The weary rag-tag bunch rode into Syvatlo, a dusty little town. Baichu looked around to her comrades with looks of sore-bottom from not riding often before glancing towards the wooden structures. It wasn’t anything impressive or note-worthy, but didn’t lack the feeling of life like the flat roads had. The market was bustling with peddlers and tradesmen just dying to force their goods down your throat and take your hard earned coin in exchange.<br/><br/>Baichu sniffed precariously at the smell of food wafting through the air. Her stomach roared with hunger at the scent of real food compared to stale beets. Even Shroud, her newly named horse, pawed the ground with heavy hoof at some nearby grains and wickered softly.<br/><br/>“Shhh. There will be time for feasting soon, friend.”<br/><br/>A hand gently patted the thick neck of the animal. What she really wanted was to clean up and purchase better goods first; then she’d treat her stomach. Baichu looked down at her ensemble of wear. If she traded in these overbearing armor pieces and weapons to a Smith she’d get a good bit of coin. Maybe purchase a new chest plate even if she was given enough to spare. Then find herself a tradesmen or Weapon-monger from the Steppes to gather the rest of her essential goods… They were close enough to home that there had to be one nearby. Her people were natural nomads and pursuers of progress after all.<br/><br/>Shroud pulled up beside the fiery haired woman with an indignant humph. Baichu opened her mouth to inform the Witch that her service was done when the woman spoke up before her.<br/><br/>“We can't stay in the Plains, someone is bound to piece together what happened and come after us with our armor here," she said with a wave to them all. "We have to scrape together some more money and leave the realm, at least for a little while. Most important, we have to stick together."<br/><br/>Baichu knitted her brows together. She saw no need to stay together anymore. Yes, they needed to ditch their armor, which she was already planning, and money was scarce… but she was a survivor and would make do now that she had a steed and Peschek’s coin. Her brother’s throat was awaiting the slit from her knife still and she was impatient. Once again the Khan tried to voice her own goals when a scarred little man came up with an offer of Mercenary Work at a Tavern up the way. Then he waddled away and the Khanate decided she didn’t like the scarred man. He spoke ill of his Master and an\ servant who spoke ill of his master wasn’t trustworthy or his Master wasn’t deserving of respect in her eyes.<br/><br/><br/>Katerina to her left nodded after the man. "A perfect opportunity has arisen. Any thoughts, my friends?" Everyone gave their two scents but the fallen noble. “I will pass for now. My service to you in finished. I have my own goals, Lady Katerina.” She wouldn’t use her nickname for the woman here due to the public nature. “However, if I find myself in need of more coin after I finish my business here at the market then I will meet you at the Tavern.”<br/><br/>With that she bowed her head respectively to each person before pulling the reins of Shroud to head deeper into the market. In an hour’s time she had sold all the stolen goods from the plain’s battle except, of course, the stolen coin and the umbra wolf cloak tied like a skirt around her waist. A battle trophy. The black haired beauty then found herself infront of a man selling Jade from the Steppes. His slitted eyed widened immensely at the sight of her and bowed his head repeatedly. “Much respect!” he practically hollered in their native language. Baichu clucked her tongue angrily at herself, berating that she hadn’t thought about if they’d recognize her or not.<br/><br/>“Calm yourself.” She said slowly raising her freehand, the other held Shroud’s new reins, and the man quieted. “My Khan, the people feared you died.” She raised her eyebrows in shock. “I am not the Khan, Miao-brother. I am an exiled woman and shamed warrior.” The man shook his braided bearded face with a dark smirk. “Many of the other Caravans respect you and preferred you as Khan to your fool brother. The previous Khan showed that you deserved honor despite being a woman. We will not fall for the treacherous lies he spread about you killing the Beloved Khan. You would never bring harm or dishonor to the Khanate, Mistress.”<br/><br/>She swallowed a thick lump in her throat at his comment. She had killed her father, but for the first time she would lie to her people. “Yes. The viper spews poison into the Steppes. What is the situation there?” Shame filled her as the man nodded in excitement. “Many have brought their flags and horses under the False-Khan’s banner. He yells for war but cannot move until all are under his name. Some still hold off thinking that we aren’t ready like you had once suggested. He is too hot-headed. Calls himself the Stone Dragon at times like child. So the people hoping you would return call you the Jaded Dragon, because you were betrayed but remain stronger, smarter, and more beautiful than him. Whom better than you to represent our primary jeweled product?”<br/><br/>Baichu was taken aback. Completely. To think some Caravans still waited for her… were ready to fight and die under her as Kahn. As a woman! Baichu thought she’d just ride in and challenge her brother to a duel. Didn’t care if she died after as long as she restored her honor. But this… this changed things. She clenched her eyes in desperate attempt to not shed a tear and appear weak. Instead she focused on the cheesy name they had given her. It was horrible but befitting. Breathing in deeply she spoke with a stern gaze, “I will return to the Steppes someday soon. I am not yet strong enough to face my brother or support the people. Many believe I betrayed them. I must gather supporters and coin before I return. Worthy to take back our lands. Travel back and tell my loyal nomads this… That the Jaded Dragon will ride into battle roaring with the ferocity of our land’s winds and waters. My horse’s hooves shall make men tremble and my falcons will blind traitors with their talons. But they must have patience…”<br/><br/><br/>He practically bounced with her heated words. She knew now that she’d have to convince the magic-flinger to assist her in taking back the Steppes. She was going to go to war. The tradesmen let Baichu use his facilities to wash her slave worn body. His hands gently pulled a jade comb through her long hair, returning it to silken layers, and braided in some beads here and there. Finally he sold her a new halberd, better fitting armor, his beautiful woven leather saddle for Shroud, some lady face-paints, and dark black/red women’s clothing. She had hardly any coin near the end and waved goodbye to the man who began packing up to begin his journey to spread the word that Baichu Khan was on a war path.<br/><br/>She adorned her new garments and armor with red eye liner that was accented her exotic hawkish features. Her clean, midnight, mane flowed out behind her steady steps with Horse and weapon in each hand. People glanced at her with wanting or nervous glances as she passed them with chin held high. Almost arrogantly. Baichu approached the Tavern, tied up Strode at the stables with some hay, and strode in with searching eyes. Surprised that she didn’t see anyone yet the woman sat at a lone table with crossed arms. She ignored catcalls and ordered a stew and tea, watching what she assumed was their hirers with calculating orbs.<br/><br/>((Sorry it’s super rough. I’m tired lol.))