fourredstripes: (Default)
Baki ([personal profile] fourredstripes) wrote in [community profile] sunshineverse2015-05-23 03:34 pm

[Closed] Open diplomacy between Sunagakure and Summoning Island

Where: Sunagakure

When: Late May (Haven't narrowed it down yet)

Who: Baki, Gale and Argilla

Notes: Baki gives the two foreign nin an introduction to Suna and they probably discuss boring politics and stuff like that. Or will they?



The formation of a new shinobi entity was always a complicated and tense process. It wasn't an uncommon event, entirely. Splinter group from villages could gather together, shinobi sometimes even sprung out of previously civilian populations. In the current state of the world, the villages were tangled in roles of competition, varying alliances and brimming conflict. A newly formed group that thrust themselves out into such a world could quickly find themselves endangered or preyed upon by a larger group.

Summoning Island and its people had two things on their side; relative physical isolation, and the fact that Suna wasn't interested in making any more war for itself. Even though Baki himself wasn't certain if the village should enter into an alliance in full, he was more than willing to be the one to reach out to the new entity and greet the visiting nin. One would think with the death of the Kazekage, the village would be on lockdown, but to Baki, showing Sunagakure was still willing to communicate with others outside their own close allies was important.

As per typical for such a situation, he waited to greet them at one of the gates tucked into the massive stone walls around the village. The guard force around him was much higher than usual, with all the nervousness that an unknown element brought along with it. Baki, on the other hand, kept his arms neatly folded behind his back, chin tipped up in waiting.
vitalfunction: (Regarding the situation.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-05-27 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
The trip had been a long one, and Gale was getting hungry. However, the hot sun and the dry air against his skin felt... familiar. Still, he did things half on some instinct that he hadn't known until then, unlike sailing which was all completely new. He made sure both himself and Argilla were covered up and protected from the sun, and that they had plenty of water.

This leg was shorter than previous ones had been, thanks to getting access to the travel seal network, but Gale was still cautious. It was hard not to stare, especially when the walls loomed up in front of him. It was a sense of, what was it called, deja-vu strong enough to stop him for a moment.

He turned to Argilla. "Does this seem familiar to you?"

But there was someone waiting, Gale knew, and he wouldn't keep the escort waiting. So Gale walked forward, usual armor mostly hidden under actual desert-appropriate wear (though he'd made sure orange was streaked on the outer layer, just to be sure), and with his slightly odd gait that always kept his weight balanced on one leg so that the free leg could snap up and kick at any moment.

He bowed as he'd learned was appropriate. "The Embryon appreciate this chance to meet and negotiate. I am Gale, and this is Argilla."
mother_earth: (calm | peaceful | smiling)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-05-28 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
She was grateful for Gale's foresight. She only had vague impressions of what a desert could do to the human body. It was both similar and not to Junkyard life as well and that was a kind of strange she'd never thought she would encounter. Almost disorienting in a way. Resources had been very scare when limited to the area that had been the Junkyard. And rationing was a familiar thing, but the dry heat and wind were new and she swears she can feel her skin tightening with every step across the dunes.

She's only mildly impressed by the walls surrounding Suna. Her reaction far more subdued compared to her companions. And she feels a sort of sadness when she has to shake her head. None of this feels familiar. Not in the way that girl had described trees and the weather of Konoha. It wasn't an exact match (she remembers mountains and rock so much rock in a very blurry half-remembered dream sense but it's fleeting) but it was better than nothing.

Like a good member of the Embryon she follows Gale through the crevice splitting the wall. Arms held carefully at her sides swing lightly as she walked as opposed to crossing them over her chest like she wants too. It's darker within the passageway and she doesn't like it, doesn't like how it's narrow and awkward and makes it difficult for more than two or three people walk abreast of each other. But the passageway opens up into bright desert sun and what looks like a sea of domed buildings spreads out before them.

She bows at the waist in greeting then straightens, a hand resting on her hip only a handful of inches above the pouch she's sewn into the fabric of her skirt to house the kunai and shuriken she has with her. "Hello." She murmurs with a quick dip of her head to indicate her acknowledgment of the introduction.
vitalfunction: (The perfect balance.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-05-28 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
When Gale lifts out of his bow, one hand goes to his hip as well, above the pouches there, almost as if in unconscious mimic, but his weight is shifted subtly so that the leg he didn't seem to favor is carrying less of his weight. Like Argilla, he has a seal visible on intentionally bared skin of his left calf, and now that he's still, that calf is shifted slightly so what little weight he carries on it is on the ball of the foot. He could easily lift that leg and kick out forward and low without otherwise moving, or shift and use the momentum of moving his weight to give more power to a round kick, perhaps.

