#cursed hand

heir to a bottle making family and the powerful spirit she's accidentally kept inside a bottle in her bedroom for years

- Sarah Fier’s Cursed Hand by Houston Sharp

Loose ends [2] 2019.06.09 The sun was rising over Thanalan, sending long strings of light inside the garden on the top floor of the Black Pearl Spa. Two men were already seated there, with the older - a Far-Eastern Hyur - preparing tea for the both of them. They kept the silence linger a while longer, only broken by the gentle babbling of the fountain and the singing birds inside the garden. Tea was poured into two cups, one handed over to the Raen. “[Please, enjoy. This is the new arrival of tea from Doma.]” The older man simply said in his native Doman, a smile on his lips. “[Thank you, Hyeon. So tell me, how did it go yesterday?]” The Raen took a deep breath, letting the gentle aroma of the tea fill his nostrils. “[As well as expected, maybe even better. I believe we’ll see the waves of this little event in a few sennights. Words of mouth is a powerful advertising tool after all.]” There was a moment of silence, hesitation perhaps, though that wasn’t in Hyeon’s habits to show uncertainty. The Raen picked up on it immediately. “[Not everything went right, mm?]” He said with an amused tone, as if to lighten his companion’s mood. “[I can see when your smile doesn’t reach your eyes, my friend. Something tells me I might not be happy with what you’ll have to say…]” “[I’m sorry Uji, but alas you’re right. The Council of Mujihigi, two of them actually, they came yesterday evening. They asked about an old ‘employee’ of ours, Nao Tsuki.]” The old man replied with a sigh. The Raen - none other than Ujitoshi Hagane, leader of the Feng Huang Ying syndicate - lifted a thin and elegant eyebrow at that. “[Nao? Wasn’t she an informant of ours? Ah yes I remember now… a courtesan as well. We could never find her though and it’s been what? Almost over a Twelvemoon since her disappearance. What could the Council even want with her. And how strange a coincidence too…]” Sun Hyeon let out a small chuckle though it wasn’t out of good humor. “[I dare say they are suspicious of us as well. Lady Hiensou and Lord Moro of house Oki; the former asked to brew their tea herself, which is a blatant indicator she didn’t trust to leave the spa alive.]” Speaking of tea reminded the old man he still cradled his own cup between his hands and he took a sip to remedy that. Ujitoshi drained his own small cup as if it contained sake and let out a low grunt. “[So in other words, they’re pointing fingers at us for her disappearance. But are they stupid enough to think I’d jeopardize the syndicate’s position JUST as I invested money into the Mujihigi?! There’s something else going on, we can’t see the whole picture… and neither can they apparently.]” “[Whatever the truth is, they chose a bad moment to come. I did my best to stir the conversation away, despite the Lady’s insistence. Of course, the sooner you can meet with them, the better.]” Hyeon replied in his usual calm tone. Ujitoshi leaned back, holding his weight on one arm while the free hand still held onto his empty cup. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “[Thank you my friend. I wish to involve you as minimally as possible with the syndicate’s dealings but it seems troubles comes knocking at the door of the spa too often. But, as always, your work to keep the reputation of the spa untarnished and the syndicate well hidden is highly appreciated. I’ll send a messenger so they can decide of a meeting place and a time.]” Sun Hyeon looked at the Raen with surprise. “[Uji… isn’t that a bit dangerous? Granted I know you, and it’s not a decision you just took lightly. Have someone accompany you at the very least.]” The Raen turned his amber gaze towards the old man and smiled. “[I will not guide the syndicate to greatness without taking risks. But they’re all calculated risks, as you’re well aware. Beside, I managed to elude the Cursed Hand for so long and survive. It’s not so I can be defeated by the next contender. Thus I’ll meet with them, on their own terms and show them the might of a Phoenix rising back from the ashes!]” His smile turned to a toothy grin as he extended his arm for Hyeon to refill that empty cup.

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This simple note had the power to stir his darkest emotions, making sure the flame of hatred would burn bright, for as long as it would take to find Ichiro. But the time of waiting was long pass. No, this time, he’d bring the fight to him. He’d force him into a corner, destroy anyone or anything he’d cherish, crush his ambitions and rip apart his disgusting fantasies. “And I’ll enjoy every moment of it, Ichiro.”   For a brief moment, Katsuro had the cruelest smile on his lips. But his only witness was the old Kaito, who was no stranger to the Black Snake’s malice. The smile soon faded and the note was shoved back into its hiding spot. Swiftly getting up, Katsuro walked towards the vestibule to put on his boots. He cast a last glance towards the Raen, who merely bowed in Far-Eastern fashion, before leaving the Chantry of Shadows.