The emperors' ambassadors

[Bayushi Haruka]

While an attendant was paired with each arriving samurai, the one that shyly came to Keisuke's side bowed deeply.

"Such an arrangement may be made Akodo-dono. There is one such representative who has great interest in speaking with you."

It was also at such a time that Alana came silently into Haruka's vision, forcing her to pull away from the scene in order to see what was the matter. Alana handed her the minor scribble of a note she'd manage, and Haruka nodded in silent agreement. The quiet flutter of their tabi against the solid wood flooring would be the only sound as she made her way to the courts.

Unsurprising to some, she emerged in the side favoring Toturi's leadership as she placed herself down in the corner and away from most of the mingling. Largely the court balance was Scorpion with every available member politely engaging and listening intently to each representative very intently.

Akodo Keisuke found a very relaxed scorpion to discuss things with, as his conversation partner was one of many from the Bayushi family present.

Haruka for the moment remained quietly undisturbed in the shadow of the court. Alana dutifully continued to serve her tea and other things as the days continued and court carried on.

[Bayushi Senshi]

(OOC: moving things along now)

Senshi was awoken in the middle of the night by his guard Odamitsu. The news was both surprising and expected. It was also mostly bad. What Senshi expected was that the war had finally begun, what he didn't expect was that an attempt had been made on the Hantei ambassador's life.

"I want reports from all agents about the situation as soon as possible. Spread the word. Who is involved? How is the Asako? Whats going on? Who needs to die? I need answers to all these questions now."

With that his guard ran off and attempted to contact as many samurai as he could.

[shinguma]

(I know its late, but better now then later)

... A Large Man in all Bone White Armor arrives at court ...

Kazehito slowly with long and wide strides walks toward the Great hall,

Looks at what looks like the Karo in charge, handing the man a chop (Personal mon / calling card)

I'm looking for Bayushi Haruka, I have a simple gift for her from the Kazehito .

(Found and executed a group assassins that where plotting to kill the a great Scorpion guest, the Phoenix envoy and myself.)

[Toku Hirotomo]

A small Monkey entourage arrived. Fuzake Chiyuki, wearing a new kimono, it looked as though crimson was devouring light blue. Fuzake Juta was walking next to her, his eyes serious. Toku Kenpachi walked with his son, Hirotomo. Hirotomo's eyes were hollow. His anger was still barely in check, even after the travel. Kenpachi whispered calming words to his son. Anger had no place in court.

Kenpachi milled around the court, aided by Chiyuki. Word spread that the Monkey had a pressing matter to discuss with the Champion. They waited and spoke with the Toturi Supporters, they did not want to alert the Hantei gatherers. Too much was at stake here.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Odamitsu did a double take when he saw the monkey delegation. And showing blatant favoritism, was quick to organize their audience with Bayushi Senshi. Senshi was alright with this, he had since grown a deep respect for Kenpachi, so he allowed Odamitsu's small mistake as he had many in the past.

Before long the delegation of monkey was in Senshi's private chambers, unique in its design as it compared most easily to Thraneish architecture and design. As did the many trinkets around the room. A large pile of comedic sandals and shoes, a leather bound book, a few scrolls, tapestries, and a rack of terrifyingly unique blades.

Senshi bowed to his visitors, "I hope you bring word about the assassination attempt in my own home, Toku sans."

Odamitsu stood watch inside the room as the only other scorpion there, though he was clearly watching the female guest.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The attendants seemed a bit flustered to be dealing with a man so heavily armored. But Haruka's personal attendant appeared and bowed deeply to Kazehito.
She said nothing though, as she was unable to speak but her gentle motions allowed the Moto to come and see the Champion's wife now sitting.

As her gaze rose to see who had been brought to her, her eyes seemed to soften at, recognizing a member of the Moto before her.

"Please, sit. I am always happy to have the company of a Unicorn for tea."

[Toku Hirotomo]

"I bring graver news, but I've had men looking into it, Bayushi-dono. Kenpachi said sadly. "Certain Mantis are trying to subvert the Clan's loyalty. A mishap with the Champion left a Yoritomo Masamoto in charge. Please allow me to introduce my Champion and son, Toku Hirotomo.

