quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 15, 2011 12:14:42 GMT -5
Quarim's merchant caravan was traveling through the Unicorn Lands. They had made it across the desert uneventfully. Quarim was surprised they had made it so far into Rokugan without incident. He was stopped once at the border of the Unicorn Territory. He presented his traveling papers and explained who he was and allowed to continue on without incident. In a time of war he supposed he was not very important but still he expected more resistance from a land who had outlawed "gainjin" for so long.
He was supposed to have traveled to Shiro Moto and meet Moto Yoee, the Khan. But the border guards had explained that Yoee was no longer the Khan. Something about being tainted. This had disturbed Quarim. Yoee was supposed to have helped him set up trade agreements with some less reputable sources. Now he wanted to travel out of Unicorn lands as quick as possible. He had no idea how well he would be received or who had filled the power vacuum. Such a place was dangerous for him and his large caravan.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 15, 2011 22:08:37 GMT -5
Quarim avoided any villages he spotted and traveled hard and fast. His men were tired but finally he had arrived at Dark Edge Village. This was where of the the two Emperors was camped. Quarim appoached slowly and once again he presented his papers. He was greeted warmly. It seemed Kaneka was happy to receive his choice of supplies before anyone else. Quarim was sent out amongst the samurai gathered to sell anything he had and barter further deals for the future.
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 16, 2011 8:12:48 GMT -5
Mai had just finished training maneuvers for the day and was taking Ren to a stable near to an inn where she had a modest room arranged while the main forces were camped. It felt so good to be back in unicorn territory, even if she was far to the south of her true home in the Utaku plains. The stables were large and well maintained, run by a kindly peasant couple who did not have to be reminded of the importance of a unicorn steed. Ren had a decently sized stall to herself, and as Mai took to removing the blankets and barding, she noticed out the corner of her eye the keepers' daughter, no more than eight, looking utterly fascinated at the fine utaku mare from behind a crack in the partition. Ren seemed to revel in the audience, strutting about the stall despite her exercise from the day. Mai tried to reign her in, but it was of little use. It was only when she pulled an apple from her pocket that Ren started to behave, standing still and looking intently at the treat. Mai turned to the little girl and gestured for her to come closer, cutting the apple in half and placing it on her small, grimy hand. The child, clearly comfortable around horses, put her hand out confidently toward Ren, who studied her a moment before grabbing the apple between her large teeth.
"Lady Ren has bestowed you a great honor," Mai whispered to the girl kindly, as if telling a secret. "Not all who approach her are so fortunate. She sees great potential in you." The girl, clearly cowed by the gesture as well as the spoken word from a samurai, nods seriously but is too frightened to speak. Laughing silently to herself, Mai allows the girl to help brush down the horse (at least what she could reach) until she shone.
In all of the heartbreak and change that Mai had experienced in the last months, she found it remarkable that simple acts of compassion such as this could still lighten her heart. She had carried so many burdens -- the burden of her mother's legacy, of leadership, of the uncomfortable truths about the khan and the changing of leadership in the clan, that a light heart seemed rare to come by from any other means.
So it was that, having some time to herself, Mai wandered around the bazaar, watching the flurry of activity from samurai, peasants, and gaijin pressing and purchasing the myriad of wares available, taking time to enjoy the sights being presented to her.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 16, 2011 15:45:45 GMT -5
Quarim noticed Mai and approached her. "Is there anything you like? We have many goods and even more to come. Is there anything a young beautiful warrior such as yourself needs or desires? I'm sure we can fulfill request you may have."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 16, 2011 16:56:52 GMT -5
Mai looked thoughtful for a moment, pondering the man's query. "I desire...freedom, gaijin-san. The wind on my face, and the sun in my eyes. Do you have that in your caravan?" She smiled at the thought, though not maliciously, before shifting her gaze to the wares on display. She looked intently on some oddly woven silk fabrics, a bit of sadness betraying itself on her face. "I am looking for a gift for another, though I have yet to make her acquaintance. Is there something you would recommend? A wonder from the gaijin lands may be suitably impressive."
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 17, 2011 14:39:56 GMT -5
Quarim motioned for Mai to follow him. "One cannot grant freedom. We are all slaves to our destinies. One must learn to accept or rebel the against the path laid before us."