It is hard not to be a little on edge, so far within someone else's territory, and without the rest of the tribe in easy backup distance. Gale understands that they cannot move the whole tribe around the world, and that more than two or three could be seen as aggressive, but he still wishes the others were present. Honored, though. Gale spends a second contemplating that use, and decides he likes it. This is an honorable exchange, so they are likewise honored, he thinks.

"The Embryon are honored as well by your invitation and--" There's a very brief pause as Gale searches for the correct word, and an even slighter hint of uncertainty when he decides on one. "--hospitality."

The introduction that includes Baki's function within his tribe (village, he must remember) catches his attention. Should they share their respective functions? Would it be inviting trouble is the real question. After all, strategists and medics are difficult to come by and valuable for it. A group meaning to use them could attempt to find ways to hold them to coerce better terms, and not for the Embryon. On the other hand, the display of honor makes Gale more inclined to believe that is not the case.

He decides he will defer to Argilla, who often has a better read on others' emotions and intent that runs along those lines. He glances at her, trusting her to understand the reason for it, and to have picked up on the method of introduction.
mother_earth: (calm | peaceful | smiling)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-05-29 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
She noticed how the man introduced himself. The announcement of his function within the hierarchy of his village is seems so out of surprising. Positions were closely guarded secrets, but it was always easy to tell who led from how the subordinates deferred to one person or another. For a first meeting she's intrigued that they sent a member of the village's council. She expected someone with a little less standing, maybe an ambassador.

She smiles and it's as much in approval of Gale's choice of words as it is to appear appropriately grateful. Still she's hesitant to reveal their exact status within the tribe. Until they know how this meeting will go their roles might seem strange qualifications for such an important meeting. Tilting her head she studies the man before them. It's a little more difficult that usual with only half his face visible but aside from that and his very severe expression, she gets the impression that it is worth telling him some form of the truth to start with.

"We are," she agrees, "you were under no obligation to welcome ambassadors from such an unknown clan. But we appreciate your willingness to hear our proposal out and show us your home."
vitalfunction: (Habitual motions.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-05-30 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
Gale's gaze sweeps over Baki in the measured way of someone cataloguing a potential opponent's strengths and weaknesses, but the motion falters a few times. A little too much hesitation over the chest, a stutter at upper arms, then thighs. Gale catches himself then, and rubs along the bridge of his nose to cover the embarrassment because surely he's been caught by the other man and Argilla as well. His face feels slightly warmer than usual, but it may be the environment, and there's little he can do to cover up for staring like that so Gale gives himself an almost invisible shake and breathes in once, deeply before snapping his focus back where it's supposed to be and continuing his inventory of the situation.

He is curious about covering the eye, but it is possible that it was lost. Certain members of the tribe have had injuries like that, unable to be healed completely or in time, especially before the Atma seals. He estimates that the man has skill with taijutsu, and makes a mental note to watch his movements while they walk through the village.

The question poses a little bit of a difficulty, because Argilla didn't offer anything, indicating her reluctance to reveal such information, and yet, they have just been asked. An answer is needed, but what is the best one?

"Giving a thorough answer to those last two questions would require some time. Narrowing the focus will give us a starting point for the conversation. Our proposal is best delivered in a comfortable location where we can talk--"

Gale stops, and though he moves to keep up, his gaze is arrested by the abrupt change in architecture, as well as obviously placing some of the locals to those different styles. He can pick out the shinobi--the soldiers-- easily enough by movement and dress, but the others... Civilians? They have not been inside one of the hidden villages yet, and only passed through what was obviously civilian territory, and Gale had expected an all military base for the village. What he sees does not match up with that expectation, and yet like many things about Suna, feels... right. It's very confusing, and he glances at Argilla to determine if she feels the same.

"There are civilians here?"
mother_earth: (worried | nervous | holding self)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-05-31 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
The slight arch in Argilla's brow is the only outward sign that she's caught him looking at Baki like a meal. If it weren't entirely inappropriate at the moment she'd say something, or give him a prod in the side. Though it didn't look like that would be necessary so she remains silent and allows Gale to make state under what circumstances they would divulge certain information. There were too many variables at present for her to feel fully comfortable giving out too much in the way of personal information about herself and the tribe, and it was far too open.

As they walk, her eyes are taking in everything they possibly can. It'd be easier if they were higher up, some of these buildings were just too tall for her to get a solid picture of the layout in any direction other than directly ahead of them. She didn't entirely like it. It reminded her of when they had to traverse the maze that was the Maribel's base, and for one used to being able to see fairly far on her own without the use of a scope, the obstructions made her feel confined; almost claustrophobic. And as ridiculous as it sounded it made her drift a little closer to Gale than normal. Just like her hand brushed over her weapons pouch every couple swings of her arm.

