Chapter 4: Gifts of Silver
As the three headed through the village they found the Market place where there were many stands and booths open. People all over were shouting out their wares.
"Oh, shopping! I love shopping!" Kanon said smiling. Kate smiled as well "Yes and there are lots of great things here too."
"Like what?" Just as they spoke they were passing a booth where a young man was shouting "Silver! Fine Sliver! Silver chains and goblets!" As they walked by the man spotted Kanon and called out "Aye, lovely lassie! Wouldst thou like a necklace?" Kanon turned to face the stranger "Who...me?" she asked
"Yes lassie, thee! Would you like one? Or perhaps a bracelet or ring? Lovely things for lovely lassies." He smiled at her, making Kanon blush. "Oh...um...I don't have any money...Sadly I'm just a poor Rurounin."
Kate had walked ahead a bit then suddenly realized that Kanon wasn't with her. She turned back and saw her at the booth, smiled and shook her head when she saw who Kanon was with. She stalked over to them saying loudly "Why Templeton! There you go again! Flirting with your costumers!" This made Kanon blush even harder. She started stuttering "I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I...."
But Templeton just laughed and flashed a dazzling smile "Well how could I possibly resist such a pretty thing?" he asked. By now Kanon's cheeks were glowing with a lovely shade of red. Then a thought suddenly occurred to her, a thought that made her laugh out loud and uncontrollably. Kate raised a brow, not sure what was so humorous.
Finally Kanon pulled herself together long enough to explain herself "I- I...was just thinking about the look on Aoshi's face if he saw this!" she burst out laughing again. Kate giggled as well for she remembered how Aoshi fussing over Kanon. No doubt he would be very jealous if he saw how Templeton was treating her. Kate explained this to Templeton when he started giving them strange looks. "Don't worry Templeton. She is just imagining a friend back home." "Not friend, suitor..." Kanon corrected, finally managing to stop herself.
Kate decided to finally change the subject. "So, Templeton, what do you have today?" "Oh many things, Kate." He answered rather proudly "I was just thinking that thy lovely companion here would like a necklace." He then turned back to Kanon "And what might your name be lass?"
"Kanon Susanoo. I am from Japan."
"Ah! A traveler from afar!"
"Oh yes" Kate added "Very far..." Kanon made a bow "It is an honor to meet you, Templeton." Templeton took her hand "And I you, fair Lassie" he said before laying a light kiss on her palm, and smiled. Kate looked around the booth. There was a silk cloth covering the wooden counter and on it were many kinds of fine silver jewelry. There were also goblets, daggers, mugs and bells. Kanon leaned over to Kate and whispered "Templeton kind of reminds me of Kenshin!"
"He is very nice" Kate agreed. "He's very flirty though."
Suddenly Kanon was struck with an idea "Hey! What if we brought Templeton back with us to Japan?" Kate starred at her for a minute, not sure what the angle was. "Don't you see?" Kanon asked "This is the perfect opportunity to get Aoshi off my back!" At this Kate started laughing "Actually," she said "I would Love to see this plan in action!" Kanon let out a snicker "Oh, Aoshi will get SO jealous!"
"But we'll have to leave the booth and come back for him later."
"Why?"
"Well we have to drop off Rebecca for one and for two I can't leave without saying hi to Misto."
"Oh alright!"
"So do you see anything you like?" Kate motioned around the booth. Kanon looked around. "Well" she said slowly "there is...No! I don't want to spend all your money. You already bought me and Kenshin a sticky bun." Kate shook her head. "Hey we were all hungry; you will only owe me for the bun! This is a gift from me to you!" At hearing this Kanon practically leaped into Kate's arms "Oh you're wonderful!" she squealed. Kate hugged her back then turned her back to the booth. At the moment Templeton was just finishing assisting another costumer and turning back to the lovely lassies. Kate looked around "So what will it be Kanon? See any dragons?"
