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For the fifth time this morning, Yeo wished he had brought his wooden clogs instead of the straw sandals he currently wore. At least the fur on his feet wouldn't be as mud caked as they were. Rain continued to sheet off the conical straw hat he wore. The oiled cloth of his overcoat did little to prevent his clothes and fur from being matted and soaked to the skin. He just prayed to the ancestors, Inari and whatever local deity that might be listening, that his instruments were still safe in the satchel on his back.

The rain had made the tiny track up the mountainside into a slick muddy mess. After having slipped for a second time, Yeo considered ditching the sandals. His feet couldn't possibly get any more muddy at this point, and his toe claws might be able to get a better purchase up the slope. Then, his Bardic training took hold. There were certain protocol that had to be followed at all times, even if no one was watching. It was that integrity that allowed the Bards to travel the Empire. Yeo picked himself up, and with ears and tail drooping, began the trek up the mountainside again.

He rested a moment to get his bearings. An ear swiveled underneath the rainhat to catch the rushing of a river swollen by the rainy season far below. Peering up the trail, it looked like there was a flat spot at the top of the current crest that might allow him to take inventory and perhaps a quick meal. With renewed vigor, Yeo trudged and slipped his way up the trail.

To distract himself, he wondered anew if it was some joke by the ancestors to send a Kitsu Bard on a circuit during the rainy season, let alone to some of the most remote parts of the Empire. There weren't many Kitsu who had ever become Bards, and of this fact Yeo was especially proud. On the other hand, it had been a long time since he'd seen another Kitsu; probably just outside of the Capital. The Emperor, may he live forever, was generous to all of the different people that lived within his borders. As a result, it was possible to see human, Kitsu, Heguli and even dragons roam the streets of the Capital.

But out here, it had been only humans. For Yeo's part, he had been raised around humans since a kit, so he could pick up on their expressions. He even adopted a few for his own, though with a muzzle full of sharp teeth, a smile didn't look quite as friendly. He would like to think that those that he went to Bard school with and worked with on a regular basis could interpret the subtle positioning of his ears and tail, but Yeo couldn't count on the population of the Capital at large, let alone out here where the chances were pretty high that he was the first Kitsu a human had ever seen.

So when it was announced he was going to walk this circuit as part of the periodic news spreading and seeking of new talent, he wondered if the ancestors were trying to tell him something.

As Yeo crested the slope, the flat area was a welcome sight. He fled to the relative dryness at the base of an ancient gingko that clung to the slope. The rain made a steady staccato against the canopy and he could smell the wet, decaying leaves. Yeo first checked his sandals; muddy but still serviceable. Ears flattened in resignation. Next was the satchel. Carefully opening the top while using his body and the tree trunk to block as much rain as he could, he was relieved to find the inside still dry. The strings on the pipa were slack for travel, but Yeo figured a quick tuning was in order. His fingers deftly checked the pear shaped back and soundboard for any damage, then turned the tuning pegs until the strings were taunt and harmonious.

Yeo focused his mind and picked out a tune on the instrument with his claws. As the song quietly grew, he felt warmth wrap around his body. When he felt even his sodden tail feel lighter, Yeo stopped the song. Too much magic was exhausting for him and besides, as soon as he took up the journey again, he'd be soaked. But a little quick warmth was worth it in this sort of weather.

Checking again that everything was in order, Yeo detuned the strings of his pipa, sealed up the satchel and sat down for a few pickled plums and dried fish.

-*-

Some time later, Yeo looked across the mountain pass into the village nestled into a lush valley below. The rain mercifully had let up, but now the moisture just made everything muggy, even at this altitude. He judged the distance to the village against how far the sun was from the horizon. It would be a hard journey, but well worth being able to sleep under a roof for the first time in several days.

As he was descending into the village, Yeo noticed something a little strange. It didn't take long to reach terraced slopes that had been converted to rice paddies, clumps of tea bushes, or fields for small, hardy mountain oxen to graze. But there was no people out in the fields. This time of year, as long as there was light, farmers were in the fields tending to their crops. Usually it took severe weather like a typhoon to drive farmers to shelter, and Yeo felt it had only been typical rainy season weather.

At first Yeo just dismissed it as perhaps the farmers were working in other fields. But normally the sight of any traveler, let alone a Bard with their distinctive green coats, would instantly be a source of excitement for any small village. On his previous journeys, Yeo often caught a small child tending the cattle or sheep running away from his or her charges in order to inform an elder in the village. But today there was nothing and this worried Yeo.

When he was finally able to get close to the village, he could see smoke was rising from the few outlying farm houses as well as from the main village itself. There was habitation, but where were they hiding? Why? Yeo double checked that his knife was sashed to his waist, and proceeded cautiously into the village. The sun was nearing the horizon, so the golden light flooded the town square. In most villages he had visited by this point, the village elder would've come out to greet him and invite him to stay for a few days to play and share news. Even those that had never seen a Kitsu before would recognize a Bard and treat them accordingly. But here there was a tension that made Yeo's fur stand on end.

