Masaki Mizuno Wa's Story

In the Capital of Wa和, the imperial court met on the decision to sign a treaty with the foreigners from the Fyrkat nation. The emperor and nobles agreed to lend their assistance to the Leiknir in unifying the Fyrkat nation. In exchange, the Leiknir would give aid to Wa in the event that they were under heavy attack. The Daimyo Katsura Shiraishi felt that it was best that he himself personally met with the foreigners. The defense of Wa would be left in very capable hands and defense measures were increased to cover Katsura’s absence.

At the summons was The Emperor, Imperial family, Daimyo Katsura Shiraishi, Imperial Prince and katsura’s Vassal Masaki Mizuno Wa, and the High Priestess also referred to as the Queen of Wa Himiko Hatsumomo. The nobles agreed that Katsura should be sent as an envoy but were not so pleased with the decision of allowing Prince Masaki to accompany him, even if it was his duty as Katsura’s vassal. The nobles never supported the idea of a prince of divine lineage pledging to defend and even lay down his life for a samurai who’s beneath him, Daimyo or low ranking footman.

“Oh excellency, we beg you, our must divine Emperor, do not permit his majesty Prince Masaki to travel to unclean foreign soil. A prince should remain safe in his home country. Oh most gracious majesty please consider our plea!!” The noblemen and imperial advisors pleaded with the Emperor in unison. Their cries echoed throughout the grand hall as if it were a vocal thunder clap.

The emperor rubbed his chin between his finger and thumb pondering his decision. Masaki stepped forward from Katsura’s side, both of which stood before the imperial family. Masaki knelt down on his knees and bowed while placing is right hand over his heart. “Father I pray to our most blessed Amaterasu that you understand my plea. I must follow Lord Katsura, for it is my sworn duty. My honor and place in the heaven ride on my ability to hold true to my commitments, and uphold my honor. Please do not allow the nobles to cause me to commit a dishonor that I must pay for.” Masaki stayed as he was.

Hatsumomo stepped forward. “Your excellency, may I be permitted to speak?” Hatsumomo wore a beautiful kimono and her face was painted white, common to geisha. She always dressed elegantly when going before the imperial court.

The emperor replied calmly, “Yes, High Priestess, you may share the wisdom of the heavens.”

Hatsumomo bowed, “Thank you your majesty. I humbly desired to inform you and the court that the majestic goddess of the sun, Amaterasu, is little concerned with man’s created rankings but with honor each of us must uphold to ourselves, each other, our ancestors and to the land. Your advisors are leading you astray. His majesty prince Masaki must stay by Lord Katsura’s side. It is his oath to heaven not to man. Your majesty, please consider my words.” With that, Hatsumomo stepped back in her original spot.

The nobles looked furious. Hatsumomo, as a woman, had little right to say such things to them, at least that’s what the imperial advisors felt. Immediately one of the imperial advisors stepped forward, “How dare you speak such blasphemy woman!!” He said while pointing his violently shaking finger at Hatsumomo who seemed quite unphased. She didn’t even look at the man.

Before the man could say more, the king cut his short, “Hold your tongue fore it is out of line.” The advisor turned paler than he already was and slipped back in line.

“I have decided that Lord Katsura shall have the protection of his vassal and my son Masaki Mizuno Wa. Hatsumomo Himiko, I also would request that you accompany Katsura and his army as a good luck symbol. With you there, our army will have the blessing of the sun goddess. ”

The three bowed and on the next day Katsura, Himiko, Masaki and a small army were traveling across the great Asian Ocean. They would soon meet with the foreign warriors from the Leiknir clan. On the ship Katsura and Masaki sat in Katsura’s below deck chambers. The two spoke to one another freely and in a private zone they could act as they truly were, married.

“Masaki, it might have been better for you not to challenge the imperial court all the time. We are on a slippery slope, we should tread lightly.” Katsura said lovingly as he place a hand gently on Masaki’s soft cheek.

“I know my lord. Himiko stood up for us and it made all the difference. Besides, my steps will always be lighter and softer than yours Katsu-chan.” Masaki replied as he smiled, taking Katsura’s palm and planting a tiny kiss there.

Katsura smiled then stroked Masaki’s hair gently. “Just be mindful that Lady Hatsumomo won’t always be able to stick up for us. She has her own battles to fight. She doesn’t need to take hit for us too.” Katsura replied, still smiling at Masaki.

There was a knock on the door, a foot soldier stood outside to tell them that the shore was not far off and that preparation for docking would commence. After the foot soldier left, Katsura and Masaki kissed quickly and quietly. “I suppose this will have to tide you over for a while my lord. I don’t think we’ll have many moments to ourselves while here.” Masaki said playfully.

Katsura chuckled and the two got prepared to disembark. They joined Hatsumomo on deck. She had been holding a small party of sorts on the deck with the soldiers and samurai. They were not often able to sit in the company of a Geisha and more rarely the High Priestess. It was truly odd for a Geisha to be chosen for such a spiritual position in the court. She sang funny songs and played the shamisen. The men laughed and sang along while they drank. Moral was high with Himiko Hatsumomo was around.

The boat docked and it was time to greet the Leiknir people.

Ulfar and Tyra Leiknir

The wind was blowing heavy as Ulfar, his daughter and their guards walked towards the docks, all decorated with their finest weaponry and jewellery to greet their esteemed guests. “I still don’t like this father; we’re too exposed out here on the docks.” Tyra’s voice was kept low to avoid being heard by the guards following behind them.

“Stop fretting child!” Urlaf answered firmly. “The Wa would not attack us here, if they really wanted to attack then they wouldn’t bother arranging a meeting and there are too many clans in the way for them to attempt an ambush. Besides what would they gain by attacking a clan so far from their home?”

Tyra snarled at the answer but otherwise made no other mention of her disapproval, the docks now under foot and the Wa’s imperial junk now beginning to lay down it’s mooring a few of the dock hands tying off the ropes. Urlaf stopped once he’d reached the end of the pier, his beard blowing gently in the wind his hand resting on his highly decorated sword that sat at his hip.

A thud announced the dockings completion as a gangplank was dropped onto the wooden structure before the Leiknir chieftain and his cantankerous daughter. “Now watch your tongue girl or I will have it cut out.” He growled quietly at Tyra as Samurai began to pour out of the Junk and onto the wooden docks, making walls along the edges of the wooden structure.

