(RP) - An ominous figure arrives at court.

[Shoju]

RP'ers

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Utaku Haruka
Toku Kenpachi (as an NPC)
Kistuki Yuushahime
I have room for 1-2 more people.

Setup

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This is an RP that I would like to do about a Spider Courtier coming to Court. I will be RPing it from the role of Daigotsu Tinishi, a former scout, now courtier. The way it has been worked, is that there are rumblings of a movement in the Shadowlands, but the Spider isn't a great clan yet, and Daigotsu hasn't revealed himself to the empire yet. This is the (at least in terms of EE time) first Spider Courtier sent to the Imperial Court.

I'm looking for people who are interested in joining this RP. Like my other RP, I have no set plan for how this will go, just an Idea, and I'm running with it.

Please PM me if you are interested in joining.


2 weeks ago

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When Tinishi and the Archer marched the legion to the City of the Lost, Tinishi had figured he would simply wait in the City of the Lost, And eventually, Oronkohiro would call for him. Instead, He received a letter. Even reading it now, he was unsure that he was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.


Tinishi,

It is time for you to choose your own path. You have always dreamed of an existence beyond the life of a scout. Now is the time to decide if you are capable of the task ahead. The Spider needs voices, and I believe that you can be one of them. I have contacted the courts in the City of the Lost, and if you are ready, your path lays ahead of you.

If you do not choose this path, you and the Archer are more than welcome to rejoin me in the ruins of Shiro Saisei as I plan my next move. If you do choose this path, The Archer will serve as your Yojimbo.

Oronkohiro


His training was brief, because he excelled at it. Tinishi's family included more courtier for the Yasuki family than he could even begin to recount. His life as a scout had been a choice to try and divorce himself from his family and blaze his own path. Now it seemed, only by following their path, could he really succeed.

Present Day

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The small retinue of spider arrived in Toshi Ranbo early in the morning, and set about to find accommodations. Tinishi's party was small. His Yojimbo, and the Chuda were all the accompanied them. He had wished he wouldn't need the Chuda, but there was no denying the logic. They were tainted. They needed someone who could mask the taint, and the archers death. The chuda would serve this purpose.

They spotted an inn, close enough to the hub of the city as possible, but not overly opulent. As they drifted into the inn, the keeper welcomed them

"Greetings! Welcome, how may I help you today?" as he bowed low. He saw no mons, but the spider parties clothing was impeccable. Tinishi had chosen a Kimono similar to that of his former master Oronkohiro. Black, with dark green highlights. The archer wore formal and well polished Light armor, and a mempo that covered all but his eyes. The Chuda was garbed in a seductively cut midnight blue Kimono with her hair done up neatly.

Tinishi bowed slightly. "Greetings. We would request a residence suited for myself, my wife, and our Yojimbo. We have business in the city that will keep us here several days." Tinishi looked around, noting the courtiers from various minor clans, and a few major clans milling about, preparing for the day.

The Innkeeper nodded, and fetched a young man to escort them. After they were settled in their room, Tinishi went back to the main floor of the inn to begin to mingle.

[Bayushi Haruka]

It seemed as though the inns had been quite busy in town. There were still rumors and things going around about the various musings of rumor and trade going on. It was far less busy than it had been, but most of the courtiers and their yojimbo were content to remain in Toshi Ranbo while most were away on other arrends, being it fighting the Yobanjin or fussing over trade routes with the Mantis.

Needless to say the various topics had brought in many samurai from all over the country and it seemed there was one woman in particular who also was just checking in, laying down quite a bit of koku it seemed. "The top room as I had reserved it, and I will have a few requests but all fees will be accounted for."

The woman's long jet black hair rested well past the obi on her waist. But from the way she also carried swords even in a kimono, it was clear she was samurai-ko. Draped in purple and silver colors, one could easily assume a Unicorn, the mon hanging attached to one of her swords confirming it.

She was accompanied by two handmaidens from her home as they went and took her things up to the room obediently. The Unicorn woman looking slightly winded as she seemed more worried about her horse than anything. "If they don't treat Riku better, I swear those boys that claim to handle horses will be in for quite the kick..." She spoke under her breath as she went to have a bit of a drink, placing her order and sitting at one of the empty tables for now as her tea was brought to her.

