Socializing in Snow! [NDE, Snow nins only]

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

Music.

It was in the middle of the day in Yukigakure no Sato. The female had booked into a decent hotel and was now walking around in the village.
'I have been in Yukigakure before, but that's almost 2 years ago. The village haven't changed much at all....just like Kumo' thought Marii. She was wearing ordinary winter clothes that made her look like any of the civilians here.

Her headband was tied around the neck like a scarf. Their villages were allied, so there was no danger in showing it. And the villages that were on bad terms would probably not go all the way up here.
'I wonder if there are any Yuki nins nearby?' thought the young woman. It was a very peaceful place.

Ice blue eyes looked up at the sky that was currently covered with gray clouds. She exhaled some oxygen; it looked like a very thin mist.
'One fun thing about traveling is to meet other people. Which was how I met Kininata' thought the Jounin. She hoped he was doing well in Amegakure...he was a fresh Chuunin and all.

[F U T A K O N G O]

[Enter]

The snow glistened beneath the soft rays of the sun as I casually walked along side my only friend and companion, Kali. My boots made small indentions within the white road, leaving small tracks from beneath my long dark skirt. Despite residing here within Yukigakure, I am not cold; even when wearing just a corset and a long skirt. The regular noises of the village drowned out my thoughts while I roam the streets in search for entertainment.

My headband was worn around my right upper arm, covering most of my tricep above the lace cloth sleeve. It is shiny and when looked at directly, can temporally blind a person. The reason for this is simple, I have not long graduated from the Academy. My deep blue eyes scan the streets for any particular shinobi wondering nearby. I am anxious to meet a fellow comrade despite my persona. I am too excited to not want to meet people. However, this mood will not stay for long.

Kali walks one and a half feet behind me, growling low when people walk to near her. I keep a casual eye on her as I do not wish for a fight or for people to get hurt. Kali's fur remains dotted with snow since she had been lying in the snow moments before, but other than that, my companion is as clean as always. “What an delightful day.” I breathe while raising my head to gaze up at the clouds. How can one not enjoy such a peaceful elegant view?

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"What an delightful day" said a voice behind her. The female halted in her steps to turn around. Behind her was a tall, elegant woman with a black wolf at her side. 'Is she an Inuzuka perhaps? I need to find a place where they sell cocoa anyway' thought Marii as she looked at the wolf a little.

"Uhm, excuse me. Do you know where I can find a place that sells cocoa? I'm not a local as you can see" said the young woman with a small smile at her face. She pointed at the headband that was tied around her neck. "Pardon me for asking...but are you an Inuzuka?" asked the Jounin and glanced at the black canine.

'I like her outfit; she really suits it' thought the female as she glanced at the inky-haired female in front of her. She was wearing a style of clothing that reminded her of those Western women at very old photographs.
The brunette's own outfit was merely a pair of black boots, jeans, a purple turtleneck and a grey jacket. Her hands were covered in black pleather gloves while her head was tied back in a ponytail. It was autumn all over the continent, so there was no need for thinner clothes when she went further south.

[F U T A K O N G O]

It appeared that as soon as I spoke, a woman who stood one meter and a half in front of me had turned around. I feel the atmosphere change instantly and Kali's mood darkened. The woman before me is very attractive, and also had the same eye color as myself. A persons eyes are the first thing I notice whenever someone confronts me and this woman's eyes were indeed very pretty. However, I sense something about her that tells me she is not from Yukigakure.

I was right, if one gazes lower than this woman's face, one would see her headband, symbolizing that she is foreign. But I cannot pin point the village she is from. I smile politely upon her question. My eyes leave the woman's beauty before glancing back down the street behind me. I remember seeing a cafe that does sell hot drinks, but cocoa? “I believe that there is a cafe that sells hot drinks over there.” I say, raising my right hand to point at a building the color of ink. Before I turn back to meet the woman's gaze, Kali closes the distance between herself and me, now standing but a foot to my left.

I am then asked if I am of the Inuzuka clan. The question causes me to glance down at my companion. I gently place my hand upon the head of my wolf before shaking my head. “No, but one would think so.” I pause. “My name is Naevia Perne, and this is my companion and most trusted friend, Kali.” I explain. The Inuzuka clan I believe, are very few within Yukigakure. I wonder if the shinobi before me has been here before. After all, she did appear slightly lost, maybe not.

[Defiant]

[Enterface]

Reddo found it much easier to relax in the comfort of his own village. His own village...he'd catch himself saying that, and his mind forcing him to not call it that out of fear of sounding selfish. He should concede though, because it really was true now. Like how ones home is theirs both in spirit and reality, the same was true for Yukigakure.

