The Dark Continent's Music
"We're here. Welcome to the Dark Continent"
The announcement rang out over the ship's intercom. No one moved at first. Then a step could be heard. And another. A progressive increase in volume as the passengers of the whale ship began to rush to the exit. The excitement could be felt reverberating through the crowd. Only one figure remained sitting behind, observing the rush of people towards the door.
Earlier the scrap had been removed from the ship, hundreds of thousands of people deposited to a fake continent rather than be subjected to the famed calamities that awaited the hunters and the royal family who remained. With Oito, the eighth wife, Kurapika had waited for this occasion with carefully controlled impatience. He would finally have an opportunity to take his shot at the fourth prince, after months of death; political situations; and ignorance from his fellow guards, he could finally begin to put his plan to regain the scarlet eyes of the Kurta in motion.
First, the environment would need to be observed. Finally coming to his feet, Kurapika headed towards the waiting door; the other passengers having long since forced their way through. By the time he arrived, the crowd was gathered in their respective groups: the zodiacs, the royal family's newly trimmed ranks (only 5 princes remained) – and each groups' accompanying members.
He had heard talk of different humans, from the ones he was familiar, inhabiting the Dark Continent. Its size was impossible to comprehend. From where they were on the shore, Kurapika could see a river that he imagined would lead to a human settlement, if there were in fact any.
"What do you think?" Leorio appeared beside him with a grin on his face.
"I think we should be careful." Kurapika responded, carefully watching the crowd who had began to quiet and look at each other – each member calculating their own plots on how to kill the other.
"Lighten up, everyone is exhausted. I'm sure we have a few minutes before we're back to bloodshed." Leorio said while stretching out his legs, undoubtedly cramped from waiting for the last few legs of the voyage.
"I suppose, I think I'm going to start looking around. I'll be back." Kurapika headed towards the river, and the forest it threaded its way through.
"Be careful, call me if you need anything. At all." Leorio gave Kurapika one more long glance before heading back to the other Zodiacs.
Kurapika held one hand up and continued his walk towards the forest. This would be perfect to set a trap to eliminate the Prince and his bodyguards all at once. I'll try and find a clearing. The thought of killing the Prince and getting the eyes back always at the forefront of his mind. Because of his limitation on his chain usage, he knew he would have to be careful when taking on non-spider nen users.
After a few minutes, he began to hear the sounds of a city. Chatter, the clanking of dishes, the sound of horses and their riders yelling as they whipped them. Staying to the shadows, he moved closer to better gauge the size and type of people ahead.
They look completely normal. Although not as advanced as us. Looking carefully at the level of technology in the city, he could conclude that it was unlikely they had reached the level of the society to which he was used. Their lack of car usage, telephones, and electricity made it clear to Kurapika that they had not yet advanced in those areas. However, the architecture and structures were incredible.
Deciding to take a risk, he advanced. Receiving some strange looks at first, the citizens didn't seem to pay more attention to him than they would anyone dressed in the clothing of a foreign land.
I should find food and accommod–ation; this will be a good place to establish a central location to recruit allies to my cause. I can only hope that this city has strong members, although I have no knowledge of whether they are stronger or weaker than us.
One building seemed particularly busier than the others. The words The Eolian inscribed above its entrance, he decided it was as good a place as any to begin his investigation. Heading towards the door, a man stopped him.
"That'll be one jot please." A man with a muscular build and blonde hair held out his hand. Kurapika was shocked that it was exactly the same dialect he spoke.
"I'm not from here, I'm unfamiliar with your currency, will this work?" Kurapika held out two thousand Jenny.
"I suppose it will do, music shouldn't be denied. However, young master, do try and find a way to exchange your currency before your next visit." Deoch waved Kurapika through.
"I thank you for your kindness, I will do just that."
Pushing open the door, a sound greeted him that he had never heard the likes of. Winding its way into his mind, the sound of a forest at night; the dew collecting on leaves; the sound of a spring's current rushing against rocks, it all hit him at once. Reminded of Melody's flute, he had to find the source.
The building was dark and multi-levelled, with patrons spread across its various floors. The wealth of some of them with evident: jewelry garnered their female companions' necks and they themselves were clothed in beautiful and excellently woven fabrics. Others seemed to view it as more of a pub atmosphere, young adults gathered together excitedly watching the stage.
Looking forward, he found the source of the melody that had taken his attention. A spotlight illuminated a slender young man with fiery red hair, who was playing the lute like it was as natural as breathing. His fingers moved in a blur as the master practiced his trade; Kurapika knew he had to bring Melody here.
The song came to a close, and the audience erupted. Obviously not new to the glamour of this place, the young man simply performed a simple bow and went to a table where it appeared his friends were gathered.
They appeared to be a friendly group: the red-haired man (who was the youngest of them all), a tanned noble looking man, a pale-skinned noble, and finally an older man who seemed by far to be the most inebriated. They had cards in front of them and they patted the musician on the back as he took his seat.
Better to start sooner rather than later.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Kurapika waved his hand towards an empty chair that was pushed off to the side.
"And who are you?" The dark-skinned man said with a slight accent.
"I'm new here, I could use the company. My name is Kurapika, I am from a land far from here. I could strongly use some information about this place, its people, and its geography. If you help me, I will have no problem assisting you in a similar manner; whether it be financial or information, I will be of service." Kurapika looked him in the eyes, gauging his strength. He seemed intelligent, but not formidable in physical ability.
"Please have a seat, Kurapika." The red-haired musician, who had at first remained relaxed in his demeanour, now seemed very intent on him.
He is strong. Very strong. Kurapika wasn't sure where the man's power was stemming from, it didn't appear to be nen, but he knew that this was a strength that could not be denied. Not to mention the cold calculating eyes that now met his own.
"I am Kvothe. These are my friends Simmon, Wilem, and Manet. We are students at the university across the river, feel free to ask us questions to your heart's content. Then it will be my turn." Kvothe said with a smile, not visibly displaying any of the strength that was present a moment before.
I must tread lightly. However, if I can convince him to work with me, he seems to be a powerful ally.
"Firstly, what is this university? How large are these cities? How do you distinguish classes within them, and would you mind detailing the imports and exports?"