Yeo removed his rainhat and let his ears swivel to try to catch the faintest sound. "Hullo? What village do I have the honor of visiting? My name is Yeo, and I come from the Capital on a journey to inform all about the latest information from the Emperor, may he live forever." Yeo thought he heard the scrape of a door along a wooden track.

Yeo took a deep breath and silently prayed. The worst thing that could happen would be some disease had struck this town, but he hoped that the ancestors weren't that cruel. Still nothing. "Hullo? Is anybody here?" Yeo heard only the lazy flow of the nearby river. It wouldn't be long before the sun slid behind the nearest ridge. Currently the sky was mostly clear, but a few clouds were moving rapidly across the sky. Hard to tell how long before the next rain cloud would form. He'd feel a lot better under some shelter for the night.

Yeo took a deep breath and started to make towards what looked like the elders residence.

"Be gone, demon! Do not curse this village! Take your tribute and leave!" The cry came fro one of the houses, a woman's voice.

The call puzzled and concerned Yeo. A demon? He would guess that the villagers had never seen a Kitsu before but surely they would recognize a Bard? And as a Bard, he was duty bound to pass news from his journeys to all that he encountered. He prayed to Inari and then looked for the "tribute". Maybe he can use that as a starting point.

It didn't take long. On the edge of the village square a sacred stone was roped with rice straw. Next to the stone was a small shrine and a statue of what appeared to be the local deity. Yeo rubbed his hands together, clapped three times and bowed deeply to the stone and shrine, as a sign of respect. It was a little more elaborate than how he normally gave tribute, but Yeo needed to get the trust of the villagers.

Then he spotted a slice of fried soy bean curd sitting on a dish on the top of the altar. Yeo looked around, and tried to swallow a bark of laughter. It was just too ridiculous. But it gave him an idea.

"This is my tribute? Just a single slice of bean curd?! I demand to see who ever is in charge of this village!" he roared in a fair imitation of the outraged nobles he saw who would blow up at the smallest slight. Yeo hoped that this would at least draw one person out so he could reason with them. Sure enough from the eldest's house came an old woman, bent with age, her robe plain but neat. He couldn't tell if she moved slowly because of age or caution; probably a little of both. Even her scent was hard to read.

However, when she spoke, it was with a firmness. "You curse us and yet you demand more? What will it take to lift your wrath?"

Yeo could tell she was ready for just about anything from her posture. Being a Bard meant being very good about reading body language, doubly difficult when you have to interpret a different species. So he did the only thing that would catch her off her guard.

Kneeling fully onto the damp ground, Yeo did a deep bow that one would only give to the Emperor. "O aged one! I have not come here to curse you. I am but a simple Bard that has come to provide news. I ask again, what is the name of this fair village?"

The old woman was shocked by the sudden turn, but looked upon Yeo suspiciously. "A Bard, you say? No Bard I've ever seen had a tail and red fur. I still say that you have come curse us with a flood."

"Aged one, I am a Kitsu. Most of my people live in the forests south and west of the Capital, but we are all ruled by the Emperor, may he live forever." Yeo thought that if he was human, a smile would help at this point, but decided in his case it would be counter productive. So he kept his tail low and eyes wide, and prayed to Inari that he looked non-threatening.

From the tone of her voice, it was clear she did not fully believe him. "You are in Zanji," finally answering his question. "And if you are truly a Bard, what brings you to this village? It has been many a season without a visit."

"We Bards try to visit every part of the Empire every five years, and I was selected to journey here." Yeo paused for a moment. "Can I get up, aged one? The light is fading and I think we'd be both more comfortable around a fire."

"You're the one who put yourself in that ridiculous position. But since you asked politely, yes you may. But I still don't entirely trust that you are not some sort of demon, even if a good one. You will be confined to the Elder's House, until we can learn more."

Yeo got to his feet. Normally, Kitsu were a little smaller than humans, but because of the hard mountain life and being bent with age, he towered over the old woman, who, by the way she spoke, was clearly part of the Elder's Council, if not the leader. The tension of the village seemed to ease a little because the "demon" had been tamed. As he walked into the Elder's hut, he could hear several doors scraping against their frames.

Yeo gratefully left his straw sandals at the end of the entry way and carefully set his satchel on the wooden floor, dark with age, but smooth from meticulous care. He then removed the oiled cloth overcoat and carefully folded it next to the satchel. He placed his straw rainhat on top, leaving just his bright green robe that marked him as a Bard. The old woman had already gone to the central hearth, a fire crackling for the evening meal and the smoke rising through the thatched roof. She and two old men were kneeling on rush mats next to the fire pit, looking Yeo's way. Yeo spied another woman discreetly sitting in the shadows outside of the circle of light that the hearth gave off.

