Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 16, 2011 17:43:27 GMT -5
OCC: Open Thread. Sequel of Crane Forces Arrival, expanded to welcome the Hantei supporters stationed or coming to Toshi Ranbo.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Sept 17, 2011 15:46:42 GMT -5
Through the Void, the crimson crystal that Agasha Shodai gave to Kakita Mitsouko when she accepted his omiai begins to warm. "Hold the Lion for a bit longer, dear Mitsouko. The might of the Phoenix is on its way."[/b] The Void Master's words whisper to her.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 17, 2011 15:50:39 GMT -5
The young lioness yawns her prowess in every muscle as she awakes from intoxicating slumber. Physical. Aggressive. Ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. I wonder how she thinks of someone who fights with their head, instead of their hands? The disturbed and tasseled strains of her black hair stand out to Yuuto, as he takes in the smells of the warm porridge he was here to provide. Would she be so willing to speak after such strong words? Her concern soon eases his mind.
“You are most perceptive, I have not had a bit… a good rest in many days,” his tongue tumbling and turning with the turmoil in his stomach quite obviously, as he pushes the alluring bowl towards his honored guest, “but my obligations must come first before my own concerns. Please eat, I will not see you weak in my care.” the shugenja dividing tea cups between the tray and swiping away.
Steam escapes from the kettle, air and fire kami dancing intently, as the tea pours, Yuuto’s eyes bowing before Ayumi’s gaze, “I am tired of the fighting though, and would be honored if you entertained my thoughts for a moment.” Yuuto begins to sip the tea, relaxing and forgetting his surroundings, as he recalls the recent past, “I’ve made it a life to avoid court politics and the clash of pride, and have spent much of my adult years traveling across Rokugan in service of those in need.”The shugenja inhales the aromas, herding dangling white hairs from his eyes, “and I found myself doing just that as I assisted against the ravages of the plague in Crab lands; the echoes of ego soon sounding their need for war.”
His eyes grimace, as he covers a cough from the scalding tickle of tea, “I meditated on the matter, far too late to inject a plea for peace among the elite, and found my way to Toshi Ranbo. There is not a day – not one moment – where my desires to leave fail to claw at me, and if not for duty and obligation to others, I may have already acquiesced to my wants.”
His eyes flicker towards his guest, “please tell me I am a failure of the samurai class, that we are meant to bleed each other until pride is left to smolder like fire coals. That I should follow the traditions laid down in ancient squabbles without question,” the shugenja’s throat trembling from exhaustion, “where have I failed in my thinking, Ayumi-sama?”
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 17, 2011 18:31:09 GMT -5
Ayumi took the bowl from Yuuto-san hands with a nod of gratitude. She didn’t notice it earlier but as only she smelled food she felt how hungry she was. Ayumi started eating as soon as Asahina-san told her to. She took her time. There were no point in hurrying. Eating slowly looks better than gourmandizing as fast as possible. She doubted somebody will took food away from her and this porridge was way better than what she ate in the last few days. Her people were never good at cooking.
When shugenja stopped talking Ayumi slowly finished her meal. She didn’t look at him since he had started remembering. She wanted to give Asahina-san time to regain his composure. Good thing there was nobody near to hear his words. He would lose his face and regret it later. And if nobody saw it, it would mean that it didn’t happened. Ayumi put the bowl away. At last she raised her eyes on Asahina-san. He was calm again. Ayumi knew she wasn’t right earlier. This man wasn’t just tired. He was exhausted both physically and psychically. He could crack any time. But no matter what she did to make him rest, he wouldn’t listen. She knew that much.
Samurai duty is to serve his lord with everything he has. May it be his hands, life, glory, ambitions, honor or anything that is demanded. Or what is needed even if lord himself didn’t give an exact order. she stopped for a moment, maybe just to take deeper breath, maybe to find proper words or sort out her thoughts, maybe to think about her own situation. You say you want to leave this city but you are still here. Where your clan and your lord need you to be. So how did you fail your duties?
