un: drenched kitten of heated purrs, voice;

[jeoha]

It has come to my attention that some of us have had more difficulty earning coin in the city than others.

[ Translation: He's broke as fuck and can't pay the portion that Mingyu mentioned in his last post that they would be expected to. ]

My companion Ylsa has informed me that the fur and beast trade in this city can bring coin, and has reluctantly agreed to accompany me outside the city to hunt. If any of you have similar skills and have yet to make your contribution to our shared cause, you are welcome to join us, but I must insist that you are capable of handling yourself not only with the hunt, but with any deathless that we may come upon outside the city. This is not a risk-less venture, and I have no intention of allowing anyone to put themselves in harm's way unnecessarily. So no, there will be no training on the hunt, at this time. If you wish to train, we can do so here in the House.

If anyone requires furs or skins to make warm weather clothing - and if you do not have them yet, you will need them - you may request them for a far smaller sum from us than you would find on the market. [ A pause: ]

And that includes you, ladies, as thanks for your gracious hospitality.

[ There's a tittering over the channel that indicates that someone, at least, is listening. ]

Also - I think it may be wise for all of us to meet. In person. At once. Mingyu's step toward organization was a wise one, but from the moment we arrived here we became brothers in arms. Our survival and our success will rely solely on each other, and that requires knowledge and trust.

I expect most of you will agree.

Comments

[jeoha]

For milk, yes.

[ They probably eat some of them too, Wangji, but he will not press that on your delicate sensibilities. ]

Would that suit?

1/2

[downswing]

We have agreement.

[downswing]

You hunt?

[jeoha]

Yes. Though as a test of skill, rather than a profession.

... The infected honed some of those skills rapidly.

[downswing]

And skinning?

[jeoha]

[ ... ah. Well. How hard could it be? He could always ask Ylsa to show him. ]

I am confident we will manage.

[downswing]

But you do not know.

[jeoha]

No.

I will ask Ylsa, if she knows.

[downswing]

Your wife companion?

[jeoha]

[ There is a sound of Lee Chang literally choking, and then a harty, mocking woman's laugh from further off. ]

No- no.

Ylsa was provided to me as my bodyguard. They thought it necessary since unlike most of our number, I cannot claim any powers or strength that verges on the supernatural. They presumed I wouldn't be able to defend myself.

[ There's a woman's voice again, but it's too distant to be anything but muffled and plain amusement. Lee Chang sighs. ]

[downswing]

They presumed correctly?

[jeoha]

[ Wow, Wangji!! Wow!! ]

Considering that I have been teaching her the sword, I should hope not. [ His voice is wry, but at least that doesn't get a mocking comment in the background. ]

But I am used to having men under my command, so I can't begrudge it.

[downswing]

A gentleman?

[jeoha]

[ There's a telling pause, here, an uncomfortable one. He said more than he meant to. ]

I was raised to lead men. [ It's still an uneasy statement, but it is true. ] But I claim no title.

[ Not anymore. ]

[downswing]

A second son.

[jeoha]

No.

Master Lan - does it matter to you, what my birthright may or may not have been? Regardless, it means nothing here, and dwelling upon it is no use.

[downswing]

Apologies for intrusion.

[jeoha]

[ A slight sigh. ]

... No, the apology is mine. It is a sore memory, Master Lan. Perhaps that is enough for now. It is not unnatural to wish to learn more about your companions.

But that story may require wine before I am willing to tell it.

[ Since it wasn't exactly a Secret anymore but that didn't mean he wanted to relive it. ]

[downswing]

You owe nothing.

[jeoha]

Then nor do you. No offense is taken.