Yeo's toe claws clacked unnaturally loud on the wooden floor in the silence as he walked over and then bowed formally to what he assumed was the Elder Council. "My name is Gasu Yeo. I have been sent by the Emperor, may he live forever, to provide the latest news and decrees. Please, the Eldest and Wisest of Zanji, let me stay here so I may impart my knowledge unto you." Normally, this speech would be a mere ritual, but Yeo felt this time it was truly necessary.

The silence after the speech stretched on uncomfortably. Yeo's robe, still damp from the earlier rain, clung to his form uneasily.

Finally the silence was broken by one of the men. "So, the fox has finally come, dressed as a Bard, no less. You know all of the pretty words, yet you still bring a flood to our lands and ruin us. What sin have we committed, oh fox, to deserve such a fate?"

Yeo held his bow, but his ears laid flat against his skull in distress. So that is the reason for the fear, he thought to himself. The ancestors were definitely testing him right now. "As I said to the Honored Lady," Yeo said aloud, "I am not here to bring a flood. I am a Kitsu, and though my resemblance to a fox is true, we are very different."

"But are you truly a Bard?" the man shot back. Yeo mentally noted that he had learned no names of even the elders; they were wary and guarded. Time to approach this as he would if was mediating a dispute between two farmers on which side the cow belonged.

Yeo straightened up from the bow, but he kept his distance from the hearth to show he was not presuming an honor not yet granted by the elders. From inside of his robe, he withdrew a carefully wrapped scroll with the Emperor's seal, allowing him safe passage anywhere in the Empire. Every Bard on the circuit carried a copy, though rarely was it needed. "Honored Sirs and Lady, may I present my proof?"

There was a slight nod from the Lady, so Yeo presented the scroll with two hands upturned while bowing to her. As soon as she took the scroll, he returned quickly to the same position as before, waiting as if he was at court. She looked through the scroll carefully, and felt the paper to ensure it was real. She then passed it onto the other two, who gave similar examinations to the document. Meanwhile, Yeo maintained his formal kneeling pose, hands on his thighs and hoping his tail wouldn't betray his anxiety.

The scroll passed back into the Lady's hands. "Yeo-shi, everything here seems to be in order. As a Bard, you are welcome to stay in the House until it is time for you to leave. We will see that you have any supplies that you may need. Tomorrow, we will discuss the news you bring so that we may let the village know." There was no hint of apology in her voice and it was clear that this was meant as a dismissal.

Yeo decided to press his luck just a little. "Honored Lady, thank you for the generosity of your village." He bowed again, and then paused. "If I do require anything before the morning, whom shall I call?"

"You may call on my daughter, Jie."

Yeo bowed one final time, and respectfully retreated to gather his belongings. The woman in the shadows stood up and followed behind Yeo quietly. After Yeo gathered his gear, she bowed slightly and silently led him to a room on the other side of the dwelling. There a bedroll and a lantern were available, but not much else. "Jie, may I enquire on getting a meal? I've only had trail rations for the last few days."

Jie seemed a little surprised being called by name, but she smoothly bowed to cover. "I will see what is available." She then withdrew and closed the sliding door behind her.

"Well," Yeo said to himself quietly as he began to sort through his gear, "this is going better than I hoped."

-*-

It was the sound of the sliding door opening that fully awoke Yeo. He sleepily looked over to see Jie studying him in the sunlight that filtered through the rice paper.

"No, I don't sleep curled up. Not normally," he said conversationally.

Jie nearly dropped the bowls of last night's meal she was holding. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Oh, don't worry. I'm used to it by now. At least one person outside of the Capital or lives in the lands that border my homeland does the same thing. Look, I'm not wearing my robe right now, so if you want to see what the rest..." Jie blushed and shook her head. "Now it is my turn to apologize; that's another request I often had. I didn't wish to embarrass you." He paused for a moment. "Do I still seem frightful in the sunlight?"

"No," she answered quietly. "You reminded me a lot of my husband when you were sleeping."

"How so?"

"He snored just like you."

Yeo gave a barking laugh. "That, I won't deny." But he caught that subtle phrasing of her answer. "What happened to your husband?"

"Ox cart got stuck in the mud a couple years ago. When he tried to get it free, it ran over his legs. The Healer tried all sorts of mountain herbs, but the fever finally killed him."

Yeo bowed from his seated position, "May the ancestors protect his soul."

Jie inclined her head in response, but her body seem to ease a bit more. Yeo hoped he could truly get the trust of one person and that might be the key to the whole village. "I will bring some water so you can clean up, and breakfast will soon be ready," she said. Jie then stood up.

