Day of the River

[thekohakuriver]

Haku's river was like a white snake, curling through the city with a comfortable laziness. It was deep in some places, slow-flowing and calm, except where the veiny surface of Stacy jutted up beneath the soil and forced stones and cobbles to bring rapids to life. There was at least one otherwise undamaged road that was no permanently ruined by the

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[killsfengshui]

Mei-Xing had wanted to speak to the spirit for a good while, but speaking to a free spirit with that much power at his hands... If he had been an air elemental, she would have been happier. They liked her for some reason. But a water elemental was trickier. Especially one that she had tried to banish once upon a time.

Here was hoping he didn't hold a grudge.

When she arrived, she was relieved to find him already there. At least she wouldn't have to summon him. She hesitates on the banks of the lake, then gestures, purple rings forming around her hands. With the levitation spell active, she steps onto the surface of the water, barely causing a ripple as she walks over to Haku, stopping a respectful distance away. "Good morning, Haku." She nods her head, as if acknowledging a social superior. "I hope you aren't busy at the moment?"

[thekohakuriver]

You are walking on the surface of his river, Mei-Xing. Respectful distance ended a while ago- but he's used to it, from humans, and people like you, especially. He inclined his head in response to her respectful nod, watching her approach with the gaze of a cat who knows the length of it's pounce, and is only measuring the time until you're in range.

"What do you want?" He asked, very calmly, as if asking after the weather.

[killsfengshui]

Oh, good. He isn't instantly furious. That's a good sign!

She clasps her hands behind her back, managing not to look him in the eyes. That would be rather rude. "I intended to build a home in the city, as none of the buildings available suit my needs." She glances along the river length before looking at her feet. The spell has smoothed out the water again, leaving it undisturbed. "However, I would like to build it near your river. I thought it would be... polite to ask your permission before doing so."

[thekohakuriver]

"Where, exactly?" He asked, perhaps more sharply than he needed to. Mei-Xing was a stranger, and a rude one, despite her best efforts, but the idea of someone living on his banks again was both discomfiting and appealing.

[killsfengshui]

She spreads her hands, weaving magic to spring an illusory map between them. "Over here, away from some of the busier parts of the city." The image she zooms in on is at least a hundred feet away from the banks of the river itself. "Some of the others wanted to build a garden in the city, and if they built it there, it could thrive while I made sure no... accidents happened."

She closes her hands, letting the image hang there before dissolving into mist. "I assure you, I've a healthy respect for nature." And, despite any other lies she might have said, this much is true. Her power came from nature, and having a defiled river poisoning the area would work against her.

[thekohakuriver]

Haku studied the map, and the magic that created it with a critical eye, then looked up at Mei-Xing. He stared, openly evaluating her trustworthiness. Somewhere on the lake, ripples rose of themselves and smoothed away, the rippled fur on a suspicious cat's back.

"Fine, you may build your home there," He agreed, warily, "But I will warn you: a spirit has awoken here that is as powerful as the sun. If you defile this river, you won't survive it."

[killsfengshui]

Hadn't planned on it, Kami. She smiles on the outside and offers another polite nod. "I appreciate your kindness. I'll do my best to respect the river." His threat washes over her, however. She's used to the drama that spirits liked to attach to themselves.

After waiting a bit longer, she nods again. "I'll begin construction soon. Thank you again, and I hope the rest of your day passes peacefully."

[thekohakuriver]

If this mortal wants to challenge Amaterasu herself to a fight, then more power to her, in Haku's opinion. Worse fools have died for less reason. He inclined his head politely and waited for her to leave.

Foolish girl.

[killsfengshui]

She turns and walks off of the water, smile fading once she leaves.

That spirit irritated her. Full of himself, like most things that powerful.

She'd really like to see him brought down a peg or two.