Bait

[red_branch]

Cu Chulainn wasn't a patrolman, nor did he ever aspire to be one. He was the guardian of his country in the sense that he would respond immediately to dire threats but he had never been the man to watch every village one by one and butt his head into every squabble he saw. Despite that, he had a keen eye for trouble and countless thoughts about what justice was supposed to be--so, he tended to intervene in problems when they presented themselves if only because of the fickle nature of what justice looked like to him.

Two farmers were arguing over a fairy mound, claiming ownership over a magic bow that sprung out of it. It had been hovering in the air, moving around on occasion from their perspective. Cu Chulainn, puzzled, wondered if the two men were fools--as there was clearly a man in white attire holding the damned thing. He stepped down from his horse to approach the two in the middle of their quarrel, watching the bowman, who was ignoring them as he read from a thin piece of paper held up in front of him. The two men didn't notice the bowman at all.

The bowman met eyes with Cu Chulainn, perplexed.

"You can see me?"

"Yeah. You can call me Cu Chulainn and... I'm curious. Never seen an archer carry that kind of bow, before."

Their exchange of words was brief, if not polite on Cu Chulainn's end. The farmers backed off immediately when they saw Cu Chulainn speaking to what they presumed was a demented ghost clutching the bow and ran when the bow lifted and fired, trying to take off Cu Chulainn's head from the neck. The young man let out a terse sigh, unstrapping his spear from his back after avoiding the volley before making a bit more effort to close the gap and stride towards him. The dark-haired archer was stunned that his shot hadn't landed and even more so when the following dozen bolts were parried and redirected just as easily. He jumped up and kicked the bowman square in the chest, dropping him to the ground before there had been a few popping sounds.

Strange. It didn't sound like the sound of bones breaking--he didn't think he kicked hard enough to do that. The bowman stumbled back, coughing and wheezing, his eyes bulging open as he buried his hand in his clothing to pull out a vial. The thing had broken in the center and little white tablets fell to the ground, dissolving. The shocked expression he wore spoke more about what happened than whatever he could pull out with his strange accent.

"I--I can't stay here!"

He threw a capsule to the ground, blinding light shining and catching Cu Chulainn off guard. He stepped back, vanishing into a tear in thin air, just as a few more of the tablets landed on the ground where he had been standing. Cu Chulainn rubbed under his eyes before stepping over to the remaining tablets, picking them up with a scowl.

"What a pain--fairy mounds are just troubling these days. Nothing good comes out of the damned things anymore--"

As if proving him right, a dozen or so howling voices rose up in the woods, the town, and the mountains all at once. Screaming farmers and milling people came shortly after, clearly bothered by the owners of those inhuman howls. His irritated scowl deepened and he ran off, away from the mound and towards the sound of trouble, "Speak of the devil... and he'll come crawling right away, huh?"

Comments

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi crouches along with him, aware that her white uniform is a tempting target in the growing darkness. As well as he's holding up, it's clear Cu Chulainn is exhausted; they need to defeat this force as soon as possible and withdraw to the castle.

She nods, her lips pressing together. She has no idea how they would counter a spirit, but she has no intention of waiting around to find out. Best case scenario, they would banish her home. But if it was that easy, she wouldn't still be here.] I can, basically. But I'm fast, too. I could probably drop five of them before the first one fell to the ground.

[Her voice is matter of fact, confident without being arrogant. They won't be expecting it, and he's right, if they take out the commanders, the rest should scatter. Even if her belly wants to roil at the thought of killing humans, there's no help for it. Hollows are one thing, but she'd always been raised to protect humans. But it's either them or her, and damned if she's going to let them kill her out of misplaced guilt.]

Can you point them out to me? Who should I be looking for?

[red_branch]

[It was fair to assume spirits could fly, so Cu Chulainn took his success with a smug little grin. His body was lowered so it would be tough to see but Yoruichi could likely hear a chuckle leave him as he pointed out the ones he suspected were commanders. Yoruichi sounded fairly matter-of-fact, so it clearly wasn't an issue of pride. She may as well have said 'This isn't a problem'.]

Look for cloaks with runes laid on the inside. Those are your sorcerers.

[Drawing a rune in the dirt with his index finger, Cu Chulainn kept his eyes on the spreading line with a handful of glances to make sure neither he or Yoruichi lost the ones that were eager to go unseen. They were retreating as they flanked, fanning out. Each and every one of them was trained well to deal with warriors that would normally be too dangerous for them to handle.

They were exceptionally calm about it.]

If you see anyone manipulating earth or water--make sure to take them down. Water is the element you'd use for sealing in the middle of combat. Earth can bind a spirit to the ground. After that, target anyone writing more than one rune in the dirt. If it's just one rune... [Giving pause, Cu Chulainn considered Yoruichi's earlier charge against Fergus. One rune wouldn't do the trick against her at all.]