As a matter of fact, Kanon had just spotted a silver wrist cuff with a dragon design carved on it. She eyed it longingly, and Templeton noticed and took up the cuff. "Aye this is a fine one, lass. The dragon himself. Designed this one myself I did."
Kanon could take her eyes off the silver brace "It looks just like..." she stared in wonder, then her eyes grew wide as saucers "...DRACO??" she gasped. "Wouldst thou like to try it on?" Templeton asked kindly. "Oh...yes..." Kanon answered feeling dazed. Like any gentleman should, Templeton assisted Kanon placing the brace onto her wrist. It was a lovely fit. "Oh it IS very lovely! Templeton you craft the finest!"
"I do my best Kate, thank you very much." Kanon simply stared at the silver cuff around her wrist in silent disbelief. "Is it to thy fancy lady Kanon?" Templeton asked her.
"Huh?" Kanon snapped out of a trance that she didn't realize she was in and answered
"Oh...yes! It's Beautiful, Templeton!"
"Brilliant" Kate smiled "How much for it Templeton?" As Kate spoke, Kanon looked all about her. She could have sworn that she heard voices.
"That piece will be 12 shillings, but for thee, I'm willing to let it go for 7."
"OH Templeton! That's very sweet! I..." Kate suddenly saw that Kanon was acting very odd. "Kanon? Are you alright?" Kanon didn't answer at first, she was still looking around in all directions. "Kanon!" Kate said louder. Kanon turned back to her companion
"...Huh?"
"Are you alright?" Kate placed a hand on her friend's forehead to check for illness.
"Yes, Kate. I'm alright." She then added quietly "At least I think so. No really I'm fine! Don't worry about me!" Then she smiled at the two of them, but Kate could see that is was slightly forced. She brushed away the thought however and turned back to Templeton. "Are you sure? Only 7 shillings?"
"I insist!"
"Well alright then! 7 shillings!" As Kate paid for the gift, Kanon was in deep thought, she sank to the ground. Rebecca sat down next her, leaning her head on Kanon's shoulder.
"How...? It...it can't be...can it?" Kanon asked herself.
"I thank thee, Kate. Happy to know that my art has paid off."
"Yes Templeton" Kate looked down at Kanon and added to herself "more then you probably think..." She took Rebecca by the hand. "Well we must be off. But we'll be back."
After she and Kanon were out of site of Templeton's booth Kate stopped Kanon "Listen" she said "I know you say you're alright, and I will take your word for it but...oh..." She sighed "Are you up for meeting a few more before we go?"
"Of course!" After thinking for a while Kanon spoke again "I'm sorry about what happened earlier."
"Hey, it's ok."
"It's just that...well...before my world was Japan, it used to be a mystic place, full of dwarves, elves and Dragons..." Right when Kanon was speaking she noticed a Jellicle Tom walking up behind Kate "...my best friend was a dragon named Draco and..." she saw the tom motion with his hands to keep quiet and not to mention he was there. She gave him a slight nod. Unaware that somebody was behind her, Kate urged Kanon to go on "And...?"
"That world was destroyed...this bracelet is the spitting image of Draco." Kate looked at the bracelet "Oh..."
At that exact moment the tom put his paw over Kate eyes "Ahhh!" she yelled.
"Whoa! Who are you??" Kanon asked, a bit shocked. The tom disguised his voice and whispered into Kate's ear "Reveal my name..." then Kate sighed in relief and laughed "Pouncival! You feather-head!" hearing this, the tom laughed as well. "Pouncival?" asked Kanon. He grinned, "Yes ma'am that would be my name!"
"Oh...hi..."
Kate rounded on Pouncival and growled "You...!" At this Pounce laughed again "Ok, ok Kate! It was just a joke!"
"I sense a bit of tension..." Kanon was growing a little nervous.
"I didn't mean any harm Kate! Honest!" After a few minutes of breathing Kate finally calmed down and assured Pounce that she knew it was just a game.
"I never really liked being jumped from behind, and of course Pouncival here of all the villagers should be aware of that! He is one for practical jokes." She explained.
