(Howdy doo @Kohai! ^0^)

(hallo lol)

(Soooo! I'm presuming your gonna do the opening for this one yeah? :D)

(yep! Pfff lolol give me a moment uvu)

(Take your time! ^0^)

(actually where would Lumen be currently? Would he travel all the way out to the slums of Iclios just to find Kazuki?)

(He probably would actually. xD)

(gotchu lolol time to type )

In the middle of Iclios lays a swamp covered land with high hanging trees. Locals would make their homes in these trees since the floor below wasn't as livable. A bit away from the village above the ground was a gathering of trees that had an abundance of arrows sticking from them. a few looked like the arrows pierced right through their trunks. The ground was scattered with snapped arrows and bows alike. The owner and maker of this mess was Kazuki.
He was currently squatting on a rock, panting slightly from his 'minor' outburst. He picked up the tattered bow he was currently using and from his quiver started shooting again never missing a beat when it came to hitting the trees and other objects he was aiming for. His tail twitched around showing his irritation. He finally got tired and squatted back on his rock closing his eyes for another moments rest.

(Okee do! Time to make a reply! >:3)

Lumen had been town hopping for awhile. In the state iclios was in, it was easy to get lost or dissapear. This made finding people particularly difficult, bandits and swamps only amplified the difficulty. And with miles behind him, Lumen frantically continued his swift search for Kazuki, daggers sharpened and rapier fortified, he stayed alert for possible danger.

"I wish Iclios was easier to traverse....The bandits make the serene forests feel dreadfully foreboding."

Kazuki's ear twitched from movement coming from the woods and he whipped around with his bow fully drawn and he let an arrow fly in the direction. He purposely made it a warning shot, making sure to miss who or whatever was there got the message. He hissed slightly just in case it was an animal.

On the corner of his eye, Lumen saw movement and drew his daggers, smoothly side stepping, he swiped one of his daggers in the path of the arrow, slicing it in half. And with swift movements, Lumen sheathed his daggers and sighed.

"I have had about enough ambushes for one day thank you, so if you would be so kind as to lower your bow before I have to injure you."

Lumen figured he had found Kazuki, mostly due to the arrows trajectory. It was either a warning shot or really poor marksmanship. And if it were the former, it had to be Kazuki because bandits shoot to kill. (Obviously xD)

(Sorry about the wait! Had to bathroom halfway through the post xD)

(I wouls never mind your appearence Master Yoohoo >3<)

Would*)

Kazuki perked up at hearing Lumens voice. It sounded familiar to him and knowing it was a friend and not foe he lowered his bow, though he continued to have a firm grip on it. He stayed squatted on his tall rock being able to see Lumens hair.
"Your white hair makes it easy to spot you. No wonder you get ambushed a lot." His tail twitched irritatedly around.

(Tis okei! I had an internet problem qvq but everything is fixed uvu)

(lol hi dos and thank youuu qvq)

(I have had an uncountable number of internet problems in the past. Never fun :-;)

(Why is bab annoyed >:'0 that's all I wanted to say,i shall let you continue with your rp xD

Lumen approached Kazuki with a gentle gate that barely made noise on the undergrowth, it was actually unusual for his steps to be heard at all, but in such wilderness it was impossible to move without some tiny noise.

"Indeed my friend. But it is for the best. I would rather them assault me rather than someone else."

Noticing Kazuki's vice grip on the bow and generally irritable body language, Lumen raised an eyebrow in question of what could possibly be ailing his friend.

(Hiya peaches! Bye peaches xD)

Kazuki hopped down from his rock and landed on his feet with a slight splash.
"I see.. I'm surprised you'd come back..Especially after first ambush.. Iclios isnt a place for higher ups.." he bit his tongue at that last bit. "S-Sorry.. I didn't mean that.. Don't mind my.. mess" he gestured to the damage he's done to the area around them.
(Kazuki has gotten better at speaking lol >v>)

(I see that xD Poor guys not feeling so good >3<)

Raising his hand out with fingers spread, Lumen smiled warmly. Eyes closed and head bowed in understanding.

"Worry not, I am not slighted so easily. I am indeed of nobility, that which Is no shame. Though I do not look down upon others like some would."

Seeing the army of arrows littered amongst the scenery, Lumen was even more intrigued as to what could cause someone to binge-snipe.

Kazuki slightly nudge or rather kicked a few of his broken bows out of the way. He sighed slightly "Must get those fixed"
He turned his attention back to Lumen "You must be tired from travel.. My home is close by." Without another word from him, he started walking through the swamp. He knew it like that back of his hand since it was his home and he knew what paths to take without getting stuck in the mud.

(lol everyone has their moments XD)

(Yeah! Lumen has been blue before and red hot once or twice xD)

Lumen nodded in reply to Kazuki's observation. Admittedly, Lumen did not care for the current boggy surroundibgs and was very eager for a place to rest.

