"Osaka. I have business with the feudal lord of the castle there." Kanza said, adjusting the folds of her kimono robes. This one was less elaborate–though most of hers were–and designed to fit in with the styles of the towns and cities she'd passed on her journey. Her more expensive robes sat in the unassuming pack on her back, sword strapped behind it to conceal the weapon from the eyes of bandits.
"Are you not used to solitary travelers, then? That is fair, I guess. Most of the people I meet travel with at least an animal companion, if not family. Most of them are not prepared to kill with a deadly weapon, however, either." There was a particular nonchalance in her statement, like in her mind, that wasn't weird. Which was a valid and true assumption.
The feudal lord of Osaka? Baizi had met a few lords in his past, both good and bad ones. With knowledge that he was bonded to this person, he knew that he’d probably be meeting this lord as well. Just what kind of business, though?
“Yes, not used to them. Typically, I see that humans travel together, either in small groups, pairs, or larger ones. Your second statement is also quite true, most people; if they can afford it, of course, typically hire someone to do the protecting for them, instead of doing it themselves.” He notes the sword on her back.
“If you are heading to Osaka, then I will join you, if you don’t mind. It has been a long time since I have walked this world.” Although she didn’t have much of a choice, Baizi was not going to say that directly right now, though he had plans to tell her of the Bond, given she hasn’t asked anything on it right now. Most humans probably weren’t aware of the Bond, Baizi had realized, and thus it was usually the spirit who announced it.
"I suppose the only way to stop you would be with my own sword, but seeing as you aren't nearly as physical a being as the type I am used to, I can't imagine it would end well. Besides that, company is appreciated when one has been alone for so long." Kanza said with a nod, lips quirking slightly into what may have been a sly smile. Turning back in the direction of the road, she started off.
"It'll be a day or so until we make it there. I travel on foot, not in a wagon nor on a horse. Trips take a while, but it increases endurance. Do you require food at all?" She didn't think the sword did. Spirits didn't consume much, did they? Either passed on or created, she couldn't imagine they would need to. But, to be entirely fair, she knew so little of them anyway that it was better to ask and receive the seemingly obvious answer, than to not ask and be impolite.
Baizi gave a brief and slight tilt of the head, before moving to join her. He didn’t speak too much at first, unusual for him, though reasonable, given he was still adjusting to the world and regaining lost energy. The day made sense; Baizi wondered on how he would be within a days time. Maybe not up to full strength, but a lot better than he is right now.
Upon hearing her question, Baizi answered without looking over. “I do not.” Not in the same way that others did, at least. Baizi could comfortably absorb energy from the nature without affecting much as he moved. If he was capable of eating food, that was a question Baizi had yet to figure out. Some spirits required food, but typically, not in the same way that humans did.
After a moment, Baizi decided to ask his own question. “Have you heard of the Bond before?”
"Is that some sort of thieving ring?" Kanza asked, pushing back branches and making sure to avoid accidentally hitting Baizi with them as she released them. "Either way, it's not something I've heard of, no." She turned to look at him, arching a dark eyebrow with just a slight movement. Graceful, somehow, in most of her movements. Fluid, almost like water.
In fact, that was the goal. Fluidity and power, traits that water carried. Traits that made a great swordsman, her father had once said. And they did. Though, sometimes it was hard to imagine or believe in greatness, when all you saw was dirty hands wrapped around a hilt.
They made it to the road, more just earth that had been worn and patted down by the feet of travelers over time. Another spot brimming with history. This history was dangerous, though, as getting too lost in the paths that others had traveled could lead you places you never wanted to go.
“No,” Baizi said. “The Bond is..” he began, debating on how to explain it. “Exactly what it sounds like, a Bond between spirit and human. Bonds aren’t always welcomed, sometimes, you must adapt to the Bond, because once you’re Bound..” He paused. “It’s a lifetime thing.” The Bond lasted for life, with generally the spirit going under many Bonds while the human only went through one.
“I am not the best at explaining these things.” Baizi admitted, “so please, ask any questions you may have.” He continued to look at the road ahead. Onwards, further up the road, a woman walked, her features hard to view at this distance, although Baizi could most definitely tell that she was walking towards the two. Not really anything he was too worried about right now; just another lone traveller on the road, so he didn’t falter at all. He wasn’t one to stop, to have hesitation. He just went on and took on challenges as they came.
((oh is that about to be a problem?))
"I am assuming your bringing up of this subject is not random." Kanza said, casting a glance first at the spirit beside her, then at the woman ahead of them. It was strange, to see someone out on the roads this far on this day. It was not a travel day, which tended to be when merchants and farmers made their way from villages to cities, or back. To be fair, of course, this woman could have just been a straggler. Left behind for a day to finalize sales, or just slow on moving in or out.
"If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say I may have initiated that by removing you from the stone. Would I be correct? If that were the case, I'd have to ask if the Bond is something that interests you at all, or if you would rather be placed somewhere safe and undisturbed."