...Just hit 'em.

[Cu Chulainn didn't have any intention of jumping in and getting in Yoruichi's way in his condition. She could take down a number of them and maybe even all of them in the next few moments but he was already thinking ahead.]

For now, I've got your back, alright?

[A sound of glass shattering came out from his arms and thin green 'veins' went up from his fingertips to his shoulders. It hurt like hell but he managed to strengthen himself and finish his runes. The ground began to bellow smoke beneath his and Yoruichi's feet--as he used fire magic to create a hot bed beneath and give her cover to jump. The plume of smoke rose up swiftly and a few of the archers panicked, firing blindly into the wall of it trying to catch Yoruichi and Cu Chulainn before they could move.]

Come on! Don't lose your nerve, now!

[goneonenight]

[She nods, her eyes flicking along the line of soldiers, marking the positions of those he points out. The positions of the archers make more sense now if their objective is to protect the sorcerers.

Even with her speed, there's no overstating the importance of the element of surprise . So she's happy to use Cu Chulainn's distraction to the fullest.]

Got it. [She looks at him from the corner of her eye, tossing him a quick grin as she loosens her sword from its sheath. As the smoke billows up from their feet, Yoruichi seems to disappear from sight. Launching into shunpo, she jumps straight up to clear the smoke, then heads for one of the sorcerers at the far side of the clearing; she figures they'd expect her to go for someone closer first, so hopefully this one will be less prepared for her attack.

As it is, he barely has time to widen his eyes in shock before her zanpakutou slices across his throat. She's gone before the first blood spray hits his neighbor.

There's not enough room to swing her sword the second time, so she simply draws back her fist and punches the man in the throat, crushing his neck and killing him instantly. In the commotion, no one has realized the first man she killed is dead yet.

As the next three fall, the shouting takes on an urgent note as one of the soldiers finally notices the dead man falling at his side. Her window of opportunity is closing, but she coolly moves on to the next target. He's not where he was a couple of seconds ago, but it's just a matter of adjusting her trajectory to intercept. Another soldier tries to shield him as he begins to sketch a rune, but Yoruichi knocks him aside with a casual backhand before stabbing the sorcerer in the heart.

The last screams at her defiantly, a ribbon of water arcing over his head as the earth at his feet starts to rumble. Thanks to Cu Chulainn's warning, she knows better than to get any closer. She slips a throwing knife from its hidden sheath and throws it unerringly at the sorcerer's throat. His spells collapse as he gurgles on his own blood, and Yoruichi wastes no time. She flickers out of sight once more, reappearing at Cu Chulainn's side with a puff of displaced dust.]

I think I got them all. Are we ready? [She flicks her sword down and to the side, ridding the blade of most of the blood. Cu Chulainn looks exhausted, so she may need to get them out of here sooner rather than later.]

[red_branch]

[There was a whistle from Cu Chulainn when he clapped his hands to clear the smoke and dust. Little embers of runes faded from his fingertips and the air went still, though the crackling flames left from before still popped through the silence on the battlefield, replacing the sounds of shuffling, metal and the hiss of magic. Yoruichi's work wasn't just swift but rather it was efficient and calculated. What little he saw beyond the smoke was only the punctuation to Yoruichi's cool assessment of the battlefield. He didn't get to see her fly but noticed she didn't sprout wings for it. Maybe he was a little disappointed by it but there wasn't much time for that.

He had his vision obscured at first but he caught the tail end of Yoruichi's landing before he spread his feet and threw his shoulder into an archer trying to catch her with a quick shot from her flank. The assist wasn't needed as he was clearly still in Yoruichi's sight but it was a convenient thing to do on his way to extinguish other runes on the battlefield. The archers had been laying runes as they surrounded the two, catching Cu Chulainn somewhat off guard. None of them had been written to seal spirits or attack either of them directly. Each of them had been 'Berkano', a spell he recognized as intended to bridge two passes. It was for tracking.

Taking his time, Cu Chulainn walked through and wordlessly extinguished them, his expression becoming more and more troubled the further along he went. He couldn't tell why they used a tracking spell on two combatants they had already found.]

Not sure. They kept using tracking spells when they were surrounding-- [Cu Chulainn turned the way he came from--Emain Macha.]

They couldn't have been decoys? [He turned, expecting to see flames and smoke rising from the castle in the distance. Nothing. Cu Chulainn felt himself lean forward, one hand resting against his knee as he finally caught his breath.]

... I think it's safe to head back.

[goneonenight]

Tracking? [She'd noticed Cu Chulainn a time or two in her peripheral, but hadn't been able to spare the attention to wonder what he'd been doing. Now, she's simply glad he'd been aware enough to notice the additional energy.