Haruka appeared to have a few things on her mind but still her eyes would wander a bit as she did look to the few spider. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she tried to search her memory, she could pick out any clan member on the distant battlefield to avoid firing on them when she was at range, but these three didn't seem to fit the mold for any of the normal clans. She quietly, but politely kept to her tea, keeping a slight eye on them.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Fuzake Chiyuki was amazed at the sights and sounds of the Imperial City. Toku Kenpachi-sama had sent her and Toku Hirotomo on messenger missions as the final act of Gempakuu. Though she was still not a full samurai, she walked with pride and took careful note of all her actions. She would make Kenpachi-sama proud and would reach adulthood.

She promptly got lost slightly before dusk. She was trying her best to locate her goal, but the city was enormous and she did not want to shame herself by asking directions. The night was coming fast, and she resolved to sleep, then start fresh in the morning. She saw an inn, and counted her money. It looked far too expensive for her. She walked until she found one that looked less expensive, but still looked promising. She arrived to see an group of Unicron asking for a room. There were some ronin as well. Chiyuki was surprised. She thought all ronin were poor. These looked quite wealthy.

Chiyuki asked for a room for a week and meals. She cringed slightly when told the price. It would take a quarter of her travel money to stay here. She would have to speak with the Monkey Ambasador tomorrow. She resolved to find her way without asking another clan for help, the ronin looked like they knew thier way around though. She rose and politely introduced herself.

"I am Fuzuke Chiyuki, of the Monkey, and I was hoping I could ask for a small matter of assistance, ronin-san." She spoke clearly to the man in the Black and Green kimono. He looked trustworthy enough, for a ronin at least.

[Shoju]

Tinishi had milled about the main floor of the inn most of the day, looking over the courtiers for those suitable for his mission. He had seen a few that had interested him, but no one that was "just right". The Chuda woman had come and gone several times throughout the day, always returning with several ornate boxes, urns, and a new fan. Tinishi grumbled something at her about not drawing attention, which only made her giggle, and smile.

It had truly been a long time since Chuda Ensuki had left the City of the Lost. She was a promising Maho Tsukai. Her strengths were the use of Maho to conceal, or alter appearances. When it came to reanimations, sadly she didn't have the composure to endure the rituals. In life before the city of the Lost, she was Asahina Ensuki, a gifted artist just past her Gempukku. The taint she carried only seemed to make her beauty more accentuated. Her skin had turned incredibly pale, her eyes rimmed dark only served to accentuate the piercing green eyes.

As the ronin approached shortly after dinner, The Archer moved. Tinishi balled his hand into a fist by his side, and the Archer relaxed a little. Tinishi returned the bow from the young woman, and smiled.

"Greetings Chiyuki-chan. I am Tinishi. This is my wife Ensuki, and our Yojimbo. I am new to Toshi Ranbo, but I will offer you any assistance I can." Tinishi smiled. "Please, join us, and we will see if we might be able to assist each other. "

Ensuki sat next to Tinishi, and the Archer stood behind them. He was mindful of his surroundings, but tried to ensure he wasn't overly mindful as to draw attention.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Chiyuki smiled and sat down. "Thank you Tinishi-san. I'm afraid that the city is very different from my home. I'm here to deliver a message from my lord, Toku Kenpachi-sama, to the Emerald Magistrates. I have had difficulty reaching thier location though. I would be happy to assist you in any way I am able if you'll help me in reaching my objective."

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka gently seemed to pause in her drinking as she held the cup to her lips. Toku Kenpachi, the monkey from the Saisei encounter...

She almost hated to interrupt but they sounded somewhat in a state of flux. Her gaze turned as she spoke gently.

"My apologies for listening in on your conversation, but Chikuki-san, and to you as well Tinishi-san."
She stood and bowed politely from where she sat as she offered the rest of the empty table to them to sit.
"I know of the one who sent you my most honorable friends. Toku Kenpachi-san and I fought together not long ago in the shadowlands, and it seems you're in need of some assistance. Please.." still gesturing to the seats before her. "Come and drink as much as you desire, and perhaps I can assist you in any matter that is at hand. It would be my honor to assist the Monkey as they have assisted my clan. I am Utaku Haruka, pleased to meet you."

She looked to the others as well, her gaze had been quietly trained on them since they entered, but she still smiled all the same as they seemed peacable enough. "You all as well, please, my treat."

Her smile was genuine as was her offer. The servers of the inn coming and bringing more cups as their drinks were on her and they could take a rest now.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Chiyuki's eyes widened at the sight of the Utaku. A battle madien? Chiyuki had only read about them. She idolized the Shiotome as a little girl. She played with Fu and Toki, all the while pretending to ride one of the magnificent Utaku horses.

"Utaku Haruka-sama, my Lord spoke well of you, as well as the honorable Shinjo-san and the bravery of Bayushi-sama." Chiyuki's eyes brightened and she gushed a little more than holding proper Face would allow. She blushed when the Unicorn called her friend and offered her sake.

