Sangjaheil - Brazil

[silverdust]

Well, it had certainly turned out better than he had hoped. The woman's reaction was certainly a contrast to the first native's quiet disdain, but he knew nothing of the depth of Jubeiriku's legends. It was somehow strange to him to see such a connection between the two humans. Emotion was such a distant thing to him now that sometimes he had to remind himself to play the part, just to see if he were still real.

As Akoru gathered his things and bid his almost goodbye, Sang's eyes slipped to the woman. She would hate him now, that was certain, and her word might spread about the village, to the other natives. The pale skin man courting with disaster. Hah, what fun that would be. It would be best to leave now, before things got any worse. Eris had thought nothing of humans, feed and expendable resources, perhaps pretty pets when the time came. And that attitude had slipped into him. How many humans had he killed to display on the gates, just to see them squirm? It was in his blood, that savage disregard for life. But Eris didn't control him now, and if he ever wanted to rid himself of the vampire's stain...he would make sure this human returned alive. Just to spite him.

With a light smile and carefully avoiding the woman's eyes, he fixed his satchel. "Thank you, Akoru. I am not sure how long it might take, but perhaps ruins are the best place to start. The legends that I've heard certainly point that way. I am not familiar with the depths of your jungles, you are more expert there than I."

If things came to it, he could hunt for the both of them if their supplies ran low, but he would rather not reveal more of his identity than necessary. As he turned for the door, he gave another short smile over his shoulder. "By the way, I am called Sangjaheil, but Sang would be enough."

He might as well give him his true name, it seemed fitting for one so brave as to accompany him.

[iprince]

"And I am Akoru, as I'm sure my wife has already informed you, however accidentally." He slipped his walking stick out from under his arm and prodded the floor with it. Reaching into the basked, he pulled out a random cane, long and ivory white, and unusual one, but befitting of you, and stretched it out toward you,"Ruins are not a quick jog away, Sangjaheil, and nor are they a simple road. You'll become weary quickly if you don't have an aid. You'll be less likely to fall into a pit or get bitten by a Gaboon with one of these to guide you. Walking sticks can be used for more than just their intended purpose."

He ushered you quickly from his house, casting a hesitant glance at his Wife, streaks of salty tears coursing down her cheeks. She looked angry, more than sad, but it was not a pleasant sight either way. Akoru frowned as he eased the hut door close behind him.

"What sort of supplies have you got with you Sang? We can very well hunt for ourselves, but we'll need weapons and water. I would not feel safe entering the jungle without either."

The little store was open again, if you thought they might carry some trinkets of value. Perhaps decorated weapons or water gourds? You'd seen neither the night before, but you never knew. There were also several other building accepting customers, one next to the house with the rocking chair, that seemed rather well to-do, despite its placement. The second was beside that, a little shabbier, and nosier, but it was never right to judge a book by its cover. Or a store by its walls. The last was some ways beyond that, in a second row of building, and very finely decorated, with long silks and velvets hanging over the windows.

Then, of course, there was simply the path that lead back to the shore and forked into the jungle. Akoru may not feel well about entering it without certain things, but that didn't mean you had to acquiesce to his wishes. You were the chosen one, after all, not him.

[silverdust]

Sangjaheil ran his hands over the ivory cane as he surveyed the shops. They would need supplies, if not for him the human then, it would be suspicious to leave without anything. However he was low on tirithium, and with Akoru accompanying him, he couldn't steal it as he had been apt to do before hand. This disguise had so many limitations, damn it all.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Playing these emotions was harder than he had thought, his acting was out of practice with so many night on his own. "I have sparse supplies, I will have to purchase them..."

The finely crafted shop would definitely be out of his price range, and what could they sell there but fancier versions of what they needed, but he was afraid the money would drain in the well-to-do shops. The shabby little shop would be a good place to start, counting the low amount of money. He turned to Akoru, motioning at the shop, a slight smile on his face. "Considering the amount of money I have, I believe that is what I can afford, unless it is not a good place for supplies."

He was new in the town after all, the native man would have much more to say in this matter.

[iprince]

Akoru nodded,"The shop is good, but the supplies are not as well made. They work, but they don't last as long as better crafted items. The shopkeeper makes them all himself. They may not be as valuable, or as sturdy, but sometimes the poultice is better than the doctor's medicine."

To the shabby shop it was, then. You and Akoru strolled between the other building, and slipped inside the ratty door. The shop, you notice immediately, was not well organized. Junk and clutter was strewn about everywhere. Knick-knacks of all sorts were hung upon the walls, a few weapons, blankets, children's toys, shoved back behind the counter. It would take some time to hunt through all the things.

You also notice that the shopkeeper is not present, or at least not anywhere you can see. There is a door leading off behind the counter, shut, and windowless. Perhaps the clerk was hidden away in there?

