Blackwater Islands A martini. Shaken, not stirred.

Set to be "later" after Tulok finds Arashi and Alduin sparring. Alduin is tagged for reference; Tulok for joining purposes. 

Arashi had been most displeased by the outcome of his most recent spar. Sure, he'd won, but was there really a victory? The intent was to prove strength and put the boy, @Alduin, in his place. 'Twas to no avail. 

@Tulok had been quick to interrupt the violent pair, forcing a gap between the likelihood of someone being killed. Both had been scolded, which also was not fancied. The hound did not like being scorned for what he did, especially if he wasn't in the wrong. Not to be petty, but Alduin had initiated the fight to begin with.

After being dismissed by the "Speaker", the reminder to find Tulok later had been left fresh in his mind. Arashi let the evening pass, giving time for the brother's to part ways. 

Upon the early morn', the hound set out to seek out his new "teacher".. or, one way of calling him. If he was to be charged with "Acolytes", he may as well have been called that. 

Time could have been spent tracking the dark wolf, but a call would have made things simpler. Arashi settled along one of the beaches and lifted a heavy howl through the air.

I am ready to speak now, "Speaker" of the "Druids" and "Teacher" of the "Acolytes".

He was sure to emphasize each title, exhibiting understanding for Tulok's purpose; or so how he had explained himself during their first encounter. 

Arashi then waited, searching for the dark figure.

The demon had considered his options regarding the disrespectful acolyte. Anger was the first thing he felt; it told him to kick the man out on his ass. But when he had calmed enough to think more clearly, he remembered how torn up his brother had been. Honing that skill for the use of the druids was intriguing. Almost as intriguing as the image of the arrogant man on his ass in the water on the other side of the bridge. Decisions. 

It was in the man's favor that he sought the speaker out and not the other way around; it showed some willingness to respect the hierarchy and suggested that he could enlightened. 

He strode out from the shadows to stand before the other man. Acolyte, was all he said, his cold stare on the face of the uninitiated.

There he was. Soon, the "Speaker" came, staring upon the man he named to be an "Acolyte". So many titles, they had.

Speak, Tulok had bade silently, watching in further silence.

I have come to find you, as you requested before. I am here. 

He wanted him, and so he was came. Simple as that.

Good. was all he said at first. He was pleased that the other man could at least follow some instructions here. 

Tulok turned from him and started to walk down the beach turned silver by moonlight. He lifted his head to indicate that the acolyte should walk with him. 

Assuming the other man took a spot next to him, the demon asked: What do you know about the druids? He would wager that Arashi knew very little, as the speaker had not told him anything yet. But he was still curious.

At this point, what more could Arashi do than listen to what he was told?

Fury had made it clear that she would stay and that she wanted him there too. If to stay, he would have to learn the ways of these wolves and try (to the best of his ability) to fit in.

A statue where he stood, the hound was hesitant to move closer in step to the "Speaker". There were a few moments of silence before he did so, fur pushed against his flank by the breeze.

"What do you know about the druids?"

There was little he could admit to knowing, aside from what had been gathered during his time here thus far.

I reckon it is meant to somewhat of a secretive group, considering tales of druids haven't quite rung far out across the wilds. Of all whom I'd first encountered, Fury was the only who mentioned the word. In addition, you inhabit an island. Secluded and protected by furious waters. A good way to keep hidden from the view of the world. That was the first thing he'd noticed.

The second.. You familiarize yourself with individuals sporting a combatant history. Again, Fury had been taken into account, but also Alduin.

Arashi turned his snout, glancing towards Tulok to see if whether his assumptions had been correct. 

Tulok listened quietly as the acolyte spoke. What he knew was vague, based on the man's assumptions drawn from what he had seen around him. The speaker was not disappointed; Arashi seemed perceptive, which was a good quality to have. 

After a few moments of thought, the demon stopped and turned to the acolyte. I can tell you the secrets of the druids, train you in our ways. he raised an eyebrow. But, we must get one thing out in the open. His tone was dangerously serious. As an acolyte in blackwater, you are expected to defer to those above you, most importantly, me, your speaker, and above me, the listener. If you cannot abide by this rule, then I will escort you from the island. Tulok watched the other man's face while he laid out his stipulations. He would not offer the secrets of the druids to someone he did not trust to follow one of their most basic rules.

This is meant to be him "bowing out" per-say, since the intent was made clear the two would not be staying in Blackwater for long.

Arashi listened intently as the offers were made and expectations were lain. Only one was quick to catch his ear and withhold a measure of disliking.

"... you are expected to defer to those above you, most importantly, me, your speaker, and above me, the listener."

Why should he do such a thing? They'd provided no reason for him to obey their words. 

The least he could do was be honest; though, perhaps not so blunt. He didn't require more scars. 

I cannot promise my fealty to you, or your superior. I have come here as follower of another. My life belongs to her and none else. It was a gamble, but Arashi had a feeling Tulok could figure who it was he spoke of.

Perhaps this "Speaker" wouldn't be able to understand the way of the oath he'd promised. There were others that wouldn't either. Only his kind of origin... and Fury, of course.

Then you are no longer welcome here, the demon said, his tone cold. If he could not abide by their hierarchy, then the speaker could not allow him to continue living among the druids. He was loyal to Nyra; even if Tulok thought better of the woman, it would still not be enough to sway his decision. 

I will walk you to the land bridge. There was no choice here. The man would leave, and the demon was offering him the opportunity to do it peacefully.

There would be no moments of resistance or hesitation.

By the man's tone alone, Arashi knew that Blackwater's law would stand firm and that the "Speaker" would see to it the laws were followed.

Nyra was his shujin — his leader until death forced their parting. Nothing would alter that fact.

Eyes swiveling in the direction to which the man spoke of, the samurai turned in preparation to follow Tulok from these lands. This would be the last he would see of the island. Good riddance too. He wasn't a fan to begin with. Perhaps it was truly for the better.