He then joined the rest of the crew at the front desk to discover something else interesting in the shop.

A silence, punctuated by the sounds of metal striking metal from the back, drew out for a second, and then another, as this world came creepily closer to being based on a certain game. The man chuckled, “Never seen an elf before?” he asked.
"An elf you say? I guess your right, I've always imagined that an elf would be a bit bigger however," he commented, "he not that being small is bad or anything, it certainly has its perks."

Later back at the inn, Ben decided to come up with a few ideas on what they should accomplish next.

"We're going to end up being here for a week yes? It would be bad for us to just sit around all day everyday until the end of the week, we should find things to do, like say, a part time job!" Ben proposed to them, "Ray and myself may already have a job, but it won't be happening for awhile, so another job on the side shouldn't hurt, if we wanna find ourselves a job we should find the cities job board."

Ben pondered to himself if this world would have something like that, but then he realized there was someone here that could actually help them with information like that. He walked up to the front desk of the inn and ringed the bell to get the lady's attention.

"Excuse me, but would you happen to know where we can go to find ourselves some jobs in this city?" he asked her.

As Galen washed, his mind wandered, as it usually did amidst the sound of water. He washed thoroughly, meticulously working and rinsing his long hair, but it was muscle memory... his mind was already elsewhere.

Humans were fragile. It was part of their existence. The body could only take so much, and the soul also could be frail. The body... Galen gritted his teeth. To say that he hated his body was a bit of an overstatement, but he did dislike it. There were things he could not do, interests he could not pursue, with a male body. Jewellery for instance. Although he did have a collection of rings in particular, he wasn't truly allowed to wear any except the relatively plain metal bands. Bands incorporated with numerous gemstones were frowned upon at best. Style of dress, even footwear... simple things taken for granted by most, things that were currently incongruent to her.

Galen finished washing his hair, and tentatively held a hand to his chin and above his lip. There was a bit of stubble already. Not exactly visible, but there to the touch. He also ran a hand along his lower left leg. It too had the feeling of stubble, and under close inspection, he could see it too. He had been careful to keep it secret, always wearing pants, never shorts, but secret or not, it, like the wannabe moustache and extremely vague hint of a beard, had to be maintained. Galen nodded inwardly. He'd need a razor, and probably tweezers as well.

Yet, there was a problem. Since the others were, rightly so, adamant on staying together, chances were he wouldn't be able to get the things he needed by himself. He sighed. Neither Aysia nor Kaden were there, so he'd have to do it himself, and alone, without support. Yet... awkward questions could end up being asked... Galen's eyes narrowed. To heck with that. If the others didn't accept who she was, then that was their problem.

Resolved, and deciding to set that aside until later, Galen finished washing, tying his hair back in a long braid.

---

At the tailor's, Galen spent a lot of time looking at various clothes, probably longer than most of the others. He was a bit picky when it came to clothing. Finally, he found what he was looking for, a nice looking linen blouse. Once he had decided on that, the rest of his attire came relatively easily. Linen pants in a slightly darker shade, and a leather belt just so that he could get a pouch later. He bought two hooded and waterproof cloaks, one fur because he thought it seemed to have a similar consistency to his thick comforter back home, and the other a good sturdy cloth. It felt like it was summer, so he might not need the fur one for a while, but that didn't set his mind off of getting it, since then he wouldn't need to get it later. He also bought a woollen coat, cloth hose, forearm-length cloth gloves, and slipper-style leather shoes, since he preferred that style over the laced up style, but never had the opportunity to get a pair. Altogether, he spent three gold and nine silver at the tailor's.

At the weapon smithy, Galen glanced over the short swords neatly stacked along a rack, almost like the 'flea market' sword displays that he had seen in a few places. However, unlike the swords there, these were undoubtedly designed for purpose rather than aesthetics, with a straight, sharp, sure blade and for the most part a simple pommel, hilt and guard. At that point, it was up to the individual person's personal choice to the style of the guard. Galen didn't want anything fancy, but he did have something in particular he looked for. A slightly curved guard, angled outward from the hilt. He wasn't certain why that style drew his attention, or why he preferred it, but he just did, and so he eventually found a short sword that matched his preference. On the way to the counter to checkout, he stopped at a small stand of daggers on the counter. A dagger seemed to always have its use at some point, and would be a good cutting utensil if a sword was impractical, and so he decided to purchase one, not being picky about the design this time, since it wasn't going to be a secondary weapon. He could throw it if needed, but in that situation, it would probably be better to just zap the target with a jolt... unless there was someone watching... Galen nodded to himself, deciding on a practical dagger with a straight guard and an oval pommel.

