The Temple of the Whispering Wind

You approach the first guardsman, his companions falling into line behind you as he guides the group through the palace corridors; eventually leading out onto the great arching bridge that connecting the castle to the surrounding city. For a brief moment, you find yourself glancing back at your childhood home...a bit off-put at the idea of leaving your life of royal privilege for the hard road of an adventurer. But they're soon blasted out of your mind by the sheer energy and racket as your little group works it's way through the city center It takes you and your men's full attention to make a path through the crowds of merchants, tourists, and day-laborers; the buildings and walkways packed tighter here then anywhere else in town. In no time at all, you feel yourself slipping into a bad mood.

"Gods... this couldn't come soon enough," you sigh in relief when the guard signals you to stop; the black archway of the God of the Whispering Wind towering before you. The passers-by look at you somewhat strangely; your clothes very unique against the styles of the eastern provinces, but you just take it inside and flash them a roguish grin. Guards standing guard over the entrance, you pass under the archway with a whispered prayer to this place's patron, a wave of calm clarity wiping away all other feelings as you step into the sacred garden. A ring of flowering fruit trees camouflage the walls and bath the entire place in shade. The only sign of human presence was the straight cobblestone path that you followed, leading to a clearing and the small open-air shire where a young woman you could only assume was Asuka stood completely still on one leg.

"Who goes there?" She asks before you're even halfway down the path. "This place is reserved for a sacred meeting...come back later if you must." One of her hands chops forward, finger pointing back towards the entrance.

"That meeting would be with me." You answer confidently, approaching the young woman and tentatively shaking her hand. "Ridley, Prince of the Wind Kingdom. That's who you're here to meet, no?"

You barely finish her sentence before she falls to her knee, keeping a strong grip on your hand and shaking in return. "My liege," she looks up at your face dutifully. "I've waited many years to finally hear you speak to me directly, and the priests foretold you'd do. It is time we were properly introduced. I am Asuka, warrior of the Whispering Wind and your loyal retainer."

You rub the back of your neck, never really having been much for formality. "So you already know what's going on, eh?" You smile, slowly sliding your hand out of hers.

"Of course, my prince. What kind of Kunoichi would I be if I didn't listen for important information? You are going out on an adventure, and need loyal companions to protect and comfort you through the journey, no?"

"That's about right..." you start, deciding to leave out the last part of the prophecy for now. "I'm a mage, after all. It's not like it's the easiest to take out monsters on my own."

"Understood. Anything you need of me, I shall provide it." She swears before standing back up, arms crossings her chest. "Please, if there is anything you wish to know about me before we begin, I'd be happy to answer you." She looks on expectantly...the fabric covering her lips pushed ever so slightly up, suggesting some kind of smile underneath.