Arming the Monkey (Closed RP)

[Akodo Taiyo]

This is a continuation of To Seize Tosho Ranbo in order to conclude some actions between Taiyo, Hirotomo, and Kaida. If anyone else would like to join, feel free to PM one of us...or if you're a Lion, jump right in where appropriate.

Sometime during the course of the evening the Lion Champion had slipped out of his tent on a "secret mission", leaving his attendants and guests to fend for themselves. His cook had continued to provide food for the gathered crowd, and the ravished guests were able to eat their fill of some of the finest battle field fare in all the Empire.

Taiyo turned and appraised his new friend from the Monkey clan. Strong, proud, honorable. It would be good to stand beside him on the field of battle, perhaps as rewarding as it has off the field. Thinking back over the course of the last few days, it was clear that the Monkey samurai had been hard pressed, and it was no surprise. An army is more than just a collection of men with spears. An army must move as one, breathe as one, think as one, and fight as one...or it is just an unruly mob. With so many new ronin recruited into their ranks, the Monkey had lost much of their cohesion and were splintering under the weight the assault.

Toku-sama, as delightful as this evening has been, I must excuse myself. There are preparation that must be made for tomorrow. My daimyo, the honorable Keisuke-sama has secured a great store of Lion arms and armor to be delivered to your clan. In the morning I shall have it brought to your camp, and see that your samurai are protected as well as my Lion brothers and sisters. Furthermore, I will deliver Kaida-san into your care, now that the Phoenix Champion has seen that she is safe, sound and has been well treated thus far.

In addition, I would like to make a personal offer to you. As your army has swelled with the addition of so many bold ronin, your command structure may have been spread thin. Training and organizing such a group can be a tremendous undertaking, one with which I may be able to help. I offer you three Akodo Gunso from the training grounds at the Castle of the Swift Sword. I will place them under your command, with instructions that they are to quickly and efficiently bring your new recruits into line. The Strength of the Lion is the knowledge that his brothers and sisters stand beside him, and that should he falter, they will be there to step in and deflect a killing blow. These Gunso will be able to foster that kinship in the Monkey, and the Strength of the Lion will be yours.

[Isawa Kaida]

As she had been throughout the odd meeting between Tomatsu and the others, Kaida remained silent, politely eating the food that had been brought in. Every so often, she wondered if it would be possible to simply slip away into the night, however, she eventually pushed the thought to the back of her mind.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Hirotomo breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Akodo-san. I will ensure that the supplies we're given will be put to good use. I'm afraid the ronin I acquired, while excellent warriors, are not used to the regimen of military life. Your assistance in the matter is greatly appreciated." The last part was said with a wry grin.

He would have to inform Nakta soon. He imagined the old Monkey might do a backflip. His army was straining under his ideal of having noble ronin join their ranks. The Lion were soldiers. The Monkey were not, at least not to the degree that the Lion were. Training this many was a burden, and he was glad for a little help.

[Akodo Taiyo]

Morning always seemed to come early while on campaign. Waking up before dawn had become a sort of ritual for Taiyo. Meditating for a short while before taking a light meal of tea and porridge, the bushi was ready for the coming day. After suiting up in his heavy armor, Taiyo set out on a brisk walk, as much to stretch his legs as it was to greet Kaida in time to view the brilliant sunrise together. Approaching her tent, he was informed by her guards that the Phoenix had risen a short time ago and had been fed.

Calling out softly Good morning Kaida-san. If you have finished your breakfast please join me for a walk.

[Isawa Kaida]

Silently finishing her prayers, it was a few moments before Kaida left her tent to join Taiyo.

"Of course, Akodo-sama." Her soft voice betrayed a hint of exhaustion, though the shugenja looked none the worse for wear. Her clothes had been cleaned as best she was able, though still bore the dust of the road. Kaida bowed politely, a faint smile on her lips.

"Good morning, Akodo-sama, I trust Inari has blessed you this morning?"