"Yeah I kind of gathered that." Kanon is still a little unnerved by seeing Jellicles. When Pouncival asked for her name, she got a bit of the stutters.
"Is she ok" Pounce asked Kate.
"Yes she will be fine. She's not from around here"
"You got that right" Kanon muttered under her breath.
"Pouncival for once, be a love, and do me a favor?"
"And what is your wish?"
"Can you take Rebecca here, to your sister maybe, to look after her?" Kanon was again lost in her own thoughts. She suddenly looked up at the sky, like she was looking for something. Pouncival kneeled down to Rebecca, agreeing to take her.
"Hello poppet." He said. Rebecca knew him and was happy to go with him. Kanon gave up her search "Bye, Becca..." Pouncival picked up the child "I guess I'm off then. Bye Kate, Kanon.
"Um, bye" to herself "strange...."
"Pardon?" Kate looked to her.
"Oh nothing..." she smiled nervously.
"Well alright. I want to find Misto. Come on."
"Misto? What, is he some kind of wizard...?"
"Yes actually" Kate smiled.
"HE IS???"
"Well yes. He is the only Jellicle around here to show certain powers."
"Finally! I'm off to see a wizard!!" she started humming a familiar song. After they skipped a while they found who they were looking for. "Hello Kate!"
"Mistoffelees!" Kate ran up and hugged him and nuzzled his face. He wasn't a very tall tom, only a little taller then Kate. He wore a pair of trousers but no shirt. His fur was black except for his face, chest and one paw, which were white. His fur was rather shiny and he had a kind sweet face.
"How have you been Kate?" he asked
"I have been wonderful! Thank you. How is your sister?"
"Victoria is in delicate condition."
"No! She is? That's wonderful!" Kanon was indeed very confused, for she hadn't the slightest idea what they were talking about. "Delicate condition"? Does that mean she was sick? She thought. Kate turned to her "Come here". She did. Kate smiled "This is my very dear friend Mistoffelees. Misto this is Kanon, a very, very good friend from out side the village."
"Hi..." Kanon felt awkward again. But Misto smiled and shook her hand "Hello Kanon, very pleasant to meet you."
"Where is your sister Misto?" Kate asked enthusiastically.
"She's with Plato."
"Plato??" Kanon asked.
"Yes"
"The scholar???"
"Um...Kanon, Plato is his bother in law, his sister's mate..."
"Oh..." Kanon's complexion was turning redder by the minute.
"And it only makes sense. I bet he's very proud!"
"Oh Kate! Plato has never been happier!"
"Uh...Kate? What's going on?" Kanon asked still very confused.
"Oh! Kanon I'm so sorry! His sister is with child!" Kate cried.
"Oh YAY!" Kanon clapped. Kate was so happy she clapped too. "Misto you're going to tell us when the little one comes?"
"Maybe sooner. She'll want you to be there. We may need your help."
"You know I'll be there." Kate smiled "Just call for me."
Right at that exact moment in the same instant, Misto and Kanon looked up suddenly. Misto's ears perked up "Anybody feel that?" he asked, his nose in the air. "Yeah..." said Kanon, looking in all directions. A chill went down Kate's spine. Kanon whipped out a shiny medal plaid. Kate was amazed on how Kanon could keep a sword like that hidden in her clothes. Kanon lowered her voice "Stay close...Something's wrong..."
"Now I have a terrible feeling..." Kate uttered, she was lowering herself to the ground.
"Misto what's going on" Kanon asked, holding her sword, ready to strike. "I don't know...but you are right, something really wrong here..."
"I don't know...but I felt something wrong back at home...maybe it has come here, I don't know..." Kate gave out a shriek "Misto! Your paws!" Kanon turned. Misto's paws were giving out crimson red sparks! Misto clenches his fists, trying to stop them. "wha-whats happening?!?" Kanon yelled. Misto couldn't speak, he hissed in pain. He sank to the ground near Kate, who had crawled over to his side. "What could it be...what is it...?" Kanon asked her tone was serious and frightened.
