On the Shores --PM first--

[Kakita Mitsouko]

If you wish to join, PM me first please

This thread is a natural development of both new actions in the clicking game
3/7/2012: The Crab have called a war council at Lonely Shore City to consider their options, as reports arrive of a Scorpion attack on Clearwater Village and a Crane army being raised at Seawatch Castle. Meanwhile, the Mantis, driven off the mainland, have resorted to hiring their troops out to the highest bidder, while rebuilding ships at Iron Turtle City.
and also is related with the coming home of the Crane Party arriving from Shadowlands from the Crane Raid Part 2.





When their ship was maneuvering to access the bay, The Crane party coming home from their the incursion into Shadowlands in the company of Kitsune Yumi and Usagi itzutsu most likely had the relief of seeing again a known and hospitable landscape. Or at least, known and safe lands within the Empire.

From the Lord Kakita’s deck, the group was able to notice the movement of troops and ships, gathering in the ports near the shores of Amaterasu Umi, were the group finally landed. Ironically, it was where part of this story began: where their destinies were tangled due the tragedy Mantis and Crane faced in this very shore.
Their trip back home, of course wasn’t calm or easy, but they were better experienced this time, though not everyone returned home. They had little time to think and discuss, since every second awake was needed in order to prevent their doom. Also, they knew something was chasing Lord Kakita, hidden in the mists or under the tempests, a few times identified as a spot that could be or not a ship.
When the tired crew of Lord Kakita finally managed to dock , the group was absolutely tired and worn from the experience, and all they wished was a well deserved rest in a decent shelter. Mitsouko and her friends were received by the taisa responsible for the defense of the Castle, and hosted in the best way possible, as expected, by the military command stationed there.
After a night of rest, when everybody had a free time for themselves, the group had the opportunity to meet again after the first meal, in the pavilion prepared to be the most private place for a meeting like this.
Mitsouko was there, looking askance at the bag with the haunting helm inside, and after a second glance at it, she had no real intention of checking it a third time. After her hard time dealing with seasick and morning sick, a 'helmsick' wasn’t welcome.

[Kitsune Poxo]

The return trip was not much a difference in the visual appearance of Yumi. She stayed towards the center of the ship and barely came out. The rolling waves kept her miserable and sea sick. Mentally for her was full of turmoil. She was questioning the call to return so soon. She was questioning the horrors. She was questioning her safety. She could see why her brother was overprotective and she did not want to see how he would handle the news.

Once they had finally made landfall back inside of Rokugan’s borders, she seemed to return to her old self. To anyone looked at her seemed as if she had never left and witnessed the horrors. Though piercing such a veil and viewing her real story, would take someone close to her to be able to find.

When the group had gathered in the pavilion, Yumi was dressed in a fresh kimono of her family’s traditional redish brown. She stayed more towards the outside of the group’s gathering giving of the appearance of happily rocking on her feet. Her silvery hair falling wayward as she picked her bangs with her hands. Anyone paying close attention to her would notice that she was avoiding eye contact with everyone as well as keeping her gaze away from the bag.

[Daigotsu Thrakhath]

Finding the smugglers' cove was difficult without Otsu to guide him, but Thrakhath managed it anyway. He stood with arms folded on the beach, supervising as the horses were led out of the cargo hold and off the ship. As much as Thrakhath had wanted to sail right into the town where the Crane party had stopped and take the place by storm, he had enough good sense to know that would never work. He simply didn't have the numbers. He had resolved to take his war party disguised as sohei and approach the town overland. What they did from there would depend on what they found once they reached the town.

Once the horses were out and the rest of his part was mounted, Thrakhath pulled himself onto his own horse and adjusted the scarf that was part of his sohei disguise. He waved forward with his arm, and the party of sohei galloped out of the cove and into unknown territory.

[Asahina Yuuto]

The moisture of the sea slicks down Hatsune’s hair, reinforcing an emotionless expression as the shugenja purveys the scene unfolding across the river towards Lonely Shore City. The Crab encampment is abuzz with activity, small fires painting the pale blue skyline with streams of wispy smoke; movements within the city had increased with rapidity in the last several days, but for what goal or for whom was anyone’s guess.

The clacks of blunted weapons upon wooden training dummies clamor and permeate the air, adding a disjointed tone to life in the occupied zone by the Crane on the river bank; the rabble trickling in from rapid recruitment measures finding like company within the disjointed nature of the haphazardly and carelessly crafted camp. Hatsune, weary of the noise and newly arrived ne’re-do-wells, soon returns to meditations upon the latest enlistment report, oblivious to the clop of horse hooves slinking towards his perch and the motions made for his attention.

”This is a fine line to be walking...” Hatsune mumbles, as his fingers begin to rearrange the calligraphied names sketched into the scroll, a more shrill voice interrupting, “what sort of lines do you expect these men to walk, Hatsune-san?”