Reddo ran his hands through his hair. No one would have been able to tell that he was wearing such solid arm protection when his arm, all the way to his knuckles, was hidden in his kimono. The black robe he wore was comfortable and easy to maneuver in, and with his sword on his left hip, and tanto on his sash as well, in the small of his back, he looked like a real samurai. Hell, he even wore the classic sandals that went with the attire. He fit perfectly in his environment.

Lsaribo, his faithful hound and best friend walked happily beside him, her ears perked up and her head looking around as a young dog should. She ran over to the shop that sold the young yukikage's favorite coffee, and subsequently a tea Lasa was fond of.

When Reddo entered, he didn't have to make his order, the staff saw him and that dog enough to know what they both wanted. Reddo instead took his seat at a table by the window in the front corner of the shop. Lasa came and sat next to him, dropping her head onto his lap for him to rub. His right hand scratched gently behind her ears, and his left hand twirled in his own near black hair. His bangs were getting long, they were reaching almost to his nose.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"I believe that there is a cafe that sells hot drinks over there" said the young woman as she pointed on a black building. The female smiled; at least some of the people were less frosty than the Yukikage.
"No, but one would think so. My name is Naevia Perne, and this is my companion and most trusted friend, Kali" said Naevia. "Nice to meet you; just call me Marii" said Marii with a semi-polite voice.

She walked into the cafe; it had a somewhat old-fashioned atmosphere to it. The young woman walked over to the counter. "I would like a cocoa and some rice biscuits please" said the Jounin. "Would you like the cocoa to be with or without sugar?" asked the young man. "Without please" said the female with a small smile.

"Let's sit down Naevia-san" said the brunette as she walked over to a table. She removed her coat and hung it over the chair. Her headband was laid in the weapon pouch together with her gloves.
"So...are you a shinobi of this village? I'm trying to socialize with some of them in case I come up here on interaction missions" said the young woman.

Most shinobis would know what an interaction mission was. It was a mission where shinobis from two different villages participated. They were often allies, which was why Marii wanted to socialize with shinobis in Yuki.
Not only were they allies but the young woman represented Kumo while she was here. And to have contacts here could come in handy in case of emergency.

[F U T A K O N G O]

The foreign shinobi went by the name Marii. I am pleased to meet such a pleasant woman, yet I ponder on what village she comes from. “The pleasure is all mine, Marii-chan.” I say with a soft smile. My hand is sure to remain upon my companion's head since Kali's mood was incredibly dark. The inky wolf is very unpleasant to everyone; comrade, ally or not. It is within my Wolf's nature.

Marii had decided to enter the cafe first followed by Kali and myself. My comfort zone left me as soon as both feet touched the carpeted floors of the building. I will need to be more careful when choosing a place to sit, I prefer it by the window, close to the front door. The reason for this is because of Kali. The female shinobi approaches the counter and requests for her cup of cocoa and a few biscuits. I quickly order for some Jasmine tea before taking Marii's request for searching for a table. However, as I begin to move off, Kali begins to growl.

Apparently there was another animal within the walls of the cafe. I turn around to find a beautiful white wolf like dog sitting beside it's Master who appeared to be sitting in a seat by the window. He had not yet noticed Kali nor myself, but no doubt will he notice since Kali is causing a fuss. Heat prickles upon my cheek as my eyes flicker to the floor. “Kali,” I whisper. “Stop it please.” My tone hardened slightly indicating that it was an order. “Pardon me, sir. Young Kali here is quite uncomfortable in crowded places.”

My companion is very shifty and does not remove her eyes from the white wolf. I tap my thigh three times before taking a seat beside the front door. While I open the window, Kali takes her seat beside me away from the entrance to the restaurant. I have put her in between the window and the table so that she will not lash out at the customers as they enter the building. My eyes shift up toward Marii while I calmly pet Kali's soft head.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: Not sure if your characters wears the pouch on her hips, but I have to find out if she's a shinobi somehow))

"The pleasure is all mine, Marii-chan" said Naevia. The female smiled while she looked at the wolf that sat next to someone who looked like a samurai. It was as white as the snow outside.
'Looks like wolves are common here. I bet they are useful in a snowy climate like this' thought Marii as she remembered that her bird had been left at the hotel.

Kali did not look very comfortable; it worried the young woman a tad bit. Wolves did not only have an excellent sense of smell but they could also sense danger. In fact, many animals could sense that before humans.
The other female looked up at her while she petted the canine's head. 'She did not answer my question if she was a shinobi...let's see' thought the Jounin as she glanced at the brunette.