As the three headed through the village they found the Market place where there were many stands and booths open. People all over were shouting out their wares.
"Oh, shopping! I love shopping!" Kanon said smiling. Kate smiled as well "Yes and there are lots of great things here too."
"Like what?" Just as they spoke they were passing a booth where a young man was shouting "Silver! Fine Sliver! Silver chains and goblets!" As they walked by the man spotted Kanon and called out "Aye, lovely lassie! Wouldst thou like a necklace?" Kanon turned to face the stranger "Who...me?" she asked
"Yes lassie, thee! Would you like one? Or perhaps a bracelet or ring? Lovely things for lovely lassies." He smiled at her, making Kanon blush. "Oh...um...I don't have any money...Sadly I'm just a poor Rurounin."
Kate had walked ahead a bit then suddenly realized that Kanon wasn't with her. She turned back and saw her at the booth, smiled and shook her head when she saw who Kanon was with. She stalked over to them saying loudly "Why Templeton! There you go again! Flirting with your costumers!" This made Kanon blush even harder. She started stuttering "I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I...."
But Templeton just laughed and flashed a dazzling smile "Well how could I possibly resist such a pretty thing?" he asked. By now Kanon's cheeks were glowing with a lovely shade of red. Then a thought suddenly occurred to her, a thought that made her laugh out loud and uncontrollably. Kate raised a brow, not sure what was so humorous.
Finally Kanon pulled herself together long enough to explain herself "I- I...was just thinking about the look on Aoshi's face if he saw this!" she burst out laughing again. Kate giggled as well for she remembered how Aoshi fussing over Kanon. No doubt he would be very jealous if he saw how Templeton was treating her. Kate explained this to Templeton when he started giving them strange looks. "Don't worry Templeton. She is just imagining a friend back home." "Not friend, suitor..." Kanon corrected, finally managing to stop herself.
Kate decided to finally change the subject. "So, Templeton, what do you have today?" "Oh many things, Kate." He answered rather proudly "I was just thinking that thy lovely companion here would like a necklace." He then turned back to Kanon "And what might your name be lass?"
"Kanon Susanoo. I am from Japan."
"Ah! A traveler from afar!"
"Oh yes" Kate added "Very far..." Kanon made a bow "It is an honor to meet you, Templeton." Templeton took her hand "And I you, fair Lassie" he said before laying a light kiss on her palm, and smiled. Kate looked around the booth. There was a silk cloth covering the wooden counter and on it were many kinds of fine silver jewelry. There were also goblets, daggers, mugs and bells. Kanon leaned over to Kate and whispered "Templeton kind of reminds me of Kenshin!"
"He is very nice" Kate agreed. "He's very flirty though."
Suddenly Kanon was struck with an idea "Hey! What if we brought Templeton back with us to Japan?" Kate starred at her for a minute, not sure what the angle was. "Don't you see?" Kanon asked "This is the perfect opportunity to get Aoshi off my back!" At this Kate started laughing "Actually," she said "I would Love to see this plan in action!" Kanon let out a snicker "Oh, Aoshi will get SO jealous!"
"But we'll have to leave the booth and come back for him later."
"Why?"
"Well we have to drop off Rebecca for one and for two I can't leave without saying hi to Misto."
"Oh alright!"
"So do you see anything you like?" Kate motioned around the booth. Kanon looked around. "Well" she said slowly "there is...No! I don't want to spend all your money. You already bought me and Kenshin a sticky bun." Kate shook her head. "Hey we were all hungry; you will only owe me for the bun! This is a gift from me to you!" At hearing this Kanon practically leaped into Kate's arms "Oh you're wonderful!" she squealed. Kate hugged her back then turned her back to the booth. At the moment Templeton was just finishing assisting another costumer and turning back to the lovely lassies. Kate looked around "So what will it be Kanon? See any dragons?"
As a matter of fact, Kanon had just spotted a silver wrist cuff with a dragon design carved on it. She eyed it longingly, and Templeton noticed and took up the cuff. "Aye this is a fine one, lass. The dragon himself. Designed this one myself I did."