"It's an honor to have your assistance." Chiyuki felt a brush of hesitation. She wanted to do this without help from a minor clan, but Toku Kenpachi-sama had fought with the battle maiden and besides, she may get to see her horse.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka's eyes lowered for only a moment at the mention of Senshi's brother. "Certainly. Well what Could I help you with then. Is there someone in town giving you trouble? Can't find someone in this ever growing city?"

She drank a bit more tea as she indulged them for now. "The reason for my stay won't be necessary until this evening. So for the time being you have my attention." She smiled, not quite knowing what made Chiyuki glow as she did, but either way it was a welcome look compared to the muddy faces on the battlefront, or those of the shadowlands creatures from not long ago.

Her two family servants returned back, silently making themselves known with a bow to Haruka, as they went off towards the stable for now. "Oh, I suppose I'll have to tend to the courts today as well, but I suspect they'll be buzzing for quite some time with the rumors and news that they have been." She rested her head on her hand at the notion of the gathering. "But it is one of the two reasons I came here after all."

[Shoju]

Tinishi was shocked by the sight of the Battle Maiden. It was her. It was the one who had delivered Kijiro back to Oronkohiro. It was the one who had finished Minturo. While he had no personal interaction with her at Shiro Saisei, he knew that the archer had. He knew that they had seen each other. How in the world was this possible.

"Greetings Honorable Battle Maiden. We would be delighted to join you. Sadly, I believe that my wife has business to attend to before our appointments begin tomorrow." Tinishi turned to Ensuki, and let the shock and fear on his face show. He then eyed the Archer, and then turned his gaze back to her.

"Yes, I'm afraid that I have many things to prepare before I meet with the Crane tomorrow morning. I trust that you wont mind if I have our Yojimbo escort me back to our chambers then?" Ensuki's face wore a sly grin. "I do feel out of sorts so far from home, and his company would put me at ease."

"As you wish. I will join you later." Tinishi bowed, took Ensuki's hand in his, and kissed it. He hoped that the sign of affection was enough of one to be believable. As Ensuki and the Archer left, Tinishi joined Chiyuki, and Haruka.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Chiyuki sat and listened to the battle maiden. She was everything that she imagined. Even the paintings were less glorious in real life. She was here for two reasons? One was to go to court, a position that scared Chiyuki a little. She only knew the basics of court. Chiyuki wondered what the other was though.

"I have a letter from my Lord to the Emerald Magistrates. My Lord's estate was attacked and his wife Toku Aiko-sama, and his son, my young lord were murdered. The letter is to create the oppurtunity for ending the situation without the need for a blood feud."

Chiyuki eyes watered as the importance of her task and the brutality of the men that did this flooded into her head. "The city is large though and I'm not certain where they can be found. If my lord unmaskes the dogs that did this, without the Emerald Magistrates allowing for proper course of action a blood feud may ignite and anything that takes away from the Gaijin war should be avoided by all samurai."

[Shoju]

Mar 20, 2011 14:52:27 GMT -5 Toku Hirotomo said:

Chiyuki sat and listened to the battle maiden. She was everything that she imagined. Even the paintings were less glorious in real life. She was here for two reasons? One was to go to court, a position that scared Chiyuki a little. She only knew the basics of court. Chiyuki wondered what the other was though.

"I have a letter from my Lord to the Emerald Magistrates. My Lord's estate was attacked and his wife Toku Aiko-sama, and his son, my young lord were murdered. The letter is to create the oppurtunity for ending the situation without the need for a blood feud."

Chiyuki eyes watered as the importance of her task and the brutality of the men that did this flooded into her head. "The city is large though and I'm not certain where they can be found. If my lord unmaskes the dogs that did this, without the Emerald Magistrates allowing for proper course of action a blood feud may ignite and anything that takes away from the Gaijin war should be avoided by all samurai."

Tinishi's tried to stifle his shock from the news of Kenpachi's family. Surely this hadn't been the work of the spider had it? Surely, Oronkohiro hadn't begun exacting vengeance had he? But, Could it be a coincidence that he was now in Toshi Ranbo with the Battle Maiden, AND someone here on Kenpachi's behalf?

Tinsihi's mind was racing a mile a minute. He exhaled, and began to speak "This is grave news that you bring to the capital on behalf of Kenpachi-san. Tell me Chiyuki-san, does the monkey have any information on who might have perpetrated such a horrific act? You speak of a Blood Feud, So one would think that you have something to go on for this? Tinishi felt at ease the more he talked.