[Akodo Taiyo]

Indeed, Kaida-san. We are most fortunate to be able to eat so well, when most of our ashigaru have only gruel to eat. Ever since the Lion lost Three Sides River to the Crane, our army has had to do without the great bounty that was afforded us from the fertile fields near the river fork. The battle at Mountain Watch Keep was especially difficult, but the Lion are hardy, and are used to the rigors of being far from home.

Taiyo breathed deeply of the brisk morning air, letting it refresh his senses and sharpen his mind while they walked. Speaking of home, where is yours? I have only visited Phoenix lands once, but I was most appreciative of the beauty found in the forest west of Kyuden Isawa.

[Isawa Kaida]

"Just north of Shiro Shiba, along the coast, Akodo-sama." The shugenja decided to keep quiet about the familiarity Taiyo was showing, though a faint smile did cross her lips. "Ah yes, Mori Isawa does tend to hold a fascination, does it not?"

[Akodo Taiyo]

It was...haunting. There was something strange about those woods, but I had no time to investigate and had to press on. Ahead of them on the path samurai were gathering, while carts and baskets were loaded by peasants. The hustle and bustle grew in strength as they approached.

Taiyo grinned for a moment, while considering his own upbringing
I grew up just south of here, in a small village outside Shiro Akodo. All I knew for my first years was grass, and more grass, and bushido. I found the ocean to be quite soothing, even while the waves crashed and churned on the beach. Do you miss your home, Kaida-san?"

[Isawa Kaida]

"No." Even in such a simple statement, neither her tone nor her features betrayed any emotion.

[Akodo Taiyo]

A flash of anger lit Taiyo's eyes for a moment, before it was mastered and tucked away out of site.
Isawa-san, it is our custom to make our guest's stay as comfortable as possible. As such, we treat them as much like our own family as is possible. However, if you do not wish for such courtesy, I'm sure we can find other accommodations for you. Common prisoners die every day; I am sure there is a vacant bamboo cage we could ready for you if you desire?

Turning to his men he shouted
Get those carts moving! We're late, and the Monkey are waiting for us.

(OOC: Don't worry, Taiyo's just bluffing...I think...

[Isawa Kaida]

Kaida glanced up at the Lion, her eyebrow quirking slightly.

"You asked if I missed my home, Akodo-sama. I barely knew it." As if to make the point, she pulled the end of her braid over her shoulder, the white hair almost glittering in the morning light. "I was taken from my parents when I was six, and hardly ever keep in touch with them. The Isawa raised me, became my family. My answer was not meant to offend in any way."

[Akodo Taiyo]

Interesting...it appears she has some steel in her veins after all. My apologies, samurai-ko. Apparently I am not used to such fine company, and have let my warrior's nature get the best of me. Please, allow me to make amends.

Taiyo paused and reached into a crevice in his armor. Pulling out several sheets of paper, rolled and bound with gold ribbon. He gently offered it to the shukenga.
This is the ancient tale of how the Kitsu made peace with the Lion, after a long and bloody war that had nearly driven them to extinction. It illustrates how two people, divided by circumstance, can come together in the bonds of friendship and family, after learning of the mistakes that drove them to become enemies in the first place.

[Isawa Kaida]

"I ..." Surprise flickered across Kaida's face. "I cannot accept such a gift, Akodo-sama. It is your people's history and should be passed along to your children."

[Toku Hirotomo]

The Alliance Camp was bustling, Toku Nakata was barking orders to get tings in order to receive the Lion shipment. Toku Hirotomo was meditating in a makeshift shrine since before dawn, When he left the Shrine he was greeted with good news, the rest of the court was starting to put an Official Monkey Clan stance in the war, they would be the first, and probably only Alliance member to declare for a side. He greeted Nakata with a large smile. The Lion would be coming soon, and soon he would be able to make a Clan statement, not just a personal one.

[Akodo Taiyo]

Please Kaida-san, my Ikoma brethren have worked all night to produce this copy for you. Please do not let their diligent effort be wasted. The original document is still safely in their possession, and Lion children will continue to learn its wisdom for many years to come.

Taiyo presented the rolled paper again, with a smile on his face. He found a certain degree of comfort in following the old rituals of giving and receiving.