It's been an hour or two since Hakuu's estate was thrown into disarray. The rough band of fighting men who were in the middle of breaking camp are still standing around the entrances to the compound, grousing. Despite night having fallen, many guards are stationed outside in the battered garden. The Artist himself is back in his manor, and what little was seen of his face was very sour indeed. The serving staff are all walking on eggshells, even while they quickly and efficiently scrub wood, tend wounded plants, and even wash the stone walkways.

The house guards are grim faced and tight lipped, and several stand around the tall Cervani in the gazebo. The stag looks out over the garden, face unreadable. He is still dressed quite immaculately for all the muss of his surroundings, white coat and breeches spotless, brass buttons shining, the tall rack of his antlers pristine, hooves polished, and the steel doe head of his cane shining where he holds it behind his back in white kid gloves.

Lilac has managed to return to Umeko's side, informing the noble that she was, "worried about her," and that she, "saw her turn back from the gates." Although she's dressed like any servant on the grounds, her odd mix of human and more animalistic features might give her away if she were to be inspected too close. Thus, she agrees to stalk after the party, keeping to the shadows.

Umeko holds her head up as she walks demurely towards the gazebo. "So, this is Vandringar. How he commands such authority here is a mystery. What he seeks is as well. But, no matter. I want to see how he reacts to me," the Kiriga thinks. "Excuse me," she says in hissing standard when she gets close, "But I wish to know why I am being kept here as a prisoner. This is most inexcusable, I am the Honored Artist's guest and a noble of Jadai."

The stag's ears perk, and he turns his head, smiling as if reacting to an unexpected pleasure, or seeing an old friend again. He turns and executes a stately bow in the Chronotopian style, the swordsman's cloak hanging off his shoulder billowing. Even under the crisp lines of his suit, it's evident he's quite athletic when he straightens out, shoulders broad and physique trim. "Ah, Lady Tsuguri I presume. I was told you wished to see me," he says in fluent, if accented, Imperial. "It is an honor to meet you. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Lurking nearby in the shadows around the gazebo, Lilac crouches down and begins to fiddle with her hands. Her ears perked, she listens to the conversation, wondering if the old Master has sold the scroll for more liquor yet.

"I am," the Kiriga replies with a short bow of her own. "This has been a most trying evening. I came here to spend time with the man I am to wed and instead I find myself in this chaos all because some security 'issue' occurred. I fail to see how it is 'safer' for me to remain here, in any case. I also have issue with the fact that your soldiers do not have manners enough to properly address a noble without being prompted. I have forgiven that due to this mess, but I wish to know how long I will be kept a prisoner here."

Fortunately for Lilac, it's too dark for the servants to work at cleaning up the garden, as much as Hakuu might wish it. The gazebo itself is well enough lit, and the guards cluster around it in case any more skulkers are waiting in ambush. "Of course, my lady," replies Vandringar genially. "I know this was to be a time of great joy for you, and I'm sure Master Hakuu is no less distressed. The men are, unfortunately, not well versed in social graces… it is an unsavory fact of dealing with fighting men, I'm afraid. Please be assured, they meant no disrespect, and are simply following orders, both the house lord's and mine. You are by no means a prisoner, rather, it is our obligation to see to Hakuu's safety as well as yours, and the men follow orders without exception."

"I am capable of seeing to my own safety," Umeko notes quietly and slips her arms into her sleeves. "They said the orders were yours and made no mention of Master Hakuu at all, which I find most concerning. I was under the understanding that you where here only to ensure safe transport of the Master's artwork to the Imperial courts. So, was it some of the Master's art that was damaged or stolen? I do presume some sort of theft must have occurred, from what little I have overheard."

Lilac drops back on her rear, flicking her tail in to her lap as she waits. Idly, she begins trying to dust out all the plaster from her poor tail. I wonder what that was all about, she muses. To better hide herself, she mantles her wings, using them as covers to hide the lighter parts of herself in darkness.

The stag sets the foot of his cane on the floor in front of himself, resting his hands on the head. His own head shakes as if in deep regret. "While I do not doubt your capabilities, my lady, the orders were explicit. And while Master Hakuu did not give the order directly, I possess the authority to do so through him. I am sure he would agree were you to ask him, and it is his safety we are seeing to as well." He extends a hand in a sympathetic gesture, which fails to answer the question put to him.

Umeko watches the stag with appraising reptilian eyes. "Then I must presume he has hired you for more than just the safety of his artwork," she says, "So, if I may ask, has he instructed any duties that relate to me? You knew my name, and therefore know something about me, at least."

Vandringar smiles indulgently. "Oh, I am not a hire, my lady. I am a colleague. A business associate, if you will. An old and concerned friend, even. I could hardly have failed to hear of you, my lady. The beauty I was told you possessed was clearly understated… as a bride, you will be radiant. Allow me to offer my congratulations."

"Ah, Master Hakuu did not mention you to me as an old colleague," Umeko says with a dip of her head, "My apologies for assuming that you were hired. How long have you known him? I have only known him for a few days."