And, if it were even grounds for a blood feud, it couldn't have anything to do with Kenpachi, and Haruka's dealings in the Shadowlands could it? Of Course not, that would be preposterous. For that to happen, there would have to be "something" to the shadowlands besides lost mad men, and oni yes?

Tinishi kept a level head as he spoke. The reactions now would allow him to gauge where the other two were coming from.

[Bayushi Haruka]

((OOC: Sorry was gone for about 24 hours, had to take a day away from the computer :3 ))

Haruka nodded at the grave news, looking down.
"Obviously the magistrates are being contracted for some assistance in this matter. Sadly I have no ability to assist your lord in this trying time. I truly wish I could Chiyuki-san."

She waved over one of the servants of the inn as she whispered something in her ear. Quickly she seemed to fetch a small bit of paper and a brush, Haruka then began to write.

"The city is a maze sometimes, I would tell you directions to their lodgings in the city but they may also be meeting in one of a few places." Her writing was quite elegant, she seemed to practice art just about as much as she practiced her weaponry as she wrote out a few locations and the directions to them.

Afterwords she slid the list over to Chiyuki, "I wish I could take you myself but my time is short in town. I will be gone by morning. The only place I could accompany you is to the court as I must appear for some discussion..." She brought out a small fan and wafted some air for herself, apparently having drank a bit too much of the hot tea as it overtook her throat.

Haruka had always stood out in a strange way, wearing kimonos and appearing in court so often. She seemed to try and make herself more presentable in Rokugani society, much more so than most Unicorn who were by no means less honorable but a bit less interested in such presentations.

But her gaze then fell on Tinshi, she had not recognized Archer at all, their covering spells and affectionate motions had won out her mind as she was otherwise unaware of anything else afoot. She merely waited to hear what the answers to the questions posed to Chiyuki might be.

[Toku Hirotomo]

In response to Tinishi Chiyuiki frowned a bit. "I wish I knew. My Lord suspects an old enemy or perhaps a bold new one. He seemed upset at a black letter he recived before he sent me. The Lion, Crane and Mantis are the only ones with reason to attack my Lord, but his family? No honorable man would do that."

After Utaku-san gave her the map, Chiyuki glowed again. "Thank you, Utaku Haruka-san. Toku Kanpachi-sama also said as soon as he was able he would most likely need to speak with you, though I doubt he thought I would meet you here. He recived word that the arms of Kyuden Bayushi would extend thier hospitality. He imagined that he would most likely see you there."

[Shoju]

"It is so surprising to me the trappings we find ourselves in from time to time. " Tinishi sighed. "I mean, who could have quarrel with the esteemed Monkey?!" Tinishi stirred in his seat a little. "With such a stoic, albeit short, history, the Monkey are highly regarded by all I have met." Tinishi leaned in closer to the Young Monkey.

"You said he received a letter? Was it claiming responsibility for the murders?" Tinishi knew what the letter was, but hoped to find out what the samurai-ko knew.

"Battle Maiden, what discussion brings you here? After my talks with the Crane Clan in the morning, I must bring the plight of my lands to the attention of the Imperial Court sadly. I hate detracting from the Yobanjin wars in your clans lands, but sadly, I fear our plight can no longer be put off." Tinishi looked downtrodden and sad when making his remarks, his sympathetic tones serving to make the appeal sound genuine.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Nodding to Chiyuki, "I was at Kyuden Bayushi, but I am afraid I have been able to remain anywhere for very long."

She seemed a fair bit neutralized when it came to Tinshi, "The court is the matter of the entire empire, I hold no ill will against anyone who detracts from the ongoing conflict. There is little more that needs discussing when the Shogun now marches through Shiro Moto to finish this conflict."

She paused a moment as the battles seemed to be running through her eyes, before she looked back with a slightly neutralized gaze to Tinshi. "Endless as it has seemed, and through the many that still fall in the name of the defense of our empire, no words here detract from the truth that the end is nigh." She took another sip of her drink and continued to air herself with her fan. "Except when people do stand against the voice of the very Emperor-domo's words. It is a worn conversation but each has been invited to voice their opinion, so for this brief visit I shall."

She sat back a bit as one of her attendants came to her side. "Riku is ready for when you wish to journey to court, Haruka-sama." She nodded in reply.

"My thanks, Emi-san. I will see if I shall journey with companions before I do leave. The day is still quite early and the courts do not rest until the evening." Her eyes fell on the other two she'd spoken to fondly. "But if they wish to, then I would quite like to journey with them when they are ready."