You weren't completely helpless without him, you could always dig through the stuff while you were waiting, and a price board was propped up against the counter. It read:

Spears - 15
Walking sticks - 7
Rabbit's Foot - 2
Demon Box - 7
Water Gourd - 3
Blanket - 15
Coat - 10
Necklace - 5
Twine Bracelets - 2
Blessed Feathers - 20
Homemade Jams - 5

What a...wide array of oddities. Demon box? Blessed feathers? What in lord's name were those?

Out of nowhere, Akoru grabbed your wrist, sliding the sleeve of your shirt up over the medallion,"It wouldn't be too wise to wear this out in the open, especially being a stranger and all. Keep it out of sight, at least until we're out of the village."

((Argh x.x I forgot to mention...now that Akoru is in your party, you may take over roleplaying him if you wish. If you don't, and choose to at a later time, that is fine. This is not your only chance to decide))[/center]

[silverdust]

((You can take it for now Mem, unless it's a trouble ^^;; I tend to go into the thought patterns of characters, and I want to get to know Akoru more before I attempt to X3))

Sang nodded at Akoru's advice, securing the sleeve with a wrap of the medallion's cord, fixing it so it looked that he was only wearing a twine bracelet of a sort. He looked over the price guide, trying to imagine what they would need. Normally he would rely on his claws and teeth, the hunter's savage instinct that still ran in his blood, but he was playing a human's frail part. They needed assistance.

Water gourds, they would need those. Perhaps Akoru would need a spear? He had his rapier, and if the worst came, he could shift back, and then he would be more formidable than any weapon. Several of the listed items caught his interest, but he couldn't give heads or tails of what they were. Perhaps when the clerk decided to make his appearance, he would ask it of him. Till then, he contented himself with picking through the menagerie, looking at the scattered items with mild interest before flicking them away.

He glanced over his shoulder, at Akoru. "What do you suggest we purchase? Are you in need of a weapon or anything of that matter? I really have no expertise in these things."

He let out a short, bitter laugh. "As I said, this was not what I had planned for."

[iprince]

"I do not want to burden you with expenses. You need not purchase anything for me unless you see fit." Well that was helpful. At least your guide wasn't pressing you to purchase any and all trinkets that caught his fancy,"I can fight well enough with this,"he clunked his walking stick on the floor,"And I'm more than capable of carving sticks into spears if need be. What we will need, if you do not have it, is something to carry water in, and a knife. We could do well with...other supplies, but I can fair fine enough with just that."

You'd be going into the jungle with the bare essentials, nothing more. Shouldn't be too hard for a Euclides to do, but what of this man? He at least was more familiar with the territory than you. Perhaps you would be fine with just that. Akoru had said so, after all.

The door behind the counter swung open, and out popped the strangest of persons. It was a man, or at least lacking of any feminine beauty that could call it otherwise, with gnarled skin and hardly a muscle on him. He had huge, blue eyes, one filled with cataracts, the other hidden behind a thick, glass monocle. He pursed his lips and tugged the bit of glass off his face to rub it against his shirt,"Akoru. 'tis good to see you. Who's your friend."

The large man grinned and lumbered up to your side, slapping you on the back in an over-friendly manner,"Just a little misplaced adventurer. We're here for supplies."

"Of course,"the strange man's thin lips curled into a smile. It seemed to stretch his skin unnaturally tight across his face. He turned his half-blind eyes on you,"What'll you be needing."

[silverdust]

The slap on the back surprised him a little, but he bore with it. If he was going to interact with these humans, he expected there would be alot more physical contact than what he was used to. He gave a nod over at the storekeeper. The man's appearance was a bit shocking, yes, that was for sure, but he had an odd liking for the grotesque. The pain in his past still surrounded him by the beauty of the Marquis castle, it was pleasing to be away from it all.

"Two water gourds..." he scanned the price board, but could see no mention of knives. Perhaps they could seek one in one of the other stores, or maybe the rapier would suffice? Hardly, it was a slender blade. Still, he was curious about some of the other valuables mentioned.

"What is a demon box?" he questioned, looking up inquisitively into the tightened face. This lost tourist act was becoming second nature.

[iprince]

The man nodded and shuffled around the counter. He seemed to lurch more than walk, swinging himself forward and backward in a very unnatural manner. It was almost disturbing. It would be easy to guess that the man was old, perhaps with a foot and a half in the grave already. But he seemed to fair well enough for one of his...oddities. He made his way toward a little pile of miscellaneous items, shoved his hands into the crate, and pulled out two perfectly crafted water gourds. They were plain, but they would do their duty.

"Demon box?" the man chuckled, like giant wet fingers running over glass,"You have yerself a curious one, Akoru."

Akoru grinned toothily,"Ain't they all?"

"Of course,"the queer little man returned to the counter and slapped the two gourds down, before hobbling back to his room.

Well that was...odd? Rude? You couldn't find a proper word, but Akoru seemed unphased. He merely sauntered up to the counter and waited for the clerk's return.

He appeared shortly, his hands cupped and arms outstretched, obviously carrying something. He dropped whatever it was on the counter, and stood back. The object was...tiny, to say the least. Hardly more than a couple centimeters thick, and perhaps two inches long. It was onyx black, with carved white inscriptions on the top, all centered around a small red gem, perfectly round and polished.