She poured tea to both Asahina-san and her own cup. Than took it and sipped a bit. I am a simple bushi. I was taught to follow my superiors orders, fight and kill whoever needs to be killed and bleed for what needs to be protected. And, as you said, to follow the tradition and remember past. But this situation now is new. For all of us. There are no historical notes that will tell us what to do. Even our ancestors are confused. So we cling to what we know for sure. But if you think deeply enough you will understand that there is nothing like that. She drank rest of tea in one big sip and put her cup on the tray.
You failed when you started thinking Asahina-san. But I think it’s typical for shugenja she cracked out and calm down at once. We have it easier. Without thinking, it’s easier. Ayumi wasn't looking at Yuuto-san when finishing her thoughts. Just staring into space.
Sorry, I'm not very entertaining she said grinning. Her mask was perfect. Almost.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 18, 2011 18:08:45 GMT -5
“Duty,” the echo of Yuuto’s words filling a queer silence, “it is a word that has begun to lose meaning for me.” Ayumi’s rhythmic lapping at her meal soothing the situation. “The history of the Asahina family is one of a failure to think about duty. Isawa Asahina, Master of Air during a terrible war, had become so enraged by the conflicts of war, his wrath found it upon those who simply wished to return to peace. It took great suffering for him to finally come to his senses.”
Yuuto’s eyes, in a slump, shadow an indigo hue of remorse, “that is how my family found its duty, perhaps more sinister than most realize, Isawa Asahina indebted us to an obligation to guide the other clans to a new way of thinking about the world. I have failed in my duty to convince even one person of the futility of our current conflict. I am now tasked to pick up the fallen sons and daughters of the Empire – mending bone and flesh one by one – and return them to a tradition that will simply bring them back to my already bloodied hands. I can heal the sick, but I cannot cure their infliction.” The shugenja sips deeply of the tea Ayumi has freshly poured, “and when I fail to knit together bone and flesh, I am left with a sullen voice to administer funeral rites for those who still remain living to bear the scars.”
“Perhaps you are right, and history cannot tell us what to do in our current conflict,” the shugenja pausing to let light slip into his awakening eyes, “but we are the ones writing the history now, and we will decide what traditions to begin.” Yuuto sighs, placing cup on table, as his chin finds rests on his gripped hands, “You may soon part from my presence, returning to your own duty and tradition, but I would like to be able to tell my descendants of the tradition in this moment, rather than the ones of glory outside the walls of this city. Who is this Lioness that found herself for a moment with a wide eyed idealist as their siblings raged? What is her dreams for the future – and what does she conceal from prying mind? When she is foolish enough to think, what do her meditations reveal?”
A weary chuckle interrupts his more serious words, “besides, what will I tell my clan when I am chastised for being so casual with with a Lion showing me her grinning teeth?”
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 19, 2011 4:57:13 GMT -5
Ayumi grimaced a few times during Asahina speech but didn’t interrupt. He wanted to talk. No, it was rather he needed to talk. And just needed somebody to listen. She knew how it is. She also sometimes just needed to vocalize her thoughts. And she was lucky enough to have person who would listen and straighten her thoughts if that was needed. Looks like he didn’t have somebody like that.
You can always say that you were trying to tame a beast or find a way to pull her teeth out.
About the foundation of your family, I think it’s more like finding where his duty lies. Asahina-sama lost himself when Cranes interrupted his duties. If the war continued Lion’s army might have been completely destroyed. In a way he could have prevented other wars to come. I can understand he was angry. She smiled lightly I know Empire history pretty well.
She stopped for a moment thinking about the rest of Asahina-san words. What you do, Yuuto-san is exceptional. Killing is easier than dealing with wounded or crippled. Thanks to you many people who would have died otherwise will live. I’m not sure how Cranes look at it, but I’m quite happy to stay alive. she grinned. Still have a few things to do she become serious for a moment and than grinned again like fulfilling the promise I gave you. She became serious at once. But don’t say that this war is futile ever again. We are not dying for nothing.
