Isles of the Black Sand » Places

         "Very..." Emiko said, although she did not seem to quite hear hear what she said as she stepped between the man and her sister, just in case. He looked strong, and like Emiko had thought when she first saw him, she didn't think she would be able to keep up against him for very long. Either way she hated battle and would prefer to avoid it if possible. Although practicing a type of martial arts was common in the village of the white foxes, it was all done for self defense in a pinch or for the honor of the family; most did it because they considered it fun. But no one ever got seriously hurt when they sparred... bloodshed, then again, was an entirely different matter, and Emiko despised even the thought of it. At least, when done without reason. Foxes hunted other creatures and devoured them, but they still possessed respect for their mother nature. That made that kind of bloodshed an entirely different matter. Or at least that was what Emiko had been thought.

As Emiko suddenly stepped in front of Miu, she blinked, first then noticing the man. While still holding the fox Miu peered at him from behind her sister, curiosity and a slight glint of fear sparkling on her electric blue eyes. She couldn't quite understand what he was saying, for in Miu's opinion he was speaking a strange language. However, she could catch one or another of the words; realizing he was using the common tongue. Although it was truly rare a white fox would leave the village, it was custom the children were thought the common tongue, despite them usually using another, ancient language. It was far softer and more lyrical the the common tongue, giving it a mysterious but beautiful, melodically tone.

Emiko made a small, polite bow, letting go of the hilt of her sword although she kept her guard, ready to draw it any moment, if she had to.

"Forgive my sisters rudeness, sir," she said gently in common tongue before straightening up again, "we are not used to... strangers in our village," she said, never raising her voice much even once. No matter what, she always spoke in a soft, quiet tone. She did speak properly and clearly, so everyone would understand her if they listened... but she never spoke very loudly. She spoke with a slight accent which made even the simple common tongue sound melodic in a way. Never having used it much, other than during her lessons, this was... good training for her.

"Where are your parents?"

Miu could see Emiko tense slightly at that question, and even if the little girl didn't understand exactly what he said, she had the feeling it was a rather personal question- or at least one that touched Emiko deeply. She had managed to keep her composure so far, so not many thing would manage to break her, Miu decided. She wasn't going to break now either... but the right words could probably hurt her.

"Gone," Emiko replied simply; something edging towards great emotional turmoil flashed through her amber eyes, but she quickly tried to mentally shake off that feeling, hoping he hadn't noticed. If she couldn't control her feelings and focus, how should she then be able to control her sister? It would be impossible, obviously.

"Is this your village? Who did this? Speak up!"

Emiko didn't like the tone he used towards her. Not at all. It was nothing like how a white fox would have spoken to even a stranger, and the common tongue made it sound even... rougher? Even so Emiko wouldn't tell him that. She had learned to be polite in all matters and would act as such. She simply nodded her head at his first question, otherwise remaining silent. It was not that she couldn't speak, but she was a quiet girl and would not speak unless she had to.

"Who did this?" she said softly, quietly, "I do not know... soldiers, they were soldiers...but some...were not human..."