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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 19, 2011 5:30:03 GMT -5
I know not all the trials that will lie ahead, but I can only imagine they would be the easier by having your sword accompany mine, Kotaro-san. We will be leaving in a few hours once the Yogo Daimyo is prepared.
Things were starting to look up, almost at every turn in the halls he was coming across another loyal bushi prepared to help Senshi. He just wished he knew exactly what they were getting themselves into.
We will travel lightly in a small number. I would not dare to have others believe an army is headed their way and stall our passage, for our first stop is to Kyuden Ikoma.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Oct 19, 2011 14:16:40 GMT -5
As we leave Kyo stopped Asako, and pulled her into a side room. he raise his hands in a peaceful gesture to show that nothing off will happen while we discuss things.
Asako-san... while I'm not 100% on the details of this venture. I do now that our time is limited. If we are to join Soshi-dono on his quest, we best do it soon or we will be left behind. I also think you should go under a different name for now. But if you wish to keep your current name during the trip that is your choice.
Kyo then pulled out a small scroll and made to check it off. He had most everything he to travel ready to go. But he would prefer a different travel garb than a court kimono. He also decided that a jitte and daisho were a bit over-kill if they were on retrieval mission.
After some time he pulled out an empty scroll and made a list. He also marked at which he inn he was staying at and gently placed it in Asako's hand.
No time like the present to get you started on playing your part. I am going to head out to find Soshi-dono and offer him my aid. For now your name shall be Kumai-san while we are with Soshi-dono and his companions. Do you have any question before we begin?
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 19, 2011 19:14:43 GMT -5
She knew who the letter was from the moment she tried to open it. He had a certain way that only he folded it and enclosed it to make things rather difficult, but identifiable.
Her eyebrow raised when she read he was coming to Ikoma's Eye and needed some assistance. Interesting!
She knew they'd meet at the Happy Unicorn, a small and rather unpretentious inn in town, but no place was really discreet. The city swarmed with individuals who simply observed and gathered information. He knew that, which meant this had to be a serious issue at hand.
She went there, nodded at the innkeeper, and said
"If I am not here and you have an unexpected guest that enquires whether there are any places that sells Tsubaki flowers locally, tell him to wait and send someone to get me immediately. As always, I'd appreciate that."
"Of course, M'Lady. How goes it outside the city?"
Kibo turned and smiled a rather curt smile at the innkeeper and shrugged fatalistically.
"Badly. And you know that means I have to try and mend the broken sake cup yet again."
The innkeeper and Kibo both chuckled as she strode over to the great repositories. She walked in and saw old Ichiro at the entrance.
"Ichiro-san."
"If you want something, you have the time to find it yourself, Kibo-sama."
"I know. If you have visitors asking where a place Tsubaki flowers might be purchased around here, ask them to wait and summon me if I am not here. I promise I'll have a good story for one of you when I have time to tell it. For now, just be discreet."
She bowed quickly, went to the stables and made sure her horse was in good shape and her tackle was ready. Normally, she went to visit him in Scorpion territiry and conversed about many things in an effort to repair the absolute chaos the Crane had made of nearly everything in the Empire of late, but she had a feeling things were much worse than she'd thought in spite of the victory at Toshi Ranbo....
(OOC: Kiso- just keep in mind I'm looking at a 525 mile round trip Saturday if I disappear for a bit, but perhaps I can contribute Sunday Afternoon or evening.) ^_^
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 19, 2011 19:45:10 GMT -5
After Kyo and Kotaro had departed to gather goods for the trip, Kiso had just one thing left to do before going to the caravan. The scrolls still laid strewn about the floor. Carefully and quickly he gathered them together and filled the bag back up. After all the scrolls not deemed necessary by their earlier exploits were packed away, he gave them to a messenger to return them to his study in Shiro no Soshi.
He then set about returning the room to it's intended purpose. It took some time, but it would hasten his return. He had some time anyway, it was still early, and the sleeping spell he had placed on Yogo Hiro might have been a little stronger then he'd expected.
