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Post by Shoju on Feb 22, 2011 19:21:01 GMT -5
"Truly, the rest of you can come down. I mean no one harm, as long as there is no provocation." Oronkohiro sighed a little. Scoprion Shinobi were always so persistent he thought to himself. "I have 2 terms. If both terms are acceptable, you could have the scroll by night's end." Oronkohiro was truly beginning to enjoy this Shosuro. She reminded him of his beloved. It is a shame that things have gone so poorly. There would be no way to see her now.
"My first term, is that there be safe passage from Scorpion Lands for me and my party when business is concluded here. If this cannot be guaranteed, The Scorpion will never[/i] see the scroll. This isn't a threat, it is simply a promise." Oronkohiro smiled. "My second term is a little more complex. The Shosuro are some of the most exemplary spies in all Rokugan. I wish to have a Shosuro trained Samurai who will willingly leave their clan, and become my retainer. This term, is independent of the first term. When I have a Shosuro retainer, You Keiko, will have the scroll." Oronkohiro's face lost any emotion it may have held "And you will be the hero of your Champion".
Oronkohiro shifted on the floor, and leveled his gaze at Keiko. "I'm afraid that these terms are the best I can offer Shosuro-san. I know that they might seem horrid, or even blasphemous in nature, but I assure you that they are far better than any alternative situation." Oronkohiro nodded up. "Even the Shinobi in this building cannot track the location of the scroll should you decide that I am to die here, and the willful servitude of one Shosuro in exchange for one of the most dangerous black scrolls is a fair bargain."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 22, 2011 19:39:20 GMT -5
Not even a question that the cost was worth it. It seemed folly to ask of such a comparatively simple thing. But why the lie about the scroll to begin with? And why part with the scroll so easily? It had to be a trap. "We agree." There wasn't even a hesitation about the answer.
Two shinobi jumped down then, two men one on either side of Keiko. Keiko reached down her kimono, and pulled up an item from around her neck, a badge of authority. She tossed it to Oronkohiro.
"This will see you through our lands, these two will escort you there along with myself, just to be sure. Take one with you as you please, they both know the cost is worth it.
She motioned to the door, eager to get under way. "After you."
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Post by Shoju on Feb 22, 2011 19:57:49 GMT -5
"I'm glad that we were able to come to such an amicable understanding. I do regret the unfortunate moments of tension that you experienced Keiko." Oronkohiro slid open the door, Minturo stood at the ready.
"Minturo-sama, we depart. The bargain has been made. " Oronkohiro turned back to Keiko.
"We ride West, to the River of Gold. From there, the Scorpion Lands are behind us, and you have my assurances, once we reach the River of Gold, the Scroll will be yours. " Oronkohiro mounted his horse, and turned back to Keiko "I will select my retainer at the River of Gold as well. If all goes well, There might even be something extra for you to report to Senshi as well."
With that Oronkohiro was ready to depart Kyuden Bayushi.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 22, 2011 20:05:06 GMT -5
One of the shinobi traveled around the building to collect three horses. Chosen for merit rather then by breeding two were even mixed by color, one was bay. Keiko mounted the bay horse, the other two followed. She knew her other agents would be going off on different tasks once they had left earshot. The catacombs, to report up the line, and toward the river of gold to begin looking for the scroll there. Not that she expected anything to come of such a search... just being thorough. They also served the purpose of going ahead to verify the safety of their travel. Th three began following, pressuring the two new travel partners to increase their pace by riding ahead.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 23, 2011 7:32:41 GMT -5
As the journey got underway, Oronkohiro looked back to Keiko. "Please, this journey doesn't need to feel so rigid. Come, let us ride more like a cohesive group, and less like you are herding us out of your lands." Oronkohiro's horse was a magnificent black. It seemed as though it was more a slice of night, and less like a living creature.
"My Yojimbo can ride ahead, you at my side, and the two Shosuro behind. I assure you, we will not slow in our movement from your lands, and we will still offer time for your Agents to stay ahead of us, and ensure safe passage. I'm sure you even have agents who are almost to the River now searching for the scroll." Oronkohiro nodded as if saying yes, I know.