Urlaf stepped forward into the enclosure as the Wa procession began to filter out behind their guards. He thumped his chest as the procession approached him on the docks, his fist remaining at his chest. “Greetings, I am Ulfar. Chieftain of the Leiknir clan and this is my daughter and heir Tyra.” Urlaf gestured to his daughter behind him who had now adopted a polite smile to avoid the consequences of angering her father, she knew better than to test his promises.

She thumped her own chest as she approached, the fur covered metal making a dull thud. Her eyes scouring the ornately dressed Asian people, especially the painted face of the woman who followed the men down surrounded by equally painted women, it was definitely an unusual practice. Woad had functionality in its use but Tyra couldn’t understand why anyone would paint their face just to meet with another clan. She couldn’t deny however that the woman was very beautiful, Tyra could almost have felt her prejudice break slightly at the sight of this otherworldly culture.

Urlaf was doing much better at hiding his intrigue, taking note of the unusually dressed people he was greeting. He had of course heard of dresses though they were very rare in the warring lands of the Fyrkat but it seemed that even the men were wearing them in the Kingdom of Wa. How do they fight if they’re attacked? He wondered to himself.

Snapping back his attention, Urlaf gestured to the town behind him “We have prepared a lavish feast in anticipation of your arrival as well as preparing merriment to share our ways with you.” His deep voice boomed over the crash of the sea.

Tyra turned her attention to the soldiers beside her, they were dressed very unusually but she had to admit the armour looked well made, of course Leiknir metal would’ve been much stronger and she couldn’t grasp the idea of the odd weapons they all carried at least two of but they were almost up to her surprisingly high standards.

Katsura, Himiko and Masaki

The boat docked and the people of Wa began to disembark from the boats that carried them. The many Wa soldiers tried with all of their ability not to show the awe and amazement they felt when looking at their surroundings. The people looked quite different from their bodily features to their clothing. The land was somewhat different as well. It was as if they had transcended into a new world.

As the Fyrkat people came into Masaki and Katsura’s line of view Masaki smiled and leaned in close to Katsura. “They truly are a peculiar looking group are they not? I’ve seen woodblock paintings of foreigners before but to see them in person is quite interesting indeed. It makes one redefine their definition of manliness.” Masaki spoke in an amused tone.

Katsura smiled in return and replied, “Masaki-kun, I think that warrior is or contact Ulfar. If I looked like Urlaf, in terms of being a foreigner in appearance, could you still find it in your heart the ability to love me?” Katsura’s face carried a playful demeanor.

Masaki silently chuckled then replied, “If Urlaf himself carried my Lord’s heart, I’d love him just as I loved you. However, I do prefer the physique of our kinsmen to that of the foreigners. I am a descendant of Amaterasu, my lord.”

The soldiers began to disembark and formed a very systematic formation of ranking as they took their places on the docks. Katsura and Masaki proceeded behind the soldiers in a slightly regal fashion. The men who were still standing when Lord Katsura reached his place on the docks quickly bowed down and knelt down on one knee when Masaki’s feet reached the dock. It was out of respect to their imperial prince that they bowed. He was their comrade as Katsura’s Vassal but Masaki was still their prince.

Hatsumomo and her handmaidens disembarked as well. The women were adorned in beautifully colorful kimono and their hair adorned with expensive combs and jeweled hairpins. Their faces painted with a pale white makeup used for special occasions. The Wa vision of female beauty was to be thin, and modest in bodily proportions, have raven dark hair of moderately long to floor length long hair, and pale skin. The women of the Wa court were most always face painted on a daily basis in an attempt to appear as a vision of beauty at all times.

Hatsumomo, however only painted her face on the most special of occasions. To her, painting ones face was not only an action showing that you were capable and beautiful, but it was a sign of showing the onlooker’s importance and respect for them. One would not look to impress someone beneath them. Hatsumomo often took trips to the capital without a painted face or a glamorous Kimono. She cared little about impressing the court however she showed the utmost respect for the emperor. Hatsumomo Himiko never appeared before him in any less than her best. By honoring her emperor, she honored Amaterasu. Hatsumono also dressed in her best on this occasion, as she visited the people of Fyrkat.

She surveyed the men and women present. They were indeed used to battle. Some of them looked similar to the commoners of Wa in the since that they were commoners. Among the male warriors were a several female warriors which surprised Hatsumomo. “It seems Wa could learn a thing or two from these people in terms of honoring women better than they currently do.” She said quietly to one of the handmaidens, who giggled upon hearing her gesture. Hatsumomo looked at a female warrior that stood to whom appeared to be the leader of the group, Urlaf. This young woman looked very strong and capable. She displayed her confidence and strength proudly and it seems as if her doing so was celebrated here, rather than taken as a negative. Hatsumomo gave a slight smile that only breached her stoic expression for a short moment.

Everyone had disembarked and Urlaf spoke, he thumped his chest as the procession approached him on the docks, his fist remaining at his chest. “Greetings, I am Urlaf. Chieftain of the Leiknir clan and this is my daughter and heir Tyra.” Urlaf gestured to his daughter behind him who had now adopted a polite smile. She thumped her own chest as she approached, the fur covered metal making a dull thud. Urlaf gestured to the town behind him “We have prepared a lavish feast in anticipation of your arrival as well as preparing merriment to share our ways with you.” His deep voice boomed over the crash of the sea.

Katsura stepped forward, closely followed by Masaki, both men bowed in respect to Urlaf. They raised their upper bodies and Katsura spoke, his Wa accent ever present. “Lord Urlaf, Lady Tyra, I am Shiraishi Katsura, Daimyo of the land of Wa. Beside me stands the Imperial Prince, his majesty Mizuno Wa- Masaki. His majesty has elected to bestow an honor greater than I deserve upon me by vowing to become my guardian and vassal. I do apologize for the confusion the statuses of his majesty and mines may cause.” With that, Katsura bowed again in apology.