"This,"said the clerk, prodding the hinge-less box with one gnarled finger,"Is a demon box. It is said to capture the spirit of a demon. Only one mind you, but the villagers think they're useful." He scooped it up again and shoved it in his pocket,"A mere superstition of course."

Akoru grunted,"They've helped this village many times before,"his tone was serious, but he was grinning,"I don't see why ye feel the need t' call 'em useless."

The man shrugged. The action seemed to pull the skin around his face impossibly tight over his bones, making him look eerily skeletal. He said no more on the subject, but his lips seemed to twitch with the desire to continue.

[silverdust]

It was a reaction he'd expected, given his supposed naivety and inexperience. Still, he didn't appreciate it so much, being talked over. It was lucky he had so much control over his actions. He took one of the water gourds and handed the other over to Akoru, before digging out the money. His eye stlll followed the box on its travel from the counter to the man's pocket. It certainly looked like a magical object, being with Eris he had grown used to the look of them. According to Akoru, they worked too.

He could read the movements of the man's face, and he wanted to know the words that would reveal more of the strange little box. Maybe he should buy it anyways? After all, he had gone into that little store and bought the medallion on a whim, that had turned out very well for his quest. Perhaps the luck might continue with this little demon box. He put down the extra gold with a light smile.

"Humor me then," he said, his tone holding only a hint of mystery. "I might need it."

[iprince]

The clerk scooped up the money without bothering to count. He either trusted you, or he didn't care. He slipped that into his pocket as well, rather than play around with the cash register. When he withdrew his hand, he was holding the box again. He slid it across the counter to you, nodding silently.

Akoru patted your back again and picked up the two gourds, leaving you to the box. "Thank-you,"the gesture was directed to the clerk, who merely rolled his eyes in mock-irratance before shuffling away from the counter, returning to the back room.

"Well,"Akoru cleared his throat, grinning,"We're done in 'ere, are we? Is there anything else y'need, or shall we get this journey started? We've along trek ahead of ourselves."

[silverdust]

Sang took the box and slipped it into his pocket. He hoped the little box would be as he expected, and not just a waste of his money. He nodded at the shopkeeper's back as he shuffled into his backroom. Again, Akoru with his contact. He wouldn't be surprised if his wing markings weren't the only red marks there by now.

"I think I've covered everything," he smiled, copying a tiny strand of the man's affability. It wouldn't do well to give the cold shoulder to someone who might be your only companion for the next week or so. "We can go now."

This journey was going to be a trial, he could already tell.

[iprince]

Akoru nodded resolutely and headed out the door with you in tow.

The fresh air tasted magnificent. You hadn't noticed how stuffy and dusty the shop had been. Akoru seemed relatively unphased, and started down passed the row of ramshackle buildings. As you passed the old house with the rickety chair on it's porch, you caught the sight of something white against the window. It was only there for the fleetest of seconds, before the ugly curtains swung back in place. Still and stiff, as if whatever it was hadn't disturbed them.

Akoru didn't seem to notice this either, or perhaps it was a sight he was used to. The house was not far from his own, after all.

And so you trailed along the beaten path, the glaring white sun burning down on you, even in the early morning hours. You soon came to the forked path where you had originally found yourself. The familiar steps that brought you back to the ocean, where the sailor's ship was anchored, veered to the left. Your destination, though, the dark jagged path that swerved into the foreboding jungle, was to the left.

Akoru dug the end of the walking stick to the ground, glancing over his meaty shoulder at you,"You ready to go in, my foreign friend?"

[silverdust]

The air was a relief, the breeze diluting the scent of blood that had been pricking at him for the last few days. He very nearly sighed in some form of contentment, but he was far too used to being inhuman to develop those normal gestures so soon. He lingered behind Akoru, letting the man fully play his part as the guide. Besides, to close a proximity was getting...testy, and though he had his control, he wouldn't want to push it.

He noted the flicker of the curtain out of the corner of his eye. The old lady, the one who did not take to people. He had meant to come to her, sometime, but he was already thrust headfirst into his quest, too late to turn back. Still, he could ask it of Akoru, perhaps a new perspective might reveal something. He was only grasping at strings anyways, it wasn't as if he could lose much.

The path was familiar, but different during the day. The sun was much too bright, the colors brilliant and it stung his eyes, not too mention the heat. He was much a creature of the dusks and nightfall, when the air was cool and perhaps with the promise of a cold rain. This...this was far too alive for his taste. The radiance reminded him of the singular part of him that still bled as all mortals did.

And there was the fork in the road. His eyes flicked briefly to the sailing vessel, and his thoughts strayed to the sailor with the dark eyes. His own vanity wouldn't let him forget the dark-eyed scrutiny, but it was too late for that too. He nodded toward Akoru, his eyes straying toward the jungle. Those foreboding shadows, they were only allure for him, and the call echoed in his veins.

"Of course, lead on," he smiled vaguely. A hand gripped the walking stick in anticipation. And this is where it would begin?