Just as she was about to close the door, Yeo thought of something. "Jie, can I ask you one more question. Why does the Elder Council think that I will bring a flood?"

Jie blinked, surprised by the question. "I thought it was a story everyone knew. When you see a fox and you do not properly give him tribute, he will cause a flood and bring ruin to the crops. You look like a very big fox, so most of the village thought you'd bring a very big flood."

"The foxes around here must eat pretty good."

"I overheard the first person to spot you on the pass, and it really did not take much to convince the council to see if you'd just go away."

Yeo sighed. "Thank you, Jie." She bowed in response and closed the door.

Yeo rolled up the bedding and placed it in a small chest. Now that he had better light, he took a good look at his robe. It was travel stained and still had large muddy streaks from when he was bowing on the ground. By now, the dirt had dried, so he cleaned it off the best he could.

His fur wasn't in much better condition, but at least he didn't smell like wet dog. A morning washing would help, but he really hoped there was a bath he could use; get him clean to the skin as well as help ease some of the aches he always acquired on the road. His legs were sore from the last couple days of climbing. But that was a luxury that would have to wait for later.

Just as he was doing a inspection of his tail there was another knock on the door. "Just leave the water outside the door and I will get it shortly," he called. Yeo could hear the bowl being set down on the wooden floor outside. He loosely put on his robe for modesty and then retrieved the bowl. He then took the bowl over to the edge of the room where there was bare wood, away from the rush mats. He felt the water and briefly considered a spell to warm it up, but decides a cold wash would be fine. From long practice, he quickly cleaned his face, hands, feet and tail to get off the worst of the trail dust that always seemed to accumulate. He knew he needed to be completely civilized in appearance if he was going to win the Elders over. A rough drying with a towel that doubled as a cleaner for his fue and a careful brushing, and he felt like he was ready.

As he put on his robe and made himself as presentable as possible given the circumstances, he considered if he should bring his pipa. As of yet, he just had his green robe to declare him a Bard, and he suspected that his note of passage from the Emperor would be looked upon with suspicion; he certainly didn't get it back from last night. He grabbed the instrument by the neck and did a quick tuning. Not perfect, but it looked better than slack strings and it wouldn't take long to get it in tune.

When Yeo arrived in the central room, the Elders were gathered around the central hearth, and Jie formally seated to the side. Yeo noted the distances and placed himself slightly closer than Jie but at a respectful distance from the Elders. The old lady nodded to Yeo in both acknowledgement and approval of his decision.

The Lady formally handed Yeo his scroll declaring him a Bard. "We, the Elder Council, have been discussing you much, Yeo-shi. I have also been discussing you with my daughter. Though your appearance is strange, you have acted honorably, as befitting how a Bard should act." To this, Yeo bowed where he sat to the Lady. "However, while you may have convinced us that you are truly a Bard, I fear that the rest of the village will not be as easily swayed." The Lady paused before continuing. "Therefore, we request that you relay the news and proclamations from the Capital to us, and we will distribute them to the village."

This was unusual; normally, the Bard would meet with the Elder Council, or whoever is running the village, and then later, the Bard would both entertain the village with songs as well as provide the news directly. In a way, given the circumstances, Yeo could understand the Lady's caution, but the one thing that made doing a Circuit worth the trouble was the chance to teach and learn new songs. It was one of the ways that the Empire could hold together. But, Yeo bit his tongue and just bowed respectfully, "As you wish."

The Lady finally relaxed and for the first time, dropped the formal tone. "Now, before you give us the news, please break your fast. We wish to provide you every courtesy our village can offer."

-*-

After the morning meal, Yeo covered for Lady Li, Sir Yang and Sir Kim the highlights of the news from the Capital from the last five years, as well as relevant laws and proclamations. The birth of a son to the second wife of the Emperor was met with general approval, as were the efforts to make it easier for the mountain villages to get goods to the Capital by improving roads and passes. The tea that Yeo drank was indeed excellent and complimented the village on its quality. "Hopefully, with the new roads, more will know of Zanji tea." The Council seemed pleased by that possibility.

But now that he was finished, the Elder Council were out making a circuit to various houses to share the news. This left Yeo idling in the Council House, a position he was not used to. If he was in a village, he was getting to know the villagers, making sure they were being properly educated, perhaps finding new Bards. With little else to do, he took up his pipa, tuned it properly and then just played songs as he felt like it. It felt good to hold the instrument in his hands and pluck the strings with his claws.

"Yeo-shi, do you know 'Thread The Needle'?"

Yeo's tail bottled. "Oh, Jie, you surprised me. Of course." He started playing. Now that he had an audience, he settled into performance mode and sang a bit louder, recounting the silly dance song about a young seamstress who couldn't get her lover to dance with her. Once he finished, Jie clapped appreciatively. "Any other requests?" he inquired.

