Crossroads (Invitation Only)

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Summary: After the retreat from Toshi Ranbo, the Kakita daimyo led to the north, using the Doji Fan to protect the Hantei XL’s family and close court, with the Seppun Guard, from the fallen capital.
By the Emperor's demand, the court was relocated to Kyuden Otomo. After a brief meeting with the Emerald Champion, the Crane regent, Daidoji Fitsu commanded Crane’s shireikan to reagroup the clan’s armies while he was gathering with Dragon strategists.
But Mitsouko was called by the Emperor. Hantei had a favor to request...

….

….

Hour of the dog.

The humid night, with light but insistent rain, was delaying the small group from advancing through the obscure path they chose to ride through the night. They thought they would be in their final destiny hours ago, but the muddy and slippery terrain was a considerable enemy to win against when you have to advance with few or no light, near a hostile terrain and trying to not catch the attention of the enemy patrols in this no man land.
As long as they manage to keep their presence and intentions preserved, they have more chances to accomplish the strange mission they were assigned to.

The wind bit down to Mitsouko's bones. She drew the cloak closer around her, and let the rain deflect off her jingaza. The ominous feeling crept over her, tingling over her spine. She did not know if it would turn out auspicious or disastrous

Kakita Mitsouko had picked two trustful person of the clan to follow with her, hoping in her heart this was the mission that would change the future of this war. Close to her body, a message written by the own hand of Hantei Naseru to his brother Kaneka. She remained unaware of the content, but the Kakita daimyo knew (or expected) Hantei had a good reason to send her to talk with Kaneka and deliver him this message).
They stopped a little by the shelter of a rock to check the maps once again and make sure that, at least, they will find a village in between. As the night promised be long and dangerous, their best option was to rest and resume the travel by the Hour of the Hare.

Not long ahead, we will find a narrow bridge over a river, and within a mile, the village I am sure it’s a neutral place by now. Probably the best place for the Kakita-tono to spend the night. Their guide was an experienced Dragon who knew everything in the borders of the mountains where they were now.

So they decided for a detour in their way, to spend the night in a small village near. They would like to get in Kaneka’s presence as presentable Crane. Mitsouko returned to her horse, pulling again the jingaza over her head and shrinking in disgust for the inconvenient weather, resuming the ride among the Crane with her.

Even expecting the better from this meeting, she didn’t know how Kaneka would react and, well, it was a problem. Her heart was full of concerns and anxiety, recollecting the inexpressive face of the Emperor when he delivered her the paper. The lack of emotion in his face gave her no clue about the content or subject. It should be anything.

She pulled the oiled cape over her body once again, feeling totally awake and alert, somehow thrilled about if she was carrying the destiny of Hantei alliance and her clan in that letter. Once in her ride, she turned for one of her trusted companions:

I admit I will love a fresh tea and a room for one night, Kenna-san. Mitsouko commented, trying to swash away the bitter silence in what she had retracted herself since their last meal.

[Doji Kenna]

In the final hours of Toshi Ranbo he had worked hard with attendant Crane and Seppun forces to help evacuate the Imperial Court, separating him from many of his brothers and sisters-in-arms that had continued to fight. The retreat to Kyuden Otomo had been depressed, and its safety once reached had filled with recriminations. Such a response though understandable and predictable had been disappointing, in a way it had made him almost long for the brutal clarity of the battlefield again. The loss of Yasuki Chad had been particularly saddening, he could only hope that the much admired Daimyou was coping with his captivity well. When the Lady Kakita had made clear her new and vital cause he had volunteered immediately. As the son of an Otomo he considered the palace to be like a second home, but he had to admit to himself that he had quickly grown tired of the infighting in the courts.