Hirotomo was still fuming even in the presence of the Champion. He took a deep breath and kept his face. "We found or missing Champion. He ran away to the Mantis, abandoning his oath to the Monkey. What's worse, he is trying to lead them to betrayal. Perhaps the oni that attacked him poisoned his mind. Perhaps he still cares for the Crane that walked over him. Either way, his treachery is certain. How he managed to weasel himself into the high echelon of Mantis leadership, we do not know. We may have the Mantis to worry about, though many appear disgusted by this unknown sullying their honor. I was not able to fully declare him for what he is at that moment, but I smell betrayal in the air." Hirotomo sat down, still angry.

Kenpachi walked forward. Hirotomo took another deep breath and apologized for his outburst. "As you can see, Bayushi-sama, this has affected my clan very deeply. Though he may act alone, I sense Crane involvement. My Champion was honorable, and devoted to a cause. What happened, who can say. How fairs the festival of courtiers? Has anything been brought forward about the assasination?"

[Bayushi Senshi]

Senshi shook his head, "I have no information as of yet, as to the source of the assassination, but truthfully news of the mantis betrayal is not unknown to me. My sources had contacted me about the matter some time ago, and point to a conspiracy amongst their numbers. I am formulating a plan to counter them, and not for loyalty to any one side. No, I do this because their lack of loyalty to the lord they swore fealty to disgusts me. I do this because they seek to play the role of the scorpion, which disgusts me. When I have a plan worked out, I will send the information to Kenpachi through the usual channels." Senshi traded a knowing look with Chiyuki and Kenpachi.

"What do you want for me or my clan to do about Sanjuro? We can bring his treachery to light, though you should remember I have yet to reach a decision regarding my clan's role in the coming weeks. As each day goes by however it seems maintaining our neutrality will cause yet more unnecessary bloodshed. I tell you truthfully I have yet to even discover if the Asako yet lives."

[Toku Hirotomo]

"I will ensure that the Oath Breaker is brought to light with the Emperor."' Hirotomo said, rubbing his temples. "The Oath Breaker dishonored the Monkey, and it is our duty to deliver the ill news. If there is a conspiracy, I can only hope that some of those that support the Hantei will be as disgusted as we."

Kenpachi pondered for a moment. "Your clan's position is still delicate, Bayushi-sama. Of course we hope you will be able to side with Toturi, but if in the event that does not happen, it does place the Monkey in an awkward position. The Tsuruichi are to our south, and while they have seem to be disgusted at the turn of events in their clan, who knows what that madman will do at the helm of the Mantis. The Crane are to our east, and yourself to the north west. If we lose your clan, only the Lion will be close enough to aid us, and they are busy dealing with the Crane and Imperial forces."

Hirotomo listened. His clan was in grave danger. The Crane would likely be howling for his blood at the end of the war. They would burn his home in retribution, and kill his people. Damn it. He hated that he had little power to help his emperor. He wanted to smash impotent fists into those that betrayed bushido. "There are those that will seek retribution on my clan. I wish I had the might of a Great Clan. We've always been close to you, due to Toku Inao. Perhaps if you join with the Hantei, and we lose this war, we could find a home with you." Hirotomo said the last part with a wry grin.

Kenpachi's eye rose. It may have been in jest, but those were powerful words. Didn't Aiko teach him about the founding of the Sparrow? Though if the Bayuishi Champion took the words serious, it would invite laughter, but who knows. The Monkey would be crushed if they lost the war. Without Imperial support they would be helpless. Protection from a Great Clan would save the Family. Odd talk. They all needed rest. The Monkey's sense of humor was not shared by all.

[Bayushi Senshi]

"You need lessons in proper manipulation Hirotomo san. I suggest consulting Chiyuki. You are lucky though that little manipulation is required. As we speak I have personally owned trusted, and well trained samurai, guardsmen, and... agents heading to defend Toku Torid-e. I made a vow to your father that I was going to protect the monkey clan and I will. Personally. Should my forces remain unblemished by the war, for any great clan to enact retribution while my unharmed veterans keep vigil would be a grave mistake. Yes, I will protect you, and your kin with or without my clan."

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo stared at the Scorpion in shock. "Thank you, Bayushi-dono. he finally managed after a few moments of stunned silence. "That removes a huge burden from me. I doubt the Crane will be happy due to our maneuvering in the war. They love petty victories, and the destruction of my Clan would suit that purpose. With your protection, they can molest others in court, not my people on a battlefield."

