Dark Edge Village

Chi-Pu slowly has Tianma trot to a circle of three yurts with their entrances all facing each other. She quickly and expertly dismounts and removes the bit from Tianma's mouth, tying her to a post near the back of one of the yurts, allowing the horse to graze.

She then walks to the center of the tent circle and waits for her sisters to arrive, notably still wearing her full combat attire from the opening ceremony.

Kitakuhime walks narby the circle. Geeko at her side, shakes his head when he notices Tianma and Chi-Pu. The girl walks the horse nearby his kin, and makes sure he behaves with a gentle caress.

Turning back to meet her peer, the younger Shiotome bows, "Chi-Pu-senpai."

Chi-Pu smiles at the young woman and bows.

"Kitakuhime-sama. How did you like the opening ceremony? Ide-sama's words were well spoken."

She nods positively, and observes Chi-Pu for a while, then closes her yes, replying, "What I saw was flawless. Something to inspire us to meet our next guest."

She nods in return.

"Who did you say he was? Something about a fox?"

Chi-Pu begins to stretch a little, her heavy armor's leather straps groaning

Tapping her chin, she confirms. "Fox Clan, hai. The Kitsune."

Almost as if on cue, Takeo arrived at the tent. He approached slowly and stood a respectable distance from the women and their horses. He wasn't afraid, but he clearly knew better than to stride up to an unfamiliar horse unannounced.

"Good afternoon minna-sama, " said in greeting," Kitsune Takeo at your service." He finished with a proper bow.

Chi-Pu finishes her stretch with a jovial squeal of energy. When she opens her eyes and is greeted by the Kitsune, she blinks, wide eyed for a moment before bowing in return.

"Good afternoon, Fox-sama!"

She then looks to Kitakuhime and then to one of the yurts as if expecting someone to exit it.

Right on cue a small but perfectly formed Shiotome emerged from the third tent. "Sorry sisters I was just adjusting my...aie! Ah, that is to say: I...Welcome you. Fox-sama. On behalf of my sisters."

She gestured to her companions.

"Otaku Kitakuhime-sama, and Otaku Chi-Pu-san." A little colour rose to Imane's cheeks and she lowered her eyes a touch to avoid the new arrival's gaze.

Kitakuhime On dons her like magical amor. Yet, her smile creeps up at the corner of her lips for no apparent reason. She bows to Takeo, waves for him to approach, and when people start to move, she produces a gentle nod to Imane –– with a bigger smile.

Right on time, Imane-chan! And introducing me like this... you're the bestest!

Takeo bowed again, not letting his face flicker at Imane's apparent surprise.

He approached and came to a more comfortable speaking distance.

"I accept your welcome well and truly. I am honored to be among the shiotome today. Though your time in the Empire is only recently renewed, already stories of Otaku's daughters and their wondrous steeds are spreading through the provinces," he said, giving an appreciative look at the horses.

"Let me be the first to bring you the well-wishes of my champion, Lady Kitsune Jume of the Fox."

Chi-Pu smiles as the man walks closer.

She places her hands on her hips and seems quite relaxed.

"That is wonderful to hear. News travels quickly in the Empire it seems."

Chi-Pu then gives a slight nod to Kitakuhime, waiting for her to speak to the greeting.

Imane also looked over at Kitakuhime-chan, waiting for her to take the lead. She snuck a look back at the Fox.

Handsome and well-spoken...

"Your Lady's well-wishes are most welcomed." Another bow, a tad deeper, and she looks to both shiotome a bit, taking her time to analyze how they were reacting. Satisfied, she looks back to he boy with smiling eyes, "As yourself are. The honor is truly ours to meet you here at our humble camp."

The girl politely indicates for him to sit down while she croaches down –– somehow elegantly –– to prepare a drink made with black powder and hot water. Tea, perhaps?

Takeo took the offered seat and smiled pleasantly.

"I trust you are settling in well to your new...well, old as it were, lands?" he asked, referring to the Unicorn provinces.

"I hope the horses find the terrain and the climate agreeable."