He wasn't quite sure why it seemed to be the case that his travels since the start of the war always seemed to take place in the rain. Oh, he supposed rain was pleasant enough, and certainly necessary, but it was unarguably true that he was also getting rather tired of having it fall on him. His gloom, aggravated by the subtle sense of unease at not having his friend and second, Daidoji Shuen, with him, was broken when the Lady Kakta turned to face him.
Indeed Kakita-sama, such a boon would be most welcome. I must confess that while I hope out charge bears success, I do not believe it will, I do not think even the Emperor's own words can sway the treachery of Kaneka. Perhaps he had been overly frank for a courtier, but his military service before and since the war had worn away some of the smooth polish his training had born, converting it into frankness. Of course, as a consummate professional he limited such honesty to situations like this, the Lady Kakita being a discerning woman who appreciated truth over polite fiction.
'It goes without saying that we shall do our duty without question Kakita-sama, recent history has made that abundantly clear. If I may be so bold as to ask, how do you think our mission shall be received. Though they fight in open rebellion I still believe many of the Lion to be men and woman of honour, even if their loyalties have been misplaced.'

[Akodo Tomatsu]

They had been riding hard for days now and this was the first proper town they had seen since leaving Toshi Ranbo. The two had no need for a guide, they had the best maps of the area, drafted by the Miya family last winter. They had used the maps to find the most important positions in the Lion front lines and had made personal inspections of each, conferring with the local Gunsos and Chuis, making sure preparations were complete and supplies were flowing. They would treat themselves to a night at an inn, well earned now. The town was small, but the inn looked like it had descended from Tengoku itself after all the hard traveling they had undertaken. A night indoors, after a large warm meal that they didn't have to cook was just what was needed to refresh the soul. It didn't help that he didn't know when the next time he might have at an inn for the foreseeable future would be, but he would make sure to enjoy tonight for all he could.

Tomatsu dismounted from Lioness' back and took her reigns, walking her over to the local stables. She was by far the second most expensive horse here, second only to his companion's mount, however to the untrained peasant eyes here, they both were strong horses, taller and more muscular than the average Rokugani pony, and Lioness was a deeper, darker color of black than any Rokugani pony that they had likely seen. He tipped the stable by 5 bu, a massive sum but he wanted to make sure that Lioness received a night of relative pampering as well, he was certain she was just as tired of nights on the road as he was, and she had earned a night to relax.

He next made his way over to the inn, leaving his companion to see after her own steed. She was certain she was capable of handling this simple task, and he would hope to surprise her with a room ready and a meal on the way when she arrived. As he entered he removed his standard mempo and kabuto, the armor chaffing him after hours of riding today, and the thought of a hot bath was a welcome idea. The owner approached him, an older woman who was likely the mother of the actual owner, her son most certainly conscripted to serve in an army during the war. Tomatsu gave it no thought at all beyond the passing observation, such things were common place for a Lion.

She bowed before him and put on a smile. "How can I help you Lion-dono?"

My name is Akodo Kenzo a common enough name he thought, my companion and I need a warm meal and a room for the night, can you spare it? He said glancing around the inn now, realizing that there were no guests for the night, a strange occurrence, but likely a forced one given how close this inn was to the war.

She began to prevaricate, saying that the inn was about to close down as they had no guests, and that they had no stores of food on hand. Tomatsu tired of her words and just reached into his traveling pack and shoved two koku at the woman. Saying he was over paying for the room was an understatement, but after the hours of traveling, he had no want for negotiation. The woman did not even bat an eye at the windfall she had received, just tucking them out of sight before he could ask for them back, and kindly showed him to a table to await the customary pot of tea while their rooms were prepared, so that they might have a chance to change before dinner was served. Tomatsu took a seat at the table, facing the door, waiting for his companion to arrive.

[Bayushi Haruka]

It hardly took long for his companion to follow after, although needless to say she seemed much more concerned for her horse's welfare than her own. She had to allow her previous mount to rest as riding through the empire felt like it was taking a worrying toll on her favorite stallion now.
Her new steed was not trained for heavy battle as of yet, but a fresh set of legs under her made the travels that much easier. She gave the bay mare a good sendoff for now, as she exchanged a little whisper to the stable boy who seemed to nod all the more nervously as he realized he was attending to one of the sacred steeds.

She gave him a smile and a hearty pat, but his surprise was understandable considering how she appeared. And as she entered into the inn to join her companion she found herself readjusting her kabuto as it had fallen out of place once again. The roaring maw of a lioness perched atop her brow was a slight unusual and inadequate for riding as it often only became slightly dislodged, but thankfully never fully off.

