Examining the Consequences

[Utaku Nesrin]

As the evening quiets back down, letting sensei and students return to sleep (at least until the meteoric Tengu shows up), Nesrin follows Utaku Oichi on quiet bare feet until she can speak to her alone. If that means out into the storm, that doesn't phase her. This kimono needs cleaning, mending, and purifying before it can be used again anyway.

[Vutall]

The sensei walks back to the barracks where all of the adults call home. Realizing she is being followed, she stops, turns around and offers her hand.

"Is there something more, sister?"

[Utaku Nesrin]

Taking the offered hand is polite, also a comfort. "It's going to be tough finding this Watcher without knowing where they saw students, or thought they did, isn't it?" she asks, examining how the investigation might go. "The ones left to question might say, or might not, right?"

[Vutall]

"The Magistrates are effective at their job. I am new here, only having arrived days before you. From my understanding, many have been caught who have claimed to have been this 'Watcher', but soon after they return. Do you know something?"

[Utaku Nesrin]

There is a pause, long enough to think about what the captured would say, and how they might describe the students they saw, or might not, and might tell the truth about where it happened, or might not. A deep breath doesn't lighten the weight of her thoughts either.

Finally, she says, "They're lying. I left a coin for the sake so I could replace Ichiro's that we drank telling stories. I know I shouldn't have snuck out." She does avoid saying 'we.' No reason to get anyone else in trouble. "But if that's what set them off, it was at the Something Mujina...Laughing, maybe? It's smelly and full of stale smoke and not cheerful at all." A shorter huff of a sigh finishes the recital, and she feels both lighter for having made a decision, and heavier waiting to know what it cost.

[Vutall]

The Battle Maiden stays silent for a little while, looking at the girl. Finally, she clears her throat and speaks up.

"You are honorable for admitting to such thing, Utaku-san. You do not need to worry, we expected students to be students and sneak out. You said you paid for the sake though? So why did they send thugs after you?"

[Utaku Nesrin]

She waits with all the stoicness she thought a Battle Maiden ought to have. If she shivered it was probably the draft everywhere on this stormy night. When Oichi spoke, Nesrin looked up sharply."Then I'm not getting sent home?" Surprise, and a bit of relief.

"I honestly don't know why they'd send thugs for 1 bu of sake anyway, but I did leave the coin on the counter. We didn't even talk to anyone for them to be angry about some kind of rudeness they thought we offered."

[Vutall]

She shakes her head.

"You would only be sent home if you missed a lesson due to your adventures. As I said, we expected students to wander. It is only natural. As far as why...perhaps they did not see the coin. Criminal types are big on perception, from my understanding. If they thought you stole, they had to send a message that it would not be tolerated or other criminals would take advantage of their weakness. It is a terrible world, but interesting to examine from the outside."

[Utaku Nesrin]

"That's such a waste of people though. Doesn't seem worth it. And they lost way more coin than they thought had been taken, too." She shakes her head slightly in disbelief. "I guess they don't really have any proper training though to know how foolish they're being."

She releases Oichi's hand, straightening a bit. "I'd guess we would be in trouble sneaking out after tonight though. Are there other ways to go see the market here?"

[Vutall]

"I do not think those who are criminals care much for the cost of lives, so long as they get to continue on, sister. As far as going to see the market, I'm afraid not."

[Utaku Nesrin]

A bit crestfallen, she nods anyway in understanding. "It's just tough being cooped up so long. And nobody will be happy if I run laps across the barracks roof for the fresh air."

"Thanks. I'm glad nobody was really hurt at least. And...honestly it felt good...right?...putting training into use that way. Even Iuchi-san was fierce as any of my sisters!" That would be the shock wearing off and the adrenaline continuing to run without even rightful exhaustion to counter it. She'd be bright-eyed and wide awake for the next few hours at least.

[Vutall]

"You did well, sister. You would make your sensei quite proud. "

[Utaku Nesrin]

Nesrin smiles at that. "Thank you, Utaku-sama."

"I should go bathe while they're busy purifying the room."

[Vutall]

The sensei nods and gives a short bow.

[Utaku Nesrin]

It's as much dismissal as she needs. She offers a much deeper bow before scurrying off to try catching the purification crew to see if they'll cleanse her new trophy knife.

/scene