Next was the search for armour. Galen was tempted to purchase studded leather, however, he knew that spending half of his budget on armour when he still had yet to buy the bulk of what he presumed he'd buy was very unwise. It would prove to be a good decision in the end, for while he didn't buy much in way of weapons or armour, he bought a considerable amount in what the others likely would call extraneous items at the general store. This included obvious things such as a backpack, pouch, and bedroll, but also many other things that weren't so obvious. At the end of shopping, he only had 5 silver and 4 copper, but was pretty convinced he had everything he would need in the future, at the very least the near future.

---

AC modification: +2 (Leather Armour)

Offhand Weapon (shortsword) obtained, although I won't likely use it that much until I get Weapon Finesse next level.

Current carrying weight: 34.65lb (assuming the rusted weapons are no longer counted)

Current wealth: 10 gold, 5 silver, 4 copper

I enjoy my bath with the others, taking to the public facility over a private one. Nothing I have never seen before, so who cares? The murky water soaks my skin, and I lay waste to the dirt and sweat that has accumulated over the last few days in my pores. By the end of the event, I am refreshed and satisfied, a pleasant smile is on my face. Since I do not have a comb myself, I simply use my fingers to help undo some of the knots. My facial hair may be a bit long at this point, and as I feel the scruffy beard, up, I decide that it will not do if I am accompanying nobility, and decide that before I set forth with the Lady, and Aeth, I will be once again clean shaven.

When we get to the tailor, I set out to find myself an entire new set of clothing. I throw away my running shoes, which were cheap anyways, for a set of short black leather boots which were both hard soled and water proof, excellent for traveling in.

My shirt and leggings are made of black linen. And the belt that I find is of black leather with a polished iron buckle, which makes it look similar to polished silver. I find some supple leather gloves on a rack, ranging from tan to white to black... I of course go to the black ones. Finally, in the back are the coats and cloaks. At first I am inclined to purchase a cloak, as the style has fascinated me for a long time. But as I am browsing through the articles of outer wear, my eyes widen. In one of the the darkest corners of the shop, I find a black leather trench coat hung up neatly. I ask the tailor about this coat, and she states that it was a fashion flop. No one seemed interested in the design. Sighing, she mumbles to herself that she should really get rid of it. I nearly slam her with my coins as I shove them into her face. I offer her a gold piece for the thing. Seeing that I am so interested in it, she tries to haggle with me a bit by increasing the price. By the end of it, we come to a peculiar cost value of 1 Gold noble, 2 silver nobles and 5 copper. As she takes my measurements, and is about to finalize the purchase. I state that I want all my clothing trimmed with purple. Raising an eye brow at me, a questionable expression is on placed on her face. I tell her its my favorite color, and I do not want to be running around in dead black clothing. She waves her hand and states that it will cost another couple of silver and some time, all of which I agree to. I am to come back that night before she closes to pick up my items.

At Ye Olde Weapon Smithy, I picked myself up a longsword. It was in good condition, though very simple in design. I measured it for its balance, and found it to be perfect. Grabbing a whetstone, I made my purchase and was done with that.

At the armorer, I found myself various kinds of leather armor. I asked the keeper if he had anything in black. He pointed to a currais in the back, and I gave a smirk.
“What are the chances of you getting some purple on this?” Another raised eyebrow, followed by the same verbal response. I agreed with a smile and waited for my friends to finish their rounds, though I was intrigued by the owner's daughter. She was a bit young for my taste (being about twenty), but she was pretty. She help her father out at the counter and with inventory, she even made a sale with Ben. I made sure not to stare at her, and when we all left I made sure to give her a warm wave good-bye.

At the general store, while everyone was buying a backpack, I just went out and got myself a black sack with a pull up string. I threw in a few other things and was done before you knew it.

I grabbed my items later on that day as the sun was setting, making sure to drag my friends along as escorts. And after getting my clothes, armor, and a wink from the armorer girl, we head back to the Cat's Cradle Inn to enjoy ourselves and our first night in civilization.

