An Divine Emissary (Private w/ Babygabrial)

[Babygabrial]

"I'll cut a deal, and gladly give this to your precious child for simply eight Mon." The vendor days with a big, and happy smile on his face. Miyako smiles looking up at his Mommy, and batting his pretty eyes at her begingly.

[Shirayuki]

"8, huh...?" She rummaged through the purse, pulling out a few coins from within. The cost would be negligible for a while, as she dropped the small steel disks into the man's hand, waiting for the charm to be given.

[Babygabrial]

The charm was given, and Miyako squealed and twirled around. He bowed to the man in thanks, and the vendor......sheds a tear? OK what the hell was going on here? First they got mobbed, then this place is abandoned. The vendor seemed desperate, and now he's...shedding tears of joy.

[Shirayuki]

Kiyomi was massively confused. She began observing the situation, looking everywhere around them - instinctively, she felt something was off here, the vendor only adding to the strange atmosphere that has now arisen. "Miyako, lets go back." She quickly said, taking his hand.

[Babygabrial]

"Yes Mommy." Miyako obeys and holds the woman's hand and goes but before they could get far another vendor comes up. "Wait wait! Turning in so soon!? P-perhapes your child would like a meal before bed? A growing girl needs good ramen!" A woman at a Ramen stand states with a nervous grin on her face. Another vendor calls out. "Perhaps freshly woven blankets for your futons! We have an extra large one for mother and daughter to bundle up together!" Down the street one calls out "Katanas! Our smithy forges the finest katanas! Please have a look!"

[Shirayuki]

Taken aback, she was stunned for a moment, before whispering into the boy's ear. It didn't take a genius to figure out something was wrong here... but what exactly was it? Hesitantly, against her better judgment, she began to approach the vendors, her eyes filled with suspicion.

[Babygabrial]

One of the vendors jumped back seeing the piercing look the former shrine maiden was giving. "Um....yes, my lady. Would you be interested in some of our goods, please?" The woman at the vendor asked sounding quite desperate.

[Shirayuki]

"...Which are?" Even if it wasn't all too clear with their desperation, She heard a twinge of fear in the woman's voice. Fear? Who was it of; of them, or someone else? It was a stark contrast from their almost festive arrival. Though, perhaps even that was merely a facade to hide whatever this place really is... she didn't know anymore.

[Babygabrial]

Suddenly, Miyako spoke the question that perhaps.....needed to be asked. "Miss, why do you look ready to cry" The vendor's forced smile turned into a saddened frown. "Please....I beg for your patronage, we all do!"The woman suddenly got on her knees and clapped her hands together and begged. Another vendor speaks up. "You must understand! We need your business!" Others start breaking down in tears or loudly agreeing. "Excuse me, my lady?" Miyako turns to see an elderly man."I am the head of this melancholic village. Please, if you will follow me, I can explain what is happening, or rather...what has been occuring."

[Shirayuki]

She was alarmed for a second at Miyako's sudden words, which, well, wasn't exactly great in the situation they were in. Thankfully, the rowdy crowd seemed to settle at the voice of the elderly man, whom she also bowed in respect of "I... see, thank you.". Kiyomi looked through the wave of vendors, looking at the myriad of emotions that she could see. It didn't bode well, and she soon came to realize that the small reprieve she and the boy was going to be getting was coming to an end.