With a startled look, the shugenja focuses his sight upon the rosey kamino flapping with more scarlet words in the breeze, “Miga-san,” his eyes quickly shifting to the approach of Yuuto and back again, before forming a response, “I did not think you two would be back so soon after Winter Court; I take it you did not receive a wedding invitation?”

A smirk on the Hatamoto’s face, “well, to be fair, Miga-san’s flowery demeanor is far too sweet for a discerning Doji’s eye,” catching a faint disproval in Miga’s eyebrow, he continues, “but more importantly, we were more interested to see how things are beginning to sprout here. What do you have to report?”

Shaking his head, he frowns, “are you sure the Lady Asahina would approve of what you are asking of me? These, ‘recruits’, would have more success picking the Crab’s pockets, than learning to hold a spear under an Asahina’s direction. Does this job not better belong to the Daidoji or Kakita?”

“I understand your concern,” a tone of sincerity in Yuuto’s voice, “but our goal is not to teach these men to fight. Make them look presentable, teach them to march, and parade them up and down the river bank.” Pausing to take a more discerning view of the scene, Yuuto strokes his chin as he inspects the river before continuing, “I want you to have your shugenja keep a fog rolling upon the river banks, and to create the illusion of scouting parties probing their defenses; we can leave the ‘pickpockets’ to do the real intelligence gathering under such cover. I want our foe to give up on the idea that they can trust their eyes as long as they remain in our lands.”

“…and if the Crab decide to come to us in force?”

”Then retreat your men to Sea Watch; we’re not here to fight the Crab, and certainly never on their terms. I will begin laying the groundwork for any march northward to be at their peril. Your job is to convince them they would do better to march to the aide of their allies westward.” Motioning to Miga to prepare the horses, he pats Hatsune on the back, “you have done well my friend, but we are not here to betray our values. In such trying times, we still have an obligation to play our part.”

Climbing unto his horse, he pushes forward, leveling his final words to Hatsune, “I will return shortly after reporting to Sea Watch, do not hesitate to keep me informed as to how events begin to unfold.”

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Hitoshi had been brooding for more or less the entire journey home. He had carried out duties when asked to, but had tended to avoid the company of the others where possible and had been reduced to speaking in short, terse sentences when addressed. He had split the task carrying of the bag containing the helm with Kaemon, but even when it wasn't his turn to guard it he was often to be found staring at its container.

At last they put ashore, and the welcome sight of Seawatch Castle did raise a brief smile from him. At the meal, though, he picked at his food and guests were often slightly disconcerted by his smouldering stares as he gazed at the assembled people in turn. By the time the group finally reconvened in the pavilion, Hitoshi had only paid a cursory attempt at smartening himself up, although he had suffered the attendants waiting on him to do their best.

His eyes flickered to the sack by Kaemon's foot and then up to Mitsouko's face. "Well, Mitsouko-sama? What's next?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Last night I had word Mantis is open to negotiations on how they can help, and I’ll be on charge of these dealings, it seems, until the day of my wedding _ which I hope to happen before the next battle. She showed dimples, trying to be optimistic. It is my… third attempt to marry before a battle… If it doesn’t work now, I’ll not bother to try again, I swear. She winked, trying to keep the good humor. Now, back to the subject, Fitsu-sama ordered our troops to be ready for either defensive or attack moves here on the shores, depending on his next words… but now it's time to gather forces... So about that, we must prepare ourselves and follow his commands. I also received word he asked the Asahina support on a special task… I am sure you have new commands from our esteemed rikugunshokan and regent waiting for you as well. I count on you.
About that… her eyes averted from him for a second, glancing at the bag then returning to Kakita Hitoshi’s face. Maybe we can ask for Yuuto-san, who’s coming around, to give it an inspection and his initial opinion. And of course, I think the Asahina Hatamoto presence can be inspiring for Kitsune Yumi-san… As shugenja they probably can share their impressions with one another… She was concerned about having permitted the Kitsune shugenja and sister of the Kitsune daimyo to come along in the risky adventure into Shadowlands they did, and was glad that she had decided for abbreviate their stay there. If something evil had happened to Yumi, Mitsouko was sure the fragile bonds between Crane and Kitsune family might be broken forever. And then… another thing to worry about: Hitoshi was acting weird, she was still unsure about the effects of this travel upon him. But maybe he needed close attention from her in the next days… Afterall, he was her most important shireikan.
Any suggestions?

[Kitsune Poxo]

Yumi’s interest piqued and she looked over at the Kakita Daimyo. She stopped rocking on her feet momentarily as she spoke. “Are you trying to say us shugenja are like gaijin to you in how we think? I can assure you we think no differently than any other samurai.”

She gave a foxishly grin, one that quite identified her as her brother’s sister before continuing. “If you wish for my impression you can just ask, no need for a translator. However, if you feel the need then I suppose I can talk to Asahina-sama instead.”

