Envoy of Blossoms

Following Sebastian to a rather large looking mansion, the expectation that the young kunoichi had of what was to come came with a level of uncertainty. There was much to be fearful of but her entire way there consisted of friendly looking faces and a multitude of sounds. The village she had entered was flourishing and it appeared she had come towards the end of a festival. It was amazing to see such a sight in the world and she hopes to really find out more.

Unsure of what to truly expect though, Marabelle had started a small name for herself in the nearby lands but it appeared she was able to remain under the radar for the most part, a small vagabond in the world of various orders. She wished to learn more from the village of Otogakure and share the findings she would gain from within where she travelled but much was to be done and figured out from here. The dreams she had from her departure to now had remained true, to make the world a better place.

Upon entry to the area that was known as the Otokage Mansion, it felt like there was a heavy burden about to be placed upon her. She heard the naming conventions of kage before as the rumored warlords of the land. Being from Bean Jam, her own world would be shaken to the core of such an individual showed up. The Everbloom shakes in her frame a bit from the sheer undertaking she had gone through to get to even this point though it was uncertain on what was to come.

Formally entering the structure she was not sure the etiquette to present with so she gave a formal bow before announcing herself outward to the building. “Thank you for having me upon this day. My name is Marabelle Blossom. I’ve come to seek rest in this fine village of yours. Even if just a night, that would be plenty. I can aid in any medical needs for my time here as I’m a traveling medic.” She remained bow for a short time after before straightening back up, unsure what was to come with this meeting of fate.

WC: 369, TWC: 369

The festival, although slowly nearing its end, was still going on, plenty of people greeting them as they made their way to the Otokage Mansion. Sebastian, closely followed by Marabelle, noticed how the two of them were met with smiles and friendly faces. "They look happy to see me" the Tau voiced, unaware of the general courtesy being aimed not only at him, but at Blossom as well. Even though he decided not to say anything, the young Berserker could sense and feel a slight touch of uncertainty coming from their visitor, combined with the overwhelming sensation of finding herself surrounded by and in the presence of Otogakure's hospitality. 

As he set foot atop of the steps leading to the mansion, Sebastian noticed Kaito heading in the opposite direction as he made his way down. "Yo, Kaito-Kage" the Tau greeted his friend before Marabelle would introduce herself, most likely impressed by being in the presence of an individual carrying the title of Kage. The former Sunagakure and now Otogakure Berserker would allow her to engage and finish the formalities, after which he briefly took the word himself. "Found this one in the Forest of Silence, saved her life" he spoke while pointing at Blossom. Now that they were at least able to give a name to the face of their visitor, the three of them made their way up and head in the direction of the mansion to continue their conversation.

Upon their arrival, Sebastian would direct himself to one of the corners before joining Kaito to the side. Deciding not to speak just yet, the Tau quickly activated his Byakugan to scan the surroundings, his lilac eye making sure no unwelcome guests were close enough to listen to what he was about to say. It wasn't a matter of trust, but considering the information that would soon be shared, it wasn't exactly something just anyone should hear, at least not yet. "I stumbled upon her in the forest, found it suspicious a stranger ended up so close to us moments after we established Otogakure so I put her through a couple of tests". He wouldn't go into detail on what and how he tested Marabelle but knowing Sebastian, Kaito should get the idea.

Moving on, he would then bring up the most important part of what he was able to find out, mentioning and describing everything Marabelle told him. "It appears we have neighbors, ones that are apparently trying their best to stay under the radar". Once the assistant finished helping Blossom, Sebastian would call the Bean Jam native over to confirm the story, encouraging her not to leave anything out. "Just tell him what you told me, and try to remember anything that stood out". He recalled her referring to them as not quite as welcoming, eventually leading up to her leaving and ending up in the Land of Sky. 

(WC: 482)

- 10 AP Byakugan

Hearing the words from Kaito eased Marabelle's heart. It was comforting to know that as much as her services would not be expected, they would be appreciated if she deigned to use them. It was a stepping stone in the right direction and would be able to help get to know the surrounding area. The Kage of the village she entered was from her estimated a bit younger than her, though their height difference did not mean much when age was so variable in the shinobi world. Seeing the man come down and great Sebastian was a treat though, hearing that one of the village's top officials found her and did not straight put her into chains or worse for stumbling around where she should not have been, instilled hope into the young woman. The Everbloom listened intently to every word the Otokage said and spoke for the bits and pieces she was around for. Giving a place of stay while present was a blessing she could hope to enjoy for what time she spent here, though her stops were plentiful in her mind, they were far away in reality, both time and spatially.

Moving aside to handle getting the accommodations set up, Marabelle respected the hush tones that were being done behind her. She was a foreigner to these people let alone not of their system either. Her knowledge of the shinobi world was that, limited. Her understanding of what she learned was through natural talent over actual teachings. It was through the need and demands of the world around her that she got to the point where she was. In hopes of better-finding talent and her knack, being present in the village would likely do wonders for her understanding of the world at large and locally in the region that was opposite of her homeland. It was a far travel path she had endured to get to this point, and she was just happy that the people she ran into were cordial and responsive to good tidings rather than instantly on guard... though it did appear to her that at minimum they were cautious. This did not deter Marabelle though, in fact, it reassured her that at the core of what was going on within this village, safety, and security from the outside world were priority one. She could tell from Kaito's verbiage that this was likely the case.