She fussed over the appearance of the fur as it draped across her shoulder blades and back, having to forsake her previous gift of a full lion pelt cloak. Such an item would be too identifying as she wished to play her part.
Her face was covered in the lines of war paint that hid her face all the more as she straightened herself as much as possible and took a seat across from him. Hunching over and groaning a bit uneasily, the only thing that seemed to disturb her now was an aching sore as she negotiated herself carefully.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day when riding would pain me so." She gasped and allowed herself to forget the more polite ways of being as she gingerly stole a cushion from another seat to pad her place, relaxing back with an audible sigh.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Well, Kenna-san, what I know is too easy to be influenced by cheers and flatteries after a battle, and I know as well once words are said, few are capable to swallow them back and reconsider their decisions as precipitated and based in unreasonable arguments. We are humans and passible to commit mistakes. I think Kaneka was drunken by the glory of victory when this idea grew in his heart. If Kaneka just could reconsider and spare the Empire of the shame we were dragged in with this war, everybody would gain. Lion clan is as honored as ours, but maybe they were taken by their words as well. Oaths made with the fresh taste of a huge victory in mouth, should be better weighted.

Few remember we were there too, our strategies making all difference in the end. I mean, does not Shinsei said:" In order to choose the correct path, you must know the pitfalls that await you." They can think they pursue a better government, but at what costs?

Even more considering the real peril is outside, and forcing their way in...

She sighed, suddenly realizing that maybe her point of view was different of many in her clan.

But I am only digressing... Forgive me Kenna-san. She nodded and rode in silence to the village.

Soon they noticed the inn, its lights so inviting and cosy to tired travelers as themselves. She noticed the inn, though, were not empty of guests.

Be aware. she advised to her men, cautiously dismounting. Mitsouko noticed the scary look the stable servant gave to them, and understood the whole situation forming there. Enemy clans were expected to be inside the inn.

The man started to tremble when she delivered the reins to him, inspecting the two horses already installed, probably thinking a tragedy was about to happen in that very inn tonight.
Mitsouko examined at some distance the Utaku steed, in all skittish and imponent, and another example of excellent ride, maybe not as impressive as the Unicorn mare.
Very well, she thought. Let's see it.
She glanced to Kenna, nodding to make mention they would enter the inn, however.

[Doji Kenna]

He listened carefully to the Lady Kakita before replying, 'I concur with your assessment Kakita-sama, I think it is wisdom to understand the causes of this conflict and then to work towards a peaceful conclusion. I fear however, that with the suffering and death caused there will be many that hold a grudge, our Clan has born the worst of things and rightly or wrongly our relationship with the Lion is antagonistic more than not. Respecting her silence he didn't pass further comment as they rode on.

Keeping close to Mitsuoko he tried to be wary, Shuen always made it look so easy but it was actually harder than it looked. Noting the fine steeds as had the Lady Kakita he kept close to her, not for the first time wishing they had a few more guards with them. Though he trusted the general honour of the Lion not to attack travelers, these were times of war and some of the members of the Clan were indisputably bellicose and choleric of temper. Meeting Mitsuoko's eyes he entered first, the better to evaluate the establishment, and to allow his superior a proper entrance.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The Matsu looking woman seemed to hear the entrance of the new arrivals as she slowly and steadily glanced over her shoulder to snag a glance to see if they were indeed the ones they'd come to meet. Their white hair was a dead giveaway in her book but she said nothing to say anything to draw attention to them.

There would be no need to, as the rest of the inn was vacant anyway, devoid of prying eyes. She brought her eyes back to her cup of tea and took a long drink. Her armor was hopefully enough to mask her physical state for now, as Matsu thankfully catered to even those lionesses that bore more than their own weight in battle.

She knew at the very least who was to be there, but in her mind she wondered how the Crane woman would be tonight considering their past dealings before. But she of all the people in the room wanted a civil handle on the situation, and she would endeavor to start them off on the right foot if she could so help it. For now she would play the part for as long as she needed to, a simple nameless Matsu companion who didn't look like she was worth the steel she carried.