This behavior was a formality that was rarely yet ritualistically done upon meeting others on official business. Any time introductions are in order and Katsura is present with Masaki this speech is given. Katsura must honor Masaki’s status as one of the Imperial family, much to Masaki’s displeasure. Rules were rules, and Katsura most always followed them. The people of Wa prided themselves in a sophisticated order implemented in most everything. To be disorganized was considered a heavy and basic dishonor. Katsura and Masaki stood on a slippery slope always because of this.

Katsura, after gesturing towards Hatsumomo, continued on to introduce her. “This is Hatsumomo Himiko, the High Priestess of Wa. She is also referred to as the Queen of Wa.“ Hatsumomo bent her knees and brought the upper half of her body lower in a slight bow of feminine quality and resumed her original position. She said nothing yet, only continued to keep a stoic expression as she surveyed the people, the land, and the spiritual energy she felt.

Katsura continued, “We humbly accept you most gracious hospitality and kindness, Lord Urlaf. May our army be of help to you and your people and the spirit of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu shine upon us with blessings.” He smiled and bowed again. Masaki bowed as well.

Everyone proceeded to the festival area. There were so many interesting dishes prepared. They food was very different than Wa’s cuisine. The portions were much larger than those often served in Wa. Modesty was to be found in most all of Wa’s ways, even down to meal portions. The food did look delicious and the Wa soldiers couldn’t wait to try out the foreign foods. Masaki did however warn the Wa soldiers. Masaki spoke in the Wa native tongue, “I encourage you to enjoy the wonderful meal Fyrkat has most graciously prepared for us. However, I warn you not to over indulge in the foreign food. They indeed have a very different diet than we are accustomed to and it is unsure how our bodies will adjust and react to it. When making dietary adjustments, it is best to begin slowly and with moderation. We need to be in tip top shape in the days to come so that we can help the people of Fyrkat to the best of our ability. Understood?”

The soldiers replied in accordance. They all enjoyed working with Masaki. He was gentle with them and looked after each person as if they were related to him personally. They would never had imagined working so close to an imperial family member, yet along him to be so kind and strong. Most of the soldiers knew of Masaki and Katsura’s relationship, and it was because of the bonds they shared with both men that they kept their secret with ease.

Katsura, Himiko, and Masaki sat near Tyra and Urlaf at the table. Himiko had an interesting time adjusting to the foreign table and chairs. They were so high off of the ground. Wa’s tables were low to the floor, for kneeling down and sitting at. The people of Wa wore kimono that ere suited for sitting on floor pillows and tatami mats rather than sitting in western chairs. The utensils were also vastly defferent. Knives and forks rather than chopsticks. Being a geisha, to Himiko the foreigners did things rather oddly. Himiko spoke to the group, “It seems that we have arrived in ‘opposite world’ from the way you sit to the way you eat, it all backwards. Then again, perhaps Wa is the backward nation.” She spoke in a sultry manner and with a grin on her painted face. Hatsumomo wasn’t intending to be rude, only amusing. She told similar jokes when hosting a geisha party for patrons in Gion.

Katsura wasn’t quite sure how well Hatsumomo’s humor would be received here amongst foreigners/ He definitely didn’t want then to think that Himiko was insulting them. “Ah… please forgive Lady Himiko. She is a famous Geisha of Gion and they have a very peculiar sense of humor. The world is a geisha’s playground when it comes to jokes.” Katsura explained with a shy chuckle.

Masaki poured Katsura more green tea. His face bore a gentle smile. Masaki took care of Katsura as a wife would her husband. It was typical behavior of a samurai lord and devoted vassal joined together in an official union, which was practically (in most cases) a second marriage. However, Katsura was only married to one, Masaki, and it was a secret marriage. One would surely notice how well coordinated the two were, even with how they ate dinner. For example, Masaki knew to always carry green tea for Katsura to consume during meals. Katsura loved green tea. Also, Katsura knew which items to remove from Masaki’s bowl because he knew Masaki would not eat them. One would wonder if the foreign eye would notice such nuances as well.

Ulfar & Tyra Leiknir

Ulfar smiled as his guests approached them listening intently to their own introductions trying to memorise the pronunciation of their unusual names as well as keep up with how their vassalage worked. He had been informed of it prior or at least that their kingdom was ruled by three people but one person and they all worked in order with one at the top and the other two below them, despite the lowest being the queen. It was all rather a lot to take in but his smile never faltered and once again his voice boomed over the waves. “Apologies are unnecessary; I think I can keep up with it all.”

Tyra was still eyeing up the new arrivals, the girl was naturally distrustful of those from outside the clan but this time her curiosity was getting the better of her. It was rare for the Leiknir to have foreign visitors or indeed to be raiding outside of Fyrkat and that generally only ever consisted of the Labrador city soldiers and the northern barbarians neither of whom were anywhere near the otherworldly people of Wa.

“This is Hatsumomo Himiko, the High Priestess of Wa. She is also referred to as the Queen of Wa.”

Urlaf watched the woman’s slight bow, quite confused by the odd gesture but accepting graciously nevertheless, more so what confused him was to why she bowed so differently to the men before her, including the soldiers whom Urlaf had suddenly noticed were all male. Why were none of the women in their armour? These people were already filling the chieftain with questions just on their outward appearance and customs.

Another round of bowing followed this one as Katsura accepted the hospitality. “And may Odin bring us great victories and smite our enemies beneath us!” He chorused his fist raised the conclusion bringing cheers from some of the men behind him. In this case he felt compelled to mirror his guest’s unusual greeting, giving a slight bow of his own albeit one of quite clumsy and awkward appearance something that was quickly copied by his daughter and several of the guards stood behind Urlaf all just as awkward as their chieftain’s. “Now, let the feast begin!”


The procession was led into one of the great longhouses that adorned this coastal fort, the long hall decked with many decorated weapons, hunting trophies and furs of wild beasts. Four great fires heated the room each with a pig or a sheep slowly turning on a spit over with a few smaller fires keeping bubbling cauldrons of stews dotted around the edges. Lining the floors of the room were six long tables each easily capable of holding thirty men on each of the two fur covered benches that ran along the outsides of the tables. At the head of these tables was a seventh table behind which adorned chairs with high decorated backs, these were for Urlaf, Tyra, the forts commanding officer and the three distinguished leaders of Wa.

