Appearances

—Wait, wait, wait! We’re not going in there —Jacob stopped the entire group.
—I figured. This guy wants to trick us into getting robbed —Magaska joined Jacob; both drew their weapons.
—Ufufuf, aaah, what a problem… —Ayakashi laughed softly while the group stopped at the edge of Velez-Valar.
—Mina’s idea should help us, Ithil. This was a waste of time, let’s go —Inola took Ithil’s hand and pulled him, but he didn’t move an inch. He looked at the group and said:
—I think we should accept Ayakashi’s help… after all, he seems trustworthy —Ithil replied to the others while Ayakashi whispered in his ear. Ithil recited his words as if it were a mantra:
—Ayakashi is trustworthy. Don’t worry, haven’t you heard that the most trustworthy animal is a fox? —Ayakashi said in a low voice, and Ithil repeated aloud what was being whispered to him.
—…… —Mina and the others couldn’t take their eyes off Ayakashi.
—I CAN HEAR YOU, YOU DEGENERATE FOX! —Inola shouted at the top of his lungs.
—What are your intentions? Ayakashi, it’s obvious they aren’t entirely selfless —Mina separated Ithil from Ayakashi, picking him up. With a firm tone, she asked point-blank:
—Aaw, I was having fun, very well, very well, I’ll tell you what you need to know —Ayakashi waved his fan. Almost as if it were an order, the fearsome grass of Al-Darius shrank and retreated among the stones without a trace, creating a path for the group.
—Brothers, did you see that? —Leonidas couldn’t hide his surprise at Ayakashi’s maneuver.
—Mmmm, my head… aah, I’m dizzy —Ithil suddenly sat down, putting his head between his knees, dizzy from Ayakashi’s influence.
—One more time before I get violent… Who are you? Is "Ayakashi" even your real name? —Mina lifted Ithil.
—Oooh, giving a name is a very intimate thing between spirits, Miss Mina; it is not advisable or prudent —Ayakashi turned around, waving his fan, and looked at them over his shoulder.
—Ufufufuf, come in, come in, don’t fear curiosity. Mister Leader, bring your team this way; you will be safe with Ayakashi. As long as you don’t cross these ropes, the forest will respect you… besides, the forest also requires your help.
Thick white silk ropes stretched across the cobblestones; dyed colorful ribbons hung between the ropes here and there. The path ahead extended into shadows; strange breathing noises and beings chewing could be heard from time to time. The young adventurers looked at each other in total distrust. Mina took Ithil, deciding not to set a single foot in the forest.
—I think we’ll look for another option, Mr. Ayakashi, thank you very much —Mina replied with a short bow. Ithil, still dizzy, had trouble standing.
—Wai… wait —Ithil gathered strength to speak.
—Ithil, we don’t even know who this person is; your judgment is compromised and, as such, I am responsible for the group now —Mina, firm and authoritative, picked up Ithil and threw him into Leonidas’s arms; the strong man caught him without difficulty.
—Exactly, and you’re unbearable; for some reason, I can’t stop myself from wanting to punch you!! —Inola turned to look at Ayakashi.
—Ufufufuf, I see, I see, Mister Leader, your group is quite united; that makes me want to like you even more!! —Ayakashi’s voice suddenly shifted mid-sentence into a marked, deep masculine tone without explaining how or why. His fox mask changed into a beautiful red mask with fangs; a cold grimace was reflected on it.
—I imagine you are going to the town of Nichiren… I think it’s in your interest to prevent it from ending up like the town of Nivoria… Isn’t that right… Varneth? —Ayakashi suddenly seemed like a fearsome being; horns grew on his mask with a creak of wood and lacquer. The young people immediately went on guard again.
—Aaaawww, I offer my apologies!! You make me lose my patience, I don’t like it when I get like this —Ayakashi covered his face with his fan. The red mask disappeared and, in its place, a smiling monkey mask appeared. Delicately, he knelt and made a deep bow, placing his fan in front, joining the tips of his fingers on the fan without separating them.
