"China?"<br/><br/>The word slipped past her lips with a hint of uncertainty. She shrugged her shoulders a little. Esmerelda knew the people of this region were not very friendly, but the particular town before them had a reputation for taking to outsiders. They were the commoners, the hard workers. The farmers and the carpenters. She was used to these kinds of people. The true hard workers of the world. She came from just such a family .. but her own had been lost in the spoils. Rather than cherishing the glory of their work.<br/><br/>"Rare exception is true. They're not like the rest of the population which inherits this land."<br/><br/>Esmerelda was used to hostility, violence and fear. It wasn't often she could look forward to a kind, and gracious welcoming. When she had partaken in the Holy Crusades, and voyaged with the Spanish Armada, outsiders had not accepted them as easily as they had thought. She'd sleign in the name of another mans God and mourned the death of friend and ally. Her soul was just as torn as any other.<br/><br/>"Your compliment is kindly accepted.<br/><br/>A soft blush flourished upon her pale flesh. It's soft rogue hue very evident upon her cheeks. She was flush of all color with that minor exception. Oh the woes of being a woman. She loved it. As they approached the town, a very pleasant smile graced her lips. The corners upturned sweetly. Her expression and reaction were all pleasant. The laughter and open air of the community was something she'd long since been looking forward to.<br/><br/>She gestured for her traveling companion to follow as she proceeded into the village center. A few of children questioned then, in a language not so common. Curious kiddies followed them, one in particular had began to rug upon the flow of her sleeve. Pausing Esmerelda lowered onto one knee and ruffled the obsidian tresses of the young boy, whose dirty face beamed up at her curiously.<br/><br/>"Miho.."<br/><br/>The boys eyes lit up and his mouth moved to mouthed the letters which formed the word. His expression spoke knowing and familiarity.<br/><br/>OLEANDER!<br/><br/>A soft giggled was surpressed and she stood with a nod. Ruffling his hair. She'd passed through this town once before on her journey in the other direction. Only then the children had known her as Oleander .. and though the lot of them knew she was a woman, some of the elders might not of known the difference.<br/><br/>"You'll find just about anything you need here, and they're willing to bargain for good prices or trades. Where is your next destination? Perhaps a night in this town will help you find your sense of direction and perhaps let you become familiar with the way of these lands."