Once the paperwork was finished and Sebastian informed Kaito, the Tau waved her attention back to the two before requesting another rundown of her journey thus far. Staring between the two she would look around and even focus her attention towards the area around them, her hair sticking up a bit from the concentration of her sensory skills. With feeling no other presence within 5 meters of the group, she proceeded to tell her tale. Starting from when she left her homeland of Bean Jam. Skipping past the middle points of the tale that involved rampant banditry within the entirety of the continent, Marabelle expressed concerns and worry when it came to the villages that started to pop up. When discussing the affairs that lead to her eventual departure, she reiterated the exact same details she had spoken to Sebastian about in the Forest of Silence. Leaving no detail out but in fact including a detail freshly remembered.

"My journey had started with whispers of a village from one caravan to another caravan to another. One of those rumor games almost of trying to get a message from one person to the other without messing it up. As someone who wanted to help more, I took it upon myself to identify the validity since I knew the mainland far away from Bean Jam was always in conflict with multiple shinobi villages in the various Lands. If anything, joining a village seemed like the right call but that's a different conversation. When I arrived through the forest, it was a maze of sorts but thankfully because I rode in with a caravan I was able to get a better shot of the village hidden in the forests. I'm unsure if I could trace my steps back without getting lost." She added in. "They were concerned and cautious, almost paranoid at the suddenness of my arrival, though I can imagine why. Although I would argue if I had walked  up to your gates Lord Kage-sama, I too would have been met with such concerns and caution."

"With a terse response from the villagers at the gate, the wind caught my attention and I departed before being admitted or otherwise rejected from entering after stating my cause and case. I would end up traveling for a while before ending up in your domain within the Forest of Silence. If it was not for Sebastian..." She continued lingering at his name and motioning to her savior, "I probably would have been lost for a while before eventually wandering out and away from your own village. It seems to me most wish to keep to themselves so I will apologize for any hardships I bring upon this chain of events or inconveniences I cause." She gave another light bow before rising up. "I hope I may also add now that I am more aware of where I am." She added looking towards Sebastian and then to Kaito. "I hope this does not cause undue harm to the land at large, not just the Land of Sky, but to Bird, Forest, and others."

She then, if let to continue, would describe a bit of her upbringing as someone who aimed for peace within her massive family and how she was the family's nurse. She hoped to travel the lands now offering aid and services to those impacted by hardships or conflict. "It's a foolhardy endeavor to pursue from the small interactions I have had with the two villages I have stumbled upon. But I hope my plea for finding peaceful cooperation is heard and considered. Hailing from a land on the opposite side of the conflict that lingers across the sea, hearing that not just one but two villages have propped up even with remedying some banditry is a worry and concern I express. Everyone wants to protect what's close, but I hope to protect those who don't have a chance to be protected... or at least help them recover so they don't continue the bleeding effect of conflict."

Awaiting responses or additional questions from the two, she let out a tense sigh as she got that off her chest. It was apparent her concerns were that of a rather innocent person in the world, one who has suffered but wished to do better and see better in others. As young and foolish as it was, there was a genuineness that she accepted that this was a mountain of a challenge to endure, especially alone. Her eyes had a spark of determination and confidence, even though her words expressed concern and doubt of the end of the path she choose to walk. She understood well that her knowledge was important for both parties that were loosely aware, one more so than the other, of the presence of the two villages in the land. Her hands gripped her satchel that showed a dragonfly whose tail coiled into a sickle or kama, a very distinguishable and distinct design that as much as she wishes to fly around the lands and world, that danger was present and aware and that at minimum she understood the road might end up bloodening her own hands.

WC: 1,265, TWC: 1,634

So many words were coming out of Marabelle's mouth, Sebastian almost started to see pink. The young woman rambled and repeated the same story she told the Tau, from traveling with a caravan to ending up at Forest Country. "Did you hear that Kaito? My poor cousin, ignored and neglected, it's breaking my hearts" the young Berserker spoke dramatically. What a hardship it must have been. Blossom continued her tale, making sure not a single detail was left untold. For a moment he got worried that making her repeat every little word would be quite tiring, but from the way she talked it seemed she didn't mind in the slightest.

Fortunately for him, they got to the part where Sebastian came in, arriving at the scene like the hero he was. "Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear cloaks". A humble brag, why not. Smiling from ear to ear the Tau was glad to hear Marabelle do him justice. Killing randoms by day, saving strange woman at night. The Berserker's heroic tale aside, the Bean Jam native would finish her story by mentioning her upbringing, sharing her hopes and dreams of protecting and helping those in need. "What you need is a shower and some new clothes, cousin". The journey had not been kind to her. 