Remaining Gold: 27 gold, 6 copper

After the bathhouse, Ian followed everyone to the tailers. After he was fitted, he was garbed in a dark-brown linen tunic with short sleeves. It was shorter then most, it cut off about halfway down his thigh. He wore a leather belt with some pouches, to carry small things along, with a small loop for his sword to rest, and light-brown linen laggings. He then slipped on some wrist length gloves made from supple leather for manoeuvrability. Seeing every one else getting cloaks, he decided to get one himself.

Ian didn’t really know if he wanted a new weapon, when he picked up a longsword it seemed heave and sluggish. That’s odd, I always thought I would be good with a larger sword, I know I seem to favour them. Oh well quicker is better. As Ian wandered along, his eye caught a thinner looking longsword.

Aiden notices Ian looking at the sword on the wall. "You like? That sword is made after the style of the elves--my master is quite good at it. Did you want to see?" “Yes, I like it.” Ian expressing his interest, “May I?” He then takes the sword off the wall. Ian drew it and took a few practice swings. Aidan nodded with approval. “I like it very much. How much is it?” Ian asks.

Aidan looked almost apologetic when he answered, “The process of forging weapons in this style is very demanding, you have to understand. The longblade is ninety gold crowns.” “That’s understandable,” Ian said awhile feeling the blade. “I don’t have enough right now, but I’ll come back with more. And thank you, it’s a nice sword. Though I’ll just take this whetstone for now.”

Owen asked Ian, “So why didn’t you buy a better weapon like everyone else?” “I was considering it, but the one I wanted was too much to get. Aiden said it was an “Elven-Longblade of some kind. ” Ian explained. “We need a way to get more money...”

At the armoury, he had a hard time deciding over if he wanted the studded leather or plane leather armour. He went for the leather armour.

”We're going to end up being here for a week yes? It would be bad for us to just sit around all day everyday until the end of the week, we should find things to do, like say, a part time job!” Ben proposed to them, “Ray and myself may already have a job, but it won't be happening for awhile, so another job on the side shouldn't hurt, if we wanna find ourselves a job we should find the cities job board.” “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.” Ian then goes to his room to drop off anything unnecessary.

---

Leftover
GP:30
SP:8
CP:8

Purchases
-Backpack
-Bedroll
-Whetstone x1
-Torch x1
-Flint and steel x1

AC: +2 [Leather Armour] AC: 15
Weight: 26.7 lb

Late Day – Early Eve
Third Day since Arrival
Corazon, Gaellus
Ben pondered whether this world would have something like a job board, but then he realized there was someone here who could actually help them with information like that. He walked up to the front desk of the inn, where Katrina was just finishing with a customer. "Excuse me, but would you happen to know where we can go to find ourselves some jobs in this city?" he asked her.
Katrina plucked up the noble from the transaction and it vanished from sight with practiced ease. “Looking for work?” a glimmer of approval flickered in her eye, “Well, as with any city, you could always spend a day asking around the market, but that’s as likely to get you a job as it is to get you sore feet with nothing to show and I imagine you’re here asking me ‘cause you fancy some local knowledge, first.”

“You’d be right, at that. I’d recommend you pay a visit to this old Yanikato merchant I know, Mr. Sakamoto. He runs his business out of his home, bringing employers to the workers they need to run their errands and odd jobs. As busy as he is, he probably won’t have time to see you tonight, but if you go now I’m sure you can book to see him first thing in the morning.” Katrina gave us directions to the merchant’s home, which she repeated for memory.

We left at once (I presume) on Katrina’s advice, stepping out into the late day heat. The sun was plunging towards building storm clouds in the southwest, though it would probably be a little while yet before either resulted in tamer temperatures for the evening.

It took about twenty minutes to arrive at the gates of a very large estate apparently belonging to one D. Sakamoto. The gate guard took names and request and summoned a young girl to show us to the garden, where we would be seen to shortly. In the intervening time we had plenty of opportunity to enjoy the tall hedges, ponds, and well-tended beauty of the garden.