She's glad Gale asked though, she was equally stunned by the civilian presence. Specifically not such a large civilian presence. But it helps ease the feeling of being trapped. If they allowed civilians to live within the village they were likely hesitant to engage in hostile action where they could be injured. Allowing her to drift back to a more normal distance between her and Gale, though her hand still brushes every so often over the clasp of the pouch.
vitalfunction: (Regarding the situation.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-01 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
Gale shrugs minutely at her raised eyebrow as they continue, but their... host? ignores the slip, so Gale sees no reason to bring it up. But he also notices Argilla's drifting closer, and shifts his own movements so that his hand brushes against hers once, appearing almost accidental, but meant as a gesture of solidarity and understanding.

But the description, and the obvious civilian presence continue to intrigue Gale. "Are they the most vulnerable civilians in your territory? Or perhaps, are their skills most useful to the soldiers?"

Those are the two major reasons that Gale can hazard a guess at for civilians living so closely with the soldiers in their base. He doesn't really dislike the idea, and really, the only worry is the civilians disturbing the routine that the soldiers need to maintain safety. Rules and extending knowledge would easily prevent that. But for all of that, it's new and Gale watches especially any interactions between obvious civilians and Suna shinobi, at least when he isn't looking at the eateries and shops.

"This is all very different from our own base on our island."
mother_earth: (curious | what)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-06-01 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
She gives Gale a wan smile. It was as much as in thanks as it was acknowledgment. The gesture was a help in settling her back into the calm needed for the meeting. It would make any talks go more smoothly if they were a united front. And it would possibly make them think twice about attempting to delay them from the rest of their trip for whatever potential plans they are entertaining.

Strange to her as it, Argilla likes that civilians are present in the village population. Something made it feel like it gave the Suna shinobi a purpose. Reminded them every day what they were doing as a military group. And it was pleasing to watch the young shinobi buy flowers from a civilian woman who chatted with him about something other. But watching the people only did so much.

They still had no idea where they were going, no matter how well they were watching the streets to build their own mental maps in case they need to make a hasty exit. "Would it be alright to ask where you're taking us to talk?"
vitalfunction: (There might actually be a smile here.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-03 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
"And many shinobi present should we prove a threat." Gale hums in approval. It's something he would seek to arrange for if there was a visitor to their island. While not the most welcoming, or best for their cause, it proves that Sunagakure takes its safety seriously, and that is pleasing.

Gale doesn't say anything more, hearing the question behind the words well enough but not wanting to talk where so many could be listening in. They can discuss things further when they are settled somewhere private, and he nods slightly at Argilla to indicate his opinion on the matter. He's sure she'll understand what his look towards the building means.
mother_earth: (flirty | come here)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-06-03 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
Wise village to meet in such a way with strangers. She could just imagine how Gale felt about Baki's answer. And she can't find any fault in the choice herself. Until you reached the point where if attacked she and Gale wouldn't be so easily overwhelmed by numbers. They were two of the Embryon's core members for a reason.

"We find that acceptable." So basically they can and will talk more then.
vitalfunction: (Regarding the situation.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-03 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"It is."

Gale does a quick sweep of the room with his senses and once he's sure there is nothing amiss, settles in the chair that has the best balance between a defensive position and the need to reach the exit, just in case. He pulls the chair to one side out as well, and sits far enough back from the table so that he could easily stand and kick. Or transform.

Once they're all settled, Gale meets Baki's eye. "I could see that you had more questions you wished to ask. We cannot guarantee answers to all of them, as some answers could threaten the safety of our clan, but we will answer what we can safely provide. Let's take care of that portion first."
vitalfunction: (Habitual motions.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-13 05:10 am (UTC)(link)
Gale, moving carefully to telegraph that his motion is not offensive, produces a map. Overlaid on an otherwise blank spot between Sea Country and Sky Country in the same orange they wear on their clothing is an hand-drawn island.

"We have determined that this is our approximate location. It puts us further south and technically closer to Water Country than Lightning Country, but of the larger nations, the other that is close is Fire Country."

That complete, Gale leans back and rubs the bridge of his nose. How much to tell? In the end, he decides that omitting the experiment itself is acceptable, but it would be too difficult to answer without mentioning it at all.

"Summoning Island was the location selected by a group performing several experiments on captive test subjects. Our clan is formed by the survivors, after we broke free and overpowered our captors."
mother_earth: (dont you think | kinda flirty)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-06-17 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
Not their first, they've both handled negotiations for tribe before; both with disastrous results. It leaves them understandably a little wary. Still, Argilla finds Gale's explanation of their circumstances for coming together acceptable. It leaves out details but that was always going to happen. There were things that they weren't ready to share with the world as a whole.