Why would they use tracking spells on the two of them? It's obvious where they came from, and Emain Macha is hardly a secret base. She follows his gaze back to the castle, relieved to see it seems to be intact. Even if the remaining soldiers in the castle aren't up to full strength, she suspects they would have put up enough of a fight to make any attack evident.]

Can they still track us? [It could simply be for the sake of revenge; Cu Chulainn had cut a swath through the entire army, and it wouldn't be surprising if Medb would want to target him specifically. And with Yoruichi being an unknown quantity it would make sense they would want to keep tabs on her going forward.

She bristles at the thought; no scout likes to be spied on in turn.]

Should we tell your grandfather? Maybe he can make sure. [Cathbad may be a pain in the ass, but he's clearly accomplished in their kidou--runes. Whatever they call it here.]

[red_branch]

They weren't tracking us.

[Fergus must not have told Medb he was going to get the bulls. Cu Chulainn inspected the burnt-out remnants of the runes once again.]

I thought the phrasing was weird but it makes sense now. It's to track 'a king'. I thought they would be tracking Conchobor but they wouldn't need to if they confirmed their messenger met with him. They sent someone to rescue Fergus.

[Despite the fact that he suspected someone had broken into the capital to free Fergus, Cu Chulainn didn't appear too worried. The fact that someone got past himself and Yoruichi in the middle of the fighting without being spotted was actually a relief.

Still, Yoruichi wouldn't know that. Cu Chulainn stood up straight and offered Yoruichi a smile. He looked like crap but he wasn't disturbed by what he suddenly realized. After she had beaten Fergus, the thought crossed Cu Chulainn's mind that Yoruichi would be unhappy with that sort of sneaky distraction.]

It'll be fine. Not many people in Medb's order can sneak past folks like us. The few who can are decent folks, so... I may have to offer them drinks if they acted like proper guests.

[goneonenight]

[It is rather disconcerting to know someone had gotten past them to rescue Fergus, but Cu Chulainn doesn't seem bothered at all. Yoruichi lets out a short huff, her eyes flicking back towards the castle.]

After all that work to get him, he's already gone? [He's right, she is pretty annoyed that someone had gotten past them and possibly freed the man she'd beaten in battle. But as dangerous as Fergus is, Cu Chulainn must not think he's hurt anyone during his escape.

It's hard not to smile back at him, even as she shakes her head in disbelief. If she hadn't seen him fight, she'd think he didn't take this seriously at all.]

They're the enemy. Why would you offer them drinks? [Yoruichi can hold a grudge like nobody's business, so this attitude is completely alien to her.]

[red_branch]

Don't worry--he isn't worth much as a hostage.

[It was a rude way to speak about a king but Cu Chulainn clearly didn't hold a grudge against him. He just knew what the stakes were.]

Plenty of nations don't respect royalty but Ulster would never harm them if they were prisoners. They may spend a night or two imprisoned but we'll turn them over without any fuss.

[It was probably the reason why their new 'guest' likely went in without violence. If they realized Fergus was a prisoner of the kingdom then they knew he wouldn't be hurt while he was in a cell. Therefore, it was bound to be a peaceful exchange as long as everyone understood how to be 'courteous'.

Cu Chulainn heaved himself forward and felt the weight of fatigue on his knees as he went through the uneven, mangled terrain he wrecked earlier. It was still hot in that part of the woods but it was the most direct path back to the castle.]

My mother used to tell me that it's sensible to fight in the day, since it's just work. During the evening, we should be friendly and leave work where it belongs.

[Despite their disagreement in philosophy, Cu Chulainn answered Yoruichi fairly genuinely.]

It's because I understand they're fighting for their kingdom.

[He couldn't help but assume Yoruichi would understand. She was exceptional at what she did. Talent came with a lot of burdens--especially when it was talent on the battefield.]

I can't bring myself to hate them, no matter how angry I get. Besides---wouldn't it be insulting if I were disrespectful to the people brave enough to face me?

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi picks her way through the scarred field; after surviving the battle, it would be a hell of a thing to twist her ankle in the dark. Cu Chulainn is clearly tired, but he seems steady enough as they head back to the castle. She hasn't fought nearly as much as he has, but she could definitely do with a rest after the day she's had.]

But they didn't face you at first. They cursed all the adults and left us the only ones able to fight. [Her annoyance isn't directed at him, but she still feels angry at the thought of all those children left undefended.] Anyone who attacks like that probably isn't leading people who are too worried about honor. This queen sounds like a nightmare, but you obviously still care for your uncle even though he follows her.

[Belatedly, she realizes that might come across as insulting, so she huffs and shrugs, a trace of apology in her voice.]