Jie pondered for a moment. "You really do have a fine voice," she said as a way to fill the silence. "I could almost picture the two lovers having their conversation. You could do both parts and not seem out of place. You are very talented."

"A combination of some small talent and a lot of hard work," Yeo replied modestly. "I was lucky that I grew up near the Capital and I had training by Bards from an early age."

"Do many Kitsu become Bards?"

"No larger percentage than humans, though there are a lot fewer Kitsu in comparison. About the same for Scholars. I think only the dragons really have a high number of Scholars, though I don't think I've ever heard of a dragon Bard."

"We have lots of stories about dragons that we tell on winter nights, but they are always ferocious things that cause rain, snow and lightening at the merest whim. I can't picture them as a Scholar."

"They are quiet intelligent and have a fondness for water, but can also be a little greedy. At least as a Scholar, they are turning that greed to knowledge and study. That's probably why they don't become Bards, because they'd have to share that knowledge with others eventually. That, and their voices can be quite deep."

Jie digested that bit of knowledge. "What are Kitsu songs like?"

"Let me show you. When I was small, a favorite was 'The Lord's and Lady's Wedding Day'." Yeo made an adjustment to his instrument. When he started to play, Jie found the music strange and she couldn't understand the words. To her, it seemed filled with wrong notes. Yeo's voice took on a keening quality and sometimes it would seem like he was singing, but no sound came out. The song came to an end, and the last dissonant strum of the pipa hung in the silent room. Outside, the rain started to fall again softly.

"That was certainly different," Jie said hesitantly.

"Don't feel bad if you didn't enjoy it," Yeo replied. "My hearing is different than yours, so our language and music takes advantage of sounds you can't hear. I know a few human Bards that can hear a little bit of some of the upper range, and they make a study of Kitsu songs. But I could never sing as low as a dragon and there's still a few sounds that a human can make that I find very difficult. Like I said, a lot of hard work."

"That's what your native language sounds like?"

Yeo worked on retuning the pipa. "A form of it. It's an old song, so the language is formal. It's about a Lord of the Kitsu trying to get married, but it keeps raining on their wedding. It's really a humorous song, which is probably why I liked it growing up."

The rain outside started to fall heavier. "It's a shame that we have a Bard visiting our village, and you are stuck here."

Yeo's ears dipped in acknowledgement. "I maybe sent by the Emperor, but I am bound by the word of the Elders. And despite their own mistrust, they have graciously allowed me to stay here in their place."

"But," Jie countered, "they are doing it out of fear, like you are still that fox that will bring a flood. Mother quizzed me about my impressions of you before she allowed you stay here. How are the others going to learn if you remain hidden here?"

Yeo looked sideways at Jie. "It sounds like you don't care for their decision," he stated mildly.

"Let me talk to Mother," Jie said as she stood up. "I will try to convince her it's in the villages' best interest. What if... what if when the new road is built, a Kitsu trader came along? How could we sell our tea and rice if the entire village cowers in their houses?" Without waiting for a reply, she headed back to her chores, but with a renewed vigor.

Yeo went back to randomly plucking at his pipa in time with the rain. He may've brought a flood after all, but not the sort they were thinking of.

-*-

Lady Li was not pleased as she sat near the hearth.

Yeo had been finally allowed to sit on the rush mats, if only on the edge. It was clear that not long after Lady Li had returned from her part of the rounds of the village to spread the news, her daughter had cornered her. Yeo saw on the Lady's sour expression that she was not pleased by the experience.

"More pickles?" she asked tersely if politely.

Yeo bowed slightly. "Thank you, yes," and took the vinegared vegetables. "How did the spreading of the news go?"

"There was some questions about how we came across the news, but it was generally well received," Sir Kim offered. "We could only visit the houses here in the village, but we have some trusted sorts that will pass the news onto the more remote houses."

"I have seem similar arrangements at other villages," Yeo replied.

"Do you also spend your time at these villages beguiling women into questioning their elders?" Lady Li shot at Yeo.

Yeo's ears folded back. Things must of gone very badly. "I assure you, I am bound by the Emperor, may he live forever, to gather and spread news. Act as a mediator if necessary. It is not my habit to question the decisions of Elders." He could add that he doesn't necessarily agree with all of their decisions, but that would have not helped.

"What are you accusing Yeo-shi of?" asked Sir Yang. "From what I've seen, he has done everything we have asked him to do and has proven trustworthy."

"Yet, when he is left alone with my daughter, he has convinced her that we have made the wrong decision about him! That we should risk a panic by having him walk freely about the village."

"If you no longer wish to have my presence in the village, I can leave in the morning," Yeo offered diplomatically.

"Yes, I think that is for the best," Lady Li said tersely.