"I assure you that you will not find the scroll ahead of time, and you wont find it until I have chosen my retainer, and we are on our way at the River of Gold." Oronkohiro shook his head. "There are some things Keiko-san, that defy understanding, even unto the sharpest of minds."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 23, 2011 12:25:32 GMT -5
With a sigh, Keiko grudgingly obliged, riding up next to Oronkohiro, "Your own scorpion background has betrayed you more than once, you know. Of course we're looking for the scroll."
She then looked back to the other two shinobi, "These two are Yogo Keiji and Shosuro Kijiro. Both are capable, and both volunteered for the duty in the building when they revealed themselves to you."
Keiji wore a wide brimmed hat, and a cloth mask that covered his entire face, eyes included. Yet the fabric must have been thin enough for him see through.
Kijiro had his hair back in a high ponytail, and his mask was a simple mask that outlined his piercing eyes. His face held a scar that traveled from his left ear to his left eye.
"And so loyalty is not an issue, they would swear an oath of loyalty to you. And they will follow it until they are released from duty or until they die."
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Post by Shoju on Feb 23, 2011 12:59:22 GMT -5
Oronkohiro chuckled. "I'm glad that you have picked up on my background, Shosuro-san. I knew you would look for the scroll. I knew you wouldn't be alone in the building. I was surprised by the departure of the other woman though."
Oronkohiro looked to the sky briefly, and then back to the road "Sadly, you wont find the scroll. I know it wont stop them from searching but, I had to be sure that the scroll couldn't be found beforehand. Otherwise, well, I think it is safe to say that I would not be leaving Scorpion Lands anytime soon, and that is just an inconvenience my schedule can't bear."
"They are truly exemplary choices Shosuro-san, and the Oath is appreciated." Oronkohiro looked back at them. "Tell me, If things had gone poorly in the room, who would you each have gone after? Would you have attacked me, or would you have subdued Minturo first?" Oronkohiro smiled "And be honest. Flattery is something reserved for court."
The River of Gold could be seen growing closer along the horizon. From here, it was obvious that there was nothing of significance waiting at the river.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 23, 2011 13:17:20 GMT -5
Keiko grinned, "Our first target would have been the building itself. Its collapse is easily engineered. And Alana is too important and too frail to be caught in such an event. Once the building was down, we'd ascertain threats then."
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Post by Shoju on Feb 23, 2011 13:19:35 GMT -5
adding my response to Keiko here as well
(Ahead, at the River of Gold)
Scorpion agents would find a Crab Scout, and an archer making camp a half mile downstream from where Oronkohiro, Keiko, and the Shinobi are headed. Upon inspection, they will appear to be headed to Crab Lands. The Crab Scout, is a Toritaka, and the Archer appears to be a Moto. He is dressed in typical moto / gaijin attire, and the Toritaka explains that they are headed to Crab Lands to train Crab Archers in the ways of the Unicorn Archers for the war with the Yobanjn. They have adequate travelling papers.
They are in the area enjoying a day of relaxing hunting, and plan to camp in the woods tonight, before riding to Pleasure City south of Scorpion Lands tomorrow where they are to take possession of armaments for the archers being trained.
(back with the traveling party) "Excellent answer. So Alana is her name. I see." Oronkohiro looked back at the sky and then to the side of the road "Tell me, Keiko-san, who is she important to? Surely she wasn't dressed in the manner of Scorpion."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 23, 2011 13:27:21 GMT -5
(OOC: I'll let you post next. Don't know where to go with the new npcs)
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Post by Shoju on Feb 23, 2011 13:31:54 GMT -5
(OOC) They are with me, and they factor in, but they are the ONLY people (*of mine)in the area, and they look truly benign in nature. If not for the arrival of our party, they wouldn't be given a second glance. They look like war haggard veterans from the Yobanjin war, and the definitely smell like haggard war veterans from the Yobanjin war. They also, do not have the scroll.