After a short while, an old Asian-looking man emerged out of the hedges. He was bald, with a thin, long white moustache that fell like the barbels of a catfish, and wore long golden-yellow robes. With an air of regal calm he passed us. “Come, we shall dine in the open air this evening.” He crossed over a small bridge and went on, leaving us to follow him to a wooden gazebo sheltering a short table.

“If I have left you wondering, I am Daisuke Sakamoto, after your western nomenclature. Please, sit. I am told that the five(/six) of you are seeking employment.” He smiled kindly at our reasonable confusion. As we took our seats, cross-legged, Mr. Sakamoto took his place at the head of the table. Almost immediately, a set of doors near the gazebo opened, revealing a couple servants carrying some trays. Within short order, the table was stocked with silverware (chopsticks for Mr. Sakamoto) and plates, and moments later, with food. It occurred to me to be surprised and even shocked, but the events between the gate and suddenly being invited to supper passed almost too quickly to protest.

Mr. Sakamoto leaned forward and folded his hands before him. “As it happens, I am always looking for employees—it is the nature of my business. If you are seeking long-term employment, I can offer that too, but first, why don’t you all introduce yourselves properly?”

(Go ahead and post what you would like to say during this sudden dinner after you introduce yourself, it will all be seen to with a response. If you can't think of anything to say, look for inspiration in what others are saying, or I might provide something. Also, for Galen, we passed a Bookseller's on the way here that I have predetermined that you would like to visit on the way back. I hope I didn't forget anything.)

EDIT: Suzume has been ret-conned to be 8-9 years old--closer to what I imagined rather than 12, as I told people.

I am in awe at how well we are being treated. How is it that this man is willing to give us so much, when we are common men who simply showed up at his front gate like beggars, seeking employment. Either he is truly virtuous, or this is sugar to attract some bees, Perhaps he wasn't us to do something... bad? He is making a good first impression... but these type of actions have always unsettled me since I was a young boy. People who treat me well (especially strangers) have always lead me to ask the question (if not aloud, in my head) “What do you want?”. Further more, he is rich, and the rich do not get the way they are by being kind... for the most part.

But I shake these ideas out of my head. I am not going to say it, so confirmation will never happen. Hope that he is a better man then most. After all, Lady Emerita was willing to help us, even sleep in the same company as us, and she had no obligations to. Expect the worst, hope for the best. That is the clause that my life has revolved around for many years.

“Master Sakamoto, I give you my humble thanks for holding this wonderful dinner on such sort notice. You have accepted uninvited strangers into your wonderful home.” I start out. “You seem to be a man of great generosity, and will gladly accept any assignment that you have to offer. But sadly, I must also inform you that Me and my accomplice over here” as I bring attention too Ben, “will be leaving in about a week. We have an employer who has a job for us. So if you could, do you have anything that would be extremely temporary and short? I simply do not want to go back on my word to these people, and I so I cannot dedicate too much time to your cause. However, if you are willing, I will gladly undertake more tasks at a later date when I return.”

Galen remained quiet for the duration of the trip. He just didn't find that he had anything to say really; that's simply how it went for him. He had thoughts, and he had dreams, whether they occurred during the day or night, but didn't truly have a voice.

Or at least, a voice that people can notice. Galen mused, Mine is just too soft... not that I really mind. It's close to the borderline... all I have to do is give it a push...
Galen's eyes had clouded over, his mind lost in its own reality of thoughts, and it seemed to be too soon to him when they reached their destination.

His first impression of the place was that it indeed could be labelled an 'estate'. It was quite visibly evident that the people who could afford to life in such a well-kept, and even guarded locale would also likely need and could afford other employees. Galen quietly contemplated what he could do if needed. There was the foods class he and Owen had been in, but such an occupation would be unlikely; there was probably already a professional grade chef there, and it was doubtful anyone of high standings would trust a complete stranger to cook for them. Likely, work would have to do with general things, such as maintenance of the grounds.

I could do that. Galen thought, thinking to the large lawn of his grandparent's house. There probably isn't a tractor, but it'd be good to do by hand anyway... train the hand to follow the mind and eye, and you train the hand to wield the sword, shear, or paintbrush as needed.
When they were shown in, they were led by a dark-haired girl wearing a variation of a kimono.