At least they're talking in Standard, Lilac allows. Once her tail is sufficiently clean, she flicks it out of her lap and pushes up her hat to rub her ears. I hope I'm not getting fleas again.

Vandringar laughs good naturedly, the warm kind between two friends sharing a joke. "No apology necessary, my lady. I ought to have been more clear, and it was rude of me not to come congratulate you sooner. Please forgive me, we have been very busy these past few days. Master Hakuu and I have been associates for many profitable years."

"Are you also an associate of my father, Lord Tsuguri? He rarely speaks to me of business matters, of course," Umeko says, her eyes going to glance at the cane her carries. Noting the doe's head, grim thoughts about what he may traffic in come to mind briefly. "And if I may ask since you are his friend, did Master Hakuu tell you why he wished to be married? I understand why he chose me, but … what prompted his decision to find a wife has eluded me."

Once she's done scratching at her ears, Lilac has the sudden urge to drop back in to the dirt. An urge which she follows. Lying back, she hugs her wings around herself, making her look like some sort of leather sack with legs. She sniffs, then breathes a soft sigh. I wonder if Lady Umeko would mind if I roll aroun- … What am I thinking? She shakes her head, really wondering what she was thinking.

Vandringar rolls a hand in the air, as if at a poetry recital. "Ah, who can say what drives a man to seek love? I would suppose he had at last found someone worthy of his affections. As to your father, I haven't had the honor of meeting him yet, but it is one I look forward to."

"Oh please. I am not some brainless courtesan," Umeko thinks to herself. The Kiriga's head then tilts and she asks, "Do you intend to do business with him then, as well? Or, do you mean merely as a friend of the honored Artist?"

I guess Vandringar is the man from that … that inner sanctum – of horror! Lilac shudders, wondering what dark heart rests behind the Cervani's civil veneer. She squirms back against the ground anyway, getting comfortable and enjoying the scents. At least Hakuu's garden smells good.

The stag returns to clasping the cane. "I am open to any business opportunity, certainly. For the time being, our hands are rather full. Master Hakuu is preparing his presentation to the Imperial Court, as I'm sure you've heard, and I shall assist him. We expect it to be spectacular… and you will no doubt accompany him, both to the presentation and to the status and responsibility it will bring."

"I was under the impression that the honored Artist may make me part of the presentation. He has spoken of using me as a model for artwork the world has yet to see," Umeko comments, then looks towards the house. "When will he be presenting before the Imperial court? I must admit I have not followed much in the way of courtly matters."

Vandringar nods. "I'm certain it will seem a long wait. The summons is expected within a month or two's time, perhaps longer. The Emperor gives them on a whim, but certain cues within the governing body foretell of them. When the summons is given, it is up to the governors to answer, and they are expected to be prepared."

"Mmm. Well, I am certain Master Hakuu will do well," Umeko says, then offers another bow. "I believe I have taken up enough of your time. If I am to ever leave, then I should allow you to resume handling this … security issue. I will just be walking in the garden. When I may leave, please tell me."

The stag turns to one side contemplatively, and looks out over the garden… did his eyes pause on Lilac briefly? He merely seems to be pondering the state of the compound, and when he turns back to the lady, he smiles again, and bows gracefully in turn. "The pleasure was mine, Lady Tsuguri. I would not have wished your valuable time to be wasted so, and the culprit will be dealt with, have no fear. I am sure there's no reason to keep you any longer. Allow me to personally escort you to the gate. Ran, see that the driver brings the rickshaw about." One of the nearby guards nods. "Hai." He trots away.

Umeko extends her arm out to the stag politely. "I would be honored if you would walk with me," the Kiriga says with a smile. "If you are a friend of the Master's, then in time I hope that you will also be one of mine."

Personally escort? Lilac sits up, then slowly rolls over onto her feet. Oh, this can't be good – now I have to find my own way out again! Hunching in the darkness, she begins to back away from the gazebo towards better cover in preparation to leave.

Vandringar takes the proffered arm, posture courtly as he guides the lady across the gazebo and down the garden path. "The prospect delights me. I understand you are well-versed in poetry and calligraphy, an artist yourself, and it is always a pleasure to meet people of refinement. I believe it was the poet Sasuki who said that 'appreciation of art elevates the People above the cattle'."

Well Lady Umeko does have good taste, he's not wrong about that, Lilac agrees. She begins off towards the nearest cover, intent on keeping back and following until Lady Umeko is free of the grounds. Then I can leave. I'll just fly over another wall.

Umeko curls her cool and smooth fingers against the forearm of the stag. "All noble women are brought up practicing the arts. Anyone can push a plow, but only the few born to the blessed classes can craft and create something from the nothingness that is represented on a blank page, or so my tutors always say," the Kiriga says as she walks. "But, I would have to class my skill as far below the Master Hakuu, of course. Are you an artist, sir?"