News about a neighboring country left Kaito both intrigued and surprised, the sudden information cause for consideration. "Wrong decisions are the ones made in a hurry" Sebastian shared his thoughts. Even though they could hardly ignore an unknown village close by, it would be in their best interest to tread carefully. "Perhaps a meeting with the Founders is in order, that's why we're here after all, to give you counsel". From the other village's perspective it would also look quite strange, another Kage at their gates without any notice, accompanied by his forces. "It'll also allow Marabelle a moment to adjust". Far from a politician himself, the Tau still knew when and how to act. 

(WC: 331, TWC: 813)

Marabelle smiled at Sebastian's antics during her initial telling of her journey through the lands. The air of levity was appreciated in such an uncertain time for the young kunoichi. It was apparent she was still learning about the geopolitics of the world she was stepping into but knowing that there was joy in the world helped her push forward. There was hope for others but as anticipated there were concerns and reasonable reactions from the two. It was obvious that Sebastian took his role and position as a 'Master' seriously to Kaito as the Kage. She had not expected to see such a kept response from the man who showed his colors with bloody intent to stave the blade and seek counsel. Marabelle gave a warm smile to Sebastian and a thumbs up to his commentary.

Turning to Kaito and his words, Marabelle gave an understanding nod knowing full well the dangers that villages seek and the stability to their people that they bring. A new village popping up in the vicinity was not something to be trifle about and concern and worry were expected. Treachery was what built up most villages and the corpses of the fallen made the foundation. The Everbloom gave a softer smile to Kaito hearing that he was one to advocate for peace as well if the option was present but he could not turn a blind eye to the potential danger. "Thank you for listening to me through the course of this debrief Lord Kage-sama. Hearing the desire for peace gives me hope that this world can see things differently but that will depend on the world also seeing it that way." Marabelle's hands that were resting on her strap loosened from her anxious stance from her telling of the situation. There was much to be fearful of but knowing she was safe with people who also sought for peace was a breathe of fresh air.

From there when asked about the specific location, Marabelle provided the details to the best of her ability on how to navigate to the village and the massive tree that was built around. "The tree will be a good indicator of where Sakuragakure is located before you enter but will be difficult to see once you are in the forest proper." The big concern that she voiced up was that time had passed since she was last present there and she was even able to enter once she arrived. It was an odd situation to describe but that was the extent of her knowledge. "I'm also aware of the gate guard's name though I'm uncertain how important that information is outside of possibly scaring the man. He was a stiff and seemed dissatisfied with his position while also having pride in being a guard, weird fella." She added and included. If asked she would oblige and provide the name, Akimitsu. From there her thoughts began to wander as hearing about getting some new clothes and adjusting to the setting reminded her that there were more than just discussions.

"I shall take my leave as a proper bed sound wonderful to rest upon. If given permission I would also like to take missions here in Otogakure, it will allow me to earn my stay more properly." She would produce a blank headband advocating her establishment as a reliable Vagabond within the villageless-shinobi system. "I understand the fearfulness that might be presented by an outsider but I hope I can ease some of the notion that not everyone outside the walls are bad people. As such it is only right for me to accompany you back to the village that I wound up walking to initially. There should not be any worry or concern to return there for me." Regardless of the answer, Marabelle would give an affirming nod before moving towards the counter to pick up the letter and note provided by the secretary that would provide housing for her stay here. From there the vibrantly pink one would depart and leave the two alone officially. Finally settling into a village to rest felt like a blessing as compared to where Sebastian found the lost stray in the forest.

After exiting the Otokage's mansion, Marabelle looked back and heaved a heavy sigh. The direction she ended up taking resulted in some unfortunate circumstances that she could not truly avoid. This however left the woman in an odd state of mind when considering what was to come next. There was much to work on and do to help out where she could here in Otogakure. The directives given were that if she wished to accompany then she would return to the gate in three days time. It was not a lot to work with but she made a mental note to be of help to anyone who needed it in that time. The Everbloom would continue to blossom outwardly in the world around here and even with circumstances presented, she was not afraid to be herself in the face of potential danger or enemies down the road. She hoped that such a circumstance would not arise in their own life times but as a medic at heart, she would heal enemy or ally as long as life was preserved. People fought and she was aware of that but that did not change the desire she had growing inside her.

[Exit]

WC: 911, TWC: 2,545

Claims:

Marabelle wrote:2,545 WC
470 WC + 1,030 WC towards learning Apothecary (25% Discount from Max Stats) = 1,500/1,500 WC
2063 WC towards learning Mind's Eye of the Kagura to Learn A-rank (25% Max Stat Reduction: 2,750 now 2063)
12 WC Leftover and discarded.

Memorizing Kaito's Chakra Signature.

Approved for Marabelle

Kaito Inuzuka wrote:

[TOPIC EXIT]

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WC (POST) = 460 WC
WC (TOTAL) = 1,528 WC

AP UTILIZED:

ITEMS UTILIZED:

EXIT CLAIMS:

Approved