But you know them better than me. We just don't have those kinds of rules back home.

[No, Seireitei runs on intrigue and subterfuge. Cu Chulainn's views would sound painfully naive to the more seasoned nobles and leaders.]

[red_branch]

[It was difficult to argue with Yoruichi on that. Warriors who went in to take over a castle after it was ambushed with an unfair curse couldn't possibly call themselves honorable. Still, it wasn't something he had to argue. He agreed. They would be dishonorable and cruel if they went with a plan like that. They deserved whatever punishment came with it.

Cu Chulainn didn't look remotely broken up about it. Of all things, he accepted the futility of his own philosophy but still enjoyed practicing it. Among his peers, he was an oddball.]

You don't have to dress it up. I know I'm foolish for thinking the way I do. Honestly, it's most likely going to be the thing that ends up killing me when this is all said and done!

[With a huff, he stopped watching his feet as carefully since they broke into the open field by Emain Macha. There was hesitation in him when he saw the gaping, smoking hole at the front gate. Embers were still hot and they were pushed as if they came from the inside. If it had been an attacker, they would be on the inside.

That was his exit point. Cu Chulainn's voice went lower, almost speaking to himself alone. The intrigue of politics were always lost on him. Wealth and power were things that could trade hands in seconds and the lines that divided countries were fluid. Human lives were wasted all the time and he never felt he had the right to act as if he was different than any other soldier. They could die at any moment and so could he.

With a strained sigh, Cu Chulainn made his way down the dirt path into the castle, past the rubble and the smoking embers.]

I hope she didn't make her decision lightly. If she turns out to be a fool, then she'll have made an enemy out of me for nothing.

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi has heard people speak jokingly about their own deaths before--it's almost inevitable, surrounded by soldiers in Seireitei. But Cu Chulainn doesn't sound like he's joking. But at the same time, it doesn't sound like it bothers him, either. Just like it's a foregone conclusion he's long come to terms with. It's odd, as young as he is.

They head back into the castle, seeming to agree not to mention the damage he'd done leaving. Even now, the rubble is warm, and she guesses it'll probably still be smoking by dawn. What would it be like to have that sort of power and know you can lose control to that extent? It's amazing he's as good natured as he is.]

Then it'll be her own fault. [Her voice is firm as they pass into the cooler air of the castle interior.] Rulers can be stupid, but it'll catch up to them eventually.

[Her tutors might be exasperated by the informal way she says it, but it's proof she had actually been listening to at least some of the lessons they'd tried to impart. It isn't as though she doesn't see the point in them--it's the needless, often mindless formality she has no time for.

She sneaks a look over at Cu Chulainn, her expression thoughtful. Weird as he is, it's hard not to like him. She already trusts him, even if that goes against everything she's been taught.]

Hey. [She lays a light hand on his forearm as they walk.] Are you hurt? I forgot to ask.

[red_branch]

Huh? [They had gotten through the courtyard. The wreckage ended immediately at the wall and resumed at the end of the courtyard, where the main gate appeared to be blown out and still smoking from heat. That was where he left and jumped, then. He felt a touch of relief when he realized there was no blood in the courtyard.

Yoruichi's question caught him off guard. It wasn't that he didn't feel the pain but rather--he had been ignoring it completely. Once it came to his attention, he seemed to feel all of it at once and slowed down at the gate. Briefly, he looked irritated by his own inattentiveness.] Am I...?

[He lowered his chin and looked down at himself. There wasn't much light when they were walking aside from embers but when they walked through the gateway into the rubble--Cu Chulainn's light blue robe and undergarments had turned a blackish-purple from dozens of bloody prints on him. He had gouges in his body up to his neck and broken-off arrows in his midsection. His legs appeared sandy from dried blood. There were bruises and cuts on his face and neck that only showed up in the light. Beyond that, there were smudges of ash and his bare feet were black with soot and dirt. Yoruichi didn't look as if she took injuries in the fight, though. Despite his horrid state, he was relieved that Yoruichi hadn't suffered any over his senseless reaction.]

...A lot, yeah. It's fine, though. I've got to look level-headed when I go through the door or the kids are gonna worry. [He smiled through it, wanting to at least look like he was relaxed and fine. He didn't want their worry to turn into fear if he could help it.

The moment they got through the threshold of the gate, the darkness in the hall evaporated, bleeding away. Behind it was Cathbad, who offered his grandson a weary look. Behind Cathbad was a wall of worried-looking children still wearing bits of armor from before. Behind them was a scrappy-looking red-headed fellow with a clean-shaven face and a wide, humorless smile. He had bags under his eyes and regarded Cu Chulainn with good humor. The children were pushed aside when he extended a hand to Cu Chulainn to shake--cut off as Cu Chulainn simply hugged him tightly, ignoring his extended arm.

