Aboard the Will of the Seas

[Kitsune Poxo]

OOC: This is to follow the events of the Way of the Mantis and the Lonely Shore City. This open but more to the if you have reason to actually be there.

A hand full of ships sat off the coast of Kyuden Kasuga bearing no mons. The ocean was still and the boats barely moved. The few people that could actually be seen on the decks were no more than peasant sailors. One samurai, a shugenja stood staring out at the land waiting to spot his response.

Dressed down to more light weight clothing stood Kitsune Daichi. His reddish hair was pulled back and his discolored eye was left uncovered for his unusual heritage to be displayed. He was waiting for his contact or at least someone to arrive.

Daichi had sent a message on ahead through use of spells taught to him when he was younger. A bird, more spirit then natural, carried a message to a Juunosuke and then hopefully further messages got relayed. There was risk enough in what the plan was but even further when he decided to put no more than a handful of actual samurai across all the ships.

[Kasuga Shinobu]

A while passed as the ships sat in the harbor waiting. Finally a small ship rowed out, an old man that looked like a heimin sitting in the back as two sailors rowed. The men helped the man up the rope that was lowered down for them as them pulled up along the ship where Daichi was. As they made it onto the deck the old man made his way over and bowed.

"Ohaiyo, Kitsune-sama. I am known as Kasuga Kenji. I fear business has called away the Hatamoto, and our champion is still away, so your business has been given to me. I trust this is all the number that was discussed?"

[Kitsune Poxo]

Kitsune Daichi watched as the boat rowed out to the ship. With a few ordered the sailors helped the men aboard and Daichi greeted the men. He returned the bow with his own. "Hai, these are all those dislocated with a few token of my kinsmen for appearances. My apologies for forcing you to row out here but sailing directly in would have raised questions if you had other guests of different sides."

[Kasuga Shinobu]

The man nodded. "Hai, you will not be landing here. There is a port further south along the bay, the closest to the old capital. Half of your ships will be docking there, where magistrates will be waiting to escort the prisoners to the city to work... and of course live under Tortoise guidance. A few ships will land here, and a few north at the Golden Dawn Tower. The tower was recently hit and needs workers to help repair it. It is kind of you to bring some." He smiled brightly, but there was a slyness to it.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

From a corner in the deck, Mei was eavesdropping the conversation in the most discreet manner, even in the mess the ship was with all the refugees and sailors. Capturing what was important and reading lips was an art learned since she was a child in the geisha’s school. The objective was making a geisha capable of being a much more interesting company and avoiding undesirable topics, but the most skilled of them are able to use it in their own benefit all the times. The content of it, though, made her shiver. She had understood of the words of Daichi-sama, the kind Mantis Shugenja that took them as ‘hostages’, that they would be relocated and return to Crane lands as soon as their commanders find it was viable. Most of the refugees had understood it as well. But the prognostic of what she listened was very different of this idea. She exchanged a glance to Kiku, both women trying to figure out what really was happening there. For all she knew from the sailor's conversation was that they were near Kasuga's territory.

And for the first time Mei regretted of her plans to find the truth about Shinoburo.

We need to know what' is happening, Mei. I don't wanna to finish as slave from those... Kiku whispered in her friend's ear. Mei almost laughed from the pride Kiku was able to bear despite being just a heimim. But the resident diva of the House of the Jade Princess was really a difficult person. It was really hard times when the two of them shared the glory of that house.

You're right. I'll do it. How many money do you have with you? I think I have some that can be used to deal our way out of here but I don't know for sure...

Not much. Onasan didn't give me what was mine in the end. Kiku grumbled in low voice.

Right. So let me deal with them. I don't wish you to spoil your facade of gentle person. You will need it for some time from now. The brunette ironized the geisha, a bit tired of all Kiku's petty complains.
Mei put herself on her feet and awaited for the end of conversation between the Kasuga and the Mantis captain. She was boldly determined to question Daichi-sama, for the first time since Lonely Shore City.