About 12, Galen reasoned and observed, The hair is braided into two braids at either shoulder, which provides enough tension to allow her to put in hair accessories like the lotus flower above her left ear. The kimono is a fashionable and effective garment, although it is slightly restrictive on movement. I expect that she's wearing slipper-style shoes as well? A quick glance confirmed his thought, Yes...
Galen stopped his train of thought for a moment. What was he doing? It took but a moment for him to realize what it was.

... Envy. Galen closed his eyes momentarily as he continued following the others, ... I'm jealous of her... as I'm jealous of many of the women I meet... I know it's a burden, but I want the choice of being able to carry that burden. For one to look pretty or handsome, there is work involved, that's how it is... yet, I don't want to be 'handsome'... I want to be 'pretty'. Not all the time; I'm not that vain, but I want that option. It is, after all, these little things that give every day meaning. As it is, I don't even have an option. I can't change what people choose to see me as, just as I can't change what and who I am.
It was a sobering thought, and Galen contemplated further, watching the ripples upon the surface of one of the ponds of the garden they were waiting in.

All too soon, dinner was both ready and served, but when the attendants went to give him silverware, Galen shook his head.

"I'm fine with chopsticks, if that's easier." Galen said gently.

Already, he was beginning to get nervous. It was clear that they were expected, yet it wasn't clear how Mr. Sakamoto knew they were coming, and Galen was pretty sure he hadn't seen anyone that may have been a messenger pass them on their way up. Then again, he was lost in thought, so perhaps he just didn't notice. Yet, that wasn't the only thing that bothered him. It seemed Mr. Sakamoto had more than enough staff, so it didn't seem to be general work that they would be offered. This suspicion was confirmed by Mr. Sakamoto's words as well, specifically 'I am always looking for employees—it is the nature of my business'. Questions sprouted like dandelions, cluttering Galen's mind. However, Galen knew better than to ask them without consideration. Their host was very hospitable, dining with them at the same table, and Galen was fairly certain his questions would be answered when their host was ready to elaborate further. There was no need to be hasty and ask questions at the risk of appearing rude, if anyone heard him to begin with.

So, he quietly wondered. What exactly was Mr. Sakamoto's business, and how was he aware of their pending arrival?

Unlike some of my companions, I had relatively few suspicious thoughts about our host’s intentions. Certainly it had crossed my mind that it was strange we had been invited to supper when we hadn’t actually been expecting the chance to gain audience this evening, but other than that, I was trying to make sure I was a gracious guest, and besides, it was very pleasant and peaceful in the shade of the structure, surrounded by the gardens. It was fascinating, really, to see the house of a wealthy person was like in this age. If this was Narnia, Mr. Sakamoto would either demonstrate incredible wisdom and generosity with his wealth, or he would be one of the enemies we defeated in the end of the book. Too bad there was no talking lion to tell us which was which.

Ray took the stage as our group’s representative for Mr. Sakamoto—or rather it would be more accurate to say he had it thrust upon him by the collective silence coming from his friends. He thanked our host for us and accepted the forth coming employment offer.

“But sadly, I must also inform you that me and my accomplice over here” as I bring attention too Ben, “will be leaving in about a week. We have an employer who has a job for us. So if you could, do you have anything that would be extremely temporary and short? I simply do not want to go back on my word to these people, and I so I cannot dedicate too much time to your cause. However, if you are willing, I will gladly undertake more tasks at a later date when I return.” My eye twitched when Ray said ‘me and my’—it didn’t actually bother me, just that I had noticed.

“You prove your honour with your concern for your prior obligations. That is good. Of course, I will not hold your obligations against you and Ben-san.” Presently I had spotted a section of hedge in the garden carved into the snake-like shape of a Chinese Long Dragon. From what I could see of it, it was very well maintained.

"I make it a point to meet personally with anyone I intend to hire," Mr. Sakamoto said, "I find my employees tend to return more often when they have met the man in charge of the operation. Even so, you are fortunate to have come when you did, I am expecting to be too busy to see to anyone shortly."

(room here if you have aught to say)

Distantly, a mumble of thunder sounded, punctuating the brief silence of the supper. How long had it been since we arrived? Half-an-hour? Fifteen minutes? Since we left the Inn? Mr. Sakamoto the rain will be good for the farmers’ crop, this last week hasn’t seen much water and plenty of sun,” he said, conversationally.

