[Characters] Shadow-Lover, Wisdom Tells Me I Should Stay Away: Astrid Side-Quest 1

[LuEngel]

If Astrid wishes to speak with Tsu, a guard will lead her to his quarters. The door is is crimson with shadowy vines creeping over it.

"Knock when you wish to enter," the guard says.

[Incendia]

Astrid nods at the guard and begins to life her hand toward the door. She hesitates for a moment, wondering if Tsu will be upset with her for visiting him so informally. "He probably already knows I'm here though..." she thinks to herself, and with resolve raises her hand and gently raps on the door.

[LuEngel]

CREEAK.

The door opens and Tsu's voice is heard from within: "Enter, Shadow-Lover."

[Incendia]

(I burst out laughing at that.... I couldn't help it.)

Astrid walks through the door, tentatively examining her surroundings.

[LuEngel]

The room is fairly simply decorated: there are sliding doors to separate the sleeping quarters from the rest of the space. The few decoration present feature motifs of red leaves, a symbol of the Akagi Clan.

Tsu sits on a cushion on the floor. On the small table in front of him is a finely made tea set.

"Please, join me for tea. I imagine you have questions."

[Incendia]

Astrid lowers herself to the floor, and takes her place on the cushion opposite him. She carefully pours herself a cup of tea, and raises her eyes to meet Tsu's.

"The Akagi have always been kind to me, and I am more than honored to have been chosen. To begin, I would simply like to learn more about those I serve and what the clan's expectations for me are."

[LuEngel]

He sets his tea down: "Indeed. As you know the Akagi handle Goa's dealings with surrounding nations. You may even have heard rumors that we train what many call assassins. You have such unique gifts that the world would paint you with the same label, but the Akagi Clan understands that your abilities are much more. Your desire to hide and wait is merely the mark of what we call Shadow-Lovers. If you wish to be a Shadow-Lover worthy of my Clan's praise, then you must find the daeva and extract is bezoar."

[Incendia]

Astrid narrows her eyes slightly, deep in thought. "And what exactly is this bezoar...?"

[LuEngel]

Steepling his fingers, Tsu grins: "It is the heart of the beast and a focal point for the magic which creates and binds it to this world. Bezoars are things of power and can be used to make several interesting potions."

[Incendia]

Astrid takes a sip of her tea, trying to hide her excitement. "Potions you say? I do have a fondness of those... And what use does the clan have for these concoctions?"

[LuEngel]

"I am aware of your fondness...As for what sort of potions, it depends on which daeva you take the bezoar from. Some can make powerful poisons, one can be used for a potent truth serum, and others have different uses"

[Incendia]

"Is there any particular way the bezoar should be extracted? And how quickly will the potions need to be made after the beast is killed?"

[LuEngel]

"You have to rip it out of the beast. As for time, potions can be made at anytime, but they are more potent when it's fresh."

[Incendia]

"Is this something that I can learn before we set out for the beasts or should I bring back the bezoar to you?"

[LuEngel]

"You must bring the bezoar to me."

Tsu stands and wanders over to a cabinet. He pulls something out, but keeps his back to Astrid: " Is you manage to retrieve the bezoar and bring it to me, then I promise to fufill any of your wishes."