Ayumi again poured tea to Asahina-san and than wanted to fill her own cup, but the tea ended up. She took the tray with pot and her bowl, went to one of the women tending wounded, talked for a moment and went with her to the other room. She wanted to give him time to think about their talk. And she needed that time for herself too.
She came back a few minutes later again with tray, pot and bowl. She sat on her place put down the tray and handed the bowl to Asahina-san. The smell of porridge was clearly palpable. Even if you don’t want to rest, you should at least eat something. It’s pretty good and it was prepared by one the woman here, I didn’t add anything so don’t worry. She smiled saying this.
OOC: Ayumi uses every-day language nothing so high as earlier. And if Yuuto pays any attention, he might have noted that she isn’t limping any more. She will continue answering your last questions but it's quite long so I leave you place to react on what happened and her words till now. Just pm me or write something here and she will continue.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Sept 19, 2011 17:41:08 GMT -5
Mitsouko had just received notice that Masamoto was on the docks, requiring to talk with a Crane leader, when the glow of the crystal reached her face. Shodai's voice came to her in a whisper, but it was enough to transmit the message. Oh Sho...Yes, we will. Thank you! She knew he would be able to hear her voice as well, no matter how far he was. We will, she thought, I will write my story differently this time.OCC:(this thread will cross the Nocturnal Whispers right here: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ic&action=display&thread=1280 It’s intended that the Lioness will be shipped in a Mantis kobune and got her way out Toshi Ranbo sound and safe. If Ayumi/Homura wishes to follow other path just let me know, though).
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 21, 2011 11:59:38 GMT -5
When Yuuto-san took the bowl, Ayumi poured tea for herself. She sipped a bit waiting for Yuuto-san words. But the only sound there was, was quiet tapping of Asahina-san hashi. So he don’t plan to continue yet. Probably waiting for her answer to his last questions. Yeah right, like he would bother what her plans or dreams were. The silence lengthened. She didn't like it. What is he doing? What does he want? She felt anger blazing in her guts. It was growing larger. She was sitting still, looking to the side on a slightly open window and trying to control her feelings. ‘Calm down. You wanted to come here, so now reap what you sow. Maybe he is really interested in your answer.’ She took a deep breath to calm her thoughts. The anger was still there. Dimmed for now but ready to explode with the slightest reason.
I don’t understand what you want to find in here. What kind of tradition. The situation out there is what really matter. My brothers and sisters fell the same rage as yours. Most of my brothers don’t find pleasure in killing others. They may be proud of their skills and bonds of brotherhood but aren’t your duelists also fond of theirs? She paused for a moment. You ask who I am. To you probably just another raging beast craving for blood. Wrong. That wasn't what she wanted to say. She didn't mean to attack him. Too late now. It was first time in a really long time that her mask wasn’t tight. Her voice failed her. Under layer of honed irony a small trait of sadness and... guilt? could be heard. She turned her face from Asahina-san. It was safer this way. He won’t see neither her anger nor regret. Regain your composure. It'll be fine.
They could hear sounds of infirmary. Women talking quietly about something, somebody breathing heavily, groans of pain or despair. But all of this couldn’t break heavy silence that descended between them. After a moment she heard again tapping of Asahina-san hashi. The silence was getting heavier.
She couldn’t stand that silence. She wanted to break it, as soon as she could. NOW. I don’t have any dream. I just hope my clan will prevail. She was looking at cup in her hands. Her words were barely audible even to her.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Sept 24, 2011 7:11:24 GMT -5
Asahina Haku bowed to Yuuto, he seemed tired to and now in a hurry. The black haired shugenja had his talents with the water and just bought two more injured inside.
"Asahina-sama, I got orders from Asahina Yukihime-sama". Haku clearly didn't wanted to break his chain of command once Yukihime herself appointed Yuuto as chui, but also, he had Yukihime not only as superior but also as his sempai. Haku wasn't aware how much have being happening to the Crane while the war was running outside. "I must move my hohei to the walls, our archers need the air kami, and we also hope to avoid incoming arrows. Seems like we are getting closer to a final shock."
As Haku informed Yuuto, some of his hohei are already finding their way out.