Whatever reply might have been building up was diverted as the kimonoed girl who showed us in to the garden appeared at the foot of the gazebo with a half-bow like you see the kids doing in anime. The elder-respecting ones, at least.

“What is it, Suzume?” Mr. Sakamoto asked.
“I apologize for my interruption, Grandfather, but father has just returned from his trip to the temple and he wants to talk to you. He says it’s urgent.” It was funny to hear such a formal tone spoken out of the little girl’s mouth.
“Very well, you may go, Suzume.” Mr. Sakamoto turned to address us as the girl ran back off through the garden. “I must apologize, but you will have to excuse me. I must see to my son.”

He had only been gone a few moments before he returned to his seat at the head of the table, no sign of what had passed on his face. “Now, where were we? I believe it is time to discuss your first assignment.”

(If anyone (by which I mean Ray) wants to say anything to Mr. Sakamoto about what the matter was, feel free to take this time to do so, if anyone wants to say something while we have the advantage of a moment alone, do that also. If anyone just wants to get moving already, post some kind of response to Sakamoto or send me a quick e-mail telling me that you have nothing to say and for me to just get on with it already.)

"Is everything all right?" I ask master Sakamoto. I am genuinely concerned, for religion is one of those things that affect me as such: often a sign of strife. Of course I do not wish to tell this to anyone verbally, but if religion is ever brought up in a conversation, I am usually very open on my feelings of the subject.
In any case, I am some-what curious of what the two had to say. Again, I do not wish to bring this up with my employer. If he wished for us to know what was happening, he would tell us, other wise, I should believe it to be personnel affairs and leave it alone.
If and when the food is laid out, I also request for chop-sticks like Galen-san. First off, it allows for good relations by following host customs, but it is also most-likely practical for the food stuffs that we are about to consume (Asian food that is).

“Yes, thank-you for your concern,” Mr. Sakamoto responded with a nod. Another, marginally more insistent rumble hung in the distance for a full four seconds.

“It would appear that Lady Nature has given us her warning not to tarry any longer. Very well, I have an employer who needs an escort for a shipment of supplies bound for the southern farms about a day’s journey out of the city.” Sakamoto drew a small scroll from a pocket and opened it. “A show of arms such as the ones you presented at the gate is usually enough to deter attack, so I wouldn’t expect much trouble, even from the rashest of bandits. The shipment is set to leave upon obtaining escort. Payment for this job is offered at seventy-five crowns apiece, should you choose to accept it, paid in full through the mediator—my business—upon the return to the city.” Deftly rolling the scroll, Sakamoto looked down the table at us on either side. “Do you accept this job?”

(Assuming eventual assent—individual questions and concerns can be handled. I don’t think there is any reason to object to the mission.)

“Very well, I shall alert the employer and arrange for you to be picked up in the morning. Are you staying at an inn where you wish to be picked up from?”

“Alright, a cart should be waiting to pick you up at eight of the clock tomorrow, here is your documentation,” he said, handing the scroll in his hand to Ray. “If that is all, my granddaughter will see you out. Good evening, may fortune shine on you.”

“Do hurry in, though, I suspect this will be a downpour.” His words were punctuated by a cool gust of wind and a less-distant rumble.

(I hope I didn’t miss anything obvious, I kind of rushed this post. I am not done, merely tempting fate by breaking this section from the next, which will probably be a longish narrative of events assuming there is nothing that anyone badly needs to say. Of course, any response in any of the breaks above is welcome.)

Accompanying, guarding, protecting, guiding. Actions speak louder then words, and if one such as myself is continually speaking of having a noble inate nature, imagine how hard pressed I might feel to take up the sword and shield to bear the fruits of my nature.
Something inside me realizes what I am embarking on. Not as a whole with the others, for this journey is of the mind and soul, and far less that of the bodily domain. I am becoming that which I have always longed to be: a knight in shining armor.
I stand up with a new spring and zest in my step as I accept the document from Master Sakamoto. A smile spreads across my face for what I am getting out of this task.
"Thank you master Sakamoto, we will gladly aid this employer of yours." I look to my companions, making sure that there is no objections to this announcement. we had established that we needed money, and for a simple trip, we will get just that. There may be dangers ahead of us, but surely nothing more dangerous than facing the undead with few being prepared for combat. All of us had gone out to get supplies. I am sure we a more then ready to deal with whatever hardships the country side can give us.
And besides... we have each other. The five (or six) of us can do things together that others might find impossible to do.
Being lead by the small child, I give her a smile. Though I do not plan to have children myself, I have no passion of hatred against them. In fact, I have a soft spot in my heart for such treasures. I hope that she accepts the smile and gives one in turn. However, I do not expect this, for Asian culture tends to prohibit eye contact between people of different statures.