Only if it was needed would she give herself away, only giving a gentle nod of affirmation to Tomatsu. Squeezing her own throat a bit to alter her voice into something rougher.
"Seems we won't be able to have a moment's peace to ourselves tonight, will we my dear. He buys out the whole inn and still we seem to have some company come upon us. I will admit I don't think I've ever seen a Crane in the moonlight. Have you, Akodo-san?"

She was hardly looking for an answer, merely playing her part and acknowledging their entry. She hoped inwardly that they wouldn't cause problems as it was just clearly the two apparent Lion samurai there.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro rode through the stormy night beside Mitsouko and Kenna. Although he was a bit subdued and more quiet than his usual self, he felt better than he had in days. After the rescue mission, the battle of Toshi Ranbo, the walk to Kyuden Otomo, and his appearance in court, all he had wished for in the world was a hot bath and a hot meal. The Asahina family had done all that and more for him, tending to the wounds he and his battle brothers had sustained with both magic and medicine. His leg felt as good as new, his minor wounds, including the one above his hairline, had been cleansed and dressed, and his arm had been rebroken (a painful experience involving a mallet), set properly, soaked in an herbal bath that accelerated the effect of magical healing and worked as an anesthetic, and then magicked and set in a proper brace. The bone was technically healed, although the bond was still weak. The Asahina had told him that he would need roughly a week in the brace without combat or serious trauma for the arm to heal completely.

He only hoped that he would be given that luxury. As things were, the brace was far more concealable than the makeshift splint Saiko had used for the walk to Kyuden Otomo, and the sleeve of his traveling garb easily slid down over it, hiding it from view. His hair had been washed (oh, glory of glories!) and, after all the blood and mud had been removed from it, it had been properly taken care of, the white streak in the front of his black hair braided as per his usual preference. The Asahina tending to him seemed a bit surprised that the white was not in fact dye, but chose not to ask any questions.

He pulled the hood of his new cloak up a bit higher, reveling in the fact that, in spite of the ceaseless rainfall, his hair was actually dry for a change. His mount, Shadowshine, was used to long distance travel and actually seemed to be enjoying herself. Apparently it had been far too long since she had the chance to stretch her legs.

Mitsouko's mention of hot tea brought a smile to his face. "Perhaps if the fortunes bless us, we three can enjoy tea together like civilized people this evening, instead of rushing through it to attend to our duties like we have been lately."

He let the conversation between Kenna and Mitsouko carry on without his voice, speaking only to assure Mitsouko that she was not the only one who felt that the real threat to Rokugan was simply biding it's time and waiting. Eventually, the trio made their way to a small village. Sojiro took Shadowshine to the stables, noting the fine steeds already there, and tipped the stable hand a few bu to make sure she was brushed out and taken care of before following his companions to the entrance of the inn. Kenna went in first, while Sojiro brought up the rear, in case of an ambush - Mitsouko was an important person, after all.

Upon entry, he noticed the two Lion samurai at the table. He calmly positioned himself at the side of Mitsouko, but said nothing.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko recognized the woman’s voice in the instant she heard it. Many questions popped in her head, all the scandalous happenings in the skirts of Toshi Ranbo. But Mitsouko has no time to think and wasn’t able to discern fact from rumor in that case, so she restrained herself and briefly wondered why the Mistress of The Secrets was doing in such isolated spot when her husband was in Kyuden Bayushi being treated by the Scorpion Shugenja. Anyway, because etiquette, she would not make Haruka lose face showing she recognized her by her true identity. Whatever she was doing there wasn’t really their business, anyway.
For courtesy, as well, she avoided to look further to their table and know more about the man in Scorpion’s company. She knew Kenna was an able courtier and just waited him to check with the Lion women that announced a bit harshly she had had rent the inn for this night to concede them the opportunity to use it as well. Mitsouko would try to forget she had heard “my dear” and treated the man with extreme intimacy, it wasn’t of her interest as well.
She stretched her hands, to relax from the reins handling, and waited at the door.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Tomatsu watched the new guests arrive. The old woman was busy off taking care of his requests and so she would likely be delayed in returning.

