Legacy Information Guild, Azmar Village. Early Morning.
Rennier still relied on the knowledge he held of Tayoshi from years ago, things were different now. How could they not be? More than once in the spar Tayoshi had been surprised at Rennier's change and growth, but clicked his tongue at the same old habits he displayed.
Tayoshi dug the blade into the dirt and kicked in lieu of his spear, Rennier fell to the ground from the hard impact. He scrambles in retreat and rolls, finding his balance and standing on his feet. He feels unsteady and tries to recover from the air being knocked from him.
"You're still making the same mistakes. Although your movements have gotten better." Tayoshi points out Rennier's flaws but also comments on his improvements. A compliment laced with advice, the fight was not yet over.
They continued, Rennier made use of his smaller stature and agility to out-manoeuvre Tayoshi's larger build and fierce strength.
Within a moment the conclusion was finally reached.
Rennier holds the tip of his knife against Tayoshi's chest, situated directly above his heart. Tayoshi holds his spear, gripping it firmly where the blade and staff are joint, with the blade pressed uncomfortably close to Rennier's throat.
"I guess we both die." Rennier concluded.
Tayoshi lowered his weapon, as did Rennier. The spar, more accurately to deem it an actual fight; held more weight than simple training. It had been a testament to their time apart and the reminder that they had once trained together under the same master before going their separate ways.
Their weapons were different as were the outward appearance of their fighting styles. The fundamentals and principles taught by Yoritoki were the same. He always taught them that every natural state was a talent and held an advantage. Rennier may have been slight and smaller with his stature yet easily made up for a lack of strength with agility, flexibility and his quick wit.
Tayoshi is larger in his build, his strength is abundant and he has decent speed. He may not have been as agile or flexible but he compensated with instinct, strength and an unconventional fighting style to act as his guard.
The men catch their breaths after the fight. Neither could recall the last time they had put so much effort into their training. Aside from his recent encounter with Melgren, Rennier had been playing a role of information gathering and scouting. The same held true for Tayoshi who spent most of his time behind a desk with his nose buried in books, documents and client requests.
The awkward air of silence hung heavily between the two.
"I came to ask for your help..."
The two of them were far from being close enough to ask each other for favours. However, their connection was not so shallow as to turn the other away when asking for help. Tayoshi grunted, stopping himself from uttering a word until Rennier continued.
"I want to rescue his highness- the first prince." Carefully he broached the topic knowing the risks the mere mention brought.
Tayoshi scoffed with disgust, "Rescue? You say that as if he's in danger."
Tayoshi's words held a certain degree of truth to them. No one deemed the first prince a threat, not since he had been regarded as a pitiful and powerless prince after his accident. Some had cruelly deemed him as 'the crippled prince.'
Many viewed him as a detestable man who scrounged around for even the barest form of power, who desperately clings to his family name and former title of crown prince. The glory had long dwindled and yet he continued trying something. These were the rumours that circulated about the prince, a result of misinformation spread by the emperor and those who follow him.
"I think it would be safer if he were elsewhere..."
"I refuse."
Rennier felt his heart sink at those abrupt and cold words. It was expected but the underlying hurt originated from now knowing their relationship would never be the same. Whatever hope, or sliver remained had been severed.
Rennier clenched his jaw and frowned, "Name your price."
"What?"
"I'm not asking for a favour, I'm asking as a paying customer."
Tayoshi is taken aback by his words, but pushes back with an even harsher tone. "Imperial matters are expensive."
"State your price." Rennier glares at him.
"We'll discuss payment after I assess the situation and what needs to be done."
Rennier very well knew he would have to give up everything he owned and any savings he had just to meet the minimum price. That did not matter, and so he agreed without reluctance or hesitation.
Tayoshi clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Very well. Just stay here until you can reunite with your owner." No more was said between them, Tayoshi quietly walked away and Rennier had walked down the opposing path.
Tayoshi entered his office with heavy and disheartened steps, he placed his weapon carefully into the case and sighed before slumping into his chair and diving into the various tasks he had to do.
Hours had passed since Tayoshi sat in his chair combing through the pile of documents on his desk. He ignored the nagging exhaustion that tugged at him. He persisted and pushed on through the backlog of work. A knock pulls Tayoshi out of his work, it was his secretary. She sets down a plate of neatly cut sandwiches and a steaming cup of tea for him.
"Thank you Nomi..." Tayoshi gives a nod to express his gratitude. "Nomi, did Rennier recognise you?"
Nomi, a tall young woman. Her short and straight black hair complimented her rich coloured light brown eyes. She looked exhausted and even amidst the tiredness her eyes shone with a sharp brilliance to them. Her overall impression and appearance is meticulously neat, she preferred simple things and appeared to be very monochromatic with her fashion.
She shakes her head "No, I think I grew a bit too much for him to recognise me."
Tayoshi lets out a friendly chuckle "Well you were known as the smallest sapling for the longest time."
Nomi giggled, "And I outgrew everyone."
She neatens some of the loose papers on the desk and hands him a list of pending requests awaiting the guild masters approval. He reads over the content Nomi had given him, while occupied with that, she pulls out a notebook and recites Tayoshi's expected schedule and appointments for the next three days.
"I see, so tomorrow-"
CRASH
The sound of the door being hit stops the two, who look over at the entryway.
"Let me in! I demand you let me in this instant!" An ear grating voice roars from the other side.
The shrill voice and atrocious manners belonged to someone who frequented the guild's services. He did not come in person often, but his reputation precedes him. Tayoshi and Nomi share a sympathetic glance for one another and sigh. Nomi walks to the office door and opens it.
An enraged man is arguing and tangled with the guards trying to force his way through to the office, Nomi signals to the guards and they stand down.
He is released and immediately goes to preening himself and fixing his appearance. "Honestly horrible service! Do you have any idea who I am!?" He mutters angrily.
Nomi stands aside to invite the man into the office and he clomps. "Finally! Why are you taking so long?" He demands an answer with no greeting nor formality preceding his words. It came across as an accusing question that demanded to know the status of his commissions.
Behellagh Birdwhistle, a dandy looking man, held his cane in hand waving it about in his tantrum. His coat is buttoned too tightly for comfort and he arrogantly puffs his chest, this is accentuated by a gaudy cravat. He straightens his top hat that sits atop his shoulder length wavy blonde hair. His sky blue eyes peer at Tayoshi. Arguably Behellagh is a very handsome man with delicate yet masculine features, he possessed a pretty face to pair with his awful personality.
The guild master looked at the man who fluttered about in his rage and Tayoshi could see the resemblance of a peacock in this haughty man. Behellagh crudely shoves his cane into Nomi's hands, she huffs quietly and sets the items down gently in their respective places. She excuses herself from the office and closes the door behind her, uttering a trail of suppressed curse words as she walks away.
Tayoshi steps out from behind his desk, placing a hand on his chest and bows respectfully showing a humble gesture to the noble before him. "Good evening Lord Birdwhistle."