From the day Okumi had met Linde, Kyero, Aetrius and LonĆ”n, the days had moved by so quickly, it was all a bit of a blur. Perhaps she was having so much fun, time was going by faster? Or perhaps, it was something else entirely? Sitting in the Inn, alone for the moment as Linde had stepped out while everyone else had headed to work, Okumi thought back over the past few days travelling, recalling how she got herself into all this mess, and why she was considering such a risky plan. The first couple of days with everyone had been pleasant enough, Okumi hadnāt noticed it at that point. Maybe she was blinded by the novelty of being amongst so much company for a change? Clad in the white dress Linde bought her, Okumi partook in sitting and listening with the others, allowing time for her wounds to heal under Lindeās care. Now aware of Okumiās condition, Linde was more than accommodating to the strange habits of the strange shrine maiden, and whether out of politeness or disinterest, the remainder of the group didnāt question her silence or the mask that she wore.
When the group finally hit the road to leave Atlum and head for Veilbrand, Okumi thought that it would be the end of such pleasant exchanges. After all, she was a shrine maiden, and though she appreciated the offer to head to Veilbrand, her home was here in the mountains. Sheād already been away for two nights, so the chickens were probably restless. Still, it would be worth it ā Sheād been rewarded with a horse for her good deeds, and even though that wasnāt the most useful in her position as a shrine maiden, it would be another companion to amuse herself with once back at the temple. Sheād have to think of a name for the fellow. Alasā¦ That wasnāt to be. The sight that greeted Okumi and the group was not one of a simple and well-kept shrine, and as the group watched Okumi rush around exploring the debris and wreckage, it became pretty clear what had happened in her absence. The entire site had been razed, her shack burned to the ground; the small, stone structure for tributes and prayer snapped in two; but worst of all, the fields sheād cultivated and the chicken coop had been utterly destroyed. Nothing of hers remained. It was all gone. Sheād lost her home once more.
Whether it had been the bandits from Atlum or another party, Okumi couldnāt be certain. Still, it left her heart heavy, and so it was with a solemn expression and the faintest of tears in her eyes, the shrine maiden accompanied the group to Veilbrand. Pity. She hated being pitied, but it seemed that was all she was good for. That and following death wherever it went. Okumi was an optimist, someone who always tried to see the positive in things, and this was no exception. Perhaps it was a sign to remain with her new companions, to explore further in the world? And yetā¦ Something in the back of her mind nagged at her. Ever since that day, it seemed nothing but ruin followed her. Sheād always thought that the plant sheād plucked had been cursed. Now, she wondered if perhaps it was her that was a blight on the world around herā¦
Travelling with the group, Okumi couldnāt help but marvel at how amazing they all were. All so strong in their own way. On one particularly notable day, she got to hear firsthand the hardships and strengths of the people she now called friends. Or at leastā¦ The ones that called her friend. Okumi appreciated their company dearly butā¦ She wasnāt sure if they even liked her. Slowly, her insecurities continued to eat at her. She was something pitiable. Disgraceful. Perhaps they only kept her company because they felt sorry for her? These peopleā¦ They were warriors. Fighters. Assassins. People that fought against such hardship and strived to make something of themselves. Even now, as they travelled, they had goals and aspirations not just for themselves, but for the world or their legacy. LonĆ”n sought to bring acclaim and recognition of his family name, to become a warrior legend and perhaps something of a hero. Aetrius, for all her gruffness, showed a softer side; and hinted that perhaps she wanted to do more than just fight for a living, if her tale was anything to go by. Not to mention that they were already on a quest to save her sister. Linde too, wanted to help others. To be there for anyone in need, and had already proved that she was living by those ideals. Even Kyero, who didnāt share his story, was trying to be something more than a death-bringer, if Lindeās earlier conversation was anything to go by. Then there was Okumiā¦ When it came time for her to tell a story, she looked downcast. Soon enough, everyone realized that she couldnāt really give much of anything, especially while riding. Linde played it off with an apology and a joke butā¦