She glances to the map. The orange lines drawing her gaze. "As you can see, we've traveled considerable distance to get here." They were of little thread. The map showed clearly that many of the places one would place ports were impassable. The single port both an advantage and disadvantage. She trusted that Baki could see that and realize they weren't so unwise to share such information so carelessly.
vitalfunction: (The perfect balance.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-19 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
Gale notices the frown and glances at Argilla. She's better at determining which emotion causes changes in expression. Regardless, the question is one they've asked themselves multiple times. Gale can only offer what they've guessed.

He shrugs slightly and spits out one word, 'law' with special vehemence. "We cannot answer that. We suspect the correct answer is no, but we have confirmed that all of our memories were tampered with. Before, not one of us remembered being children, and our first memories were almost all exactly the same. We were woken by the researchers--we were told they were priests--in a dark place underground, then told the 'law', given the bare minimum of weapons and armor and led up many fights stairs to the surface, and the rain."

Gale's hand moves, so that the back of it is brushing Argilla's, and he looks at her for a moment, expression distant and both sad and relieved at the same time. "It happened in groups, typically, though very few have the luxury of any others from their 'batch' still being alive."

"Now, some memories have returned, but they are jumbled at best. For most of us, it manifests as only a strange sense of familiarity without knowing why, or knowing something--a name, a place, an activity--without knowing why or how we know."
mother_earth: (sad | looking down)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-06-19 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
She merely nods at Gale. The frown doesn't have anything to do with being sad. And she's hesitant to call how he seems angry. Perhaps displeased would be accurate. Whatever it was she didn't think it was a bad reaction them specifically.

There's a moment where she tenses at the idea of sharing just how compromised their memories are. It isn't something she really likes sharing or talking about. It's enough to suffer the gaps and blank spaces on their own. At least the tribe is all on the same page with their memories. As much as she would like to know where she came from or remember being a child, telling people outside the tribe feels wrong.

She smiles a little at the touch. Her fingers responding in kind. She understands that look, the feelings behind it. They'd survived the loss of a lot of comrades. Embryon and not. They were each others constants since they joined their first tribe together.

She lets out a slow breath. "Feelings. We didn't always have feelings or only had very basic understanding before memories started coming back."
vitalfunction: (Hmm?)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-21 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
"We are attempting to be careful with information, however, our memories being tampered with extends as far as language and concepts in some cases. We often have to ask for clarification in ways that cause suspicion or confusion in others, because the concepts are ubiquitous elsewhere."

Gale shrugs slightly. That is his reasoning for revealing it. Better to be open and honest so one side can't claim betrayal or use it as an excuse to back out of an alliance after the fact. If the information removes allies or makes enemies they will deal with it when the time comes. However, there is one thing he must clear up.

"We are not a village, nor are we trying to claim that status. Becoming one is unlikely as well, though the final decision will be Leader's. We are a tribe, which we have determined is closest to clan. Still, reputation is important to cultivate. If you have any suggestions, we will listen to them."
mother_earth: (uh | calmly stepping back here)

[personal profile] mother_earth 2015-06-22 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
It amuses Argilla, how so many of the people they have spoken with or met are warning them about what information they share. Clearly they think them a little more damaged in the head than they actually were. They were far more protective of the information that could prove harmful. This was more a clarification of how best to communicate with them, and to not consider them purposely obtuse in most cases.

Argilla isn't entirely pleased with the idea of building a reputation. It would make them targets for further hostility if they proved to distinguish themselves from the other groups in the world. There's a fractional shift to her posture, her body language closing off.

"Perhaps suggestions that would not make us targets for hostile action."
vitalfunction: (The perfect balance.)

[personal profile] vitalfunction 2015-06-26 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"A village is made up of multiple clans, in addition to other individuals that do not belong to a specific clan, correct?"

Gale doesn't wait for confirmation before continuing. "The other tribes in the ruins are all gone, dead, or absorbed into the Embryon when their leaders died. We do not fit the qualifications for a village. If this fact makes it unlikely that others will ally with us, we will deal with that as it appears. We will not deceive or pretend to be something that we are not, as that will have worse consequences."

Satisfied with his explanation, Gale took a moment to consider the next question. "We are soldiers. All we know is war, even though we hope for more peaceful work. We are not clear on many of the things that would qualify for shinobi service, as those things were not included, or removed from our memories. Records recovered from our captors indicate that that was our ultimate purpose, but we broke free and overpowered them before they could begin the next 'stage' of their experiments."