—Adventurers who liberated Nivoria, I require your help to avoid a tragedy relevant to both your people and mine. My name is Ayakashi Hososhi, and I humbly ask for your collaboration —this time Ayakashi’s voice turned almost childlike; his tone exuded confidence and humility. For the first time, they saw Ayakashi asking for help directly; upon lifting his gaze, the calm fox mask returned.
—That… was unsettling, to say the least… —Mina, with her fist raised and about to punch Ayakashi, lowered her guard a bit.
—Nnngg, Magaska doesn’t want another Nivoria to happen… neither does Varneth… Mina? We want to avoid it at all costs —Magaska and Varneth pleaded with wide eyes to Mina.
—Neither do I, girls, I understand… AYAKASHI, we will cooperate, but we don’t want you interfering with our decisions —Mina put away her weapons. Ithil, still dizzy, processed what had happened little by little; his mind, still clouded by Ayakashi’s interference, laboriously ordered his thoughts. He looked at Mina and, from Leonidas’s shoulder, said:
—I leave it to you, Mina —before closing his eyes again.
—Oooh, I feel honored to have your trust, ufufuf —Ayakashi laughed softly.
—Sister Mina, we are ready —Leonidas loaded his huge backpack with various items and consumables again, with Ithil on his other shoulder.
—Oh, oh, oh, what do you have there?… huuum —Ayakashi put his closed fan to his mouth; the fox mask changed into that of an old man.
—The immortal forest is especially jealous of objects made and procured outside of it. I can advise that we store the items in my humble house, which by the way, you are welcome to visit —Ayakashi said, giving a small bow.
—We gladly accept your offer, and forgive us if we make mistakes; we still don’t know how to behave in your house —Jacob gave a small bow; Ayakashi responded in the same manner.
—Oooh, with pleasure, you are welcome —Ayakashi seemed to be happier; his masks, dyed in a soft peach color, shone with a cheerful, soft pink tone.
—Let’s go, let’s go… hum, yes… yes, I have snacks at home… oh, but I don’t have tea… what a problem!!… Kawazu!! Sanshouo!! —Ayakashi shouted to the air in a cheerful and hurried tone. From among the branches, with dew and moss, a frog and a salamander emerged.
—Yes!! Your excellence —both creatures responded to Ayakashi and looked at the group.
—Are these people your guests, your great excellence? —asked the salamander, who wore a belt of clover stalks.
—Ooh, yes, yes they are, Sanshouo —Ayakashi replied to the little salamander.
—Oh, what happiness, Mr. Ayakashi, you don’t know how much joy it gives us that your excellence has guests… buhuhuhu, it’s such a happy day that it makes us cry.
The little frog rubbed its huge eyes before Ayakashi; it wore a small vest made of dry grass dyed with fruit.
—Yes!! Yes!! Ehem, ufufufu, I need you to go to Jakuto and ask him to bring tea to my house; you can take sesame seeds from my house… I want good tea for me and my guests. Aaa, yes, and if you can, bring some Rebril fruits —Ayakashi cleared his throat and with his fan sent both creatures back into the forest.
Inola and Jacob looked at each other and then at the others, who were watching how the little animals talked to Ayakashi. Inola tried to speak, but Jacob stopped him.
—Rebril? Like the expensive liquor? —Inola asked aloud.
—Rebril is an extremely expensive and rare fruit… it only grows in certain regions and with very little success; for every hundred bushes, only one bears fruit, and it only happens every ten years… the liquor people drink is an infusion in alcohol… I’ve never tasted real Rebril, only byproduct macerations —Jacob laughed and scratched his nose, answering in a low voice.
—This way… this way!! Dear guests, the forest receives you with pleasure —Ayakashi continued his path; one animal or another came out from under the ropes to greet the group.
—Magaska feels a lot of movement around us —Magaska directed her hand to a rope to lift it and look underneath, but was stopped by Inola.
