[hr][hr][center][h2]The Black Eel Inn[/h2][/center][hr][hr]

The bartender had just finished giving another patron a drink when Huo had asked his question. The man paused for a moment, thinking to himself, though they were joined by the old man that had been playing pai sho. He was in a foul mood, shoving his way past Huo and plopping down onto his seat, arms crossed like a child who just got his toy taken away. The bartender gave Huo an empathetic look and a small wave to tell him to wait just a second, reaching over and bringing over a small cup for the old man.

"Another loss?" He asked.

"That darn girl ain't got no respect! First, she rushes me, then she tells me how 'ta win!" The old man raged. "Just 'cause I haven't won a game don't mean that she can be so haughty 'bout it! Shunon was much more respectful--that dern woman of his is no good!"

The bartender shook his head in what could have been sympathy, but the barely-held-back-smile said otherwise. He let the old man continue to rant, turning his attention back to Huo. "Shunon is likely finishing up a shift, so he's probably at the port," He explained, motioning towards the window and in the direction the soldiers had gone. "If you can't find him, I'm sure his sister or his friend know where he is, they all work for Old Man Bido over at the [b]Knotweed Fishery[/b]."
[hr][hr][center][h2]The Knotweed Fishery[/h2][/center][hr][hr]

The soldiers had been thrown off guard by Tianshi's entrance and his subsequent questioning. They looked to one another, a little unsure of what to do, but the leader of the pack remained firm, letting out a huff at Tao's mention of a [i]misunderstanding[/i]. He took out a scroll, clearing his throat as he unraveled it. "By order of his glorious majesty, King Wei, all who are found harboring fugitives are considered guilty by association," He read out the order before tightening up the scroll again. "We have it on good authority that this man here has been harboring these fugitives."

Meanwhile, the young woman had weaved through the crowd, nearly colliding with Zai as she tried to get a good look at what was going on without exposing herself. She let out a hasty apology as she stuck out her head, eyes darting to the many soldiers outside of the fishery. The sight of so many soldiers elicited a groan out of her, and she was already putting down her bag. She did, however, untie an elegantly decorated sheath protecting a sword. It had an assortment of flowers painted on, a small, wooden charm of some flower hanging off the hilt. The sword remained in place with a white rope binding hilt and sheath together, and with it in hand, the woman looked back at Zai at last.

[color=tan]"Look after my stuff for me, okay?"[/color] Her polite request was more of a demand as she gave the young man no time to give an actual response, straightening herself before boldly walking through the crowd.

Said crowd parted as she walked, converging once again when she was in the open behind the soldiers. She didn't stop, casually walking past the bewildered soldiers and putting herself between them and Bido. The man in question looked further annoyed, but she ignored them as she turned to the soldiers, offering a bright smile. [color=tan]"There are only fish and a grumpy old man here, my good sirs,"[/color] She replied, her free hand waving them off. [color=tan]"Your accusation is a big one! But without any proof, I'm afraid you're only causing a commotion."[/color]

The leader narrowed his eyes, looking the woman up and down. She was a dainty looking thing, swallowed up by the black and white robe she wore. The black pants and sword at her hip almost made her look by a warrior, but her hair was more akin to a noblewoman's. Her face was also much too happy for the situation, the weight of the situation not truly dawning on her. 

He made his decision, foot stomping the ground and the earth around him trembled before he brought up a boulder, holding it at the ready. The other soldiers followed suit. "Move aside, little lady, our business is with the fisherman," He warned.

Bido threw his arms up in defeat. "You better do something about this, Ena!" He barked, dashing out of the way.

[color=tan]"They're already bending, so from here on, this is self defense,"[/color] She replied. [color=tan]"By the decree of King Yize the Seventh, bending is considered a first strike--you should've waited for me to act before you did."[/color]

One soldier looked to another. "Is that true?"

The other didn't seem sure. "Wasn't that was written in response to bar fights, though?"

The other soldiers seemed just as unsure, further angering their leader. He had nothing more to say, shooting the boulder forward. Ena swept around it and charged forward, sheathed sword in hand as she swung and thwacked the man's knee. It buckled and he went down, finding his face meeting the woman's knee. He was momentarily stunned, falling onto the ground. 

"D-Don't just--DON'T JUST STAND THERE!" The leader screeched, angrily waving his arms. "Get her!"

The first blow had been dealt, and Ena held her weapon out. [color=tan]"If you turn around now, I promise I won't hurt you! But if you continue, I'll have no choice but to defend myself!"[/color] She announced, grinning.

Once again, the wave of doubt hit the soldiers, but it seemed less effective. Instead, the fight carried on.