He knew Crane when he saw them, and realized with a moment of panic this could get ugly fast, not how he wanted to spend his night. He decided he might take a chance and be civil about this. They had noticed them by now for sure and they weren't already drawing steel, a good sign. If the kami were with him tonight, they wouldn't be looking for a fight either. Tomatsu locked eyes with the Matsu before him. He gave her the, "lets see what happens" look he knew she was looking for, and a soft nod. He then laid his eyes on the three Crane, keeping his unwavering stare on them till each realized he was staring at them, until each had hazarded a glance at him. He then removed his mempo and kabuto, a test to see if any of them might recognize him. Despite the name Akodo Tomatsu being a rather famous one now, there were very few paintings of him readily available outside of Lion lands. Anyone who spent a lot of time at the imperial throne room might recall the painting of a young Tomatsu swearing fealty to Hantei, but that seemed like a life time ago for Tomatsu.

He looked at their faces now, trying to take in their features. The outer two Crane he could not place, likely as he had never met them before or if he had, he did not remember them. After all there were thousands of samurai in the Empire. The female in the center of the group seemed almost familiar, as if he had met her before. He recalled her face, with just the right amount of make up to accentuate her beauty. She was wearing a heavy kimono, which meant he had met her at Winter Court. He recalled perhaps, one or two other less specific times when he had met her, perhaps at some official state visits to Kyuden Doji, but he could just not recall her name, it was as if it was on the tip of his tongue but some unseen hand held it back. His revery was broken by the return of the old woman with their tea. She placed it down quickly and hurried off to greet her new guests.

[Doji Kenna]

On entering the inn he had noted immediately how lacking in custom it was, a sad reminder of the difficulties war inflicted on the common folk. He had also noted the Lion and Scorpion, the quality of their clothing matched by the obvious signs of recent travel, glad that he had Kakita Sojiro's sword with him should it come to an unavoidable confrontation. Though did not immediately recognise either of the pair, and when neither raised any challenge or comment at their arrival he moved towards the elderly woman behind the counter.

Something nagged at him though, the pair did look very familiar and then with a flash he put name to profile. The woman was the spitting image of Bayushi Haruka, the wife to Bayushi Senshi himself. There was of course the possibility he was incorrect, but he had studied the profiles of the mighty of the Empire extensively, it would be best to inform the Lady Kakita. A few subtle motions of Cadence communicated his suspicion as finally the wizened innkeep brought her attention to him. The innkeeps manner was rude and confrontational but he let her aggression slide off the smooth shell of his equanimity, 'Come now, your establishment surely cannot be entirely booked. My Lady Kakita has traveled far today and would appreciate warm food, a bath and a private room to retire too, Kakita-san and I can make do with sharing an adjoining room. If all your rooms are occupied then I am more than willing to pay both you and the current occupants should they be less than samurai.

Even as he negotiated with the innkeep, noting from the greedy look in her eye that though it may cost, rooms would 'magically' become available, his thoughts kept coming back to the Lion bushi. Unlike many Doji he had not entered the courts immediately after his gempukku, instead traveling the length and breadth of the Empire. Only with Kaneka's rebellion had his service returned to his Clan. In his travels he had spent quite a lot of time in Lion territory, his memory was excellent and he was certain that the Lion's face was known to him. That grain of nagging knowledge grew in him even as a cold realisation suddenly gripped him, it couldn't be could it? A look directed with the subtlety of a courtier allowed him to examine the man's face and bearing. Finally the innkeep agreed to his terms, two of their standard rooms, and returning to the Lady Kakita he bowed, using his hands, hidden from the view of the Lion and Scorpion to send another quick message to Mitsuoko, 'I think Lion is Clan Champion.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro removed his hood once Mitsouko was inside, revealing his mismatched eyes and long, black hair with the white braid to anyone watching him. Looking over the two Lion samurai, he felt both more on edge and a bit more relaxed, somehow. He had spent his life around warriors, and he didn't need to know who these two were to recognize the warrior spirit in them, just from their body language. Fortunately, they didn't seem interested in a fight right now.