Kanon could take her eyes off the silver brace "It looks just like..." she stared in wonder, then her eyes grew wide as saucers "...DRACO??" she gasped. "Wouldst thou like to try it on?" Templeton asked kindly. "Oh...yes..." Kanon answered feeling dazed. Like any gentleman should, Templeton assisted Kanon placing the brace onto her wrist. It was a lovely fit. "Oh it IS very lovely! Templeton you craft the finest!"
"I do my best Kate, thank you very much." Kanon simply stared at the silver cuff around her wrist in silent disbelief. "Is it to thy fancy lady Kanon?" Templeton asked her.
"Huh?" Kanon snapped out of a trance that she didn't realize she was in and answered
"Oh...yes! It's Beautiful, Templeton!"
"Brilliant" Kate smiled "How much for it Templeton?" As Kate spoke, Kanon looked all about her. She could have sworn that she heard voices.
"That piece will be 12 shillings, but for thee, I'm willing to let it go for 7."
"OH Templeton! That's very sweet! I..." Kate suddenly saw that Kanon was acting very odd. "Kanon? Are you alright?" Kanon didn't answer at first, she was still looking around in all directions. "Kanon!" Kate said louder. Kanon turned back to her companion
"...Huh?"
"Are you alright?" Kate placed a hand on her friend's forehead to check for illness.
"Yes, Kate. I'm alright." She then added quietly "At least I think so. No really I'm fine! Don't worry about me!" Then she smiled at the two of them, but Kate could see that is was slightly forced. She brushed away the thought however and turned back to Templeton. "Are you sure? Only 7 shillings?"
"I insist!"
"Well alright then! 7 shillings!" As Kate paid for the gift, Kanon was in deep thought, she sank to the ground. Rebecca sat down next her, leaning her head on Kanon's shoulder.
"How...? It...it can't be...can it?" Kanon asked herself.
"I thank thee, Kate. Happy to know that my art has paid off."
"Yes Templeton" Kate looked down at Kanon and added to herself "more then you probably think..." She took Rebecca by the hand. "Well we must be off. But we'll be back."
After she and Kanon were out of site of Templeton's booth Kate stopped Kanon "Listen" she said "I know you say you're alright, and I will take your word for it but...oh..." She sighed "Are you up for meeting a few more before we go?"
"Of course!" After thinking for a while Kanon spoke again "I'm sorry about what happened earlier."
"Hey, it's ok."
"It's just that...well...before my world was Japan, it used to be a mystic place, full of dwarves, elves and Dragons..." Right when Kanon was speaking she noticed a Jellicle Tom walking up behind Kate "...my best friend was a dragon named Draco and..." she saw the tom motion with his hands to keep quiet and not to mention he was there. She gave him a slight nod. Unaware that somebody was behind her, Kate urged Kanon to go on "And...?"
"That world was destroyed...this bracelet is the spitting image of Draco." Kate looked at the bracelet "Oh..."
At that exact moment the tom put his paw over Kate eyes "Ahhh!" she yelled.
"Whoa! Who are you??" Kanon asked, a bit shocked. The tom disguised his voice and whispered into Kate's ear "Reveal my name..." then Kate sighed in relief and laughed "Pouncival! You feather-head!" hearing this, the tom laughed as well. "Pouncival?" asked Kanon. He grinned, "Yes ma'am that would be my name!"
"Oh...hi..."
Kate rounded on Pouncival and growled "You...!" At this Pounce laughed again "Ok, ok Kate! It was just a joke!"
"I sense a bit of tension..." Kanon was growing a little nervous.
"I didn't mean any harm Kate! Honest!" After a few minutes of breathing Kate finally calmed down and assured Pounce that she knew it was just a game.
"I never really liked being jumped from behind, and of course Pouncival here of all the villagers should be aware of that! He is one for practical jokes." She explained.