The common feature at all of these tables was the mass assortment of food, great amounts of pork, beef, chicken, venison, fish and other meats as well as many vegetables all freshly brought in from all areas of the Leiknir land specifically for this feast. The most common feature within the room however was the wooden kegs each filled with either mead, ale, lager or even a rare commodity in Fyrkat, wine.

As the great procession filled the room Ulfar directed the Wa leaders to their seats at each of which a shining plate next to which an equally impressive knife sat waiting for their guests. The three knifes had been made specifically for the Wa leaders each engraved with the straight bold markings of the Fyrkat runes, Ulfar deciding that even the simplest of gifts could possibly sweeten his guests even more for their cause.

As they sat and began to eat Tyra’s ears pricked up as she dived into a small leg of lamb, her eyes falling onto the young face of Masaki as he spoke in his native tongue. The words seemed like nonsense to her but his soldiers seemed to understand him fully, she attempted to copy a couple quietly to herself but only ended up biting her tongue in her struggle, instead returning hungrily to her chicken.

The Fyrkat men had sat themselves in amongst many of the Wa’s soldiers, already sharing jokes with them despite the language barrier involved and both parties were evidently enjoying themselves as the Leiknir warriors coaxed a few brave samurai into trying the ales as the soldiery began to bring down the barrier with the age old trick of beer, food and merriment.

“It seems that we have arrived in ‘opposite world’ from the way you sit to the way you eat, it all backwards. Then again, perhaps Wa is the backward nation.”

Urlaf laughed heartily at the Himiko’s joke, already haven partaken much on the ale. “Like the mace and the sword! Although never the same we are still out to achieve the same goals.” Tyra smiled along with her father, taking a mouthful of her own ale before stabbing a chunk of meat on her plate with her knife and biting into it.

“Ah… please forgive Lady Himiko. She is a famous Geisha of Gion and they have a very peculiar sense of humor. The world is a geisha’s playground when it comes to jokes.”

“No no, she makes a good point; this must be very new to you. I can’t imagine how it must be to be thrust in the world totally unknown to your own. Perhaps you should teach me some of the ways of your people.” He answered cutting a chunk of potato with his own knife.

The feast continued for several hours with the Leiknir and Wa men eating heartily with much discussion something that even Tyra took time out of her opinions to join in with, becoming more and more welcoming as the day wore on, eventually even dropping her attitude towards these particular foreigners. The next piece of the festivities that Ulfar had prepared was for a kind of fight for the guests, something time honoured by the Fyrkat peoples regardless of nation serving a double purpose in entertainment and a sign of physical prowess.

The room was divided off with the men circling the hall having pushed all of the tables back but leaving the front of the head table clear so that the Wa would never have their vision blocked of the spectacle from their seats. As a rack of ornately carved wooden weapons was wheeled to the front of the head table so each soldier would have to approach the lords in order to choose their particular weapon. The first of which did so with great pride in themselves taking a wooden equivalent of a great-axe and a sword respectively, both giving a slight bow to the table and a thump to the chest, something they had taken to doing along with the Wa samurai to avoid the confusion over what was the right greeting to give.

Several more of these light hearted fights continued before Tyra who had already been enjoying herself thoroughly stood and called over the ruckus of the soldiery before them. “I challenge Mizuno Wa- Masaki!” She climbed over the table and bowed to the Wa prince as she took a sword and axe from the rack before her. “If you accept?” she asked coyly.

Ulfar smiled at his daughter, at least in this way she saw everyone in the same light. To the Leiknir worth was decided by one’s own battle prowess and to Tyra that meant everything. If the Wa’s leader could fight then she would be happy to call them friends but if she won without any effort then Ulfar knew his daughter was likely to become even more troublesome about the allegiance.

Tyra walked into the centre of the room much to the approval of some of the Leiknir all giving supportive cheers as she swung the weapons, testing their weight and to generally show off. She had been eying the Wa prince for some time and she had decided that if she needed to fight alongside these people it would probably do well to see for herself how their leader fought.

Niall Callhoun

The feast hall was different from what he had grown used to in his youth, but Niall had gotten used to the nature of the people he now entertained soon enough. These were simple people: mead, food, sex, and, of course, war, were their past times. He remembered what the Bard had told him about these people, how they once posed a threat to the Celts, but were defeated. Then, as was their nature, each clan sought power when their king died, leaving no heirs. They were harsh as the mountains that forged them. Yet, they were rich in the Life Force, their lives short and violent, but shining bright, like the sparks of a campfire on a cold winter's night.

He played for them. There was the usual fare of praising Ulfar's skill in battle (and in bed), his skill with the sword, his cunning mind when it came to battle, his fierceness in battle, his great leadership qualities, his mercy (in giving his opponents an honorable death after he burned their villages to the ground and in taking sniveling thralls as slaves instead of punishing them for their cowardice), and of his great riches and worth.

"Skald! Sing of Ragarok," one of the warriors shouted, drawing murmurs from some of his fellows. He was obviously drunk. Niall sighed slightly. Bards or Skalds in the Fyrkat tongue were respected, but they could still be forced to do things they did not want to do, such as sing of the Death of the Seven Worlds and the Gods.

"Ragnarok is but one leaf off the Great Tree. It need not happen as long as men and gods refuse to accept it," he stated tiredly. Arguing this point here was like arguing with a stone wall.

"Thrall! Think you know better than Odin-One-Eye?" the same warrior growled. Niall was about to retort when he heard the knocking of the door. He smiled slightly.

"Keeping a guest waiting is an insult to Odin, isn't it? Go on and answer it. It might be the All-Father himself," he stated. The warrior flushed and a few of his fellows laughed as he stumbled to the hall.

Moloch Markus
These mountains were far from Drake City and civilized lands, but Moloch knew that if he played his cards right, he could gain not one, but two sets of allies if his spies' information was correct. And they always were. He made sure of it. The warriors of the fort were suspicious, particularly at the sight of his bodyguard. No more than ten men wearing the finest armor and wielding the finest armor, both made from dragon ore, the fossilized remains of great dragons of old.

The people of the mountains were naturally suspicious. Thus, Moloch was made to swear before his gods and theirs he meant no harm and would not attack, but he added the perquisite that he was released from his oath upon being attacked. Some were insulted. Some respected that. As it was, he was led to the Chieftain's Hall/Keep, a few slaves he bought from Drake City carrying a chest that was his gift to the Chieftain, Ulfar Leiknar. He needed to tread cautiously. The chieftain was intelligent but fierce. Both presented their own challenges. As the door opened, one of the clansmen escorting him grunted.