Chiyuki blushed at the complement. Then winked at Odamitsu. Kenpachi internally sighed with relief. They would be safe. Yuushahime-sama, and Bayushi-sama would ensure that. "Now that that is settled, perhaps we can assist the investigation of the assassination. I know your Soshi Magistrates have the situation well in order, but another pair of hands is never amiss.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Senshi motioned for the door giving them leave. Bowing his head. Then thought suddenly: "Hirotomo, perhaps you will stay in court long enough for us to spar? Rumors have reached my ear about your skills with a sword, and I would see if you could provide a challenge." Senshi grinned, though he knew they couldn't see it.

"I can offer a wager. Impress me and I'll gift you one of the swords I have collected from foreign... affairs." He gestured to the rack of unique weapons.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo's eyes shone when he mentioned sparing. "I would be honored, Bayushi-sama. I too have heard of your legendary skill. It is not often one gets the chance to spar with such a man. This was more his element. He had just received new training from his sensei, and was yearning to try out the technique.

His eyes wandered to the rack of weapons. He may not be able to beat the Champion, but such a prize was enviable.

[shinguma]

As soon as Haruka entres the room… a big grin gradually displayed across Kazehitos face…

>>> TEA, yes that sound nice my lady Haruka I have procured a most excellent brand of tea while at Medinat al-Salaam, it is said that to have special meditative and stimulation endowing properties.

While the water is coming to a boil, tea leafs are prepared into two cups. Kazehito take a long slow look at Haruka, continuing to deliberately eyeing everything and nothing.

>>>> I have come to you confessing to my actions, I have been attacked in this city unprovoked. In my defense I have sent those men that attacked me to meet Shi-Tien Yen-Wang in Toshigoku . This is my confession: I’m here looking into some Unicorn interests while a came across a plot to Kill the Imperial Ambassador Envoy Asako Izuko, at first I took no credence in this information, but when I group of men I overheard a plot to destroy scorpion integrity. I refused to stand by idly, to this evil plan. To allow their actions to blind our Brothers to set them upon each other’s throat. As I ask this indulgence, entertain the idea: “look past the shroud to see the true villain, not just the pawns that are moving in front of us”
The heads of these criminals are in a bag that my eta servant possesses. He awaits my orders to turn them over your Yoriki’s servant for further investigation.
To think what the other delegates might think if you could not provide for the safety of Imperial Ambassador?

>>> One last thing my lady I’m most sorry to have been detained, during your wedding which I believe is a wonderful match.

but here (hand out reached, puts in to Haruka's hand.) is something to protect you and remind you of my family’s love for you.

Small white horse netsuke, when you hold it in your hand, it whispers to you, and begins to appear to come alive.

>>>This is Matsiuko… Matsiuko this is Haruka … Blessed be by the wisdom of the dragon of heaven

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka did Kazehito the unusual honor of removing the front of her mask. She wished to look upon the small creation without any sort of barrier between her and the Moto.
In the time she had been here at least, her face had not changed as she smiled sadly to this Matsiuko.

"Truly, I would wish to refuse this gift Moto Kazehito-san, but I find myself unable to bear the thought of considering such a wonderous thing away from me for a moment.

If you will not take offense to such thinking, Kazehito-san."

Her hand held the netsuke as carefully and gently as she would soon hold her child.

"I have heard the whispers of trouble in these shadowed halls, quite well Kazehito-san. You are not the first to realize that something sinister moves here, while the storms of war rage at the capital.
I will have our magistrate to relieve your eta of the weight he carries. Any assistance in these matters and in these troubling times are of the utmost importance."

She seemed to quietly avoid mentioning the Hantei's ambassador by name though. With a quiet flick of her wrists, she was able to write a message for her attendant to take with haste to the local authority to attend to. And with that she would vanish into the halls of Kyuden Bayushi, leaving the two alone.
Drinking her tea with an absolute sigh of quiet contentment. It seemed to carry any notion of worry from her form.

"I would very much like to return to Unicorn lands soon, perhaps when the war has quelled and the brothers' war concluded. I was meant to journey back some time ago, but the fighting and the civil war nature of things has prevented it."

She looked to Kazehito with her kind, softened eyes.
"Your wonderful gift will make my heart ache until that day comes, Kazehito-san."