"Yeah I kind of gathered that." Kanon is still a little unnerved by seeing Jellicles. When Pouncival asked for her name, she got a bit of the stutters.
"Is she ok" Pounce asked Kate.
"Yes she will be fine. She's not from around here"
"You got that right" Kanon muttered under her breath.
"Pouncival for once, be a love, and do me a favor?"
"And what is your wish?"
"Can you take Rebecca here, to your sister maybe, to look after her?" Kanon was again lost in her own thoughts. She suddenly looked up at the sky, like she was looking for something. Pouncival kneeled down to Rebecca, agreeing to take her.
"Hello poppet." He said. Rebecca knew him and was happy to go with him. Kanon gave up her search "Bye, Becca..." Pouncival picked up the child "I guess I'm off then. Bye Kate, Kanon.
"Um, bye" to herself "strange...."
"Pardon?" Kate looked to her.
"Oh nothing..." she smiled nervously.
"Well alright. I want to find Misto. Come on."
"Misto? What, is he some kind of wizard...?"
"Yes actually" Kate smiled.
"HE IS???"
"Well yes. He is the only Jellicle around here to show certain powers."
"Finally! I'm off to see a wizard!!" she started humming a familiar song. After they skipped a while they found who they were looking for. "Hello Kate!"
"Mistoffelees!" Kate ran up and hugged him and nuzzled his face. He wasn't a very tall tom, only a little taller then Kate. He wore a pair of trousers but no shirt. His fur was black except for his face, chest and one paw, which were white. His fur was rather shiny and he had a kind sweet face.
"How have you been Kate?" he asked
"I have been wonderful! Thank you. How is your sister?"
"Victoria is in delicate condition."
"No! She is? That's wonderful!" Kanon was indeed very confused, for she hadn't the slightest idea what they were talking about. "Delicate condition"? Does that mean she was sick? She thought. Kate turned to her "Come here". She did. Kate smiled "This is my very dear friend Mistoffelees. Misto this is Kanon, a very, very good friend from out side the village."
"Hi..." Kanon felt awkward again. But Misto smiled and shook her hand "Hello Kanon, very pleasant to meet you."
"Where is your sister Misto?" Kate asked enthusiastically.
"She's with Plato."
"Plato??" Kanon asked.
"Yes"
"The scholar???"
"Um...Kanon, Plato is his bother in law, his sister's mate..."
"Oh..." Kanon's complexion was turning redder by the minute.
"And it only makes sense. I bet he's very proud!"
"Oh Kate! Plato has never been happier!"
"Uh...Kate? What's going on?" Kanon asked still very confused.
"Oh! Kanon I'm so sorry! His sister is with child!" Kate cried.
"Oh YAY!" Kanon clapped. Kate was so happy she clapped too. "Misto you're going to tell us when the little one comes?"
"Maybe sooner. She'll want you to be there. We may need your help."
"You know I'll be there." Kate smiled "Just call for me."
Right at that exact moment in the same instant, Misto and Kanon looked up suddenly. Misto's ears perked up "Anybody feel that?" he asked, his nose in the air. "Yeah..." said Kanon, looking in all directions. A chill went down Kate's spine. Kanon whipped out a shiny medal plaid. Kate was amazed on how Kanon could keep a sword like that hidden in her clothes. Kanon lowered her voice "Stay close...Something's wrong..."
"Now I have a terrible feeling..." Kate uttered, she was lowering herself to the ground.
"Misto what's going on" Kanon asked, holding her sword, ready to strike. "I don't know...but you are right, something really wrong here..."
"I don't know...but I felt something wrong back at home...maybe it has come here, I don't know..." Kate gave out a shriek "Misto! Your paws!" Kanon turned. Misto's paws were giving out crimson red sparks! Misto clenches his fists, trying to stop them. "wha-whats happening?!?" Kanon yelled. Misto couldn't speak, he hissed in pain. He sank to the ground near Kate, who had crawled over to his side. "What could it be...what is it...?" Kanon asked her tone was serious and frightened.