"This outsider states he has business with Ulfar. He comes bearing a gift and the laws of Odin state we must bring him to Ulfar. The gift better be good, outsider. Ulfar is not renowned for his patience," the man stated as he tried to pry the chest open. Moloch gripped his wrist.

"Would you insult your lord that you'd look at his gift before him? Are you a god in disguise to presume primacy over him?" Moloch asked lightly. The man glared at him, then paled as he took in his words. He was led into the hall. He smiled pleasantly.

"Your people do themselves credit, both in their observance of the gods and their observance of their duty to you, Great Chieftain. I apologize for the abruptness of my arrival, but need seldom allows for niceties. I come bearing a gift to make up for it and as a gesture of friendship from Drake City," Moloch announced solemnly. Sincerity was the best route with these people. Any hint of deceit would embitter them towards him.

He gestured for the slaves to open the chest, presenting armor forged from the very best dragon ore, reserved for the highest nobility of Drake City. It was tough, but could be adjusted for bulk. Upon its helmet were three great drake stones. Whoever wore this armor was not just well-protected. He made a claim at supremacy. His own helmet was emblazoned as such.

He regarded the other foreigners in this hall. As he expected. He smiled, "I have to admit, it is a pleasant surprise to see the People of Wa venture out of their Kingdom. I hope this means they have taken in account the movements of South Pacific Kingdom."

Niall watched the man. He had made all the right moves for a visitor who came unannounced, but he could sense he wanted something. Something that Clan Leiknar could offer him and there was only one commodity they had in abundance: Warriors.

(collaborated with Turtlesoup)

Masaki looked up as if slightly surprised that Tyra was asking him to spar. He was so accustomed to soldiers being sheepish about asking him to spar due to him being the Emperor's son. He was also considered the descendant of the sun goddess so that made others very hesitant to so much as place a scratch on him. But once he made most aware that all was well and that they should practice with him as an equal, the ice would melt and they felt better.

Masaki was somewhat in awe of Tyra's boldness and mindset of treating even a foreign emperor's son as an equal. He liked it when people didn't pamper him. He smiled and stood to his feet. After giving a deep bow and a pound on his chest, in an effort to mimic the gestures of the foreign soldiers, he spoke.

"I humbly accept your challenge Lady Tyra. I primarily use a bow and arrow in battle but I will opt for a boken if that is alright."

Tyra smiled cockily as Masaki accepted her challenge. Gripping her two wooden weapons tightly. "A boken?" She asked confused. "What's that?"

Masaki gave a slightly embarrassed smile and whisked a few strands of hair behind his ear. He had forgotten that Wa's weaponry was also slightly different than that of Fyrkat's. "A boken is a wooden practice katana or sword. Is this weapon acceptable?"

Tyra hefted the wooden axe in one hand, eager to get the match started. "I can't see why not. If it's wooden then it's allowed." This was proving to be even better then she'd hoped. Masaki using the weapon of his own people would be an even greater thrill.

Masaki, still smiling, bowed in respect to Tyra. Katsura then brought to him Masaki's Boken. Katsura after giving it to Masaki, smiled and said in hi snative tounge, "Be careful. Remember this is a practice match and that she may be stronger than you'd expect. and to have fun." Katsura smiled at both Tyra and Masaki before standing back. Many soldier on both sides seemed to turn their attention to this duel as well.

Masaki thought to himself, 'I suppose we will have to give them our gifts later. Oh well, Masaki focus on the duel and nothing else'. Masaki took a battle stance and replied to Tyra. "I am ready now."

Tyra copied the bow, her form still awkward in the movement. "Then let's do it." Without warning she let out a shout and crossed her arm against herself and swung her axe rapidly towards Masaki's arm. Her sword arm left ready to push forwards behind it.

Masaki had decided to spend time observing rather than making any heavily offensive moves yet. Tyra was a bit tricky to read. She gave the impression that she'd attack wildly yet in that wild display hid much tact and planned movement. A deadly strategy indeed.

Masaki opted to evade as best he could by jumping backward, then sidestepping to the right. Then he quickly positioned his boken horizontally in front of him and thrusted forward toward Tyra in an effort to ram her from the right side. It was an unorthodox move for him, but it allowed him more time to figure her out before he committed to outright attacking.
Tyra had to move fast to dodge the counterattack spinning herself off to one side to avoid the wooden sword but as she moved Tyra span herself wildly around and once again her axe was swinging, this time towards the boken which she quickly hooked with her axe and shifted the blades angle pressing her sword in once again though this time aiming for the metal covering Masaki's chest. She had to give it to him, so far he was proving to be a worthy opponent.

Masaki wasn't expecting her to rechamber so quickly, let alone in such a manner. She was truly creative in her movements. Masaki had never fought an opponent like her before. He then realized that her fighting style didn't allow him the luxury of analyzing her before committing to attacking. It was all or nothing but his embarrassment.

Before he knew it Tyra's axe had hooked his boken and reeled him into a sword to the chest. The impact knocked the air out of him a bit. He was now somewhat face to face with Tyra and she could see the surprise on his pristine face. He spoke in the common tongue, "A notch to you." before he forcefully raised his boken upward knocking her axe and sword upward as well. He then gave a thrust kick toward Tyra's torso.

Tyra couldn't help but smile at the prince's surprise, lowering her guard for the moment he needed to lift their weapons upwards and leave her chest entirely unguarded. She took the boot heavy and reeled several feet backwards before catching her balance again.

She winced slightly at the winding but was quick to raise her weapons again. Masaki was definitely on the defensive and his large weapon was leaving her few options for attack and it was unlikely that the same trick would work twice. Instead Tyra rushed in once more sweeping her axe towards the boken, sword ready to follow behind.

