After a bit of consideration you nod. "We started this quest to investigate the rumor. If Eientei holds no answers for us, we shall return to that search. Rumia, could you lead us out?"
"I'll probably need your power, but yes." Rumia takes the lead and begins pushing through the brambles again. Twice she asks you to freeze a thorn bush blocking your way, which takes some time, but still though less then an hour has passed you find yourself once again under the open skies of Gensoukyo.
"T'would be good for you to tend to your beasts," Wriggle says as you all start binding up the thorn cuts. "They're right ill used from that forest."
"You are right good friend. Mystia, use your wings to see if you can find our target, but stray not too far. We'll tend to our mounts." You move to Snowmane, pull a brush from your pack, and begin brushing and cleaning him Daiyousei and Rumia turn to their mounts as well.
Mystia leaps into the sky then flies upwards with strong beats of her small wings. Soon she is circling above, using her keen eyes to seek out signs of life. You know she is not as good as a hawk might be, but she can still see further then any of you in these lands.
The work is long but simple, and probably does no small good for your mounts. Wriggle visits you each in turn, starting with Rumia and adds her back to the work. With her power over animals you cut a good deal of time searching for bad spots.
The sun is setting when you finish and Mystia drops down from the sky. "I saw no wanderer, but a human knight and his retinue approaches. His flag flies a gryphon on scarlet. We should ready ourselves."
"Hm... I do not know that standard. But I should greet a knight as a knight." You give your horse a pat, then leap back into the saddle. Daiyousei and Rumia mount as well, while Mystia and Wriggle move to the flanks.
The knight quickly appears astride his steed, along with five other unmounted humans. Guards or lackeys it seems. Two carry torches, and all are armed with sword and crossbow. As Mystia said the knights shield is a gryphon on a scarlet background. He has no bow, but a lance is at his side. You know nothing of this man or his lineage, though that tells you he is a landless knight, the same as yourself.
While he is a human some courtesy must be given. You ride a little forward. "Hail, Sir Knight."
The human group moves to face yours and halts. The knight looks over you and your companions each in turn, and you can tell by his sneer he thinks little of you. "What is this? A masquerade? Why are you dressed like a knight boy?"
Your hand twitches towards your sword, but Daiyousei's hand gently falls on your shoulder. You force your anger down for now. "Boy I am not, nor was I ever. You speak to Cirno of the Winter Court, human."
"Oh, my pardons Sir Fairy." The man's tone belies his words. "I did not see your true nature. It seems that you did not receive the breasts to go with your breastplate."
Your hand falls to your blade as Wriggle and Mystia cry out in anger, but the hand on your shoulder tightens a bit. "I thought a knight stood before us, not a tavern rat. How speak you such churlish insults, when a fellow knight stands before you. Your words bring shame to your standard and your family." Daiyousei's words ring though the air with such authority even the humans take pause.
The knight flushes red with anger as he feels his followers being swayed against him. "You would know of taverns wouldn't you fairy 'lady.' Tell me did this self claimed knight take you in as her 'Dulcinea,' before riding off into the wilds, or did you need a warrior to shelter you from rebuffed 'guests?'"
You snarl in rage at the craven dogs words. To speak against you is insulting, but to speak against a lady in your presence is a shame that will not stand!
Three thoughts fight for dominance in your mind. Challenge the dog to single combat. Curse the churl for his insolence. Or kill them all.