"Ah yes, you are too kind. I would deeply appreciate a place to catch a respite from fatigue. And your home would make a perfect location to broach a certain topic of importance."

(Crud)

(Colors cut my post up :-;)

And with that, Lumen followed Kazuki's steps through the swamp with extreme precision, his feet landing in the imprints where Kazuki trekked

(There xD)

They arrived at the base of the village though from an untrained eye it would look like a regular swamp forest. Kazuki pointed upwards where a lot higher the trees were connected with bridges and homes and other places were scattered throughout the canopies. "Wait here and I'll send down the lift for you." Naturally, there weren't any stairs or paths that would allow others into the village. Kazuki's claws hooked into the tree as he made his way up the large trunk. A few moments go by when a crude looking lift is lowered for Lumen to step into.

(I am loving this village xD And if Lumen had to, he would have used his daggers to scale the tree >3<)

(the village is lowkey a village of cats and they all respect the trees a lot and only use their claws to climb up and down the trunks since that does little damage to them as possible XD so if Lumen did that a bunch of people would have been offended)

Nodding toward Kazuki with an understanding look on his face, Lumen waited, his guard still up in case of pursuit. His daggers were nestled in their hiding places amongst his robed sleeves.

"Very well."

Lumen observed the skilled climbing technique Kazuki used to scale the massive tree. He himself had similer style of climbing that was centered around his daggers rather than claws. Eventually, he saw the utilitarian lift descend before him. Without delay, he stepped aboard and steadied himself, hands clutching the ropes in a calm yet respectably firm

(I bet people are gonna be offended at the arrow scene below too xD And Lumen would respect their cultural customs, but find their overprotective nature of the tree unnecessary. Since his blades would damage image but not harm the integrity or health of the great spectacle of nature >:3)

(Fire would be a different story xD)

(Its no problem master Yoohoo! ^0^)

The lift made a creek when he stepped into it and as it was lifted it swayed and bobbed. It wasn't the prettiest of lifts but it worked and was sturdy enough for Lumen.
Kazuki was at the top pulling the ropes connected to the lift with another Cat hybrid. Finally, the lift was at the top and the tied the ropes around a post.
Kazuki leaned on a fence as he watched Lumen "Hope the ride wasn't too bad. Come My home is a bit this way." He motioned for him to follow again.

(Not really since its a different area. What I meant was they respect the trees their houses are located in and Kazuki was in a normal area the locals wouldn't really care about if that makes sense. Yea fire would be a different story I suppose though it's a good thing they use bioluminescent rocks as light sources like most of Iclios uvu)

After the ride up, Lumen looked down at ground below. It was quite a view despite the desolate swamp below. His eyes were captivated for a moment before turning to bow to the cat hybrid who assisted in his delivery to the tree canopied village.

"It was actually quite enjoyable. I got to see the forest grow small below me as I ascended. snd I marvel at the ingenuity

(Again :-; WHYYYYYYyyy colors! :-;)

At the ingenuity of the place! Truly fascinating!"

Obeying, Lumen followed Kazuki to their next destination.

(Aye! There we go xD)

(I see! That makes sense xD
Yeah, last thing we need is people stuch ip in a burning tree :0)

Kazuki lead him to a small home he pushed the door open and out came running Kina his elder sister. She hugged him tightly "You're back! The trees said you'd be back! Oh, you brought a guest? Don't let them touch my skulls. Okay see you later!" Kina then hopped over both Lumen and Kazuki and ran towards the town. Kazuki let an audible sigh escape his lips and he facepalmed. "Don't mind my sister she has a few loose acorns.. He walked inside and it was a rather cozy home through being quite small. There were two distinguished sides of the house one looked chaotic while the other was a bit more put together. "I never asked but what brings you back?"

Lumen saw the cozy home of Kazuki, admiring its size and location. He could imagine it be very peaceful. That image was dashed when he saw the rambunctious cat hybrid burst out and asail their ears with loudness. He smiled amusement at the scene.

"That trait occasionally makes them all the more endearing.

Snickering to himself one last time in response to Kazuki and Kina's relationship, he noted the difference in ' 'decor' ' between the two rooms. He quickly ended his observations once the subject of his being there was raised.

"I am here on very urgent business. Related to recent events around the death of the voice."

Kazuki shook his head "The more annoying really.." He sat down at the dining table that was next to the entrance. "Urgent you say? " he scratched his cheek lightly and his tail swayed a bit "I'm not very familiar with this voice or why the death was such a big thing but rumor has said it was a bad thing to have happened."

His tone was serious and his gaze determined. It was apparent that whatever Lumen wanted talk about was significantly important, especially since it derailed his normally casual and friendly expeession.