The woman was completely unknown to him, and the man's face was totally hidden underneath his mempo. Although their body language was not aggressive, Sojiro stayed close to his Daimyo. Better to be safe than sorry when dealing with an unknown variable, in unknown terrain.

(OOC edited because I was dumb and didn't take into account that Akodo-san hadn't removed his mempo yet, therefore I couldn't see his face.)

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Curiosity talked louder, and she glanced at the man. Kenna-san was not known for commit such mistakes regarding authorities... She knew she wasn't known to him. At least, she didn't remember to have seen him in person before...
Their eyes met for a moment, she saw noblesse and character there, not only pride. She closed her eyes for a second, after it. They were supposed to be enemies, by the tides of politics and war. His clan killed many of hers, and she would not be proud to deny the merit of Lion armies in Toshi Ranbo battle, at least to herself. The same way when she talked to Hantei-teno in behalf of her clan for their failure, she knew only the total massacre of her kin would be excuse for their failure. Even so, the Son of Heavens was compassionate to her and to Crane.
While there were more battles to be battled, she felt she didn’t want to do it anymore.
She would gladly give her life in service for the very man she swore to protect in her gempukku ceremony.
As many other samurai in the Empire.
But she knew when the smoldering ashes of this petty war weren’t still totally over, the Shadowlands, plague, famine and doom would walk over the body of the same men and women warring about words said and unsaid.
Not while treats beyond her comprehension were infiltrating like ooze to the core of the Empire. If she tried to split Crane forces to deal with Shadowlands treats while defending the Imperial Court and the Emperor, it would only weaken the Hantei loyalists even more.
And, for an instant, she thought it was in fact the content of the letter from Hantei to Kaneka. And then, she wondered what that man, Tomatsu, would think about the subjects that bothered her spirit right now. But she realized that the many differences this war had brought over them probably would make impossible an agreement about what was realy important...
When their eyes met again, Mitsouko bowed slightly to him.
Then she turned to Sojiro and Kenna, with a weary smile:
Maybe in few minutes we can have tea before the meal, what do you think? I could eat pebbles…

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka gave her heavy set sigh. Watching these Crane walk along with their eyes so accusingly. Frankly she came to think that her attempts at hiding her image were worthless as she took the kabuto off and tossed it onto the table with a look of disdain. She was tired of the games, tired of the word play and the coy motions. Scorpion trained now, but still no less a Unicorn.

She took one of the cloths from her armor and wiped her face clean of the paint. It had been some time since she'd worn in, but removing it was just as easy to her still.
Her eyes looked up at the Crane gathered there, with their eyes all meeting and averting from them. She would hide her face and her voice no longer, and she would not draw out this night for their tension.

"Have we come to speak on words of peace or have we come here to act out a play brothers and sisters of the empire?
Please have a seat."

She was not even situated in the place next to her companion, but apart from him. Another unspoken sign that there was no hostile intention as discussed before. The rest of the table open up to the rest of the Crane.
Much as this little game of scandals was amusing to her, such things paled in importance of the matters at hand and pressing on her mind.

She did wonder though if the Crane would be so haughty as to continue holding their chins up, or if the humility of defeat would render them at least somewhat human. Haruka was hardly thrilled but now with her head facing them she could recognize Mitsuoko for certain as she attempted to begin the night on the right foot.

"Please, Kakita Mitsuoko-sama, would you sit with me?"
Her mask off in a failed attempt to look the part of the Matsu companion now, she could see her face as straight and genuine as ever. Not even a flinching fear or bit of tense contempt in her eyes.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Haruka’s first remark was so unexpected that for a moment the Kakita got speechless. What is she talking about?
Whatever, she thought. She was curious about the Shining Lion.
With a smile she bowed to Haruka, in recognition.

Lady Bayushi, it’s so good to see you well! A big surprise indeed to find you here. Thank you very much for your invitation, but we would not wish to impose upon your hospitality.