After the last piece was put into place, he closed the door, and headed to take a bath. Being covered in blood was not the way to start traveling. That could wait till they were on the road.
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Shosuro Yoichi
Scorpion Clan
Actor, lover of... late night walks.
Posts: 71
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Post by Shosuro Yoichi on Oct 19, 2011 20:50:16 GMT -5
Shosuro Yoichi packed his trunk full of those things that he needed.
Ah, yes, the Ikoma kimono. I should take that. And the Crane as well. Daidoji, this time, I think... And the peasant clothes...
He quickly packed the other tools of his trade, the sharp throwing needles that he preferred to the throwing stars that other, less talented shinobi swore by. Vials and bottles of various liquids were covered in cloth, and were hidden in the depths of his pack, some poison, and others were elements of his disguise kit, make up to age him, give him the kiss of the sun, or any other guise he might wish.
Hitching his pack, he headed on his spry pony towards the keep, were he would meet the rest of his traveling party.
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Yogo Hiro
Ronin
Daimyo * Shugenja * Air * Water * Ward Master * Hisas RP Yogo Alt.
Posts: 12
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Post by Yogo Hiro on Oct 19, 2011 21:09:16 GMT -5
Hiro awoke from the spell as the door shut behind Kiso. Damn that boy... he spoke into darkness of his room. I could have slept on the cart.
He took a few final scrolls and left orders for Aki to put the room back into its proper order. It was a brief walk to the courtyard to the waiting horses and cart. He saw a small pony and its rider approaching, Hello boy, he said to Yoichi, a scorpion he had yet to meet. If you would prefer a horse you may stable the pony over there, He pointed north from the courtyard to a nearby stable, we leave once Kiso-san arrives.
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Shosuro Yoichi
Scorpion Clan
Actor, lover of... late night walks.
Posts: 71
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Post by Shosuro Yoichi on Oct 19, 2011 22:42:01 GMT -5
(OOC: I think that most horses in Rokugan are rokugani ponies, unless it's one of the breeds brought back by the Unicorn. Unless we have access to Unicorn horses.)
"Hai, Yogo-sama. Forgive me my rudeness. I am Shosuro Yoichi, Butei-trained actor, and herbalist. Soshi Kiso-sama has asked that I accompany you in our... research trip. It is my pleasure to comply."
The faint whiff of the unsavory clung to the Shosuro, but, then again, he was an actor. His movements were languid, and calm. Hiro quickly realized that the Shosuro's actions were akin to one that had had too much sake, or perhaps... too much opium. Yoichi caught his glance, and then the mask of overindulgence fell away. "Many apologies, Yogo-sama. It is important to practice one's roles before one's life depends on them."
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Shosuro Honzo
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Shosuro Daimyo * Ninja* "Master of Shadows"* Loyal * Unique
Posts: 194
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Post by Shosuro Honzo on Oct 20, 2011 23:41:26 GMT -5
Shosuro Asoka looked at the hand that had touched her, then glared up at Kyo-san's face. "Never touch me again", she said; a small undercurrent of thunder in her gaze. Then, just as quickly it dissipated. She replaced her mask that she had taken off earlier to reveal her identity to him.
Asoka listened to Kyo-san as he went about his preparations and his plans for her. She did some mental calculations on time and distance in her head. She sank her consciousness into Eagle's Vision , a mental exercise that allowed one to review by memory places traveled to. The purpose was one designed to allow for the quickest journey and the safest roads. It was one employed often by the Shosuro of the Deadly Shadow. Her master had made all of his students study in each one of his techniques until they mastered it. Every shinobi under his tutelage was capable of being self-sufficient to any task. A shinobi's life was hard, brutal and often solitary. Only in exceptional cases were teams of shinobi placed together.