It hurt. To have friends this close, sharing things so dear to them and yetā¦ Why couldnāt she speak? It wasnāt that she didnāt have a voice, and it wouldnāt cause her that much discomfort to tell a story with her mask on, so whyā¦? Why couldnāt she..? Whyā¦? Squeezing the reigns of the horse tighter, Okumi clenched her eyes shut. She could have told them of her past. Gotten that off her chest, become closer to them. That would have been fair. So why hadnāt she? And why was she even asking herself questions she knew the answer to? She was unlike LonĆ”n, Aetrius, Linde, and even Kyero. They all had something she lacked. They all endured hardships, but now? Now, they were living for something more than just themselves. Okumi couldnāt say that about herself. She wasnāt fighting to live. She was living to die. Justify it all she wanted, but knowing what she carried. The danger she posed to everyone around her, the safest thing she could do for everyoneā¦ Was die. But she hadnāt. Sheād buried that deep down inside of her, played it off like she was living on for her family to try and continue their legacy, but really, she didnāt care about that. She never really had. The truth was that she was afraid. Scared to die, and scared of what death might bring. Guilt and fear was the only thing keeping her alive. Thatās whyā¦ Thatās whyā¦
Ukron brought with it festivities and more sorrow. The cold weather was beautiful, but also bitter. Falling snow was such an ephemeral thing. Sitting by herself on a bench, Okumi watched people enjoy the songs and dance, smiling in vicarious appreciation as Linde and Aetrius shared a moment together. It was tender, sweet and warm, even in the chilly night. Okumi was happy for them. In fact, the spirited music even began to coax the reserved shrine maiden to act. She always did enjoy dancing and fun, that was the one part of being a shrine maiden that sheād truly loved. The traditional dances were a challenge, and something special to break up the typical routine. Perhaps, she could let herself go for a change, dance for a bitā¦? Sitting up, Okumi began to take a step to join them, before suddenly, she couldnāt help but start coughing. Turning away, she wondered if it was the cold getting to her. It wouldnāt do her well to get sicker than she already was. Still, she could feel something on the inside of her mask, so sheād need to clean it or swap to one of her fresh ones.
Deciding to do so before dancing, especially since sheād likely work up a sweat if she really got into it, Okumi moved out of sight to trade out the mask. What she saw froze her stiff, the girl stealing a glance to either side of her, but the laughter from the center of the town confirmed that everyone was distracted with their own activities. Trembling slightly, Okumi quickly changed out her mask, taking a moment to move over to one of the torches that lined the houses for the nightās festivities. Holding her old mask over the flame, Okumi let it burn to ash and vanish amongst the snow. There was no trace of what had been there, but that didnāt change what she saw.
That was the first night Okumi noticed blood in her mask.
Continuing to Veilbrand, Okumi continued to think to herself about a great deal of things. More than the people she was travelling with, what was it she wanted? She did want to help Aetrius find Kieran, that was true butā¦ What then? What was her purpose in this world? Did she even really belong with the group? They could all fight so well and contribute so much, but Okumiā¦ Didnāt. She felt like a bystander, simply there, existing rather than actually doing anything to help. Was thisā¦ Should she be using her time like this..? Okumi hadnāt mentioned that night in Ukron to Linde. That woman would simply pity and worry for Okumi more if that was the case. Not to mentionā¦ Glancing over to Aetrius as Linde told her āstoryā, the shrine maiden smiled. Those two seemed to be hitting it off well, flirting every now and then. To bring up her own issues would be inappropriate. She wanted them to enjoy their time together; not guilt those around her into spending more time with her. Besides, there wasnāt much that could be done. No, sheād rather her companions be happy, showing them the same courtesy they showed her. And beyond that, Kieran was the priority. Besides, it could have been a one off.
As LonĆ”n laughed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves from Lindeās antics, Okumi played the part and smiled as well. Yes, this was the right choice. Just like sheād decided back then. This was her burden to bare.