Ice blue eyes widened slightly when they saw a weapon pouch on her right hip. 'Ah. She is a shinobi' thought the female while some faint steps could be heard. "One cup of jasmine tea, one cup of sugarfree cocoa and rice biscuits" said the waiter.
"That's us...how much?" asked the brunette while she found some ryo.

"35 ryo for you and 20 for her" said the young man. "Here's 40. Keep the change" said the young woman with a smile. The waiter smiled and left the two alone. 'Wonder how it tastes like' thought Marii as she took a sip of the cocoa.

[Defiant]

'This isn't good...'

Reddo wasn't a fan of rowdy dogs. Noisy, annoying, violent things. Lasa always had this way of keeping her composure that Reddo liked. The dark creature was being led by a beautiful young woman, probably not far out of her twenties, clad in black. Reddo's smokey green eyes watched her, and the wolf, through his long hair as he continued to twirl it.

His position at the front corner of the store, far away from the door, gave him a perfect view of all who entered and stayed. The woman and her wolf had taken to the window as well, although some distance away. Lasa had noticed the wolf as well, but she was more concerned with the drink that the waitress had brought to them. Reddo's coffee was placed gingerly onto the table, and lasa's dark bowl was set down next to the table for her to drink from, which she did without prompting.

Reddo's thank you was non verbal, simply a nod, after he noticed the wolf lady's companion. The woman he had allowed into the village before. Was this wolf lady one of the Kazeraikou? Reddo decided he might as well watch. His long hair kept his face hidden, but he could still hear anything they decided to talk about.

As a precaution, Reddo did a quick weapons and equipment check. He brushed imaginary dust off his chest, running his fingers over the three slots of shuriken on one side, and slot of exploding pouches. The robe gave no signs that he had those weapons though, and it hid the fact that he was wearing his gloves, metal plates with a red leather tightly fastened over it for attack and defense. The gloves reached to his elbows to make sure his entire arm was safe. Other than his katana, wakizashi, and tanto, he had nothing else to offer for weapon combat. He was fairly sure a fight wouldn't break out, but better safe than sorry.

[F U T A K O N G O]

OOC: I mentioned in it the second paragraph of my first post. My headband is tied around my upper right arm

The male with the white wolf had responded with silence. His nod however, explained that he was not offended. Kali lowered her head to the floor of the cafe and rested it upon her frontal paws. Despite her unhappy mood, she remains quiet. Marii approaches the table as did the waiter. I glance down to retrieve my purse when I heard Mai give out a tip. My eyes flicker down to the table's surface, I am embarrassed. “Oh, Marii-chan, I would have been happy to pay.” I speak softly.

For a moment I glance over toward the male with the white wolf. Something about him appeared familiar to me as I believe that I have seen him before. He appeared to have minded his own business despite Kali's rude behavior, but I notice the Katana strapped to his hip. No doubt he is a shinobi, to carry a weapon like that he would have to be. “Uh, Marii-chan.” I ask. “May I ask what village you are from? I notice that your headband's symbol is different from mine.” I bring my right arm forward slightly to show the shine of my newly received headband.

Since I am new to the world of the Shinobi, I am filled with questions and thoughts. I have read many books in my years as a regular citizen of Yukigakure, but never have I read about the Ninja of the village. I am proud to have finally graduated and is more than proud to show off my headband within the village. I wish to travel the many continents and to show my village how proud I am. Kali, on the other hand does not mind at all. She will follow me all the way to the other side of the world and not mind. That is one of the many reasons why I love her dearly.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: Oh maaan...how embarassing. Thanks for letting me know))

The female's eyes widened; this tasted just like regular cocoa. "Uh, Marii-chan...May I ask what village you are from? I notice that your headband's symbol is different from mine" said the young woman who sat across her.
'She is a Yuki nin, so I suppose I can tell her' thought Marii as she put her cup down.

"I'm from Kumogakure no Sato. It's a village allied to this one" said the young woman with her neutral voice. She started on a rice biscuit, which tasted quite good. "So...are there a lot of shinobis in this village? Sorry if I'm rude but I've only seen a couple since I arrived" said the Jounin.

Yukigakure seemed to be a smaller village than Kumo, but she had no idea of how much smaller. The brunette had heard that that this nation was under a constant winter except in the summer and spring. 'Must be hard to be a shinobi in such a harsh climate. No wonder Konohagakure is blooming...they don't have any of the weather stuff we have to deal with up north' thought the female. She looked down at Kali for a couple of seconds with a smile on her face.