When Kyo-san explained where he'd be staying at and instructed her on where he was headed, Asoka smiled devilishly and shook her head. "My dear Kyo-san, how silly of you. All of your things are waiting for us where Kiso-sama is staying. My master thought as you do that speed is the key. He took the liberty of having your things taken there, as well as traveling garb and equipment necessary for the journey. If we are lucky, we will get there before the group leaves. My master also gave instructions to another agent to inform Kiso-sama of our intent to join in this expedition. If we are unlucky, and we have been left behind, instructions were left that we would catch up. I have already plotted the best course to intercept if such a thing were to happen. And if you wish to call me Kumai, that is your wish. Come, let us get going and we can change into something more suitable. On the way, we can put on our new 'faces', as it were."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 21, 2011 5:31:42 GMT -5
Freshly bathed, Kiso discarded his kimono covered in Senshi's blood to a fire place. Senshi had angered magic users from the Shadowlands and it would not do for his blood to be in their hands. After donning a clean kimono, Kiso gathered what belongings he had with him, and departed for the courtyard.
The cool morning air felt good, as had the bath beforehand. Hiro, Kotaro and Yoichi we're all there waiting for him. He was not the only one anxious to begin, though he had hoped the Yogo would have gotten a little more rest.
Well gentlemen, do we have all that we require?
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Oct 21, 2011 9:43:12 GMT -5
Kyo mentally sighed. He hadn't even started yet and already he was starting to hate this journey. He called for a little meditation exercise and allowed himself to calm down. he had a duty to perform, and he would do it to the best of his abilities.
He quickly evaluated the woman shinobi that stood before him. He couldn't figure out if he hated her or liked her. For now he would let it play out. She seemed like she was a hard worker, and well aware of what was going on. That would be useful. But in Kyo's opinion her attitude... left much to be desired. He decided right now that he would leave his opinion of her neutral until he had more information.
I apologize if I have slighted you Asako-san. I will make sure not to do it again. If what you said is true then let us be on our way.
Kyo turned and left the room, he hated the situation, but all-in-all the situation intrigued him. He would continue to watch and wait. He thought to himself. let us see where this journey of ours takes us...
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Shosuro Kotaro
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Loyal *Poison Master * Samurai
Posts: 101
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Post by Shosuro Kotaro on Oct 21, 2011 23:33:14 GMT -5
Kotaro subconsciously touched Whisper, a nemuranai, tucked into his obi. The tanto was a gift from his master only a few years ago as a reward for his accomplishments infiltrating the Crane and "disposing" of a few problem samurai. The hollow hilt was already filled with a potent toxin that would slow any opponent wounded by the blade. Whisper's presence helped set him at ease as the group prepared to leave.
The Poison Master hadn't slept since his arrival to Kyuden Bayushi. He had been given only enough time to prepare what items he could scrounge from the palace and village nearby. With permission he was able to use an herbalist workspace inside the castle to mix a few compounds to treat injury or illess and a few that could quickly disable or kill an enemy. Lastly he was afforded the opportunity for a quick bath before setting out on the road.
Kotaro had not seen the attractive servant girl again, which was a disappointment. He would have very much enjoyed a short "diversion" in her arms. He resolved to catch her upon the group's return to the castle. With a fresh change of clothing, a gift from Bayushi Haruka, his travel pack on his back and his daisho set in his obi, Kotaro nodded his readiness to Soshi Kiso.
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Yogo Hiro
Ronin
Daimyo * Shugenja * Air * Water * Ward Master * Hisas RP Yogo Alt.
Posts: 12
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Post by Yogo Hiro on Oct 22, 2011 9:37:36 GMT -5
Is everyone here? If you are not please speak up. Hiro smiled at his little joke and waited a moment. Good. We travel to Kyuden Ikoma, Soshi-sama and I will travel at the front of the caravan. You and you, he pointed at Yoichi and Kotaro, take up positions on either side of the cart. He notice a magistrate and his servant approaching and raised his voice so they could hear him. And you two can take up the rear guard behind the cart. Everyone ready? Lets move out!!