Yeo bowed in acknowledgement. As he was about to leave, he figured that now he had nothing to lose. "But before I go, let me ask you one question. You seemed very pleased by the notion of new roads to your village. Yes, they will bring trade, but they will also bring new ideas. Possibly Kitsu or Heguli traders. Will you also try to hide them away from the eyes of the villagers? Traders, in my experience, tend to get impatient when they can't find someone to trade with." He paused to let it sink in. "Now I must withdraw for the evening for I fear that I will need to be on the road early."

He turned and headed back to his room. He had really wished that he could have a hot bath this evening, but it did not appear to be the will of Heaven.

-*-

It was full dark and Yeo had just lit a lamp, when there was a gentle tap at his door. "It is open," he replied distractedly as he was going over his gear, deciding what needed repairs.

"Yeo-shi."

Yeo looked up, "Jie, what brings you here? I figured the council would prevent you from seeing me--"

"Mother does not know I am here," she interrupted. Yeo's ears perked in surprise. "Do Bards not have duties that they must directly perform?" she continued.

"Well, yes," he replied, uncertain where she was going. "In addition to passing news, we also look for likely candidates for Bard training."

"Come. Mother has retired for the evening. Bring your instruments."

"To defy your mother like this, are you sure?"

"My duty is to the Emperor. You represent the Emperor," she said simply. "But we must hurry."

Yeo placed his pipa and fue in his satchel, dimmed the light and followed Jie.

The ground outside was still damp from the earlier rain. The moon had just cleared the local peak and was being occasionally obscured by the clouds. Even with his ability to see things in low light, it was difficult for Yeo to make out the features around him, but Jie made her way quietly and confidently across the village square. He focused on her light robe that reflected what little light there was to keep track of her. She seemed to be heading towards a house on the far side of the village. Yeo could make out the outline of the other houses by a few yellow lights that illuminated the rice paper coverings. With the rain seeming to hold off, many places did not have the storm doors in place to allow a little bit of a breeze through. Yeo felt the humidity rise from the ground or maybe it was the tension of defying the Council that caused his fur to stick against his skin.

Jie stopped at a house and rapped politely on the door frame. Without ceremony, the two were ushered in. Yeo noted that the house was very humble, consisting of one large room and dried rice straw in places on the raised wooden floor. Unlike the Elder's house, the thatched roof had only a hole in the center over the hearth instead of a proper chimney. There was a handful of villagers, young and old seated in the space.

Jie took off her sandals, formally kneeled at the edge of the flooring and motioned to Yeo. "Everyone, this is the Bard Gasu Yeo. He has been sent here by the Emperor, may he live forever, to inform us of the news of the Empire."

Yeo canted his ears and looked quizzically at Jie. On the one hand, he felt like he should be in performance mode. On the other, this was happening so suddenly, he wasn't sure what was going on. "Who are these people?" he whispered quietly.

"A few people I knew I could trust, friends and relations," Jie whispered back. "They are curious."

Yeo briefly closed his eyes and then made a great production of showing off the tuning of his pipa. His mind raced on how to best approach this. If Jie said that they can be trusted, then he'd have to trust her. But what should he--

"What are you? Do you talk?" a small voice asked.

There was hushing, but Yeo turned towards the direction of the small voice. "I am a Kitsu. I have been told by the Elders that I resemble a fox. Do I look like one?"

The small voice replied "Yes!"

Yeo made a show of being surprised. "I suppose that I do. Would you like to come up here and help me?" A small boy, perhaps no more than 4 or 5, dressed in a well worn robe that had probably been handed down and made acquaintance with a field's mud several times, ran up to where Yeo was sitting. There was some murmuring from the gathered people, some in concern, some at shock at the rudeness of the boy, disrespecting his elders so. Yeo's ears twitched, catching snatches of conversation, before turning his attention to the boy.

"What is your name?"

"Jun," he said, suddenly shy.

"Do you like music?" That elicited a nod. Yeo wasn't sure if it was he or the fact that the child was now in front of a lot of people that made Jun go quiet. "Do you have a favorite song?"

"'Ox Carter's Folly'," Jun murmured.

Yeo announced to the group, "How many of you know 'Ox Carter's Folly'? Sing along if you know the words!" Yeo then launched into the song. It started off a little quiet, but by the second verse most of the people were singing along and clapping to the beat. Even little Jun was keeping time and half singing the words, happily sitting next to Yeo.

The singing continued into the night.

-*-

The moon was half obscured by clouds still but high in the sky when the gathering was called to a close. The crowd slowly dispersed back to their homes, with Jie and Yeo taking their leave last. Yeo went over how it went. For the most part, it seemed like a typical village gathering; a lot of songs and a little bit of news. Most had already heard the news from the Elders, but hearing it again directly from the source, as it were, was a reassurance that it was accurate. Yeo also noted, professionally, that a few of the young ones would merit further testing for their pitch and rhythm. If he ever got the chance. He let out a small sigh.