The shugenjas were reorganized in Toshi Ranbo, a few more have arrived while some of the present ones had their tasks changed.
The infirmary was still running but suddenly had a few less helper hands.
On the walls the shugenja were organized in more protected areas, behind the archers mostly. Being on a higher ground was already an advantage, but not enough as Lion troops were getting closer and closer to Toshi Ranbo.
Those Asahina had a simple task, probably their very first lesson was to one to be remembered right now. To move the air kami in strong Gusts of Winds, makings the archers able to shot their arrows further. and also preventing Lion's few arrows to reach the defenders.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 25, 2011 13:33:28 GMT -5
Yuuto’s ears stretch to capture the gentle motions and soft sounds of cloth on skin, the delicate prance of the prowl, the casual inflection intervening in voice – Ayumi's presentation taking on the character of a lioness licking cubs in the wild -- frightfully beautiful. ”She is a truly terrifying woman in full form,”he thought to himself, obediently surrendering to her impromptu care, as his thoughts find themselves in vice made of lick and glaring teeth.
Treble taps. Baritone moans. Soprano’d whispers. The Lioness struggles to keep composure in her assault; the Crane fails to counter in his defense. What is to be said when centuries of tradition have been built to bolster such belligerent bewilderment?
Yuuto’s voice finally finds itself among the struggle,”Beasts," his heads and hands shaking, "Beasts slashing with sharp claws at exposed underbellies while serrated teeth gnaw at nagging necks; others raising their razored beaks to strip and spar prey from elevated arrogance. Beasts – with vicious pincers for crushing, horns to extend provocatively, and poisonous tails to sting.”His voices fails him, the melodic tapping of hashi filling the silence, keeping the rhythm of the moment, “A Lion’s pride. A siege of Crane. Whether we call them beasts or clans – our collective victories and failures build tradition. I fear how the victor of this war will inspire his children as much as I fear what the loser will plot for his, and whether such sinister cycle can ever end.
Yuuto finally turns to his guest, her eyes locked into the emptiness of cup and spirit. War brings despair and regret to those who live it, but rarely to those who read it. "I cannot find words that will ‘declaw’ you of training or obligation, any more than I can summon the kami to strengths that would wipe all fighters from the current field of battle,” his feet and hands quietly treading toward Ayumi’s bowed chin and averted eyes, soon lifting from his delicate touch, “but we can build a common tradition today." Hazeled and obsdian eyes clash for understanding,"The weather weeps for us and what the future brings – let us mourn our brothers and sisters in this muted maelstrom the heavens pour.” Yuuto’s hand now stretches for hers, “we should not be consumed by the scars of past and present, even if we must live with them, nor should we be content to conceal them if their sight might offend.”
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 26, 2011 10:45:31 GMT -5
In the beginning she didn’t pay attention to his words. She was just sitting there. She didn’t notice he got closer and definitely didn’t expect what happened next.
His touch quickly brought her back to reality. He felt her sudden tension and sharp move as if she wanted to end the contact, though it lasted only a moment. The feeling was nice. His hand was warm and gentle. Weird. But pleasant. She could feel her anger fading.
’Common tradition. What is he talking about?’ She looked him in the eyes. Hazel with dark eyelashes and eyebrows. Strong and calming. She couldn’t… no, she didn’t want to avert her eyes. She noticed his hand stretching to her. She thought about catching it, but instead she just shook her head. You don’t understand. Time for mourning will come later. When we win, take the city and when Emperor Toturi-dono sits on his throne. Then I will mourn after dead. She paused for a moment. Till then there is no place for grief. We must do what we can to finish this war.
She looked back straight into Yuuto-san eyes. For example occupying attention of enemies shugenja she finished grinning. Her mask was back in place.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 26, 2011 23:54:37 GMT -5
His eyes bowed in disappointment. When we win? This generation had already made the choice to lose. Short term gains would be paid in long-term pain for all. We have as much to fear from the losers of the conflict as we do the winners.