—Let’s not be reckless, Magaska… those ropes are there to protect us, it’s better if it stays that way —Inola, without looking underneath, continued with the others.
—All right —Magaska moved away while a huge eye with three pupils shaped like cherry blossoms watched her from under the rope.
Soon they arrived at the end of the path; a small flame floated in the garden of a mansion made entirely of wood and copper roofing. Six stone jinzos rested on a covered altar to the side of the house entrance; two small stone mice with spears guarded the altar. Stone and mortar founded the construction, while huge debarked logs served as pillars carved with reliefs of animals and plants; a garden with stone lamps and red arches rested in the back.
—And here we are!! This is my humble home, come in, come in… oo, right, Slippers for the guests!! Wait a moment at the door, I’ll be right back —Ayakashi ran to the house door that was in front of them.
—Hey, have you noticed? It doesn’t feel exactly like the same person! —Leonidas looked at Ayakashi, who was running in a hurry to get sandals for the group, barely able to carry them all in both hands; they were spilling out the sides as he ran to the door.
—Let me help you —Leonidas instinctively approached Ayakashi and took some slippers.
—Oh heavens, thanks boy, you are very kind —Ayakashi covered his face with his fan, and a maiden’s mask appeared behind it; Leonidas took the slippers and blushed a little.
—Eerm, yes, thanks, I just like to help —Leonidas took the slippers to the main gate where Ayakashi, once again, wore his usual fox mask.
—Mmm, you should see your silly face —Inola threw a paper ball at Leonidas’s head. Ayakashi returned from the door and invited them in.
—Ready, come in, come in —the group entered, leaving their shoes behind and putting on the slippers; little animals and small spheres of light approached to peek curiously at the group and the house.
—This way… take a seat, I’ll be right back… Grandma Kasa… could you prepare us tea? —Ayakashi directed his attention to the end of a hallway that the group couldn’t see; they took seats on cushions on the floor and placed Ithil lying down to one side. A large table made from a slice of tree stood in the center of the room, varnished with a soft, perfect, mirror-like shine; in it, a grayish and old mansion was reflected, almost ruined, full of dust and in darkness, while they were in a posh mansion with beautiful finishes and paintings done on paper scrolls on the walls. Upon noticing it, a chill passed through the young adventurers.
—Sure, sure, your excellence, I will bring it in a moment. Just Jokuto brought the tea, I think he wanted to see it too, hu hu hu hu… —a very old voice replied; the kids could feel the supernatural air of the place.
—I’ll help you bring the tea, Grandma Kasa… wait a moment… Jokuto, what a pleasure —before entering the hallway, a sparrow with a small handkerchief on its head chirped at the window.
—Excellence!! It is always an honor; I brought you the best tea I possess and a generous portion of Rebril fruit. By the way, if it is not too much daring, the frogs from the west side are eager to come and talk to the guests; it is rare to see outsiders in the forest. The tanukis from the Sho river also want to know if your excellence’s guests can trade.
—Hummm, I think it wouldn’t be entirely appropriate… oo, what a problem. Miss Leader, what do you think? —Mina, upon hearing the chatter at the window, looked at the sparrow, which looked back at her joyfully and with high expectations.
—Mmm, that’s fine, although we don’t have much to trade —Mina gave a soft smile, and Jacob said to her:
—Mr. Jokuto, is it? It will be a pleasure to exchange items with you, although since we didn’t come with commercial intentions, we don’t have much; maybe a little food and some tools —Jacob gave a small bow; Jokuto, joyful, gave a couple of happy chirps and turned toward the forest from the window.
—We did it!! Eeeeeeh —a joyful cheering was heard from among the bushes outside the mansion’s fence; a couple of tanukis wearing white handkerchiefs on their heads scurried through the bushes; the frogs hopped into the small stream to spread the news as well.
—But! Maybe tomorrow. Tell the white tanukis and the frogs of the Lotus clan that they can come tomorrow; today my guests must rest; after all, they are on a mission!! —Ayakashi looked at the adventurers out of the corner of his eye; the brown happy monkey mask could be seen on Ayakashi.
