What's lurking in the dark
The silence of the night held the lives of many in her grasp. Rushed footsteps… to graceful for a human… to silent for an animal… to deadly for a creature with a soul. Black against the darkened branches of the trees, grace and speed made them invisible. But their spirits where high from a successful night run. They arrived at the camp, concealed by magic. 4 tents set up according to rank… a fifth protected by a barrier containing the spoils of the adventure.
"Ah… your back!" Ronin said with pride. "What spoils did you bring?" The group smiled as they dumped out the contents of their bags… jewels, precious metals, favorable silks and cloths, daggers and small weapons, medical supplies… and much more covered the earth…
"The town nearest was excellent for looting sir… they never suspected." Isamu said pride gleaming in his eyes.
"What of the dead?" Ronin asked.
"As you requested sir they were left respectfully." Isamu replied. The other two from the looting squad waited praise… but the last one tried to slip away.
"Aye! Kimi! Come here." Ronin said as she nearly escaped… she respectfully turned to him and walked forward and knelt.
"Yes sir." She said her voice dripping in apathy.
"What of your looting mission?" he asked.
"I collected well sir… may I leave?" she asked.
"Please, remain with me." He said… he gave a wave to the others and they slipped away to do their thing. Ronin signaled for Kimi to sit beside him.
"What do you wish for sir?' she asked him.
"I wish for information… why is it you avoid the rest of us? This is your family we have not wronged you. Yet you always do things alone… you sleep in the branches of tree's instead of a tent, you eat away from the rest of us at meals and you never seem to bond with us." Ronin said concerned… though the group had no relation to one another… Ronin was a father to them all.
"That I believe to be my business sir." Kimi said avoiding his eyes.
"Something troubles you? Tell me, I can help you." He said. He rested his arm around his shoulder.
"Nothing…" Kimi said… her face was darkened with mystery.
"very well…" he said… he removed is arm and tended to the fire. Kimi slipped away and within the campground she found a nice tree to sit in. she watched as the twins, Rei and Rai sorted through the spoils and sent them into the treasure tent. Kimi had a good night… she collected several scattered gems and crystals for herself… the others she had been with had found several coins, mostly gold luckily, and other jewelry… they would pawn it off in the next town and buy supplies. Then they would continue northward… every so often they would receive an offer for an assassination or a recovery and were paid a hefty sum. Recoveries where when they ventured out to find something lost and return it… be it an object, or a precious loved one. The recoveries only began a little while ago… Kimi chose it… the others feared her so they agreed… Ronin admired her for her attitude and her nobility so he agreed as well. Now they were n an assassination. Kimi looked to see the black raven fly in and perch beside her… the feathers ruffled and the skin twisted and turned until it took the shape of a large black dog.
"Hello Ookami." She said with a grin. The dog grinned… its blood colored eyes gleamed with loyalty and intellect. The only kind a grim can have.
Is the plan set milady? Ookami asked.
"Yes… the kill is only 3 moons away." Kimi said to Ookami. The dog nodded and lay down, his head in kimi's lap.
Then for now we shall rest Milady… however I sense change on the horizon. Ookami said.
"We had best be prepared then." Kimi said. But nothing could have prepared them for the change.
