The Long Trail [RP]

[Isawa Okibi]

<Prologue>
Okibi sat looking out through the slats covering his window. Snow fell slowly in the windless night, reminding him of the blossoms of the southern orchards.
*CLOMP*
“Auggh.” Grabbing his head, he felt the headache returning. Okibi had stayed in the Phoenix homelands, but the stress of maintaining the bureaucracy was difficult. Half of the Phoenix leadership was focused on the expanding civil war, and his own ‘pet projects’ required considerable organization just at the minimal maintenance. Fortunately at this point his assistants had displayed enough competence that he felt safe with delegating much of the responsibility.
*CLOMP*
“Damn that sōzu! I must get it replaced.” The water had frozen and thawed in such a way that it damaged the fountain and it made a horrible discordant sound whenever is fell. It seemed to not only keep out common deer but also harmful spirits. Okibi had planned to study why, and that was the only reason he suffered the damn thing.
The was a gentle rapping at the door, and one of his acolytes entered without awaiting response.
“Isawa-sama, word came in and a report has been prepared. The news is”
“Please, just call me Okibi. We are not at council.” Okibi interrupted.
The acolyte frowned, having been told this before. “I’m sure I will remember next time”. He wouldn’t, of course. Customs were too strong to allow him to be comfortable being so informal.
“As I was saying, the report has come in.”
“Yes, please summarize it for me. I don’t have time to read everything.” Okibi said as he examined his garden covered in snow.
“Very well, this is regarding your ‘trip’ plans.” As he emphasized the word ‘trip’, Okibi turned from the window and became far more interested. “It seems that with the Lion-Crane treaty, most of the Eastern troops have been withdrawn from the front to face the Dragon. Garrison forces remain in Toshi Ranbo, and troops flee from our combined armies in the Northern front. The mantis have also withdrawn, the Crane appear to be focused Southwards to reclaim their lands, and the Crab advanced has stalled. This leaves a unique void in patrols in most of the first half of your planned journey.”
“In addition, the Scorpion have been busy themselves. They appear to be attacking the Mantis and Crab simultaneously, although some indications say that part of this is a ruse. Our reports are inconclusive, since the battles are so distant. Regardless the initial conflict will likely resolve by the time you would reach it. Anyway, the best guess is that this is likely to be the ideal time to begin the journey, despite the complications.”
“Hmmmm…” Okibi thought over the implications. “I agree, this may be the last opportunity we have before the battles in the North resume in the coming spring. Very well, please prepare the plans, and make the necessary modifications.”
“Yes… Isawa-sama.” He said last while already having already stepped through the door.
Okibi sighed, and then also stepped out of the door. He motioned to a nearby group of guards, who were standing next to a small fire for warmth. “You, please send a messenger to Han at the library. We are to begin preparation for the trip. The trade goods are already packed, but we need personnel. He knows the details.”
“Immediately.” The guard stated, and directed a couple of the lower ranks to run the trail down past the ruins to the site of the main library.
At least his personal guard were better trained, Okibi thought. But then most of them were virtually retired from active duty, and had known him for many years.
*CLOMP*
Okibi gritted his teeth and bundled up his robes about himself. The cold chilled his bones, but that damned device was far more aggravation. It’s almost like it intentionally was aggravating and tried to break his train of thought..
*CLOMP*
“That’s it! I’m leaving. Guard, prepare my gear!” Heading inside he quickly loaded up his travel garments, and began loading up various scrolls and documents. Mid-preparations a servant came in to assist, and Obiki waved them off to gather the pile of clothing he had gathered.
“Where is it? Ah, there we go...” Okibi found the manuscript, a rather attractive set of scroll cases with the Kuni symbol prominently featured.
Turning to the servant Okibi stated “Now, it is time to go.”

[Isawa Okibi]

<Preparations>
Okibi had been planning this trip for some time. So although resources in the Phoenix lands had become somewhat scarce, the expedition had several large wagons full of necessities. Looking over the inventory, everything seemed to be in order.
Several young men scrambled over and through the goods, checking, double checking and tying everything in place. However Okibi had made sure to personally supervise the preparation of his own cart, which was covered in case of snow.
His assistant Han rushed in carrying more manifest scrolls and barking orders to several servants who were on break.
“Pardon my intrusion, but although the carts seem to be in order, I don’t seem to see any means to pull them. I’m afraid I am unable to do so myself.” Okibi commented, casually inspecting the reins and tack on a nearby table.
“I… we seem to have had some trouble getting proper horses. Most have been requisitioned for the war, or their purchase would draw too much attention.” Han flushed and bowed apologetically as he spoke.
“I understand. I am merely jesting. Have you tried purchasing some oxen from the northern traders? They may not be fast but they are common enough and suited for the winter.”
“I’ll look into it.” Han said, “Also, we have had some trouble getting proper protection for the expedition. Most able-bodied bushi are away or part of the garrison.”
“Well, if you happen to find anyone let me know. I can bring a few of my personal guard, but they tend to stand out even when not in full dress.” Plus, there were only a few of them remaining Okibi thought, and those were mostly older warriors near retirement.

Later that evening everything was finally in order. A few additional civilian guards and traders had gathered, and all the goods were in order. The caravan would be leaving early in the morning.