—Allow me a moment, adventurers, I will go for the tea so we can discuss what comes next —Ayakashi made a delicate turn and, as if sliding down the hallway, disappeared to the end of it.

—Guys… Inola and I want to ask you a question… do you see the creatures Ayakashi talks to? —Jacob looked at them seriously and paid attention to the others’ response. Inola, in total composure, also waited for the answer.
—Well, yes… why shouldn’t we? —Mina asked, bewildered.
—You shouldn’t; everything here is a spirit, even the house is a very strong entity —Inola replied, crossing his arms; he turned to look at Jacob.
—It worries me a little; I’ve never heard of a spirit that lets you see other spirits… —Jacob thought and tilted his head to the right with his eyes closed.
—Magaska thinks that maybe we died!! —she said scared, with chills running through her pearly hair.
—What? Seriously? —Leonidas, bewildered and nervous, asked the others.
—I don’t think so, Ayakashi needs help from someone outside; if not, whatever he needs, he would have done it himself —Ithil got up from the floor, rubbing his head.
—Ithil, are you okay? Magaska was worried —Magaska cheered joyfully as always.
—Hahaha, yes Magaska, excuse my behavior, guys, and thanks Mina for covering for me —Ithil sat down with the others and looked at the reflection on the table sideways.
—Heh, heh, what did we get ourselves into now… —Ithil looked at Jacob.
—Our host is special, Ithil; we must be careful —Jacob settled into the red cushion in the living room.
—For the moment, I don’t detect any malice in him; in fact, I feel he’s happy to have guests —Mina told them with her arms crossed.
—Well then, just wait —Ithil, giving a few pats on Leonidas, cracked his neck and fists, waiting for Ayakashi to return.
—Well, if I remember correctly, Nana told me about the customs of the northern clans of Iphenor and Llytnia; it seems Ayakashi is related to those clans; his attire and customs are similar. If I remember correctly, we should sit like this —Jacob sat in a curious pose, on his knees with his feet back; his straight back maintained a formal posture, the others tried to imitate him.
—Eeh? Like this? …mmm, this… pose hurts!! —Inola sat similarly to Jacob; it was difficult, his body seemed unaccustomed to the pose and soon his feet began to go numb.
—Magaska has no problems, in fact, it’s comfortable!! —Magaska and Varneth were able to sit like Jacob and, like him, remained firm.
—GHaaaaaaaaa —Mina was prey to terrible cramps while Leonidas juggled to stay on the cushion.
—Well, I can stay like this for a few moments… but I think I’d better settle in however I can —Ithil crossed his legs in front and settled in; soon the cramps would reach him too.
—Ready, ready, here I bring you the tea and some snacks, I hope they are to your liking —Ayakashi returned from the end of the hallway carrying trays with clay cups; without any adornment, different clay colors mixed in the simple-designed cups; they fulfilled their purpose and, yet, were like seeing small wonders smooth to the touch, emitting a pleasant aroma between the tea and the clay of the cup; each sip of it would be a soothing experience.
—Excellence, I bring you the Rebril and Amarto snacks, I hope they are to your guests’ liking —an elderly woman hopped along the hallway; she only had one leg and wore an eye patch over her left eye; she wore a straw cape that made her look like a walking umbrella. Arriving at the edge of the guest room, she knelt and gave a small bow, leaving the dish at the entrance. Ayakashi soon mobilized silently and delicately through the red lacquered wood tray; on it, small fruits like pink cherries overflowed in honey along with other small balls of a kind of amber-colored flour.
—Thank you very much, Grandma Kasa, can you allow us a few moments? —Ayakashi received the tray. The grandmother nodded and withdrew, closing the sliding door; on it, a beautiful painting of a fox in a moss-filled forest and a gray wolf in a rocky, grassy landscape.
—So, what is the situation in which your excellence needs help? —Jacob immediately took the situation with a formal smile and a tone of seriousness and business; once again, the others had never heard Jacob use that tone of voice.