“If I have left you wondering, I am Daisuke Sakamoto, after your western nomenclature. Please, sit. I am told that the five(/six) of you are seeking employment.” He smiled kindly at our reasonable confusion. As we took our seats, cross-legged, Mr. Sakamoto took his place at the head of the table. Almost immediately, a set of doors near the gazebo opened, revealing a couple servants carrying some trays. Within short order, the table was stocked with silverware (chopsticks for Mr. Sakamoto) and plates, and moments later, with food. It occurred to me to be surprised and even shocked, but the events between the gate and suddenly being invited to supper passed almost too quickly to protest.
Upon being offered a meal by surprise, Ben's mood quickly went foul. He disliked it when people sprung surprise meals on him, because it made him feel as if he had to eat something, yet didn't know if there would be anything that he would like on the table. He waited for the food to be placed and attempted to locate some steamed rice to steal. Ben took what he wanted from the table and stayed quiet for the rest of the night, so as not to impose his current mood on the rest of the table.

“Master Sakamoto, I give you my humble thanks for holding this wonderful dinner on such sort notice. You have accepted uninvited strangers into your wonderful home.” I start out. “You seem to be a man of great generosity, and will gladly accept any assignment that you have to offer. But sadly, I must also inform you that Me and my accomplice over here” as I bring attention too Ben, “will be leaving in about a week. We have an employer who has a job for us. So if you could, do you have anything that would be extremely temporary and short? I simply do not want to go back on my word to these people, and I so I cannot dedicate too much time to your cause. However, if you are willing, I will gladly undertake more tasks at a later date when I return.”
Ben waved at Sakamoto-dono as the attention was brought to him, however he was too busy stuffing his face with rice with a spoon to add anything to the conversation.

“What is it, Suzume?” Mr. Sakamoto asked.
“I apologize for my interruption, Grandfather, but father has just returned from his trip to the temple and he wants to talk to you. He says it’s urgent.” It was funny to hear such a formal tone spoken out of the little girl’s mouth.
“Very well, you may go, Suzume.” Mr. Sakamoto turned to address us as the girl ran back off through the garden. “I must apologize, but you will have to excuse me. I must see to my son.”

He had only been gone a few moments before he returned to his seat at the head of the table, no sign of what had passed on his face. “Now, where were we? I believe it is time to discuss your first assignment.”

"Is everything all right?" Ray ask master Sakamoto.

“Yes, thank-you for your concern,” Mr. Sakamoto responded with a nod.
Ben watched him leave with a less then menacing glare, and watched him come back curious as to what had been said in such a short amount of time, perhaps there was nothing for them to say.

“It would appear that Lady Nature has given us her warning not to tarry any longer. Very well, I have an employer who needs an escort for a shipment of supplies bound for the southern farms about a day’s journey out of the city.” Sakamoto drew a small scroll from a pocket and opened it. “A show of arms such as the ones you presented at the gate is usually enough to deter attack, so I wouldn’t expect much trouble, even from the rashest of bandits. The shipment is set to leave upon obtaining escort. Payment for this job is offered at seventy-five crowns apiece, should you choose to accept it, paid in full through the mediator—my business—upon the return to the city.” Deftly rolling the scroll, Sakamoto looked down the table at us on either side. “Do you accept this job?”
Ben almost leapt out of his seat and slammed his hands on the table in shock when he suddenly realized what Sakamoto-dono was talking about.

"WHAT!? It's going to rain!?" Ben almost yelled out loud.

He quickly walked around to the side of the table where he could escape, stopped and bowed towards Sakamoto-dono, making sure not to drop his head too low.

"Thank you for the meal Sakamoto-dono, you can count me in on the job, but I will be heading back first," he protested, "I really don't like the rain and I would rather not get caught in it."

He waved at his friends and had Suzume show him the way out, which then after leaving the residence, he bolted down the street towards the inn.