He stared ahead and then glanced at Yoruichi, almost pleadingly.]

Could you please not hug me?

No. I'm just glad it was you.

Look, I'm doing her a favor but don't think I'm interested in joining her war.

A favor? That's a tall order as far as favors go.

It's a very big favor.

Her daughter? [At that point, the man pushed Cu Chulainn off of him gently, staring at him plainly.] Guess she wanted to make a statement, then. Still--getting your hands dirty like this just so she'll let you court her daughter... I thought you were the sane one of us.

[The red-headed fellow scowled suddenly, looking taken aback--]

No, not again. I refuse to get relationship advice from you... You of all people. You do know everyone thinks you left because Scathach, her sister and Emer all turned you down.

[Then, all at once, the facade of stoicism burst into smoke and Cu Chulainn was screaming.]

You-- I never asked Scathach! Are you crazy--

[The short-lived outburst was halted as two of the kids in the trainee corps poured a massive barrel of ice water on Cu Chulainn's head from the rampart walls.

The red-headed man and Cathbad smiled in perfect unison.]

[goneonenight]

[As they come into the light, it's a wonder Cu Chulainn is walking at all, much less carrying on a conversation. What she'd taken for dirt in the dark is dried blood, and she can't hold back a gasp at the sight of the arrows still stuck in his body. He's not even wearing any shoes, and she can only imagine how torn up the soles of his feet must be.

But before she can say anything, he's hugging a redheaded man who submits to his embrace with an expression of long suffering exasperation. She looks on, bemused, as he and Cu Chulainn banter back and forth. Apparently this man is here on behalf of the enemy, although true to form, Cu Chulainn holds no grudge. That is, until he starts yelling about some girl he knows--apparently, out of that list, she's the only one he hadn't gone after.

No wonder no one had been surprised by his proposal earlier. Apparently he does this all the time. Besides threatening the children, is mentioning this woman what it takes to shake his relentless cheer?

She barely steps back in time to dodge the water they dump on him, although from the few droplets that get her, it's freezing. It seems like needless abuse to heap on someone so gravely injured, but if it keeps him from falling into that rage again, she supposes it makes sense.

Still, no need to bring her into it.

Her voice is dry, her eyes going from one man to the next.]

I usually go for hot baths, so I hope that's not all you've got.

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn could take many things in stride and the well-intended actions of a few terrified children got an easy, easy pass. He lifted his head up to look at them, seeing how afraid they were--then he stuck his tongue out at them. It turned into a full grin when he saw them smile in response before running off, dragging the barrel with them on the stones beneath their feet. Then, he turned his open-mouthed grin on the man in front of him.]

That's the most I've seen you smile in a while. [Humorless, Cu Chulainn pressed one finger into his friend's cheek. In return, the red-head scowled and crossed his arms, returning to belligerence the instant he realized he slipped up.]

But, we haven't got time for that. Yoruichi, this is Ferdia. Ferdia--this is Shihouin Yoruichi. [He stepped back to leave Yoruichi in front of himself. Cu Chulainn did his best to imitate a bard, albeit with some levity in his tone. He didn't like bards but he did learn how to enunciate better by listening to them in court. Ferdia gave some pause, offering Yoruichi a nod of approval. He made no comment but his eyes followed the aura he could observe coming off of her. He knew without a shred of a doubt that she was a spirit with a near-pristine, deep presence. If he had any sense of hostility toward her after she helped fight his allies, he hid it with ease. At that nod, Cu Chulainn's beaming grin deepened.]

As a warrior who's defended us with a clear and keen sense of justice, she's earned all the respect and fine treatment we offer to our knights.

[There was a pause when he took a moment to remember the state of the castle and its inhabitants.]

But, since everyone's indisposed or crippled ... [He didn't bother looking to Cathbad, whose whole arm was in a sling. The old man offered him a passive-aggressive smile that reeked of the words 'What about you, you human pincushion?' before nodding his head in faux-agreement.

Cu Chulainn turned that smiled right back on Yoruichi. Despite his injuries, he looked downright giddy--as if everything that evening took a turn for the better all in one conversation.] The best I'll be able to do is open up the hot baths for you. Would that be a start? We could close it off so you can be alone for a while!

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi raises an eyebrow, giving Ferdia a friendly nod in return. She still thinks these people war strangely, but if it means she doesn't have to fight again right now, that's fine with her.

When Cu Chulainn offers to open the baths, she gives him an incredulous look, sharing a quick glance with his grandfather before turning to face him more fully.] We'll take care of your wounds first.