"It is indeed very grave. The ' 'voice' ' is refering to Serah,

(:-;)

a woman with the ability to communicate to The goddess Destria. She has been slain by the new Erulean leader Luminous. But before her sacrifice for mine and many others survival, she gave me a particular item of great importance. I promised her I would deliver it safely to her desired location. Which is where you come in"

Kazuki nodded as he listened "Ah I see. What would you have need of me for?" He leaned on the table a bit as he continued to listen to Lumen speak. Kazuki's tone never changed and mostly seemed indifferent but he was actually interested.

Joining Kazuki at the table, Lumen sat down and continued, his face still serious.

"You are particularly adept at the bow, I have seen your exploits in battle and are more than impressed. Furthermore, I know you carry no loyalty to the Erulean country. This makes you an ideal candidate for my caravan. I will require your help delivery the item of importance somewhere."

Lumen scanned the surroundings to ensure there was no prying eyes or ears.

"I dare not elaborate anymore here, but I ask of you all of which I have spoken now."

Kazuki nodded and crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair "So you would like me to leave home and follow you to some secret place for an item a woman gave you?" Kazuki closed his eyes for a bit and shrugged "Alright. Though I would have to make sure its alright with ah.. my partner." He scratched his cheek again slightly and had a slight tint of pink brushing his cheeks. "Everything should be ok though. Give me time and place.. and I'll be there with a top-notch bow. J-just don't expect me to talk with the others you intend to invite.. " His introverted side was showing again.

Smiling warmly, Lumen noticed Kazuki's blush. He understood all to well the importance of coordinating with ones loved one.

"Please do. If you and your partner can not agree, then please alert me as soon as possible. I would hate to cause a schism in your relationship. But if or when everything is clear, please meet at castle citrine at the date listed in this envelope."

Lumen placed a finely made, sturdy letter bearing the citrine royal house's seal on the table in front of Kazuki.

"It contains the proper date and time, but not the proper location. This is to prevent anyone from doing ill deeds if in possession of this envelope. Only YOU and the others will know the location. If you can not accept this mission after discussing this with your significant other, burn it."

With a look of worry, Lumen sighed before speaking further.

"This mission requires team work. If I can not rely on you to build proper rapport with the others, I may have to consider someone else. It is integral for a team to speak not only professionally, but also casually to help bolster mirale and trust. Can you do this?"

Moral*

Kazuki's ear lowered at the sound of the whole team building idea its hard enough for him to be talking with Lumen but he didn't feel like he should turn it down because of his social shortcomings. He nodded his head and took the letter. "Alright...was there anything else you'd like to say about the matter? Or is it all in this?"

Relieved to hear Kazuki accepted, Lumen sighed once more. He shook his head at Kazuki at his question.

"Well, you and the others will be in depth briefed on the mission once in the safe confines of Castle Citrine."

(I am getting tired. My posts are shortening :-;)

"Alright. Then I suppose I will see you there then." Kazuki twiddled with his hand a bit. "Well um.. you can stay here if youd like or theres an Inn, unless you need to be leaving once again other than that ahh.. welcome to my home town I guess?" He scratched the back of his head.

(Kazuki is an awkward bean ok lolol)

Lumen's smile returned brighter than ever, it was warm yet weary.

"Thank you so much. I am in your debt."

His face becoming tired yet determined, Lumen stood from his chair and bowed at Kazuki.

"I would normally stsy and enjoy this marvelous village, you and your sister and your partners company, but I am extremely pressed for time. So perhaps another time. I hope you do not take offense to my rushed departure, I must make great haste to find the others."

(Dawww! Awkward Kazuki! It'll be okay xD)

(I am not sure how much longer Ican last. The sleep is starting to win ;-:)

Kazuki smiled lightly "Ah alright, I can take you back to the lift then." With that Kazuki stood up and walked out the door with Lumen back to the lift. "I hope the rest of your travels are safe."

(ahhh its almost over lolol)

"That would be helpful, thank you."

Walking eith Kazuki, Lumen noted how outgoing Kazuki can be despite his shyness.

"I hope so as well. Please take care friend, and may you and your loved ones be safe."

Lumen stepped on the lift and waited to be liwered down the tree

(I wish I could have better constitution! I enjoy rolrplaying so much, yet fatigue always overcomes me yoward thd end D:)

Kazuki waved him off before untying the rope and with the help of another lowered Lumen down carefully to the bottom of the trees.

(its all good its like 2am for you XD )

(Yeah, and I've been up since 6:00 Am :-; Aye! I think now that we've brought it to an end, Ima turn in for some much needes shuete xD)

Shoteye not Shuete 0,o

Anyway, goodnight and thank you for the roleplay! Ireally enjoyed myself! Kazuki is now part of the Crusade >3<)

(Ima go sleep now. Good night Kohai! Thank you! ^0^)