The stag gives a self-deprecating chuckle as he walks along, his cane clicking against the stone of the path, easy for Lilac to follow. "Oh, I dabble here and there, as a matter of gentlemanly interest," he says. It's difficult to say what gentlemanly interests those must be from the feel of the arm Umeko holds onto. It's thick, the muscle firm; not the flab of a sedentary noble in the lap of luxury that his garb would indicate. "But to apply the term 'artist' to me would be a sullying of the word. Jadaian culture's insistence of fine art study is refreshing."

Lilac's expression turns sour. Oh, I can just bet what sort of artistic interests this guy has. She wonders if that Gibson fellow managed to make it out. She hopes he did, because she rather likes him. She certainly wasn't expecting him to be some sort of spy. As these thoughts roll through the human woman's head, she follows along, trying to keep out of sight.

"We are an island of perfection," Umeko notes as she idly looks around as they walk. "Whether it be in the written word, the carved stone, or even on the battlefield. All things are honed to precision and to a style that is uniquely ours. Certainly people come to the city to 'experience' what they believe is the 'fine life' of Jadai. But that … that is not the true nature of our island or our people. It is a show, an opera, a dance, if you will, to protect our legacy."

"Master Hakuu exemplifies that ideal," agrees Vandringar. Emerging from the garden, the pair cross the makeshift camp, and the crowd of soldiers part for them, snatching their crates, bedrolls, and bags out of the way. Up ahead, the rickshaw waits, Selona lifting its head and looking about alertly.

Lilac pauses, unwilling to skirt so close to so many soldiers. She takes a step back and looks for cover. I guess this is as far as I can follow, she admits to herself, wondering if the noblewoman will be all right.

"Of course," Umeko says. As she watches the men scatter, she remembers something. "Does Master Hakuu have many friends such as you? One duty he told me I would have would be expected to attend to his guests and be sure that they were content. That concerned me, but if they are as all well mannered as you, then such a duty does not seem so terrible now."

Vandringar stops by the rickshaw, the driver carefully restraining his Selona to keep the carriage from shifting. "Master Hakuu is a very well-connected man," says the stag. "I wouldn't presume to know them all, but I am certain it would be safe to say they'd be expected to behave in a courtly manner to be allowed to associate with him." The stag braces a hoof against the side of the rickshaw, offering his shin as a step to make the climb up into the carriage unnecessarily easier while his hand hovers close to help should it be taken.

Umeko uses the offered shin to boost herself up into the rickshaw, as well as steadying herself with the offered hand. "Good evening to you, sir," she tells the stag as she settles down into the seat. "May the future provide you all that you deserve."

"I've no doubt it shall, my lady," replies the stag, his voice smooth and deep and his smile oddly knowing. "A pleasant evening to you." He gestures at the gate, and the guardsmen haul it open, the Selona quickly scrambling for it with rickshaw in tow.

Umeko dips her head once more to the stag, then settles back for the ride home.

The ride is uneventful, but for a shadow clinging to the back of the rickshaw, and the quiet of the Tsuguri estate must seem like paradise itself. A pair of the Tsuguri house guards wave the carriage in and simultaneously bark, "Welcome back, Lady Tsuguri!"

Umeko lets out a very long sigh of relief when her estate comes into view. "That was a far more eventful evening than I had prepared for," she thinks to herself as she bows her head and smiles to the guards. "I am truly glad to be home."

Lilac slips off the back of the rickshaw, hopping to the ground lightly. She then scurries off into the shadows, ditches her hat, then walks around a corner and says, "Hello, Lady Umeko!" as if she had been on the grounds all that time.

The Kiriga smiles when she sees Lilac and waves to her lightly. "Hello Lilac. Have a pleasant evening?" she says in a small-talkish sort of way. "Mine was more interesting than I would have liked, I must admit."

"Oh, my evening was relatively unexciting, I'm sure," the human woman replies. She looks a little dirtier than Umeko remembers, as if, indeed, she had been rolling around in the dirt. "Shall I attend you, m'lady?"

Umeko raises her brow at the dirt, noting, "You need another bath, Lilac." The Kiriga then nods and motions for her to walk with her. "I am heading to the tea room for now. I need to relax," she says.

"Aww," Lilac complains, but she follows along anyway. "I met with Master Long Tooth during my outing. We exchanged some words, and I think he'll be by later," she adds, tail wagging.

Umeko nods as they walk along. In short order, they enter the teahouse. The Kiriga gestures for Lilac to settle herself down before she goes about starting the brazier and preparing some tea. "I am certain Master Tooth will have very interesting things to say to us, or perhaps give us. He always seems to have some bit of wisdom to impart, be it his own … or something he happened to pick up," she notes with a knowing smile.

"Oh, I'm sure of it," Lilac agrees wholeheartedly. She takes a seat, then promptly falls on her back and rolls on her side. "I am so worn out. So much flying – I never fly so much! And the things I have heard. Let me tell you about them … " And with that, Lilac relates all that she's seen and heard.