A Trip to Scorpion Lands.

[Shoju]

(OOC) I have wanted to do an RP based on a trip to Scorpion Lands since the board came into being, since I'm a former Scorpion turned Spider. for information about my character, you can visit the Character Description of him.

hopefully, some people wish to play along. I haven't had much luck getting Rp's started.



It had been what seemed a lifetime since he had been in these lands. In some ways, it had been. His first death had taken place not a half days ride from here in a simple shrine. It was also the place of his second birth, and the beginnings of this new life.

Oronkohiro was quite positive that his presence had been noted, and that if it wasn't yet, the forest on either side of the road would soon be crawling with shinobi.

Would anyone recognize him? Who could tell. His Kimono was nondescript, and his new Jingasa was impeccable, covering more of his face than he ever covered as a Scorpion.

This trip was purely peaceful in nature, and he hoped that his master had not erred when giving him this task. The Lady had 'foreseen' his visit going better than Oronkohiro feared, but who really knew what the Scorpion would do with a traitor, and an abomination in their midst. It is quite possibly that he would end up in Traitor's Grove for succumbing to the power of the scroll.

As Oronkohiro approached the gates of Kyuden Bayushi, he readied himself. At any moment, he would be confronted by a former kinsman.

[Bayushi Senshi]

(ooc: so as not to step on any character toes here, how much information would be acceptable for my "agents" to know. I may want to play some scorpion npcs, but don't want to run you down or ruin whatever goals you had in mind for the thread.)

[Shoju]

(OOC)
Well, I would assume that they would know that I (bayushi taizin) disappeared near the beginning of the Yobanjin War. They would know that leading up to this point I was behaving erratically, becoming even more obsessed with knowing all the secrets of the Empire in an effort to save the emperor from any threat. I doubt that they now actively "know" that I'm a khadi, or that I am a spider. Though, if one were to get a good look at my face, they would know who I am, and that there is seriously something wrong with my eyes.

I'm sure good scorpion agents would also know the truth about my lineage, since that seems to be something... scandalous.

As far as intentions / desires / etc.. of the thread, I'm really kind of curious where it heads. I have no formal plan except a diplomatic excursion to Kyuden Bayushi with an ironic (but not deadly) gift for my former clan. We will call it an 'aside' from my thread in Shiro Moto. While things are being settled in the new camp, I have been tasked with coming to Kyuden Bayushi.

[Bayushi Senshi]

As he turned a corner, there in the middle of the street stood a woman in simple brown robes. She wore no mask, and was clearly foreign in descent. A brunette, her hair was in a bun, she had just left the palace. Her name was Alana, and most perceptive individuals would recognize her as the champion's lead servant. Her hazel eyes staring through the visitor as he approached the palace.

She had just been let off of her duties early that night, and as the sun set behind her she continued to just stand and watch the man, waiting to see what he would be doing, knowing full well of course that in the nearby building were members of the shinobi, watching Alana's every move.

(ooc: sorry for the late reply, it took me a while to come up with a good way to address this. Just so its known, I don't mind what happens to Alana. I'm more curious just to see where this will go with her since Senshi is indisposed.)

[Shoju]

(OOC: Not a problem, I saw you were busy with RL as well.)

Oronkohiro put his hand up, and both he and Minturo came to a stop. Oronkohiro dismounted, and pointed ad Minturo. Minturo simply nodded and stayed mounted upon his horse. He smoothed his robes as best he could, and adjusted his jingasa.

"Greetings Miss. My name is Oronkohiro, would you happen to know if Bayushi Senshi is in Kyuden Bayushi at this time?"

Oronkohiro's tone was even, but inquisitive. It had been a long time since he was here, but he thought the young lady looked familiar. He couldn't place her exactly, but he figured that was because of the events between now and the last time he saw her.

His clothing was remarkably well put together for being on horseback for so long. His riding clothes were tailored well, black with dark green accents, and no mon. His Jingasa looked brand new. (A habit that Oronkohiro had become quite accustomed to. The Jingasa artisan in Kyuden Tonbo had spoiled him so with his exquisite craftsmanship that Oronkohiro had decided he would have a new jingasa by this artisan at every opportunity.)

Oronkohiro surveyed the surroundings, and noticed the building. Obviously, shinobi would be there and prepared. He hoped that it wouldn't come to violence. While Oronkohiro was no longer a Scorpion, he truly did think the world of the clan of his first life.

[Bayushi Senshi]

In response to his question she simply nodded, but made no effort to move out of his way, never breaking her gaze. Not even so much as a blink. Wondering as she did who the visitor was.

[Shoju]

Oronkohiro was pleased, and disheartened at the same time by the developments. He was happy because dealing with Senshi himself would be easier than some others in the castle. Senshi had been Oronkohiro's champion, but their involvement was limited. Now, had one of Senshi's most trusted be tending to affairs, the ruse would be harder to pull off.

"Thank you miss." Oronkohiro bowed to her, returned to his horse and mounted. There was no time like the present to get things finished up. Oronkohiro had things to attend to in scorpion lands after this. He wanted to check in on his former love if possible. He had word that she was in the Shosuro lands, and if this could be finished quickly, maybe he would find a way to see her.