Watching Aetrius save the girl from the slaver was admirable. Once again, Okumi was reminded on how much of a different level Korriban was compared to her. The strength and speed of a true warrior was something not to be underestimated. When Linde decided to follow up however, Okumi watched in stunned silence. True, she agreed that there was nothing more despicable thanā¦ that. Butā¦ Even soā¦ She could never bring herself to do something like what Linde did. Crippling that manā¦ It was far crueler than death. In fact, in this sort of world, Okumi knew it was basically a death sentence. Not being able to defend or provide for oneself, especially a man of his natureā¦ No one would care for him. Maybe heād starve, or someone would end his life in a mercy killing butā¦ The fear of deathā¦ Okumi knew it well. She didnāt wish pain or suffering on anyone. Perhaps that was her weakness butā¦ She couldnāt stomach it at all. Okumi didnāt agree with slaughtering those bandits back in Atlum, and for similar reasons, she couldnāt condone what happened to the man in front of her. Low as he was. Glancing amongst Linde and everyone else, she saw their expressions. They wereā¦ Happy about it. Well, happy may not have been the right word, but they certainly didnāt have the twisted feeling in their stomach like Okumi did. Pretending to be amused with the scenery, Okumi was glad her mask hid her expression for the most part. It was becoming clearer to her how much of an outcast she really was. Her values were different, and she wasnāt as capable as the others. All she would do is hold them back. Sheā¦ Didnāt belong.
In a daze as she thought through everything, Okumi remained silent as usual while she waited for Aetrius and Linde to go about their work, gently stroking her horseās mane as she waited. It provided some comfort for the turmoil in her heart and mind. When they finally got to the inn, they all discussed the plan for finding Kieran and procuring funds, Okumi half-heartedly chipping in to the process. Sheād been nothing but another mouth to feed. A sink of money and time. Not only that, but she wasnāt much use in work. She wasnāt strong, and not being able to communicate meant that there wasnāt much of anything she could do to bring income to the group. Despite her best efforts to refuse, Linde insisted on buying Okumi another outfit to suit the weather. Perhaps subconsciously, sheād noticed the cues in Okumiās behavior caused by the dissonance in her mind? Regardless, Okumi felt even worse. Here they were needing to save money, and yet, Linde was still looking out for her. Okumiās hand trembled. She felt useless. She hated that feeling. It reminded her of back then.
Later, Okumi and Linde headed out to map the town for escape routes to the Inn. Okumi was in charge of the drawing, which was easy enough. Linde easily could have done the task on her own, so this was clearly just a way of keeping Okumi out of danger and making her feel useful. She appreciated the effort butā¦ Again, it didnāt sit right with her. Pityā¦ Being uselessā¦ Okumi was sick of it. She was going to have to do something.
Waiting until nightfall was easy enough. After they were done with their tasks, Linde and Okumi went back to the Inn to wait for Aetriusā return. Even though it was quite late, Linde was restless waiting for Korriban, possibly out of worry, but the two had clearly grown closer of the weeks travelling. In fact, Okumi was counting on that fact to get her opportunity. When Aetrius returned, performing the signature knock, Okumi let Linde answer the door. Seeing them make chatter, the Shrine Maiden moved up. After a series of gestures, starting first with taking hold of Aetriusā and Lindeās hand to bring them together; then pointing in turn to Okumi herself, a spot just outside the door, and then the clock on the wall, making a ā10ā sign with her hands, the Shrine Maiden intended to give the two some alone time in the room to catch up. She had no doubt theyād accept, even if they didnāt do much with it. Besides, both would know it was common for Okumi to take moments alone, given her condition. What they didnāt know, was that Okumi had no intention of just waiting there.
Heading out into the night alone would be foolish. A lone woman would likely be the target of unscrupulous people and at risk of so much. But that was what Okumi was counting on. It was impulsive, but sheād come up with a plan to help locate Kieran. What better place to do so then from the inside? After all, sheād worked out where theā¦ āSeedierā district was when sheād gone mapping with Linde. If she wandered around there, someone would try to lure her in, maybe kidnap her; and from there, it would be relatively easy to ask around the other slaves to find Kieran. As long as she made some sort of obvious mark or signal that the others could find; theyād be able to close in and rescue them, and best of all, all the money theyād earned wouldnāt have to go to the inn since sheād have saved them so much time. It was a flawless plan! And incredibly naĆÆve. Oblivious to the dangers of such a town and the things people could do, Okumi had no idea what she was getting herself into. She didnāt even notice the men around her before a bag was over her head, and the world faded to darknessā¦