—Ha, I see, educated people. Mr. Jacob, I’m glad you can use this voice, but I would like us to talk with confidence; you can call me Ayakashi.
—Ah, I understand, Ayakashi, I think that is a good option —Jacob continued with the formalities. Inola moved his cramped feet while the others drank the tea and tasted the small sweet fruits and the amber-colored balls with curiosity.
—Woaa, Magaska has never tasted these berries!! —with star-filled eyes, Magaska delighted in the Rebril.
—Ayakashi, we hope we aren’t a bother, thank you for receiving us in your home… we would like… —Jacob.
—Ayakashi!! We understand you are an important person, we have seen it. What Jacob wants to ask and what I and my group would like to know, in what do you need help!! I bet you are a very strong person, I can see it… which leaves us wondering, why would you need the help of common people like us? —Inola stood up, propelled by a cramp attack in his feet and impatience.
—Aaah… do you consider yourself… common? —Ayakashi said as if examining Inola; an Old Man mask appeared on his face.
—Mnngg… it’s obvious you are stronger, and more beautiful… —Inola blushed, but a tint of frustration could be seen on his face.
—Aaa, I see… thank you very much young Inola… you are also very beautiful even if you can’t accept it… just as everyone at this table possesses a quality worthy of the Seishi and Katsujinken from my people’s songs. I approached you for the purity of your hearts —Ayakashi, with a smooth and beautiful movement, removed the mask from his face. Inola and Jacob were dazzled by the face; Magaska, with wide eyes and surprised, like Varneth, dropped her spoon on the table; Ithil and Leonidas, bright red, only looked intensely; Mina stayed mid-sip of the tea, it spilled a little and she placed it back. Everyone in the room was enthralled for a moment; blushing, they recovered the thread of the conversation with great difficulty.

—Ehem, thank you for your trust, Mr. Ayakashi… and… we would like to know in what we can help you, isn’t that right, Inola? —Ithil, with a handkerchief, covered the blood coming out of his nose.
—Eeh? What? Eerm? Yes… yes, yes —Inola turned away, totally embarrassed with both hands between his legs.
—Aaa… Magaska and Varneth are very confused —smoking from the neck of her shirt, Magaska took her cheeks with both hands.
—Ufufufufufuf, it was a pleasure… now let’s talk about what I need from you, I won’t lie… I will tell you what you need to know —the room turned slightly colder; the light seemed to come entirely from the table in the center of the room.
—Ithil… Mina… —Jacob looked at his companion; puffs of hot air could be seen coming out of the faces of the others. The cold kept dropping more and more while Ayakashi seemed pensive with the fan in his mouth; the weak light to fight was defeated by the greedy and insidious shadows surrounding them. Soon they saw themselves wrapped in a feeling of abandonment that surrounded them and, without noticing it, they were inside the ruined house.
—I am here in the name of my people; the world is changing and the boundaries and barriers have been forgotten or erased by carelessness or negligence… —Ayakashi breathed deeply; his words guarded anger and hatred… the house breathed with him, expanding and shrinking; fury contained in the air, anger and ruin danced on the lonely lanterns that could barely illuminate their surroundings.
—The Khuarhyanos have been through a lot, they have forgotten a lot; the lightbulb, the neon, the geotechnia, the lightings; they want to cover the night with lights and noises… —Ayakashi, in a fearsome voice that spanned the whole room, closed his eyes; the adventurers watched as spirits scurried among the shadows.
—Aaaa… but the night belongs to us, we —Ayakashi’s hand passed over his neck as if the situation gave him a macabre pleasure.
—Each shadow… —shadows of deformed animals gathered to his right while Ayakashi’s hand wandered over his right thigh.
—Each creak in the darkness… —immaterial beings surrounded them, stealing more of their heat; Ayakashi trembled and both of his hands caressed his nape.