As they made their way through the gate Hiro turned to Kiso and whispered, Pull that trick again, and there will be bad blood between us. I had planned to continue my research and then sleep on the cart.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Oct 24, 2011 9:18:20 GMT -5
((OOC: just going to speed this along a bit. If you guys think something is wrong just tell me and I'll clean it up. But I figure we should get moving.))
It had been two days since they set out on their journey. Kiso-done and Hiro-dono seem to be upset with eachother, more Hiro than Kiso. Yorichi-san and Kotaro-san both appear to be enigmatic but in different ways. Kyo and Kumai-san tend to stay back and out of the way. Although Kyo said that Kumai was just his servant, sometimes it looked as if Kumai was the boss in the relationship, but in a way that was preceived as one trying to better their master.
Everyone for the most part tends to stay to themselves with little snit-bits of conversation happening occasionally between the party members. Overall they made good time and were hoping to make it to Kyuden Ikoma by the next day.
Kyo was dressed in his typical Magistrate travel garb- a set of red and black travel clothes, his crimson arm and leg guards, and his cloth mask over yet another mask- when he got up that morning. He did his daily meditation to prepare his mind for the day. He strapped his jitte and katana to his side and preceeded to take his place at the rear of the caravan.
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Shosuro Yoichi
Scorpion Clan
Actor, lover of... late night walks.
Posts: 71
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Post by Shosuro Yoichi on Oct 24, 2011 13:14:28 GMT -5
Over the journey, those who speak to Yoichi get the impression that he speaks clearly and often, and says nothing. Not that his words are inane chatter, indeed he is most personable, and the conversation is interesting, but he shares little that is personal, while learning as much of your stories as he can.
He carries no katana, but he has his wakasahi, his tanto, and carries a yumi with him as well.
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Shosuro Honzo
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Shosuro Daimyo * Ninja* "Master of Shadows"* Loyal * Unique
Posts: 194
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Post by Shosuro Honzo on Oct 26, 2011 6:23:54 GMT -5
The servant known as Kumai went about her daily duties. She helped prepare meals in camp, set up tents, groomed the horses, attended to her master and other duties given to her. She barely said a word to anyone, bowed and fumbled about most convincingly and generally tried to stay as invisible and nondescript as possible.
Asoka, no, Kumai as she was known now hated this knew face of hers. She wore it bitterly, but only on the inside. She had to keep her face on at all times when with the caravan. She could only take it off when performing tasks for her true master, Shosuro Honzo. Then, when she was Asoka, she was the lethal predator, the shinobi that she longed to be again. For now though, she would have to be content, albeit begrudgingly, to be and live as Kumai.
Kumai attended her master, Shosuro Kyo at the rear of the caravan. She was on high alert for any signs that their passage was being watched, or worse, followed. She found none for the moment. Under her servant's garb she carried her tools of the shinobi. A handful of shuriken, dipped in a paralytic poison, a blowgun and darts, a tanto, blackened with soot and other materials as well as her things for sending messages/signals. The Master of Shadows would have other agents that would meet her along the way for her to give reports.
The trip had so far gone uneventfully. Their trip towards Otosan Uchi seemed favored by the kami, for they had gone over two days unmolested and unchallenged. They passed through the River of Gold, forded the River of the Hour of the Wolf and traveled with their ponies through the lands of the Crane by night. Patrols they had seen were few and far between, mostly due to the war efforts, and had pulled the Crane away from their own lands which was a happy accident the the Scorpion retinue was only too glad to oblige.
Once, a patrol almost stumbled onto their camp, but due to Kiso and Hiro's efforts, their spells kept them at bay and misdirected them elsewhere. The band of Scorpion was all to happy to leave the Crane lands undetected. Kumai found her first contact that night and gave her report. She was given no new orders.
The next day they reached Kyuden Ikoma. Kumai didn't know if they would be stopping here or not. She had secretly hoped that they would avoid all contact with anyone, as her shinobi training had taught her to do, but she was not a shinobi at the moment. For now, she was a humble servant, and she would see what Kiso-sama would order.
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