[Tamori Manji]

OOC: Keichi is one of Juunosuke's monikers. He is an infamous pirate captain, but few know his true looks, for he often wears disguises and when he does so, he changes his name too. For purposes of this thread he looks to be in his late 40's, has black hair falling down to his shoulders, hazel brown eyes, slight burn scars across the left half of his face and wears plain sailor clothes.

It took time and patience to explain their plans and safeguards to the refugees and a few select members of his own crew, ensuring they had all understood the part they had to play. Their ships had just left the thick of the war behind, but all his years in the sea told Keichi, that the hardest parts were far from over.

The clever pirate captain stood carefully away from sight, paying close attention to the words traded between the Kitsune captain and the Tortoise. The deal seemed to be in order, but, when dealing with smugglers, one can never be too sure or too trusting, especially not when so much is involved and that he knew well. Thankfully, Kitsune Daichi was smart and not only had he heeded Keichi's counsel when he quietly arrived aboard a small rowboat but already had safety measures of his own in place.

Keichi quietly observed the women who also seemed to be very interested in the Kitsune captain's words. After their talk was over and when one of the girls moved closer to the Captain, he crept silently and deftly across the deck, murmuring in an almost inaudible tone to her, watch and wait. Then, he strode over to Daichi and with a small reverence said, Captain Daichi-sama, my men have already prepared the refugees for departure. My ships are also ready to set sail with all those ill fitted to accompany the Tortoise.

[Kitsune Poxo]

"Of course, but do try and remember these are just temporary, as well as mostly woman children and elderly." Kitsune Daich said then turned to the approaching Captain. "Ah good, allow me to finish and my kinsmen shall leave." He returned to looking at Kanji. "Are your men going to sail to lead the way or just point on a map?"

[Kasuga Shinobu]

The Tortoise gave a bow of his head, seeming to ignore the captain, though there was little that he seemed to do other than look at Daichi and nod. "Hai, I quite realize the manner of the situation that has been agreed to. You will have to pardon the arrangements that have been made. As was discussed with the representatives that spoke to Shinobu-sama, this matter has many potential problems for our clan. We are of course willing to help the people, and at the same time, the fortunes of the Crane and Mantis perhaps."

He gave a small smile, voice even. "Besides Daichi-sama, you must realize that the actual situation that will be given to the women and children aboard these ships will not be discussed here. There are others that listen, and while I trust the best intentions of you and your crew, there are outside parties that would benefit much from information."

He gestured back the heimen that were still waiting by the small boat he had taken to get to the ships. "Unfortunately Daichi-sama, there are few Kasuga boats in the Bay at the moment to escort. Instead, I have arranged samurai to meet you at the designated ports. I, of course, will remain aboard ship."

[Kitsune Poxo]

"Of course someone is always watching and there is always a witness wither we believe other so or not. Well then, I believe that puts just about everything in to order. I shall inform the captains before my kinsmen and I take our leave, though first I think I have another mater to attend to quickly." Kitsune Daichi said with a bow and turning and addressing the woman who was waiting for him.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

The former geisha wasn’t expecting his movement, turning to her with total attention, and felt tempted to do what she was taught to do, i.e. being subtly coquettish. But with an almost physical reaction she forced herself to remain composed and serious. Anyway, she was no fool, and her first thought was easily transformed in another, more suited to the situation:

Thank you sama for delivering me such attention among your business time. I am Mei, your humble servant, and I dare to ask you your mercy.

She bowed low again, focusing in his red hair but not realy looking at the Mantis shugenja’s face, a gracious movement to give impression of doing what is right and what is wrong at the same time. I know you are probably not interested in my life but I decided to dedicate my life to a purpose beyond my origins.

I mean no harm she blushed slightly remembering the trap she and Kiku did in the warehouse for him, but continued as my friend Kiku from the House of Jade Princess does not as well. But if you permit I must say me and my colleague cannot stay here. Our lives will be at stake in these lands. We have enemies here (blatantly lying but Mei hadn't no bushido to follow, just strife for life). I implore you, Daichi-sama, we can compensate for the nuisance, with all we possess (not all, of course, she thought), but please, do not leave us here.

