Though it contributed to her reputation as an outsider separated from the clan's customs, someone not truly to be trusted as an elder in the village, Metou normally stayed on the outskirts of festivities. It may have been her upbringing and subsequent banishment from a village that frowned upon anything excitable, but Metou was always uncomfortable in an energetic crowd. Unfortunately, shying away wasn't an option at this particular festival. As a volunteer to recover Shima's stolen relic, Metou was now one of the guests of honor. Metou wore her nicest eyepatch just for the occasion, adorned with crow feathers. 

When it came time to address the lord, Metou made her way towards the others, each step of hers requiring the aid of her walking stick and loudly slapping together the bottles she hung on her body. She ignored how the others returned Lord Shima's words, as she had to focus on what to say herself. Metou only found herself snappy in a conversation when she needed to lie, giving respect wasn't one of her strong suits. [color=bc8dbf]'[i]Whatever you say, don't tell him you'll 'keep an eye' on everyone else,[/i]'[/color] Metou told herself sternly. Instead she answered, [color=bc8dbf]"I'm honored that you accept my aid, Lord Shima. It is always my pleasure to serve our clan in times of crisis."[/color] She vowed to at least make sure that the Lord's seal was not abused in their representative duties.

One of her allies in this endeavor began addressing each of the members of the group individually. Now that was a ritual Metou definitely did not plan on involving herself in, but she appreciated his words of praise, especially when she say how Yuudai responded. When Jiang asked for her wisdom, Metou could only chuckle. She never thought about herself as wise, no matter how many people thought of her as an elder or a teacher. Only when Jiang moved to talk to the half-oni next to her did something Jiang said sink in. [color=bc8dbf]'[i]What does he mean I'll see the end of this journey?[/i]'[/color] Metou thought with a twisted and puzzled look on her face. [color=bc8dbf]'[i]Does this cur think I can't handle myself? Or that my life is too short for a long trip like this?[/i]'[/color]

Metou glanced an eye up at Gin, who also seemed to receive a bit of a backhanded compliment. The half-oni stood about a head over the old woman. [color=bc8dbf]"Don't worry, you still tower over at least one person here,"[/color] Metou said, hoping to lift his spirits. Of course, Metou was about half a foot taller when she was younger, and she was embarking on this journey to find an opportunity to exercise her magic. Metou hoped her words weren't just setting Gin up for a fall later on.