[It's not a question; furthermore, it's said like it's the most obvious thing in the world. No one else in the castle is well enough to do it, and Ferdia is clearly here on a particular task. As long a day as it's been, Yoruichi's not leaving Cu Chulainn to handle this on his own. They've fought side by side, and she's not one to leave a comrade in the lurch. Princess or no, she's been raised with a strong sense of responsibility, even if it doesn't always manifest in the ways her family would hope.

Her bath can wait, but if he thinks he's going to walk around with arrows sticking out of him for much longer, he's about to learn different.]

[red_branch]

Uh. [All at once, everyone was on him. Ferdia's humorless scowl, Cathbad's false smile and Yoruichi's plain stare were rapidly wearing on him. The arrows in him limited his mobility and he had to admit--Yoruichi probably wouldn't like a bath with the suspicion that his blood got mixed in with the water because he insisted on following a pointless tradition. He inhaled slowly and calmly and huffed out an irritable grunt from his nostrils.

It was clear that Yoruichi wouldn't relax for herself until she could at least confirm that he wasn't going to die on the spot.]

Fine--you can watch over me while I treat myself. I'll need these. [He poked at one of the arrows sticking out of his side. Ferdia's face turned to revulsion and Cathbad turned to walk away.]

You're disgusting, Cu Chulainn. That's taking recycling too far.

Druids don't waste--

[Cathbad cut him off, turning to thwack Cu Chulainn on the thigh with his staff. The young man winced, realizing there was an arrow embedded in that leg that the hadn't noticed before.]

I'm the arch-fucking-druid and I say it's disgusting!

[Cathbad stormed off, hobbling and tightening the magical sling supporting his broken arm. His grandson watched after him, his expression lightening. Normally, he supposed Cathbad would be right but given the sheer number of men that had been thrown at the castle on a whim and without any signal given beforehand, he could only assume Medb wasn't going to wait until dawn to strike again.

Ferdia described Medb's army to him once as a storm that would overwhelm any force through sheer numbers. Cu Chulainn's calm expression didn't go unnoticed by Ferida, who turned to walk back into the castle. When Cu Chulainn was reckless and jumped into things, he wasn't particularly scary. It was when he stopped to be silent that he was unnerving.]

Anyway. [He bowed his head to Yoruichi, holding out his hand in offering.] Would you be willing to barter for Caladbolg? My Queen would have me fight you for it and I'm not willing to get involved if I can avoid it.

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi rolls her eyes. Apparently men are the same everywhere, but it looks like even Ferdia and Cathbad are fed up with Cu Chulainn's stubbornness. She agrees with them that keeping the arrowheads seems like a step too far, but as long as they're out of Cu Chulainn, that's the important part.

As they head back into the castle, Ferdia falls into step with her, his manner polite and almost gentle when compared to the other two men.]

Barter? [Yoruichi purses her lips. She doesn't really want Caladbolg, but she also doesn't want to give the enemy any advantages. Still Ferdia looks fresh, while she and Setanta have been fighting most of the day. Any fight now will just cause more damage to the castle and possibly injure bystanders.]

How much authority do you have? And how do I know your queen will honor what you promise?

[Her words aren't said with malice; she doesn't really know these people or this world. Given what she's seen so far of Medb's side, she needs reassurance before giving up a bargaining chip.]

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn noticed the eyes on him and shook his head, though he didn't look too bothered or insulted. Bullheadedness was one thing but he took it as a point of pride. He could hear his master even then, telling him to never waste any opportunity to create an advantage and to seize victory. He thought maybe that Ferdia was too nice a person to act the way they did and it must have been the only reason why he wasn't the one who earned Gae Bolg on their last day as pupils. Ferdia must still have had pride in being a human being.

As Cu Chulainn found a bench to sit on and watch, Ferdia reached into his tunic to draw out a small bag. It clinked with the sound of coins. He set the bag back in his tunic when Cu Chulainn gave him a short shake of his head a second time. Ferdia's expression turned slightly embarrassed when he realized how idiotic it must have sounded to offer a spirit money.]

Well... I am a neighboring ally of Medb. I can't contradict my vow to assist her when she calls on me. I can offer blessings or other enchantments. Maybe, I can offer information.

[Ferdia's tone turned effortlessly from trepidation to callous indifference in between words.]

--But, I don't want you to think I'm the one at disadvantage, here. I've only negotiated leaving with Fergus and I won't make too much of an effort to do anything other than that; however, Medb's other champions are itching for an excuse to burn Emain Macha to ash.

[He turned, offering Cu Chulainn a short tidbit.] Including the creepy one that wants to wed you.

[Cu Chulainn didn't look too shocked but he was clearly taken off guard by that to the point that he stopped dwelling over plans in his head. He steadied himself on the bench and gave the courtyard a quick lookover as if expecting someone to step out from behind a wall. Ferdia fixed on Yoruichi again, scratching at his beard, impatient. Cu Chulainn spoke up, interrupting Ferdia before he started talking again.]