[Defiant]

The boy sipped from his cup as he listened to the two. An uninteresting conversation, to tell the truth, but he'd listen regardless. Lasa lapped up her drink from her bowl, glancing side ways at the black wolf every few seconds. She didn't trust it, but she couldn't clearly place why.

Reddo's eyes rolled at the Kumo nin's question. The boy already didn't like her, or her air of superiority she seemed to carry with her, and how it seeped into her words. Snow's friend. Psh. He had a feeling that this friendship was only one way, and if this ninja, Kazeraikou whatever, was an example of the way they worked, his feeling would be truth. The overconfident easily dropped their guard.

[F U T A K O N G O]

It appeared as if Marii liked the drink that she had ordered. Yukigakure did have a good way for making their drinks tasty, and that cup of Cocoa was proof. Upon my question, the woman would place her cup down and explained that she is from Kumogakure. I smile. “Kumogakure, how intriguing.” I say before taking a sip of my own cup. “My guardian had mentioned something about the Raikage there.” I pause. “It is apparent that she had once met your village's leader.”

Small growls would rumble from deep within Kali's throat. And upon noticing the Kumo nin's eyes upon her did not count. There was something about this woman that caused for Kali's distrust and the fact that there was also another canine present in the cafe was of no help. I notice both canine's exchanging glances every one and a while. The atmosphere is very skeptical. I am used to my companion's behavior as it is very similar to my own. Yet for a change I do not find anything threatening about the woman who sat before me.

Marii questioned on the status of the village's shinobi. I hesitate upon answering since I actually have no answer. My eyes wonder around the room for a moment before falling upon the male with the white wolf. He is definitely a shinobi; it is as clear as ice. I exhale slowly before turning back to Marii. “Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question, ma'am.” I say quietly. “I have not been a shinobi for very long. As you see, I have recently graduated from Yukigakure's Ninja Academy.” A bright blush lights up my face, a woman at my age graduating at a school.

Kali grunted and raised her head. I glance down to her and notices that she wants a drink also. And to my luck the very waiter whom had given our drink orders previously had just passed our table. “Pardon me, Sir. May I order a hot drink for my companion please?” I pause for a thought. “Say, the house's special please.” The waiter pauses to consider what special and nods slightly before heading toward the counter.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: I'm afraid I have to end it here. I'm going to Mist very soon. It was nice to RP with you Naevia ))

"Kumogakure, how intriguing. My guardian had mentioned something about the Raikage there" said the young woman. "Really now" said the female with raised eyebrows. Her eyes glanced at the samurai...he looked kind of familiar to her. "It is apparent that she had once met your village's leader" said Naevia.

A growl came from the animal that sat next to them. 'This wolf has all reasons to be sceptical to me. I'm a stranger after all' thought Marii while she looked out the window.
Her eyes suddenly turned emerald green and her hands did some handseals under the table. Nobody would see them since she had hidden her small hands between her knees.

Her eyes were connected to the lamps above them and they zoomed in at the guy with the white wolf. 'WHAT THE...ISN'T THAT THE YUKIKAGE!? What is he doing here?' thought the young woman.
The reason hit her like lightning just a second later; he was here to spy on her. Hence the disguise. Her eyes exited the 'electric mode' and turned ice blue again.

"Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question, ma'am. I have not been a shinobi for very long. As you see, I have recently graduated from Yukigakure's Ninja Academy" said the female.
"I see...I'm afraid I have to go to the tower now. It was nice to meet you though" said the Jounin with a smile.

'Too bad I didn't put my goggles on. But I suppose they have a reason for spying on me like this' thought the female as she exited the shop. It was time to see if she could have access to the documents.
'At least I met one person here. Naevia-san is a bit nicer than the kage here nevertheless' thought the brunette as she went towards the tower.

[Exit Marii]

[F U T A K O N G O]

OOC: Same here; hope I wasn't boring.

I casually drink from my own cup of tea while the cafe's special was brought over for Kali. I decide to pay for the bowl after our meals. It is a good idea that they allow that; I will be visiting here more often in the future. Marii seemed rather suspicious regarding the male to my far right. I wondered if she knew if he was a shinobi.

Unfortunately Marii was unable to stay for much longer. It appeared as if the woman realized that she was late for something, perhaps a meeting? The woman had made her exit after saying her goodbyes with a kind smile. “I will be sure to visit Kumogakure to visit you.” I say moments before the Kumo nin left. Once Marii left the cafe, Kali and I return to our drinks. I know that I will be leaving to train shortly since my guardians will be wondering where I am.