The love was gone, replaced with the quest to gain control of his heart from the sinister woman who held it, but he still wished to see the Shosuro he had pined for.

Oronkohiro shook the thought from his mind and regained his composure. He nodded to Minturo and they started making for the palace.

"Be on your guard Minturo-sama. We are walking into the maw of a cunning enemy. If the maw closes, you are to leave. There is no point in condemning yourself as well. They will not let me leave. There will be no bargaining. There will only be the grove. "

Oronkohiro shuddered at that thought, and headed towards the palace.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Alana stepped directly in front of the two horsemen, spreading her arms out in a show of not letting anyone pass. When she knew she had their attention, she shook her head, and then bowed at the waist.

[Shoju]

Oronkohiro looked perplexed at the woman. Blocking his way? Oronkohiro looked at Minturo and and could make out no discernible emotion from the heavily armored Yojimbo. He just looked forward.

From horseback, Oronkohiro looked down at the woman. He adjusted his Jingasa to make sure that his mouth was clearly visible.

"Is there some reason that you are restricting our passage?" Oronkohiro's tone never wavered, but the disapproval on his lower face was obvious. "I bear news of great importance to the Scorpion Clan Champion, and I would politely ask you to step aside, or explain the delay."

Minturo shifted in his saddle, placing his hand on the butt of his katana. Oronkohiro held up his hand. "Minturo-sama. This is not the time nor the place to be forceful about this situation. Allow time for an explanation".

[Bayushi Senshi]

Alana either did not notice the threat or did not care. But she did reply in her own way. She gestured to her throat with both hands, primarily indicating her vocal box and shaking her head. She then looked toward the nearby building and began walking toward it motioning for the two to follow.

[Shoju]

Oronkohiro and Minturo dismounted.

"My apologies for not understanding." Oronkohiro bowed. As he straightened, he leaned in to Minturo closely and whispered "Be on your guard Minturo. I'm unsure of where we are headed."

Minturo nodded and fell into step to the right of Oronkohiro, in a perfect position for a left handed yojimbo to parry an attack.

Oronkohiro and Minturo followed the woman towards the building. As they reached the building, Oronkohiro crossed his arms in front of him at the waist.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Alana stepped up to the building, opened the entrance and bowed to the two, offering them the chance to enter as they pleased. Inside, clearly visible is a scorpion in close fitting robes. A member of the shinobi, clearly. She watched from the front door and awaited the visitors' entry. Giving no sign of any hostile action.

[Shoju]

Minturo entered the doorway first, followed by Oronkohiro. Minturo took his normal position at Oronkohiro's right side, and they bowed simultaneously to the Scorpion.

"Greetings. I am Oronkohiro, and this is my Yojimbo Minturo. I have come seeking an audience with Bayushi Senshi."

Oronkohiro kept his head cocked slightly down, to ensure that the Scorpion couldn't get a good look at his face above his nostrils.

"I bears news and a package both for him. I understand in this time of war, The Master of Secrets could be busy with other matters. If this is the case, I'm to meet with the Scorpion who can relay my words, and the package to him with much haste."

Oronkohiro bowed again, arms still loosely folded accross his lower abdomen.

[Bayushi Senshi]

The shinobi bowed, not as low as the two visitors. She decided that since they did not use a family name they must be ronin, but knew better then to doubt their skills, something seemed odd about this. No advance warning, and they moved as if they had lived in Scorpion lands for some time. "I speak for the champion, my name is Shosuro Keiko, this is Alana." She gestured to the door, where the woman who met them on the road stood. "Bayushi Senshi is entertaining a very important guest, and will not be able to see you today. Curious, however," she tilted her head to regard the man who spoke, "Who is it that you represent to bring such news and delivery with such haste?"

[Shoju]

"I represent my lord, who, in many respects is akin to the great Toturi during the Clan Wars. He has marshaled many to his banner, and while we have no great clan to call our own, we do look upon him as our champion. Pardon our abrupt arrival, we have been busy marshaling our forces to the north in an effort to lend whatever support we can to thwarting the Yobanjin incursion.

I have recently departed from my legion there with a break in the fighting, and bring something we discovered back to the scorpion.

I understand that with our unexpected arrival, seeing the Master of Secrets could prove to be a difficult and possibly impossible feat. I only ask that this be matter be brought to the Scorpion Lord when time permits."

Oronkohiro removed a bundle that was held on the back of his Yojimbo, and delicately unwrapped it. Inside the bundle was a Daisho. The Daisho was elegant, and obviously of scorpion creation.

"In the north, we encountered a small shrine, Wishing to pray to the fortunes before the coming battle, we entered, and found a Scorpion Samurai who had performed the three cuts. Placed carefully in the Shrine, we found his final words, and his daisho".

Oronkohiro held out the daisho open handed to Shosuro Keiko.

"I offer these as a gift to the Scorpion, and with them, I would like to read to you this Samurai's last words"