[color=a9a9a9]Ryza noted his chuckle and wondered what she had said that was so silly. It was only when he explained that he wasn't a commanding officer did she realize. She bit her lip back, a little embarrassed that she regarded him as something he wasn't. Ryza held her katana firm by her side as she studied and listened to him some more.[/color]

[color=a9a9a9]His comment on being stiff set a delayed fuse in her mind, trying to work past the faint language barrier to understand. it didn't take long, but it was long enough for there to be a few seconds of awkward silence.[/color] [b]"Apologies, its customary to bow to seniors and others who command respect."[/b]

[color=a9a9a9]She took his invitation to sit and claimed the seat across from him. She was straight backed and her hands were smoothing out her kimono. She had a sort of eager look in her eyes, one that showed her determination to prove herself to her band. As he introduced himself, Ryza smiled in acknowledgement. The fire caught her off guard though, having not expected the man to have a spirit companion. Ryza studied the pale woman, taken in by the intricate mask and garments.[/color] [b]"A pleasure to meet you. Both of you."[/b] [color=a9a9a9]she smiled at Alan and his spirit.[/color]

[b]"Allow me to introduce Oni. As I believe the saying here is 'I scratch you and you scratch me.' Or something along those lines."[/b] [color=a9a9a9]she didn't take time to think it over, she just assumed she had it right. Ryza spoke something in her native tongue, it was quick and seemed more fitting to her appearance. A small ripple in the air appeared not far from Ryza's head, a demonic face started to fade into view. It stared at Seru and Alan, though it was impossible to tell whether it was curious of them or welcoming as its face was unmoving.[/color]

[b]"It speaks only to me."[/b] [color=a9a9a9]Ryza began,[/color] [b]"And... It isn't saying anything..."[/b] [color=a9a9a9]she smacked the wooden mask, a high pitched 'thunk' came from the impact. The mask didn't even move to the smack, it seemed like Oni didn't even notice it. But after, it pivoted in a slow, almost dramatic, way to look at Ryza. She smiled,[/color] [b]"Oni greets you both."[/b]

[color=a9a9a9]When Alan asked her why she was here, she thought on it. Ryza usually never spoke in large amounts at once, she was always afraid she's confuse her western tongue with Kusagi, and simply speak gibberish. So Ryza put it simply,[/color] [b]"I'm a Seishin apprentice who came here with my uncle, my master. He passed to the next world, and now I need to pay for my way home to the Kusagi Empire so I can complete my apprenticeship."[/b]

[color=a9a9a9]Meanwhile, the summoned Oni was spinning three-sixties to look at all of the patrons of the tavern, noting the other Kusagi spirit at the bar. It stared at the one the longest. Ryza looked over her shoulder thanks to a mental message from Oni. She regarded the spirit and the one who had summoned it, sensing a sort of disdain from the man. She disregarded him and looked back to her band mate,[/color] [b]"So, Ryner,"[/b] [color=a9a9a9]she tried to avoid using Kusagi titles with names here in Meduzart,[/color] [b]"Why did you join the Red Hawks? Since we're on the topic?"[/b]

[color=a9a9a9]As Ryza listened, she realized that she hadn't even touched the drink that the bartender had gotten for her. She kept her eyes on Alan and listened as she scooped the drink into her hand, raising it to her lips. She absently took a mouthful. Her face went pale and she placed a hand over her lips, setting the drink down. The lack of experience when it came to drinking definitely showed, she obviously wasn't expecting the burn. The sad part, was that the barkeeper was known for providing light drinks to newbies of the fiery liquid. Ryza had though, if that was light, she didn't even want to dare with the 'hardier' stuff. Her mother did a good job in raising her to be anything but an adventurer.[/color]

[color=a9a9a9]She forced back the hot liquid and pushed the glass over to the side, thinking one sip was enough to honor her late uncle.[/color] [b]"Sorry, Alan. Please continue."[/b] [color=a9a9a9]she smiled at him.[/color]