For a moment, I glance over toward the male again. “Excuse me.” I say. “What is the name of your companion?” I am interested in the names of both the wolf and the male, but of course I do not tell him that. Maybe I will get to meet another shinobi, even one from my own village. Kali nudges me with her nose as if to say don't bring him here but I calmly place my hand upon her head to reassure her.

[Defiant]

Reddo had followed the direction that the Cloud ninja's eyes had gone to, and then cursed in his mind. She saw him in the reflection. How was she able to do that though? The image was warped and blurred...still, quite the feat. Reddo was impressed.

He took another sip of his coffee and watched the woman leave. Humph, not that it was a problem. Maybe she was headed home. Then the woman's much sweeter voice called to him. His green eyes that stood out through his dark hair moved to her, unblinking, and maybe a bit intimidating.

"Lasaribo," he responded in his smooth, calm voice. His eyes took in every one of her features as quickly as they could. His eyes lingered on first her headband, and then her eyes, or more specifically the makeup around them. She stood out. Pretty, yes, but she stood out. She was a Kunouichi, not a Geisha.

Reddo took another sip from his coffee with his cold eyes still trained on her. Something in him forced him to try and act a bit nicer, maybe because she was a woman, but more because she was a snow ninja, just like he was.

[F U T A K O N G O]

When I spoke to the male to my far right, his attention moved from his drink to me. His stare appeared harsh and very cold, cold like Yukigakure. However, I do not flinch and holds his gaze. Lasaribo is his companion's name. I have no idea what it means but it is an usual name. The male also speaks in a smooth voice, and immediately I am fond of it.

Even when I have not spoken again, the male continues to watch me. Those green hues are very intimidating but I believe it is just an act. “What does it mean?” I ask before settling my cup down. Kali ignores the male, but her glaze still remains upon Lazaribo. My tea has gone rather cold and is almost finished. And the cool breeze coming in from the window turns bitter. It is far within the afternoon.

[Defiant]

Reddo's eyes moved down to his hound who had just finished her drink, and was then looking over at the Geisha and her wolf. Her ears has perked up, the drink always made her a bit more alert and jumpy, but she loved it.

"It means Vicious and Cute. Fitting, right, Lasa~?" the dog snorted. "She doesn't like being called cute though," Reddo smiled softly, and his eyes narrowed a bit, suddenly a lot less cold, as he thought about how they had first met. Vicious was an understatement, his arm still hurt from the bite.

[F U T A K O N G O]

The ears of my own companion flicker backward as the white wolf perked up. My hand which is placed upon her head clutches a handful of her fur. I am concerned yet I keep my posture and glances back toward the male. A small laugh escapes from my lips before I speak. “Vicious and Cute.” My voice repeats. “I hardly see 'cute' in describing your companion.” I pause. “However, gracious might fit.” The breeze coming in through the window to my left blows against my back. A small chill creeps through the laces of my corset before brushing against my skin.

I shiver ever so slightly before standing. Kali stands moments after I do before moving around the table, catching the eyes of the white canine who sat at least two meters away. She does not near the couple but no doubt the thought has crossed her mind. After I push in my chair, I lower myself down into a crouch before picking up the empty dish. My back remains extremely straight as I crouch down since it is nearly impossible for me to bend in a corset.

I casually place it upon the table before reaching into my pouch to retrieve some Ryo for the special since Marii had paid for my tea previously. “It is a pleasure to meet you. If only I knew your name.” I say, clearly hinting for an answer. He is familiar, however I still cannot pin point exactly the last time I saw the male's face. But why am I hesitating to ask his name up front?

[Defiant]

The boy laughed softly, agreeing with her comment. Lasa wasn't exactly cute, she was much to big for that. He rubbed his dogs head lovingly.

Reddo's eyes went back to her. Reddo watched her stand up, his eyes taking in every movement she made. When she went to pick up the bowl, Reddo's eyes moved away, feeling a bit 'hot under the collar' for a moment. Lasaribo was watching the black dog as well, but her calmer nature made sure she didn't make any moves to fight it. Of course, the drink was also acting on her system, so although she made mo violent movements to it, she did tilt her head to the right, watching it closely.

The young yukikage watched the woman again, after she stood up of course, and his mind moved away from perverse thoughts, and more work oriented one.

"Why is she wearing a corset? Restricting her movements like that...ridiculous."

He was much to critical for a boy his age.

When she said it was a pleasure to meet him, however, he snapped back to reality.

"Oh...yea, if only...why do you wear that?" well he mostly snapped back, his curiosity still stuck to her clothing and general appearance like glue.