Masaki decided it was time to attack as well. He charged forward hoping to avoid Tyra's axe attack to his Boken but it was unsuccessful. The axe struck his boken with great force and sent it to to the ground. Like before, her sword was ready for the follow up attack, yet Masaki had no problem using his hands. As her sword thrusted forward, Masaki evaded only slightly and made sure to remain close to Tyra. He locked Tyra's sword wielding arm with his own and quickly disarmed her of her sword. He then disengaged and leapt backward to put space in between the two once more. Now with no weapon, Masaki prepared to attempt to disarm Tyra of her Axe.

Tyra had somewhat expected Masaki's dodge but hadn't expected him to grab hold of her arm instead, yelping in pain slightly as his arms wrapped firmly around hers and forced her to let go of the short wooden sword.

She began passing the axe between her hands, ready to attack the now open Masaki, totaly ignoring his obvious skill in hand to hand combat. Suddenly Tyra launched forward again swinging her axe downwards at her opponent aiming for his shoulder her free hand, preparing for a counterattack.

Masaki was quite excited. Tyra was excellent and forced him to think outside of the box. If she fought like this, then Ulfar’s enemies must truly be something to behold as well. As Tyra's axe swing swiftly approached Masaki's shoulder he needed to move and fast. He ducked down and moved in toward Tyra to strike her up close and avoid a hit that would potentially dislocate a shoulder. He Successfully landed a forceful palm to her torso at the same time her counter attack struck him hard in the jaw knocking him staggering to his left holding his jaw. No one had ever struck Masaki that hard in the face before. It actually scared him for a moment.

Tyra felt the wind knocked out of her and almost totally lost her footing, staggering back several steps before managing to compose herself, leaning over and resting her arms on her knees, dropping the axe lightly to the floor. The crowd around them had fallen silent as the two heirs fought to keep their composure.

"Ow." Tyra eventually spoke standing herself up with a massive grin across her face, her non throbbing hand extended out to her opponent. "Masaki, if all Wa soldiers fight like you then I would be honoured to fight alongside you." The smile hadn't dissipated from her despite her visibling wincing from the pain in her chest.

Masaki remained slightly leaned over and huffed as he tried to catch his breath. He rubbed his jaw in an effort to soothe the throbbing pain left there. He smiled with the utmost cheer and accepted her extended her hand with his own. "I must say, I learned so much from you today! Thank you very much! It is a great honor to fight at your side as well! No one has ever struck my face as hard as you did! You are very strong."

Hatsumomo, who stood near Ulfar, stated calmly, "The nobles of Wa would have someone boiled in a pot of hot oil for striking the prince like that. Tyra got away with murder, hahaha... I'd say she was the winner." She chuckled.

Tyra nodded in agreement. "I learned a lot too! I would love to learn how you use the..." She struggled to remember the word. "catananana?" She ventured uncertain. "I can show you how to use our weapons if you'd like?" she asked beaming once again.

Ulfar was mimicing his daughter's smile as the soldiers erupted in cheers for the young royals. Atleast her grudges would be put aside now. He turned towards Hatsumomo as she spoke his eyebrow raised. "Pot of oil? In Fyrkat if that had happened outside of this sort of fight it was a question of honour settled by real combat between the two concerned. Much less hassle." Ulfar smiled to the Geisha. After the practice sparring concluded, the Leiknir people had a sudden visit by another Foreigner."

Ulfar and Tyra Leiknir

Ulfar clapped proudly along with the cheering of the men who were excitedly slapping Tyra’s back in congratulations. The moment was interrupted however as the doors to the hall flew open announcing a new arrival. Ulfar’s joyous smile fell slowly as he weighed up the men now entering the room, the circle of men opening to allow them entry.

"Your people do themselves credit, both in their observance of the gods and their observance of their duty to you, Great Chieftain. I apologize for the abruptness of my arrival, but need seldom allows for niceties. I come bearing a gift to make up for it and as a gesture of friendship from Drake City,"

Tyra’s smile had disappeared, her hands now gripping her axes at her waist this man reeked of deceit and trickery. Loki himself may as well have just walked into the room, she circled him several times eyeing him up as she did so, checking for any sort of hidden weapon.

Ulfar ignored his daughter’s reaction and really wasn’t surprised at her reaction, he too had noticed the burning fire in the man’s eyes, an offer of friendship perhaps but this man had come to Leiknir for one reason alone and friendship was not his goal. “I hope they treated you well, King Moloch.” He answered as he walked towards the Drake King. “I hope the gods were kind to your travel across the mountains. A gift of friendship you say?” he asked looking over to the chest, his face showing no emotion.

“And what could make the Drake King himself need to travel so far north across treacherous land?” Ulfar asked already knowing the real answer, the same reason anyone allied with a Fyrkat clan, warriors. Although trade did happen between the clans and Labrador city on occasion it was rare for anyone to specifically ask for weapons to be made, dwarves did not work for cheap.

Tyra had stopped circling by now, her curiosity now turning to the contents of the chest. Wrinkling her nose at the heavy and cumbersome armour she withdrew the shining helmet, running her fingers across the three inlaid gemstones. Peering through the eyeholes Tyra tested its weight before placing it lightly on her head, tapping it slightly to test its comfort.

“And what would the Leiknir clan have to gain from such a meeting?” Ulfar asked continuing to ignore his daughter. “I am also interested to know what exactly it is that makes the Leiknir useful to Drake City. Your war is over is it not?”

Tyra removed the helmet her ruffled by the dragon-bone metal but her demeanour towards Moloch had not changed; she didn’t trust him and could only see bad ends to this man’s wants, he carried the eyes of deceit as if Loki himself had just walked into the room wishing to speak with her father. War Tyra could live with, all war was the same to her regardless of who was involved but diplomacy was never her strong point. Replacing the helmet in the chest she moved to stand next to her father, begrudgingly staying quiet, her hands still firmly gripping her axes.

Moloch

Moloch was careful to show no anger or annoyance as the Leiknir sized him up and down with suspicion. Truthfully, he was a bit bothered that neither the Chieftain nor his daughter seemed impressed with his gift. It was the very best set of armor he could offer them short of his own. No matter, he had a few moves left. Diplomacy was his bread and butter, as it were.

“And what could make the Drake King himself need to travel so far north across treacherous land? And what would the Leiknir clan have to gain from such a meeting? I am also interested to know what exactly it is that makes the Leiknir useful to Drake City. Your war is over is it not?"

