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[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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[color=#736AFF][b]"Urk."[/b][/color] Izayoi exhaled reflexively as Ciradyl seemed intent on crushing her midsection. One hand raised up to awkwardly pat the Faye on the back before she saw fit to release her. When Izayoi was finally free to breathe again, she waited for introductions to conclude before nodding to Ciradyl. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"I owe you the courtesy of an explanation, at least."[/b][/color] She very much didn't care to repeat her story once again in as so many days, but it would at least serve to explain to the latecomers in the group as well. [color=#736AFF][b]"This may distress you, but I had every intention of not living through my final stand. No one was as surprised as I to discover my own survival after the fact. There was a village at the base of that mountain. The local doctor discovered me clinging to life and ensured that I did not fail in that venture."[/b][/color]

A fortifying sip of bergamot. Gods, how she'd missed this. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"One thing led to another. Isshin and I started a family together. One girl. Suzume. She would have seen her fourth nameday within the next two moons."[/b][/color] She let a shuddering breath loose at her next words, her eyes haunted. [color=#736AFF][b]"Six months ago, Valheimr raided the village. Razed it and slew every inhabitant. I had been up on the mountain collecting herbs for Isshin. By the account of one Captain Reisa, they were evidently searching for me. I as good as killed them all, Ciradyl. Twice over. First by my weakness. I had abandoned the sword that whole time. The second by my absence."[/b][/color]

Anything further Izayoi would have said was cut off as her ears twitched, footsteps coming from outside of the room. A second later, a lanky Mystel male clad in servant's garb entered, kneeling briefly before rising to set a tray of sweets and pastries down on the table. That task complete, he moved forward to bow his head before Ciradyl.

"Mistress. I bring tidings as well. The local garrison is mobilizing, and several units have already been spotted moving northward. We may have our opening to infiltrate past their defenses. Perhaps we could finally discover exactly what is going on with the Blight. Moreover..." He paused, hesitating. "Lord Hien's execution date has been announced. Tomorrow morning. The occupiers plan to hang him publically before the palace. The public is [i]invited to watch[/i]." The last few words were punctuated with a disgusted sneer, but Izayoi shot to her feet, her eyes wide in alarm. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"Hien?! Hien of the Rijin clan?"[/b][/color] She asked Renzo desperately, who only nodded. Izayoi turned to look between Ciradyl and Galahad. [color=#736AFF][b]"Our mission rates greater import, but..."[/b][/color] She sucked in a breath. This was selfish of her, but [i]there was no choice[/i]. [color=#736AFF][b]"I swore an oath. His father was my liege lord, before the Emperor saw fit to raise me in his esteem after the former fell in battle. I failed my lord Kaien once already. I cannot let his son die as well."[/b][/color] 

Izayoi stared at the dragoon, her expression nearly desperate. She sucked in a breath, and against all her instinct, bowed her head.

[color=#736AFF][b]"I will go on my lonesome if I must. I am not asking you to jeopardize our mission with this distraction. Solely to grant me leave to fulfill my duty. You are in command. The order is yours."[/b][/color]