"My name is Quarim. I am pleased to meet you. You are obviously a great warrior. As warriors tend to associate with warriors I assume you are looking something fitting that status." He stopped in front of a weapons caravan. He spoke a few words in his native tongue. A man pulled out a wooden case and handed it to Quarim. He opened it and removed a jeweled dagger. The dagger and case were made of gold and peppered irregularly with flakes of different gems making it sparkle. He drew the weapon and handed it to Mai. "The blade is heavier than what you are used to no? It is made from many different metals. The mixing process makes the blade stronger than those found in Rokugan, and gives it the beauty it has by reflecting the light in different ways. Notice the swirl pattern on the blade. It's not as sharp as yours but it will never break or rust. The impurities give it strength. I find that it is like people in that regard. It's always our flaws that give us beauty. If we were all perfect then we would have nothing to strive for."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 18, 2011 9:13:36 GMT -5
Mai took a moment to study the knife -- the weight of it, the unusual blade, the way the light danced on its gems. "It is a beautiful specimen, but I don't know who could be convinced to sully it with use. It deserves much more than to be tied to one's belt...the blade sounds very useful, though. Do you know of any smiths who may be able to make such a blade after the manner of Rokugani weapons?" After a long moment she finally hands the dagger back to Quarim, a little sadly. "If I were looking for a gift for a warrior this may be just the thing, but the recipient is one not accustomed to war, but to the ways of court. A...relative, you could say, among the Crane."
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 18, 2011 10:30:16 GMT -5
"One of the things we hope to do in the near future is share our knowledge with your culture. I hear your tsi smiths are some of the greatest. I'm quite sure arrangements could be made to teach one such a technique."
Quarim walked a bit further down to another caravan. "I may have just the thing for you." He reached inside and withdrew a comb. It was made of glass inlaid with three light blue sapphires. "We have brought a few of these but only this one has the sapphires. They match the color the Crane wear correct? We tried to bring a nice selection of wares so that every clan might enjoy our presence. We are aware that we are outsiders and many dislike us being here but we hope our goodwill changes the hearts of our opposers. If I may be so bold what is your opinion of our presence here?"
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 18, 2011 11:44:33 GMT -5
"The tsi are truly the masters of the art of swordcraft, but I would be willing to wager that you would have the most success if you tried first working with the Kaiu. They are the masters of function, and their blades are designed to withstand significant strain. Such an alloy would certainly pique their interests, and they may even be able to improve upon its capabilities."
Mai gasped a little at the glass comb. It had a delicate, subtle beauty wholly absent from the dagger, but equally fascinating in its workmanship. Certainly it would fail in the daily battles with knots and tangles, but it would display nicely on the elaborate hairstyles often worn by the crane courtiers. "It's lovely, Quarim-san." Mai's tongue felt slightly heavy attempting to say the strange name, but she hoped her attempt was not completely shameful. "It is a worthy gift for a Doji bride."
"I hope you have found good trade relations in the unicorn lands. Our clan, more than any other in Rokugan, knows the value of looking outside our own borders. Some of the most traditional samuari may look down their noses, but so long as you have something to offer, you have a chance to gain their respect."
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 19, 2011 7:15:20 GMT -5
"The Kaiu you say? I admit I had not thought of them. From what we heard of them they worked more as engineers building structures. Our understanding of the Clans is limited of course." The limited understanding did not see to carry over to the language. Quarim's spoke the language perfectly, although with an obvious accent.
"To be honest we moved quite hastily through the Unicorn lands. We were supposed to meet your Champion Yoee. But we heard he was 'removed'. Not knowing the situation we traveled as quickly as we could here. I have seen when someone loses power and the blood that can be spilled by others trying to capture it. I feared for me men. Thankfully we made it here uneventfully."
Quarim watched Mai closely. He was used to reading body language and gauging interest in what he was selling. He believed he had her. "Now about the price of the comb. As I've said my knowledge is limited. I need to know more and you seem to be quite honest and helpful. So for the comb I would ask for three things. First your name. Second that you join me for dinner tonight. Third you teach me how to make my horse obey as well as yours. Mine never seem to want to cooperate."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 19, 2011 9:20:40 GMT -5
"What you have learned about the Kaiu is correct; but while they focus the largest part of their efforts on defenses and seige, there is a small but thriving sword smithy. I have never seen the blades myself, since they produce so few, but it is said that they can cut through stone and steed, marrow and metal, sinew and soul."