"Fair questions, Great Chieftain, although I am sure you can come to the answers yourself. Drake City has stood alone against the attacks of its neighbors, like a great jewel gleaming in the night, but it has proven much more formidable than her enemies could ever have imagined. It was at my hands that the King of the South Atlantic Kingdom fell and their armies crushed. His daughter was forced to sue for peace and I was forced to accept as I turned my attention on the South Pacific Kingdom as its king thought that he could seize my throne while my forces were weakened. My forces proved him wrong."

He paused for a moment, allowing his audience to take a minute to imagine far-off battles. Then he continued.

"Of course, my enemies thought they could lull me in a false sense of security by ceding small tidbits of territory while they gathered their forces. Queen Amelia Stormborn has proven remarkably skilled or lucky as she invaded Mexico Land and the Celtic Lands, which border your people's home, correct?"

Niall grimaced at the reminder of his people's conquest. They had not seen it coming and paid the price. He spoke as he recalled something.

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she? They were skilled, disciplined. They had no regard for their own lives. They sought only to carry out the Queen's will," he stated.

"Yes. The Unsullied. Freed slaves who, like a dog who has been beaten, latched onto the first person to show them true kindness through freeing them. Now, Queen Amelia visits the South Pacific Kingdom to form an alliance through agreement or wedding the prince. My two greatest enemies would seek to become one Kingdom should they marry. I am outnumbered. Not to mention the dragons," Moloch stated, leaving the last statement hanging. He was not disappointed.

"Dragons?" one of the Leiknir asked. Some looked doubtful. Others, looked excited. He smiled.

"Yes, the rumors are true or so I am led to believe. You have asked me what I came for and what I can offer you? I have come to offer you the chance to participate in the greatest war in human history. Queen Amelia and Prince Tyronell will march on Drake City and her allies and we will fight to the death rather than submit. Then, they will turn their attentions East and West..."

He glanced at the people of Wa meaningfully, "You have heard rumors of Tyronell's nature, have you not? When he achieves power and Drake City is gone, who else would neighbor him?"

He turned his face towards Ulfar and continued, "And if Queen Amelia conquered the Celts for being barbarians and taking slaves..."

Niall looked indignant, "Our slaves always earned their freedom and place among us."

Moloch nodded, "Her words, not mine, Sir Bard. If she conquered the Celts, how shall she treat the Leiknar or their clans?"

He paused, allowing it to sink in.

"I can promise you the chance to save your people. The chance for your names to be sung about until the Twilight of the Gods and the End of All things. I can promise you land in the South Atlantic Kingdom, plunder, slaves. I can promise you..."

He gestured for one of his men to hand him a scroll with the seal of all the Clans of Fyrkat on it, "Your people united. Curious, isn't it? The old Fyrkat King's slave sold it to a merchant in Emerald city and it passed from collector to collector until finally... I bought it. It compels the Clans to hold a tournament if they cannot decide on a king. The Clan's Champion who wins is the Clan who claims the throne."

"How do we know you didn't steal it? You spout pretty words of glory and battle, but your eyes are that of a trickster. Has Loki himself stepped into this place. Is this one of the Trickster God's little pranks?" a warrior bellowed, causing people to murmur and shout. Moloch raised his hands.

"If I stole this, would I be presenting it here, amidst a group of warriors outnumbering me 100 to 1? Furthermore, I offer you this: a look into my mind to check if I'm telling the truth, to any of your magic-users," Moloch stated smoothly. Sure enough, Niall moved forward of his own volition.

"If he's a trickster, I won't let him prepare. No man can deceive a Bard," Niall stated, gripping his hand as Moloch gasped in surprise. Images and plans flashed through his mind for a moment until, finally, Niall stepped away.

"I did not want you to see that much," he growled.

"So you didn't. He has been telling the truth. He did not steal the scroll, but he intends not to stop until he destroys both South Pacific and Atlantic Kingdoms, divvying up land among himself and his allies. He plans to gift Labrador City with Mexico Land and Emerald City in exchange for their commitment to the war since the latter ceded itself to him for protection. He will not break his word, but he would think of his people first."

"As do we all," Moloch stated simply, "But I do not turn on an ally or double-deal with them. My honesty is verified, then?"

As the foreign king Morloch gave his proposition to the Leiknir the people of Wa watched intently. They were not very trusting of this man. He for one did not follow proper protocol by Wa standards. Visitor should most never appear unannounced. Nobility was to most always observe protocol, at least while in the public eye. To Katsura and Masaki, Moloch’s actions were indeed bold. They listened as the conversation continued while sitting silently.

"Fair questions, Great Chieftain, although I am sure you can come to the answers yourself. Drake City has stood alone against the attacks of its neighbors, like a great jewel gleaming in the night, but it has proven much more formidable than her enemies could ever have imagined. It was at my hands that the King of the South Atlantic Kingdom fell and their armies crushed. His daughter was forced to sue for peace and I was forced to accept as I turned my attention on the South Pacific Kingdom as its king thought that he could seize my throne while my forces were weakened. My forces proved him wrong." Moloch spoke.

To Katsura’s eye, Moloch was indeed confident in his prowess. It was very important to the people of Wa to remain humble, even when confident about a situation. It was considered good form. Things were very different, customs wise, on foreign soil. Katsura felt it best to keep an open mind about Moloch, but a closed and vigilant heart.

Moloch paused for a moment, then he continued. "Of course, my enemies thought they could lull me in a false sense of security by ceding small tidbits of territory while they gathered their forces. Queen Amelia Stormborn has proven remarkably skilled or lucky as she invaded Mexico Land and the Celtic Lands, which border your people's home, correct?"

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she? They were skilled, disciplined. They had no regard for their own lives. They sought only to carry out the Queen's will," The Bard stated.

Himiko found the Bard a very interesting fellow. He was clearly musically talented like herself. However Himiko knew little of the ways of foreign music and singing. Perhaps dance was different here as well. As she examined the Leiknir people, none of their movements seemed capable of naturally achieving the Wa aesthetics of movement and dance. Bowing wasn’t even an easy feat for them. She wondered if the Bard would be any different from the rest. She decided she’d have to have a talk with him in the near future to appease her curiosity. However she continued to focus her attention on the conversation at hand, even if she was only listening.