They were back at the entrance to the Elder's House. They were about to enter, when Jie stopped him. Then he saw what had caused her to freeze; a single lit lantern glowing in the common room. Despite his night vision, Yeo couldn't read Jie's face. Yeo decided to enter anyway; there was no point in hiding now.

The door clattered open and sitting at the edge of the wooden floor that surrounded the dirt of the entrance sat Lady Li. The light was to the back of her, but Yeo recognized the expression she wore as the same universal expression of when a parent catches their child sneaking out. Yeo's own mother had a similar mixture of anger and disappointment many times.

"So you have returned," Lady Li said. "After you promised to leave, you drag my daughter--"

"It was my idea, Mother," Jie cut in. "We just came back from a gathering of some of the townsfolk. My friends and Thao's family were there. I felt that some of the village, at least, deserved to hear the words of the Emperor directly."

Jie's defiance confused Lady Li for the moment. Yeo could tell she wanted to blame him. He would just let the two of them work it out on their own.

"How dare you go against the will of the Council!" Lady Li sputtered. "Do not think that just because you are my daughter that protects you from being punished, even banished from the village for this!"

"I call upon the Bard to mediate this dispute," Jie said.

The move surprised everyone else. "You can't do that," Lady Li retorted.

Despite his better judgement, Yeo spoke up. "According to the laws of the Empire, when there is a dispute, it is the right of either party to request a Bard, if available, to mediate. She is clearly within her rights as a citizen of the Empire."

Lady Li was stunned by the turn of events. "Fine. This is not the time or place to hold mediation."

"I agree. Shall we pick this up first thing in the morning?" Yeo asked neutrally.

"Yes."

I guess I'm not leaving in the morning after all, Yeo thought to himself.

-*-

Yeo awoke the next morning to find bowls of rice, pickles and smoked fish outside of his door. In a way, he was grateful, because this meant he could eat his morning meal before he had to deal with the inevitable tension between Lady Li and Jie.

He took care of his morning grooming rituals quickly as possible, and downed the offered food. At the end, he prayed to Inari and the ancestors that he was up to the task they had set before him. He also hoped this wasn't his last meal. He neatly stacked the bowls on the serving tray, checked that he was presentable and headed to the common area.

Mother and daughter were already there when he arrived, kneeling formally at opposite ends of the hearth.

Sirs Kim and Yang sat against the far wall, observing, but per arbitration rules, could not interfere as long as active negotiations was taking place. Their faces were carefully neutral, so it was hard for Yeo to tell which side they favored. These were clearly seasoned politicians.

Yeo kneeled and extracted a fan from a sleeve of his robe, lightly tapping it on the floor. "The arbitration between Lady Li and Gyusha Jie has now begun," he intoned formally. He turned to Lady Li. "Each side is to state their case," he reminded all. "Lady Li by rank and privilege, you may start by stating your side of the grievance."

"I will start by saying I find that having the person whom caused this conflict in the first place to be mediating to be most irregular," Lady Li stated stiffly.

"Duly noted," Yeo replied formally, "but Bards, as decreed by the Emperor, may he live forever, are trained to be fair and balanced arbitrators, even if the outcome is personally distasteful. If you wish to appeal the ruling I render, either of you may send an appeal to the Bardic College in the Capital or to the district Magistrate. Unfortunately, given the circumstance, I cannot call upon having another Bard come and take my place, as I fear my continued presence here with this situation unresolved will just escalate the tensions."

"You could just leave," Lady Li said coldly. "That would solve my problem. Send for another Bard and be gone from my village."

Yeo's ears flattened. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath that he often saw monks take before meditation. "The arbitration process has already begun, and it my duty to hear both sides and try to resolve the issue. If I am unable to, then I will send for another. But not before." He opened his eyes and looked firmly at both Li and Jie. "Nor does it look well in the eyes of the Emperor to force a Bard in arbitration to render a particular decision."

"The Bard speaks the truth," piped up Sir Kim from the back, "the penalties for interfering with a Bard's decision could mean losing one's position."

Yeo gave Sir Kim a meaningful look, grateful for the support but also wanting to forestall any further outbursts. Lady Li, for her part, struggled to regain her composure; she was in this until it was resolved, whether she liked it or not. Jie shifted a little to be more comfortable.

Lady Li began again, "My primary grievance is that my daughter has disobeyed the will of the Elder's Council and risked a panic among our population, by letting the fox out of the Council's house. She has also behaved in a way that is disrespectful to her elders and her own mother."

Jie quietly seethed for a moment. "'The fox'!?" she exclaimed. "Gasu Yeo is not some-"

"Gyusha Jie," Yeo barked. "Arbitration is not a place for shouting. I will ask you keep your tone civil. Lady Li, if you have finished," to which Lady Li reluctantly nodded, "it is Gyusha Jie's turn to state her grievance."