At the mention of Yoee, Mai's guard went up slightly. She had no idea how much information had been spread to the public as rumor, and was unsure herself of the details of the khan's more questionable activities and subsequent escape from the jade magistrates. Yoee's taint was certainly not something to advertise to the trade caravans either. Keeping her tone neutral, she continued, "Such change in the responsibility of the clan is something the unicorn have become quite accustomed to, unfortunately. In all of our struggles, though, we never forget how precious the lives of our people are, and strive to defend those who make our civilization possible. That includes merchants like yourself, Quarim-san. I have full faith that Utaku Kasumi-sama will lead the unicorn as well as she has the Utaku family."
At the mention of price Mai was mentally preparing to do the odd dance that the gaijin merchants seemed to love, involving coins and arguments over how such coins would change hands. She nearly laughed out loud when Quarim listed his terms. Surely he did not take such liberties with all of his transactions?
"I believe this is the part where I can haggle the price, is it not, Quarim-san?
The first cost I will pay gladly. My name is Utaku Mai, and I am stationed here as a taisa with the Battle Maidens while Toturi III's army is decamped.
This responsibility, unfortunately, may effect my ability to pay the second: This afternoon I must oversee training maneuvers with our troops, which would delay my evening plans somewhat. If you can wait a few hours later than the normal dinner time, I would be happy to share an evening meal with you.
As for the third: while I am honor bound to protect the secrets of the shiotome and cannot tell you all of the riding techniques that have been passed down to me by my grandmothers, there are a few things that all unicorn learn of our steeds that are simple matters of practice and observation. And you are quite fortunate, as it just so happens that I know of a great stablemaster in the area who can help teach you and your horses to work together. I would be happy to make an introduction." Mai's eyes gleam, affected by her warm smile.
"Are these terms agreeable, Quarim-san?"
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 19, 2011 23:58:12 GMT -5
Quarim was absolutely delighted. "These terms are agreeable. I will see you tonight. Thank you. Do not let me keep you waiting though. I look forward to our dinner later."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 20, 2011 11:01:28 GMT -5
So the meeting was arranged. As Mai rode to the warcamp outside town and played her part in the day's martial duties, her thoughts turned to the strange gaijin. She wondered idly the wisdom of meeting him again, but shrugged it aside. They had an accord, after all, and Mai would never think to shrink from an obligation. Perhaps his contacts who taught him so much about Rokugan may even know something of the dark forces at work in the empire.
She hurried back to the city as the sun was making its way behind the distant mountains. She entrusted all of Ren's needs to the stable girl, much to the child's delight, so she would have some time to clean up and present herself. She debated at length whether to wear her armor, but ultimately decided against it. Instead she dressed in a simple kimono (hating the fact that such a garment impeded riding significantly), her wakazashi tied to her obi, and her katana at her back, signifying her status as a bushi while trying to appear less than overtly threatening.
She entered the inn's dining hall, nearly empty but for a few individuals finishing their meals.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Nov 27, 2011 1:36:20 GMT -5
Quarim sat at a private table lit by a few candles. He wore a crimson tunic with gold thread trimming. A simple piece of clothing yet it still showed off his immense wealth. When he saw Mai enter he stood, motioned her over and pulled out her chair for her.
"I have arranged for tea. I figured that could not be an insult of any means, however if you would like something stronger I am more than happy to oblige."
Quarim's manner was relaxed and subtle. He wore no weapon that could be seen. But seemed as confidant as any samurai in the room. Obviously he could not be easily intimidated. Which may be why he was chosen to be here.
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 28, 2011 12:08:38 GMT -5
"Tea would be lovely, thank you." Mai said as she was seated. "Please excuse my current state. I find a military mindset very difficult to overcome on occasion." With that she undid the strap on her katana, letting the sheathed weapon rest next to her seat, signifying her peaceful intent. She takes the proffered tea, letting the hot liquid soothe away her cares of the day, and looks across to her dinner partner curiously.
"Your bearing is like many I've seen from Yakeru yoni Atsui, Quarim-san, do you come from the City of Peace or some other holding?
|
|