Hearts had hardened. What had once been legitimate grievances now raged as justification for unchecked civil war. The only solution to be found in the minds of many was more war. Perhaps common ground could not be found.
Outreached hand now faded to side in defeat, hazel eyes glimpsing reluctantly at masked mourning, “I hope for our sake the outcome of this war is as black and white as you would like to believe; but I remain skeptical that we will see such resolution from one man finding a new seat to sit upon serenely.” She would not or could not be swayed. Her mind, like many on both sides, had become closed off to anything other than finishing what had been started. If this war does not bring her death; it has already poisoned her mind towards a destructive process. Unfortunately, a far too common sight.
Yuuto’s feet begin to shuffle for the door, Yukihime’s missive flanking his escape.”Yuuto-sama, I bring orders from Yukihime-sama,” the hohei carrying out his orders emotionlessly, “the shugenja are to be moved to the walls to provide defensive support.” Yuuto nods, “begin reassignments; I will assist shortly
The shugenja, once again finds need for his woolen robe, bundling himself tightly in the uncomfortable fabric. The grumbling of storm clouds can be faintly heard as his hohei trickle out towards the walls from the exit of the infirmary. Yuuto, who is the last to leave, dons his jingasa, turning to the domesticated lioness peering out, “Duty,” hazel eyes once again finding hers, “must now occupy my attention, but if Toturi is to one day rule, I hope his finest court entertainers lavish song upon you for letting me believe, if only momentarily, that things did not have to be this way.” The rains beat upon him heavily as he slips from sight, but soon to return, to take his Lion home.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 29, 2011 4:14:27 GMT -5
Ayumi was sitting on her bedding looking straight ahead over the place where Asahina-san had been sitting just a moment ago, she was still holding half-full cup of tea in her hand. Her eyes quickly went towards the window. The rain was heavy. She rose her hand, touched her chin and quickly take the hand away. She was sitting motionless for nearly half an hour. Then shrugged, drank remaining tea in one sip, grimaced as it was cold, stood up and quickly went to the exit. Behind the doors she stopped for a moment looking at katana that Yuuto-san offered her the other day. It would be nice to feel weapon’s weight behind obi. And safer. She didn’t decide yet when one of the woman came out and went straight to Ayumi. Go back. You’ve done enough occupying Yuuto-sama attention whole morning. And yesterday afternoon. And the day before. It’s infirmary not some guest-house. We don’t have time to look after you. Come, I need to change your bandages.Ayumi smiled hearing her grumblings. Don’t worry. I won’t bother you long. You know whose sword it is? she finished looking back at the sword. Like anyone would care. Miga couldn’t just stand and wait. She was preparing bandages and ailments. Ayumi came closer to the sword. Slowly and gently she took it from the wall. It was old. The sheath was used and cracked in few places. She unsheathed the sword. Blade was dimmed but fine without any cracks or chips. Well balanced, it laid in her hands smooth. Very good sword. A little untended but that can be changed. Ayumi put katana back to its sheath. I’ll borrow him. Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back.She smiled a bit, turned and left the building. Miga-san didn't react on time. She was standing in the hallway alone, astounded. She snorted angrily an turn back to help other wounded. With katana at her obi, Ayumi went to see the city. She had things to do here. OOC: she will be walking the city for sure looking for the strengthens, battle preparations and so on. And sooner or later she will come near the wall. Probably rather sooner As know now and probably many guess Ayumi is Homura. So if you want, feel free to react It was all happening in the beginning of Toshi Ranbo siege. It just took a bit more time off-game than in (like 3 days in-game ^^’)
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Oct 2, 2011 15:26:14 GMT -5
Grumbling clouds and grunts resound with the pitter patter of precipitation on weathered stone; the elements and man conspiring against the worn ramparts from all sides. Lion’s pride splatters against the defenders, the siege of Crane huddled for warmth and safety, stretching their hopes and minds to the relief to be found in their 11th hour.
Light fails to penetrate the overcast skies, hope further diminished as fog and mist roll in from the river to obscure the city streets below the over-extended ramparts. Lightning pulses and distorts the action of the scene; displaying urgency otherwise not seen, as two shugenja focus on orders in order-less surrounding.
