Dust And Snow

[Amaterasu]

"I know you didn't expect to see us around again so soon after we left", Fiara said to Murasaki through the Communicator, "but we must burden you with our presence again. It won't be long, only until Mother Amaterasu returns, but- oh, we're welcome anytime? That's very kind of you, but... no, of course not. We're incredibly grateful, it's just that we came unannounced and... ah. Well, I cannot say no in that case. We'll be there very soon. Yes. Right, until soon then."

"What'd he say?" asked Urist when Fiara hung up.

"Murasaki says he's happy to have us over for as long as we need. But it won't be too long though before Mother Amaterasu returns, I'm sure, and I don't want to impose an undue burden on them."

"I do not believe that their openness stems from simple politeness", remarked Oki. "I do believe that they're genuinely happy to have us over. Even so, we can perhaps make ourselves useful to them while we're there."

"Wha' do ye propose tha' we do?"

"I would propose that you and I, Urist, conduct some research on the trolls. Our first priority is to get Hoshi back from them as soon as Amaterasu returns and to drive them away."

"Only language they understand is violence", grumbled the dwarf. "They ain't gonna leave unless they're told by their boss or they die."

"In that case we should think of a strategy. As for you two, Fiara and Kyusaku, you could perhaps help out while we're here. As we are now allies with Amber-san and her friends we cannot be treated as guests, but we should make ourselves useful. Besides, you will be staying for a longer time than the rest of us."

"Why's that? Do you want us out of the way for the fights?" Fiara asked, glaring daggers at Oki.

"Yes."

"I can fight!"

"Your strength lies not in battle, Fiara, and you're risking a lot if you die. But, Kyusaku and Urist will be staying with you anyway."

"Hey!" the dwarf now interjected. "Since when are ye takin' those decisions?"

"The only one of our group that risks more with their death than Fiara is you, Urist. And we've seen that the trolls are very powerful opponents... it may very well be possible that we die again. But Amaterasu knows me well and could return me if I were to die, so I would like to go with her alone when the time comes to return to Hoshi to take it back." He raised a hand. "Not to mention, we're waiting for Kushi to come back. You've received a message from her, haven't you Fiara?"

"Yeah. I told her to meet us in Fort Amber."

"I would prefer for her to meet someone who expects her. Not that I don't believe that she can handle herself, but it would be impolite to have her cover this much ground and not wait for her."

"Only one of us would be enough to do that", Fiara pointed out. "Kyusaku could-"

"Kushi does not know Kyusaku. And I've explained why I would like you two to stay... and Kyusaku, while you are a skilled individual you are unfortunately not a fighter either. Besides, I would ask that you learn a few western recipes in Atlas's kitchen under the supervision of whatever chef Amber-san employs, in case that we ever receive guests with a taste for dishes other than what Amaterasu placed in your mind when she summoned you."

"That makes sense, Oki-sama. I will be sure to not let this opportunity go to waste." Kyusaku bowed his head as he said that and Oki waved him off.

"Call me Oki, please. There is no need for formality within our group."


That evening they arrived at the gates of Atlas and used the two Fur-Selkies to slide inside. It felt like they'd left yesterday, and already they were coming back.