She wasn’t aloof to the idea of entertaining officials if this shugenja was able to take her to Kyuden Gotei, but first she should assure she would not be forgotten in a filthy refugee camp. The filthy adjective was creation of her mind, of course. Mei wasn’t sure of their true destination, but what she heard filled her with concern. The woman bowed a third time, in expectation, the wind playing with the hair in the nape of her neck.

[Tamori Manji]

Miss Mei, if I may, I would like to address your question, said the pirate with a crooked smile, while deliberately positioning himself in order for her to face his burn scars, although well intentioned, our Tortoise friends cannot receive such large and sudden bump in their population without raising too much suspicion. All those who fit the descriptions you've no doubt heard will be taken in by them. The others... well, they will be taken somewhere else by my own crew.

He then turned to the Kasuga envoy and said, while scratching his burns, but rest easy Mei-san, we are doing everything possible to keep the majority of the families together, aren't we Kasuga-sama?

EDIT: minor typo.

[Kasuga Shinobu]

The man stood silent a moment before slowly smiling. "All families will be kept together, and all will be kept safe, sama." He seemed quite unperturbed by the burn scars, though it was hard to tell. Instead, he turned to Mei, slowly shuffling up to her. The old man was just a little shorter than her, so he had to look up at her.

"Tell me then young one... you say that you have enemies here... I am quite curious what enemies a trained courtesan such as yourself could have." He paused, smile still remaining though his tone took on one of curiosity. "I am also quite curious that you would rather pay to leave our lands rather than trust us to protect you. I realize the reputation of the Tortoise young one, but such words speak that you believe us incapable of protecting you. I believe if I were a Matsu or Bayushi I would cut you down where you stand for speaking so dishonorably of a samurai's family. As it stands, I must insist you tell me of this danger, remain, and let me deal with it."

He just smiled, looking at Mei and Mei alone.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mei managed to keep an impassible face towards the gross scars on Keichi’s face. She was about to tell him she was glad for the Kitsune intervention when the Kasuga directed to her, being gentle but incisive. Think quick, Mei!

Capitain-sama, I am no samurai and I am not referring to your honorable family; forgive me if I gave you this impression. My low class put me in situations which are very far from the understanding of noble men like you; you are never involved with types that menace me and are around these lands. Of course true samurai know nothing about the life of a heimin. My life is now from this man, and she turned pointing Daichi. He saved my life from the Crab attack with his clear vision of this war and his pure initiative. If he says I must die by my ignorant words, I am sure you can do what pleases you. What I meant is merely that I just cannot usufruct of your family’s hospitality. Probably the other refugees, different from me, will have no problem with this generous offer. Mei gave him another deep bow meant to show her humility towards him.

Finally turning to Keichi, she said, clearly nervous and a bit trembling:

And if I am allowed to say, my little understanding of this maneuver is of course mistaken, forgive me,capitain-sama. I am nothing but an ignorant woman.

[Kitsune Poxo]

"I may not be most samurai and you living can account to that to what you did and to that..." And almost as if on queue his side tinged with pain. "And while not a samurai, you are well versed in the flower skirting of the issue. Out with it. What is your reasoning behind this?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OCc: Sorry sorry sorry for the huge delay, internal affairs occupied me much

I am too much stupid to discern but your words sounded as a compliment to me, so I gladly thank you, sama. Mei bowed, with a smile. The Kitsune shugenja looked to her a trustful samurai, despite his very Mantis behavior.

My arrival to Lonely Shore City had the intention to provide to some friends a chance to escape from the sieged city. My main direction, however, was supposed to be Mantis islands. I cannot give you details in public, but if you give me the opportunity, I can serve you and your friends a dinner, later, and can tell my reasons and my intentions. If it’s of your interest, of course, sama.