—Each nameless voice that tells you monstrosities in the night… —giant entities made their way between the ceiling and looked at them from the dark skies. Ayakashi’s hands continued with his chest inside his hakama.
—But when they forget their boundaries and treat us like simple animals!! —the lamps turned red and the walls began to spill lines of blood; the floor lost its shape and began to palpitate.
—They force me to be what my nature dictates… that’s why that day happened… —Mina and the others remained still like observers, not even daring to reach for their weapons.
—You were the one who finished off the Reclamationists, right? —Inola, pale and cold, almost breathless, found the courage to speak.
—Mm, I don’t know their name nor am I interested… but if you refer to those on the outskirts, yes, I did it… —Ayakashi regained his composure; threads of light wove back with the heat reintegrating into the world. Suddenly they were back in the comfortable house they had arrived at.
Swallowing, Mina addressed Ayakashi: —I understand you did it for your people; we apologize for these offenses.
—Aaah, don’t worry, among us there are also clans and groups —Ayakashi gave a quick look at the painting of the wolf and the fox at the door.
—Your town… to which you must arrive, needs help… they are taking spirits from the forest, and we want this to stop… It’s simple, we are being aggrieved and as such we want… Jus.. Ti.. Ce.. —skipping on the last syllables, Ayakashi’s fan gave small taps on his mask.
—What? They shouldn’t… do they have them prisoner? Mmm, it is very possible they possess some type of container or cage —Jacob, in a slightly weak tone, asked.
—We don’t know, but many of our brother spirits have been taken to the town without returning… they weren’t like that at all… things changed since that priestess arrived with them; things changed… that shameless woman!! —Ayakashi’s mask turned red again and gave off a purple vapor that the guys immediately noticed.
—But it’s not worth mentioning more about that… —a small sigh followed by a palpable frustration came out of Ayakashi.
—So… do you want us to look for your spirit friends? —Leonidas asked; his pose with his legs crossed, imitating Ithil, gave him a little more comfort.
—Hummm, if you’d like, you can do it… but if there is nothing to be done, I want you to remove the town’s boundary so I can enter to settle scores with the priestess myself —Ayakashi waved his fan; a small gold bell could be heard in the background.
—Ooh, but to be able to reach the inner circle!! Only women can. That woman threw the men to the outskirts to watch and to the outer circle of the town, that is why you will have to use costumes —Ayakashi laughed mischievously, letting it be seen that he was enjoying the situation.
—Well, Magaska and Mina can go without problems, Jacob… mmmm, maybe we can do it… Inola… —Ithil turned to look at the guy.
—Nng, I warn you, you won’t see me in a skirt!! —Inola covered his body with the cushion, hugging it in front of him.
—Well, I think I could also dress up without problems —Leonidas raised his finger joyfully, but received Inola’s cushion in the face.
—Haaa, dare, baldy, I want to see you try!! —Inola stood up suddenly as if everyone were his enemies.
—Calm down, Inola, they are just clothes —Jacob tried to calm him down.
—Ooh, then I will bring tomorrow’s clothes to prepare everything. Ufufufufu —seeing Inola’s reaction, Ayakashi withdrew, giving malicious giggles.
—Inola, calm down, it’s just for infiltrating… besides, your face is very beautiful, it will suit you… —Mina could barely avoid her smile.
—Magaska thinks he looks good with long eyelashes… and Varneth says you should try a style of ribbons and shorts with ruffled socks —Magaska imagined the full set of clothes.
—Ok, stop, if Inola doesn’t want to, maybe we shouldn’t pressure him —Mina said, giving a few pats on Inola’s shoulder, who was red from anger and embarrassment.
—Even if I die, I won’t put on a skirt!! —almost with tears in his eyes, Inola grumbled, covering his mouth with the back of his hand and looking back.
—Here I am, I brought your costumes —Ayakashi returned, cheerful and animated, with a pile of hakamas; Grandma Kasa behind brought the complements.
—Very well, here they are, now you can put them on —with a thank you, each one took a hakama that caught their attention.