They are just there at this point, preparing for a hunt for their next meal. I wanted them to get introduced now, instead of springing them on you in a "HAHA! THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE!" kind of manner. I figure with you sending scouts ahead, it would be a good way to introduce the knowledge.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 23, 2011 21:59:18 GMT -5
(edit, just saw YOUR edit)
She avoided the question, "Alana is not your concern. What is more important to you right now is our agreement. You should be considering who who want to take with you, and begin your preparations for returning your cargo to its rightful watchers."
They were now very close to their destination, and Keiko was clearly ready to wrap up their duties. Eager to finish and be home, or if need be kill the man for his betrayal and go home. The journey took many hours and it was late.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 24, 2011 1:29:40 GMT -5
As they arrived at the River of Gold, Oronkohiro dismounted, and turned. "Keiko-san, thank you for our journey today. This has been quite an eventful time. As far as who my Retainer shall be, I think that I will have Shosuro Kijiro as my retainer." Oronkohiro motioned for Kijiro to follow Minturo.
"Now, for the scroll." Oronkohiro slid the sleeve of his kimono up. His arm looked scarred, burnt even from hands to mid forearm. He then reached into his kimono, and produced an obsidian looking scroll case, with green trim. "This is what you are after Shosuro-san, and I believe that this settles the deal. I assume that with this scroll, you can return to Senshi and report all that you have seen."
Oronkohiro held the scroll outstretched with the arm with the kimono sleeve pushed up. "Careful Keiko, the song of the scroll is damning. I would hate for you to suffer an ill timed demise. I forsee you and I meeting again. " Oronkohiro smiled a little. "Know this Keiko-san, if I thought that I could have chosen differently, it would be you serving as my retainer. You truly will be a mighty Scorpion one day".
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 24, 2011 1:41:14 GMT -5
Keiko hesitated for a few seconds before reaching out to take the scroll case with a trembling hand. She placed it very quickly within a side mounted box on her saddle. "Who are you?" The only question she could ask at that moment. Clearly intimidated by the bizarre encounter and amazed that there seemed to be no treachery.
Kijiro dismounted then took a knee and began to swear an oath. Knowing full well that his life was worth the loss before following Minturo.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 24, 2011 9:59:25 GMT -5
Oronkohiro waited until Kijiro had finished his oath. "Welcome Kijiro-san. Your service to your clan and to me will bring you much glory." Oronkohiro turned his attention back to Keiko and cocked his head to the side. "Keiko-san, I believe that you ask the wrong question. The question shouldn't be 'who are you?', for I have told you, I am Oronkohiro. The question you should ask, is 'who were you'." Oronkohiro lifted his hand, and removed his Jingasa. As he did, the crab and the Yobanjin walked across the bridge to join him. Oronkohiro had a fair face, strong features, but his eyes were very wrong. They almost glowed. "And that answer, leads us to the rest of our story. You see, The last words of Taizin is not the end of the story. Without a second to finished the seppuku, Taizin fell to the floor of the shrine in shock, where he resigned to die a soundless death. As the black creeped into his vision, a group of travelers found him, and with haste, he was born again. Twisted Gaijin magic transformed the Scorpion into something far more. Taizin's death, was my birth. " Oronkohiro placed his Jingasa back on his head. "I mean you no ill will Shosuro-san. Today is not the day that any of you must depart this world for the next." Oronkohiro shook his head "I meant what I said about the scroll. It was left in the Catacombs, and it did find me out again. The power of the scroll is immense, and now that I have opened it, I need it no longer. But be wary shosuro-san, The magic of the scroll gives it a will of its own. I do trust that you will get it to where it belongs" Oronkohiro looked at the sky, clouds began rolling in quickly. "And that is our queue to leave. Keiko-san, The storm that is fast approaching upon us is not something you should be caught in, I promise you. I would seek shelter as soon as possible" With that, Oronkohiro bowed deeply to Keiko, a deep respectful bow, and turned to leave across the bridge. "Until we meet again Shosuro Keiko. I'm sure that we will." (ooc) - This doesn't have to be the end, I'm sure that you have a response of some sort
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