"Yes. The Unsullied. Freed slaves who, like a dog who has been beaten, latched onto the first person to show them true kindness through freeing them. Now, Queen Amelia visits the South Pacific Kingdom to form an alliance through agreement or wedding the prince. My two greatest enemies would seek to become one Kingdom should they marry. I am outnumbered. Not to mention the dragons," Moloch stated, leaving the last statement hanging. He was not disappointed.

"Dragons?" one of the Leiknir asked. Some looked doubtful. Others, looked excited. He smiled.

"Yes, the rumors are true or so I am led to believe. You have asked me what I came for and what I can offer you? I have come to offer you the chance to participate in the greatest war in human history. Queen Amelia and Prince Tyronell will march on Drake City and her allies and we will fight to the death rather than submit. Then, they will turn their attentions East and West..."

He glanced at the people of Wa meaningfully, "You have heard rumors of Tyronell's nature, have you not? When he achieves power and Drake City is gone, who else would neighbor him?"

Katsura’s eyes widened in worry. He very much disliked the foreigner’s constant desire to take over and expand their territories. He didn’t understand why they weren’t content on cultivating and being satisfied with the land bestowed upon them by the Gods. To Katsura and other citizens of Wa, such desire for territorial expansion was simply a sign of one being ungrateful to the Gods for the sufficiency of what was given to them. It was only when in a situation where there were few resources left in a land with no hope for revitalization should a nation seek to turn their eyes from their own lands. Even then, that nation should be sure to respect the lands of others.

Katsura realized once again that foreigners were of a very different mindset. Many of them held such ambition for dominance and control. He wondered how long it would be before outsiders turned their attention to Wa. Moloch talked of the South Pacific kingdoms prince, which caused Katsura to become alert immediately. The South Pacific Kingdom’s Prince was ruthless and cold. He knew that the bandits and small cities of the South Pacific Kingdom often had skirmishes with the Samurai of Wa. The Samurai always came out victorious. The South Pacific Kingdom had never successfully breached the Kingdom of Wa in the past. But if a merger was to occur between the South Pacific Kingdom and the South Atlantic Kingdom, Wa would have trouble defending itself from a joint attack should the two kingdoms decide to harm Wa.

The conversation continued between the Leiknir, Moloch , and the Bard.

"If he's a trickster, I won't let him prepare. No man can deceive a Bard," Niall the bard stated, gripping his hand as Moloch gasped in surprise. Images and plans flashed through his mind for a moment until, finally, Niall stepped away.

"I did not want you to see that much," Moloch growled.

"So you didn't. He has been telling the truth. He did not steal the scroll, but he intends not to stop until he destroys both South Pacific and Atlantic Kingdoms, divvying up land among himself and his allies. He plans to gift Labrador City with Mexico Land and Emerald City in exchange for their commitment to the war since the latter ceded itself to him for protection. He will not break his word, but he would think of his people first." Niall said.

"As do we all," Moloch stated simply, "But I do not turn on an ally or double-deal with them. My honesty is verified, then?"

Himiko was impressed by the abilities Niall had displayed. He seemed to be a bit more magically adept them she had expected. Katsura’s level of trust for Moloch had increased a little after hearing the bard’s confirmation of Moloch’s intent. Perhaps Wa would need to be more prepared for conflict after all.

Ulfar and Tyra Leiknir

Ulfar listened intently to Moloch’s tale but he still remained stoic throughout, this could not however be said for Tyra who’s eyes were easily betraying her discontent for this southern foreigner. Warmongering Tyra could relate to this man’s idle threats of an invasion from his enemies seemed exaggerated. The South Atlantic army could never defeat the Fyrkat clans; united or not no foreign soldier would ever stand on Fyrkat soil and survive.

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she?”

Ulfar was less than content with the Skald speaking out at such a time but his questioning did fuel Moloch’s case so the Chieftain made no move to stop him, instead he continued to listen to the Southern King’s case. Ulfar had to admit the idea of dragons added a whole new swing to this war, there was once Dragons in Fyrkat but like in all of the other nations they had disappeared suddenly without any sort of trace.

It was obvious from Ulfar’s expression that his interest was beginning to pick up, the King did make a good point. If his nation fell then the imperialistic nation from the south would move north and there would be nothing to stop her attacking the divided lands of the Fyrkat. To have such a time restraint on reuniting the clans could be impossible.

Tyra however had only began to show any interest at all at the promise of Dragons, such a battle was what she lived for especially the added chance to destroy a nation of the south and expand the Leiknir clan lands into the south.

“The Clan's Champion who wins is the Clan who claims the throne.”

Ulfar’s expressionless gaze faltered as his eyes lit up at the scroll. “I had heard legends of such a scroll but I had put it down to myth. He reached across to see the scroll for himself, it was definitely real or an impeccable forgery he recognised the seals of the many clans, even those that no longer existed or had become vassals of others.

Tyra’s eyes flared open at the scroll, leaning over to see the scroll her father held firm in his grasp. If this was real then her dreams were within reach. This foreign king was offering the chance for the Leiknir to rule the Fyrkat and even the chance to expand in the war. For her it couldn’t have been more perfect bringing everything the Leiknir deserved in one fell swoop.

Ulfar waved Niall in as Moloch offered a look in his mind, though by this point he was already certain of the scrolls authenticity and Niall’s scrying only confirmed that. “Your offer is a generous one and your gift is as well. However if Labrador city is gaining land then I think it is only fair that we do too. Fyrkat reuniting is good for the both of us but there is always the chance that if I didn’t accept your scroll that we would unite Fyrkat before the Southern Atlantic kingdom ever even turned their eyes northwards and your offer would’ve been worthless. We will join your war if you grant us the Celtic Lands. The Seidhr could benefit greatly from the Skald knowledge and I’m sure our southern cousins would prefer a Fyrkat ruler then a Southern Kingdom.”

Ulfar allowed Moloch time to think through his words before speaking again. “With such a promise we would accept your deal and I would call the council to meet to put across our champions. The Seidhr should have no problem with a quick and virtuous chance to end the war and upon my daughter’s victory I would begin preparation of our armies.”

Tyra felt a well of pride fill inside her at her father’s confidence of her ability in battle and was almost struggling to control her excitement her hands finally relinquishing the grip on her axes.