Just give it to him. [Ferdia, for a moment, looked furious. His fists tightened up and he nearly tore out a small chunk of his beard before Cu Chulain disarmed him with a sudden smile. Relaxing, Ferdia looked to Cu Chulainn with a more faded expression of chagrin.]

We don't need advantages, Lady Yoruichi. Come on, show me where you've put it and we'll retrieve it for him.

[If Yoruichi entered into a geas to return Caladbolg, she would have no choice to turn it over. Yoruichi never had a chance to learn what a geas was, so as long as Ferdia assumed she was ignorant about it, he wouldn't expect her to try and fool him and if she did--the geas would force her to undo her own plans. Ferdia hadn't expected Cu Chulainn of all people to get in the way of such an agreement.

While he should have felt pride in getting one over on a long time rival, Cu Chulainn felt hollow inside when he made the suggestion. Bending the rules was one thing but doing so to betray his only friend made every bit of that satisfaction sickening.]

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi had planned to bargain for a day's reprieve in the fighting. It would at least give the castle's warriors a chance to breathe and recover from their illness and injuries. Ferdia should have been happy for the change to get the sword back with no concessions on his part. So why did he look so angry?

She gives Ferdia a long, considering look before turning back to Cu Chulainn. If the older man had planned on harming her somehow during the agreement, then she has Cu Chulainn to thank for thwarting him. She certainly hadn't planned on keeping the weapon, and would have honored any agreement she made.

Lying has its place, but lying as a habit or for no reason just gets you into unnecessary messes.]

Are you sure?

[red_branch]

Yeah. There's no need to make a deal with him on that.

[With a huff, he stood up. Cu Chulainn walked with Yoruichi through one of the courtyard doors leading into the fortress while Ferdia stroked his beard and watched the two of them with a bruised pride. Cu Chulainn let Yoruichi in and slammed the door shut immediately after, failing to conceal his own frustration. After taking a deep breath and looking back to Yoruichi only after he had a few more slow, measured and practiced inhalations and exhalations--]

Before, he mentioned a vow to Medb. To mortals, vows are 'geas'--binding contracts that can't be broken without an incredible penalty.

[What bothered him was the ease in which Ferdia moved in to try and give Yoruichi an 'out'. When he was young, Cu Chulainn thought geas were beautiful and inspiring. Men and women who made important vows were admirable because they would rather suffer than break their promises. The concept itself was a way to make sure everyone was honest.

Instead, geas were usually double-edged swords. Honeyed words could twist one way to give the benefit of a vow to one side and entrap the other. To an outsider, Ferdia's side of the conversation was generous and honest.

He looked to Yoruichi, pleading. Yoruichi had been careful and scrutinous but he couldn't blame her for not knowing the local magic. Even in his country, he understood that 'geas' were an oddity. Fortunately, he could tell Yoruichi was measured in her reaction. She looked as if she was trying to take it all in and understand the conditions. If she hadn't, then she wouldn't have bothered listening to him. Cu Chulainn's eyes sunk and he posited to her what he thought was the dangerous bargain:]

I won't blame you if you resent him but... I think he was trying to fulfill his vow to Medb by tricking you into a geas of peace. If you accepted it, both yours and his strength would have been stolen away in exchange for Ferdia's withdrawal from potential battles.

[The cold, dull recitation of his suspicions were interrupted as Cu Chulainn lifted one hand up to rub tears out of his eyes. Something about Ferdia's behavior unnerved him and he couldn't help but worry. Was Medb so desperate to win that she would snuff out Ferdia's honor and pride just to gain an advantage?]

[goneonenight]

[She follows Cu Chulainn back into the castle, giving Ferdia one last look before the doors close behind them. Cu Chulainn seems stressed, and his next words make it clear why.

Her mouth drops open in shock as he explains that Ferdia could have left her utterly defenseless in a strange land--even after having kept her word. Who knows how long it would have lasted? Would going home even break the spell? She shivers, even as a rush of anger goes through her.]

That's terrible! That's--ugh! [She spins away from him, beginning to pace.] If keeping your word gets you screwed over, I'd hate to see what happens if you lie.

[She faces Cu Chulainn just in time to see him wipe his tears, and the sight takes the wind out of her sails for the moment. As upset as this makes her, it's clearly hitting him just as hard.

She sighs.]

I gave it to your grandfather. [She waves a hand, careful not to acknowledge his moment of weakness. It seems the most polite thing to do.] He can have it back, whatever.

[red_branch]

[It couldn't have been Ferdia's idea. Dirty tactics? In a dirt fight, most tactics were allowed. 'Honor' was about having pride in one's ability to fight and not everyone had magic spears or swords at their disposal. Dirt in the eyes, pelting rocks, tricks of the eye and feints were welcome.