Jie took several deep breaths to calm herself and then spoke in calmer tones. "My grievance is I feel that the Council has treated a visiting Bard shabbily, keeping him from his appointed duties, because he does not look like a human. As a subject of the Emperor, may he live forever, it was my duty to ensure that he could do those duties."

Yeo waited for a moment. Lady Li looked like she was about to retort, but given the earlier outburst, struggled to contain herself. "So, both sides have stated their complaints. My understanding, is from Lady Li's point of view, Jie's actions of letting me out of Council chambers risked a panic among the villagers. From Jie's point of view, she felt that she was aiding me in my duties as Bard, and that superseded the will of the Council. Is this correct?"

Both nodded. Yeo continued, "I will not condone the willful breaking of rules made by village Councils. They are created for a reason." To this, Lady Li looked pleased. "However, Jie is correct that I do have certain duties that only I can perform, and I was being prevented from performing. The education of youth and discovering future Bards is a task that is of equal importance to our entertaining villages and providing them information. The Bardic College has been charged by the Emperor to carry on these tasks from time immemorial, and does not look kindly on those that interfere with Bards in any way."

Yeo paused and looked at the two ladies. Jie was looking a little more sure of herself. Yeo spoke again, "Thus the crux of the issue I see here is who's rules do we follow? The Emperor, may he live forever, in his wisdom, has the highest authority. Yet, the Village Elders know their own villages best.

"Lady Li, why did you feel that I would cause a panic?" Yeo turned to Lady Li suddenly.

Lady Li blinked a few times at the question. "Erm... that is... Well, we'd never seen anything like you before outside of a legend."

"Yet, after the initial distrust, we were able to form a civil relationship."

Lady Li reluctantly responded, "Yes, I suppose so."

"And though you forbade it, a small gathering of trusted individuals reacted much the same way as you did."

Lady Li sighed, "Ultimately, yes, but that still does not excuse her ignoring of our decision."

"No it does not," Yeo responded readily, "and the consequences of that action should be discussed. However, let us look at the larger issue. Let me emphasize that I do not want to challenge your authority in Zanji; it is not my place nor do I have the power to do so. The mission of the Bards is to unify the Empire, through the sharing of songs and news. Lady Li, what do you think that means?"

"That... all subjects of the Emperor are under his rule?"

"More than that," Yeo said, "that we are to live harmoniously under his rule."

"That was what I was trying to achieve!"

"But the Bards' part is to make sure all parts of the Empire understand what is going on outside of their little village. Just as it is important for Zanji to hear about the news from the Capital, it is important that the Capital hears what is going on in the remote villages. This means sharing news and songs as well as sharing the experiences of different beings under the rule of the Emperor."

Yeo folded his hands in his lap, his tail flipped once, and his head inclined. "My apologies, Lady Li, arbitration is not the place for speeches and lectures. You are correct it is hard for me to separate myself in this case, because it affects me directly."

Lady Li held up her hand, "No, Gasu Yeo it is I who should apologize for placing you in this situation in the first place. We... I was too cautious with how to handle you." She then turned to Jie, who had schooled her face to be neutral, except for a small smile at the corner of her mouth. "Jie, you have still defied our orders, but you did them for a reason that I now see had more wisdom than our decision." She then bowed to both Jie and Yeo deeply from where she sat.

Jie, a little stunned by the depth of the bow, finally spoke, "It is, I, Lady Li, that should apologize. I see now that my forceful manner was not the way to change your mind. Instead, I should have urged you to speak directly to Gasu Yeo." She then returned the bow, even deeper, until her head touched the floor.

Yeo pulled the fan from his sleeve and struck it upon the floor once again. "If there are no objections, I will call this arbitration to a close." There was no sound from either party, and thus the fan was struck again. "And now comes the issue of settlement. As both sides have apologized, the matter is closed, however, Lady Li, I will have to include this as part of my report at the end of my Circuit."

Lady Li nodded in understanding, though not with any great pleasure.

"Gyusha Jie, there is still the manner of defying an order of the Council. Lady Li, would you say that a fitting punishment would be to work closely with me during my stay here in Zanji? Having an assistant would speed and ease my work here."

"Yes, I would say that is a fitting punishment," a hint of smile coming back to Li's face.

"Then it is settled. The arbitration is adjourned." Sirs Kim and Yang applauded. Both Jie and the Lady stood up and bowed respectfully to Yeo. Then Yeo finally stood, his ears and tail fully relaxed. He beckoned Jie. She came readily to his side and bowed again, with a small smile. This wouldn't be much of a punishment for her.

"As my assistant, your first task is to build a fire and set up a hot bath. I've been needing one for the last few days."

She bowed again, "Yes, Gasu Yeo." She then ran off with a small laugh.