[Kakita Mitsouko]

No, Yumi-san. In fact you are one of the few shugenja I can understand a bit. She said with a smile. Though, I'd like to introduce you to Asahina Yuuto, if it's of your interest as well, and see two powerful minds, accustomed to work with enigmas of metaphysical nature, to work together somehow. Yuuto-san is a wise and easygoing personality, someone I'm proud to be befriended with... I happen to think this meeting can have interesting results to everyone...

Sent from my XT300 using ProBoards

[Kitsune Poxo]

_{OOC: Excuse the short reply. seems to be really all that fits that I can think of.}

"Then as you wish," Yumi started as her reply adding with a bow. "And as your guest I will meet with the Asahina."

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OCC Since nobody else is posting and we don’t have a GM to push things further, I think I might add an update:

Mitsouko was ready to reply but her eyes caught a subtle signal of a guard alerting her that an important message had come. She signaled that she could receive the message, which was quickly brought to her by one of her yojimbo. After unroll it and scan the content of the message, she narrowed her eyes, giving it a second and careful read.
She raised her eyes to her companions in a serious glance:
The Imperial bride suffered a murder attempt which was frustrated by Kitsuki Sogetsu’s providential interference. Domotai-sama is well, but unfortunately the identity of who attempted against her life remains a mystery so far…

[Kitsune Poxo]

Yumi looked went back to staring off into nothing in particular when Mitsouko was receiving her message. When the news was shared her demeanor dropped as she looked back at the host. “Seems even more is falling apart. Is she alright?”

She looked concerned on the last part but then she realized that the question was already answered then blushed. She dipped her head and her hair fell wayward again blocking her eyes. “Who would do such a thing at these times? Don’t we have enough messes?”

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Hitoshi noted Mitsouko's eyes flicker towards the sack and back to his face, and tried to keep his expression impassive. He wasn't sure whether he had succeeded or not, but when Mitsouko read out the message about the attempt on Domotai's life he knew he failed.

"Someone has attempted to assassinate the future Empress? Who would do such a thing?! It is bad enough that the Emperor's brother rebels against the dictats of the heavens, it is bad enough that we are constantly at war with each other, but to attempt to murder an innocent woman before she is even married?! What is the point of even being alive in such times, when everything is falling apart? Why don't the heavens just pull it all down and start again?!"

He was standing now, practically shouting and breathing heavily, and as he finished speaking it suddenly entered his mind that in his passion he had broken almost every rule of etiquette there was.

"Please, forgive me Mitsouko-sama, everyone. I... I don't know what came over me. I will be silent, or if you would rather I will retire from this gathering." Hitoshi was suddenly accutely embarrassed.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Though there are factions that weren’t happy with Hantei-tenno’s choice, I wonder the type of filthy scum capable to plot a murder attempt on the Imperial Bride. Probably the same scum who attempted on Kaneka, Sezaru and others, to cause controversy and feed war. But… I’m sure capable investigators will deal with this matter better than me.

She ignored Hitoshi’s petition for leaving the meeting, which would be have to wait anyway. New events forced new actions.

Unfortunately this news obliges me towards a quick travel to Benten Seido, to offer Kakita sword's services to the Imperial Bride. I wonder if I can count on you Yumi-san, to accompany me in a trip again. At least this time to the exact type of environment I suppose your brother would like to know you are: along highly honorable company instead Shadowlands’s perils… I’m sure I can have Yuuto-san’s cooperation as soon as he receives my message. Also… Mitsouko turned to Hitoshi if Taisa’s commands and Shireikan duties permit so, I’d like to count on your company as well, Hitoshi-san…

[Asahina Yuuto]

Sliding the door quietly open, aware of the Daimyo's discussion even from outside, Yuuto enters the scene, slowly drawing the assembled's attention. Greeting given, he respectfully responds with a hint of humor, "I do not hope things so dire, we now hope for the heavens to end it all!"

More keenly focusing his attention at the Lady Kakita, already making preparations to leave, he questions, "I fear I may have arrived as you plan for depart?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Ah, welcome, Yuuto-san! The Air kami is our friend this morning, it seems! She smiled at the Asahina shugenja, bowing as sign of appreciation by his arrival. Without his interference she wasn’t able to survive, after Mitsuko no Oni’s incident, and he made sure to not be around when she finally returned… So she wasn't able to talk to Asahina Yuuto and thank him for his priceless aid.
I wasn’t sure of how much your duties might prevent you to attend my call for your presence… Anyway, here you are... Thank you. At least the Asahina hatamoto’s arrival was a good new; she was anxious to have the opinion of one of the most talented shugenja of the Crane Clan about the object they brought from Shadowlands.
Yes, I must leave soon, though my heart is divided by now... I have something here that might be of your interest to see… or at least, I’m sure to be interested in know what you think or know about it… she waved to the mysterious bag again But first, allow me to introduce you Yumi-san, this brave shugenja from the Kitsune family, and also Kitsune Daichi's sister.