Ferdia wouldn't normally disgrace someone as upfront as Yoruichi but her reaction was appropriate. She didn't know. Spirits came from all kinds of eras, so there was no telling if they had any knowledge at all of where they were and who they were talking. Soul Reapers lived in another world entirely as well, so local tricks and maneuvers would probably escape her.]

Breaking your word can kill you. If I break my geas, the punishment is the loss of my fighting spirit. As a result, very few people use them.

[He went to open the back door, unlocking it by writing a rune into its surface. The hall they were beside was full of people using healing spells to try and reverse the worse effects of Medb's curse.]

A geas is supposed to be a badge of honor. 'I'll live my life by a code, even if it's difficult.'

[Cathbad sat beside his wife, his broken arm unbound so he could at least channel power through a healing spell he was casting over her continuously. He lifted his gaze to look at Cu Chulainn and Yoruichi in the doorway beside the hall, tired.]

Are you still alright with returning it after what I said, Yoruichi? There's a chance we may have to face it tomorrow.

[The alternative would be facing Ferdia right then and there if he didn't like the response. On a good day, Cu Chulainn could take him on. At the moment, he wouldn't last very long. From what Yoruichi had shown him he was sure she could keep up with Ferdia but it wasn't a certainty. It would require a bit of chatting on their part ahead of time to guarantee a win but it would be at the cost of the castle.]

[goneonenight]

[If she was appalled before, hearing that breaking a geas could kill her leaves her utterly shocked. If someone tricked her into one of these things, she could die here, never seeing home again. It casts a sinister pall over this world; as careful as she'd been, she'd gotten a little comfortable. This family had welcomed her into their home, but not everyone would be so good-hearted.

If they don't give the sword back, it'll almost certainly be a fight. And judging by the abilities of the humans here, there's no way she'd be able to fight effectively while worried about knocking the castle down around the heads of all the wounded.

Her eyes flick over to Cu Chulainn before looking back at his grandfather. There's no way he'd let her fight by herself. In his condition, he'd almost certainly die.

She sighs.]

I don't like it, but it's probably the best choice right now. Or [she blinks, just having thought of something] can we put him off for a while until you have a chance to recover some? I can always say Cu Chulainn hasn't convinced me yet.

[Even delaying him by a day would give the warriors here some much needed rest, rather than having to face the enemy as soon as dawn tomorrow.]

[red_branch]

[Maybe it was because he was sleep and blood deprived but Cu Chulainn could have sworn he'd never seen his grandfather shed so much as a tear but he could see it in the old man's eyes as he sat alongside his wife. His lips creased into a frown, deadset on making sure nothing would happen to them. Without goading, coercion or some insane vow, they had been nice to him the moment they met him when he was young.

Yoruichi as well. It was rare for him to meet strangers who could see past their own concerns to see what was a problem for other people and still want to help. Behind him, leagues and leagues away, were people who didn't care an ounce for that sort of kindness. They were motivated by the lust and greed forced upon them by Medb which told them to fight until they dropped.

Even if he was on edge, he could still see the uneasiness in Yoruichi's posture. Fear over being bound by something so irreversible wasn't foreign--it was human. It was somehow a relief to him.]

Don't worry--now that you know, nobody can bind you with one unless you willingly allow it. In fact, there're plenty of ways to turn it back on someone.

[When she made that suggestion, he furrowed his brows, looking visibly puzzled. Perhaps his injuries had caught up to him but--]

But, that wouldn't work. You already agreed with me to return it just now, didn't you?

[Cathbad and a few of the servants boggled, focused on Cu Chulainn not as if he were insane. Their eyes followed him knowing full well he was. Of course he wouldn't understand lying, they thought.]

[goneonenight]

[Hearing that is a relief, but she's still going to be careful going forward. Being trapped is one thing, but being trapped by your own words is even worse. Even the idea of it offends her pride--Shihouins aren't supposed to get outwitted.]

Oh, good.

[It takes a moment for his reply to register, because no one could possibly be that dense. But when she looks around the room, everyone else's expressions make it clear that she hadn't misunderstood him at all--it really never occurred to him that she could bend the truth and draw this out a little longer.

She draws in a breath to respond, but laughter comes out instead. It's just too much that after everything, they'll give up the only reprieve they may have gotten today because of one too-honest boy.

A too-honest boy who's studded with arrows, who arguably could use the rest more than anyone.]

Oh, you're so weird. [Her laughter trails off, but the smile she gives him is bright enough to take the sting out of her words.] Fine, whatever. But if we're going to fight tomorrow, then we need to treat your wounds. So let's just get it over with.