—He, he, he, ha, ha, ha, how… does this go on?? —Ithil struggled with the clothes, unable to differentiate feet from head.
—Mmmm, I think it goes like this? —Jacob was able to put on the hakama in a ridiculous way, putting the front on his back. Lizva tried to adjust it with some hooks, but they failed in being able to put it on.
—I think… Mmmm GHAAAAAA —Mina, angry with the sleeves, closed them as if they were a belt at the waist, leaving a kind of skirt.
—Magaska is totally confused!!! —Magaska threw the hakama into the air in a sign of frustration.
—Mmmmm, I think it looks a bit like the clothes I’m wearing —Inola looked at the hakama that had a great resemblance to the suit he himself wore, but the hakama had sleeves and his didn’t.
—Oo, no, I am enjoying this… but young ladies!! How is it possible that you can’t put on a dress!! —Ayakashi, holding back his laughter, watched the situation. Just when he was about to intervene, Inola approached Mina.
—This doesn’t go here, Mina! I think you must pass this part through here, take… put your arm here and here, it should fit well, it’s not a belt for gorillas. And you, Magaska, you must pass your legs through there and then the camisole goes, if you try to put it on before, it will look weird —Inola helped the girls put on the clothes.
—Suddenly I want to punch him, and you, Magaska? —Mina whispered to Magaska.
—Magaska thinks Inola requires a punch —both girls, struggling with entering the hakama, let Inola help them reluctantly.
—Aaahhh, what do you think? ♪ ufufufu, that young man Inola is really special ♩ —Ayakashi, almost singing, delighted in the scene, but remembered the other three guys who were watching them trying to put on the clothes.
—Well, now guys, I will help you —Ayakashi helped them and, with a little time, everyone was done.
—Ooh, very well guys, I’ll be honest: Leonidas and Ithil are the prettiest… no, pretty girls I’ve seen —without hiding his disappointment, Ayakashi was left pensive.
—Oh, I have it… Grandma Kasa, do we still have that old ox and horse skin? —Ayakashi turned behind him, where Grandma Kasa was drinking tea placidly.
—Aaah, those skins, your excellence? —the grandmother gave a small tap with her closed fist on her palm.
—That’s right, grandma, those skins!! The two young ladies, Jacob and Inola can pass for maidens without problems, but our big friends here will be difficult! —Ayakashi shook his head as if nothing could be done.
—Suddenly I feel useless, brother Ithil —Leonidas, a little sad and with the cloak hakama, could not hide his disappointment.
—Don’t worry, brother Leo, I think it’s better this way —Ithil watched as Grandma Kasa brought with her a pair of tanned skins with small paper talismans hanging from the edges.
—Put this on and turn twice to the right —Ayakashi gently placed the skins on both guys.
An ox skin with small soft curls and another of glossy brown horse.
—Like this? —Ithil grabbed the skin as if it were a blanket over him; Leonidas also did the same. Before the eyes of the others, the guys disappeared and in their place, a horse and a huge bull replaced them.
—Ah!! Ithil, Leonidas!! —Mina and Magaska exclaimed aloud.
—Here we are, Mina, we still in front of you, we are just covered with the skins —Jacob, Inola, and the others were astonished.
—Ufufufuf, the great Ayakashi to the rescue; with this, everyone will be able to pass through the palisade. If one of the girls rides Ithil and we give young Leonidas a cart to pull , the illusion will be complete.
—Well, we will decide that tomorrow; for the moment the day has proven to be exhausting. You can wander around the house… Oo, but, do not go out to the forest, Ufufuf, I wouldn’t have the heart to deny my children a snack —Ayakashi was withdrawing from the place.
—Thank you for your help, Mr. Ayakashi —Mina gave a small bow; Ithil and the others followed her.
—Ufufuf, don’t worry, I am as interested in the town as you are. The futons are in this trunk, you can use them as you like; if you wish for something in the night, you can take it, everything in this house is at your service —Ayakashi disappeared into a long hallway for the rest of the night.