“Calm your mind,” Yuuto’s words ineffectual at resonating with the trembling shugenja in his hands, once again with more intensity, “CALM YOUR MIND!” Their faces distort in distress, the younger student shivering from cold and fear, the sounds of wind and weapon too much for either’s will to overcome. The elder shugenja clamps down on his student’s soggy arms, heartbeats escaping through the fabric; erratic and frantic. Some were never prepared for such realities[/color] His stable hands now guiding the somatic movements of his student, in rhythm with plucking bowstrings, the track of time being lost for even untrained observer. The winds find order. The uncontained winds, and the stinging rains they fling, once content to conspire against the siege of Cranes, now bolster their backs in beat against more bawdy besiegers. The shugenja’s heartbeat now soothed, underscores the unison of element and man being formed. Yuuto’s voice in command of the wind, whispers, “do not lose sight of the calm; work within the melody of those around you, and you may just live this day.”
Returning to foggy and misty streets, the weather reminds him of the constant struggle in every movement. The rain smothers clothes, muscles, and soul. It seeps into every strand of hair, every thread of clothing, and brings every fiber of his being into aching misery. Even feet, on fire, manage to bring chills between toes. The rain, like the war, was becoming too much to bear, and relief in some form or another would have to be found. The clop of wooden shoes is heard in the distance.
“Yuuto-sama, what do you have to report?” the sploshing geta of Haku gaining intensity as he approached the shugenja from the rear. Yuuto cocks his head from behind drenched jingasa, “the rain bring me annoyance; let us speak of news under a nearby roof overhang.” The two tread the puddles and pooling filth soon finding momentary relief, Yuuto pulling out his drenched scribbling, the rain already having smeared the ink, “everyone has been placed, but some are showing themselves more capable than others,” a hint of unease in his voice.
Sensing his annoyance Haku responds,"Hmm, perhaps you would rather discuss such things with Lady Asahina than with me,” Yuuto’s hands casually interrupting Haku’s concerns, “No, now that she is Daimyo, she has heavier concerns, and we do not have time to coddle our flock with the Lion beating down the west gate,” the shugenja ringing the rain from his hair, “besides, I’d rather not let her see me at my worst.” He hands over the parchment with little emotion, his eyes closed, “I will keep them safe; do not let her agonize over the decision.” The two bow in respect, before departing, Yuuto whispering, besides, I have other things to do,”[/i] his attention turning towards the foggy mist in the distance, obscuring the death and loss in its view, the whipping of it by the wind allures him nearer.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Oct 8, 2011 1:35:30 GMT -5
It was raining hard. Water was flowing the streets. Everything was wet. There were no people or animals on the streets. That wasn’t surprising. Nobody would go out willingly in this kind of weather. In the beginning Ayumi was trying to walk on the side of the streets to use at least a little shelter the roofs was giving. And tried to avoid going through the paddles. But there were paddles everywhere. Or rather the stream that was street has no dry spots. And avoiding deeper places was just impossible. Same as not getting wet. She went a street or two under the roofs if there were any and she was all wet. Hiding didn’t have point anymore. Ayumi took of her geta and rushed forward. The faster she did what she should the faster she dry herself. One thing she knew now, burning the city won’t be possible. Damp soaked into the walls.
Just checking one district took her nearly 3 hours. She was impressed with all the preparations that were done. Large barrels for water, scraps of different wastes that can be arrange into barricade if enemy forced the gates, hides with different kinds of weapons, mostly bows and arrows. And it looked like they also have sufficient amount of food to withstand the siege. On her walk she met two Crane patrols but managed to pass them without much trouble. No wonder they were interested what she was doing there walking in such a weather but they weren’t persistent. There were no point in checking other districts. They would more less look the same. And besides she didn’t have time for that. More important was wall. And gate, if she managed somehow to go there. She sneezed while going one of the narrow alleys. She could feel her body was cold from the wet clothes. She had to hurry.
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