Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jun 29, 2011 20:12:59 GMT -5
I grin when she agrees to my idea. It will feel good to be doing something more tangible. "I don't have any plans for tomorrow," I say with a grin. "It should only take a few hours on horseback, we'll be back before the night." I lay out the report for her, that two have died already. The Governor has not asked for additional resources though. Even if there was a famine going on, we would have been asked for more rice. We are fertile here. We have a grand surplus we sell to the other minor clans at no profit. Here, of all places in the Empire, we have people starving. I wish it was something less severe, but it does feel good. I stifle a yawn. It's probably late. I look at the hall. I personally don't care about courtier's wagging tongues, but I don't want to put Rinko through that. "We can start when we wake up. I'll walk you to your chambers." I walk stiffly next to Rinko. I hear a passing courtier giggle from behind her fan, and I give her a withering look. She's not used to Monkey humor yet. Give her some time before you tease her.
I bow to her as we stand in front of her rooms. I lightly brush her obi to mine. Close enough to show affection, not enough to bring giggles to my delightfully vapid courtiers. "I shall see you in the morning, Rinko-san." I saw looking into her eyes. Should prove interesting. I think as I walk to my own bed.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 1, 2011 11:15:09 GMT -5
My plans for tomorrow will need to be changed but the days ahead should prove interesting now. I am relishing the thought of something active. I can feel the anticipation growing. The urge to investigate and make sure everything is proceeding above board. I take in Hirotomo's words, doing my best to ingrain every detail. Interesting. Somewhat concerning too if reports were accurate. Still, many tended to exaggerate matters so perhaps the two deaths weren't caused by food shortages. Never jump to conclusions. Weigh up all the evidence. Interesting though...
Hirotomo kindly escorts me back. It's pleasant to be able to spend a little longer with him. I sneak a few glances at him. He seems to be more full of purpose now. It's good to see. He is moving a little strangely though. Due to this I notice i'm quite rigid too. I can't help it though. My attention turns to a Toku courtier that passes by, giggling a little while watching us. I look away. It is troublesome. Usually I'd glare at anyone who did that but I'm too self conscious now. I sigh another time at what I'm becoming lately. In some ways life was easier when I had more control over my feelings.
I return his bow and watch what he does with his obi. I'm not quite sure how to respond but smile a little. "In the morning Toku Hirotomo-sama" I reply, gazing back at him. Moving into my room I immediately set about preparing a few things for the next day. I'll need to reassign my servants too. Tomorrow will be trying but worthwhile. That's what I sense
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 10, 2011 18:17:31 GMT -5
I wake early. I walk quickly through my halls and send the servants to gather traveling supplies and the additional servant that will accompany us. Rinko will probably bring hers as well, they are probably used to traveling. I'm brought a cup of my father's preferred breakfast, rice with milk and butter. I almost spit it out. How can he possibly eat this? I grab a sweet bun and take tea in a small sitting room. I need to leave a few orders in case something happens. We'll leave fairly soon.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 12, 2011 17:10:12 GMT -5
My sense of smell picking up the fresh morning air is my first clue that it is a new day. The dream fades away as my mind begins to consciously stir. I rise to greet the morning light, blinking my eyes to adjust to its glory. There is a pleasant warmth that follows me even as I leave my futon.
It doesn't take me long to ready myself for the coming day of travel. I take some time to find my servants and brief them on the journey ahead and their duty changes. One of them reminds me to have breakfast. I acquire a bokken. The second reminder about breakfast occurs as I begin my morning kata in a presently empty dojo. I don't receive a third reminder as I am instead brought a modest meal to coincide with the end of my practice. I am grateful for their initiative. The food will restore my spent energy from my morning practice.
I retreat back to my room and meditate, doing my best to free my mind of the minor self-criticisms of my kenjutsu technique, the task ahead or my slight excitement at the coming change of pace. I do not succeed. However, I do edge closer to some greater understanding as the calm air soothes the tension that I did not quite realise was building up in me while the restful silence of this wing of the building allows me to properly disect my thoughts as I lull out of the meditation. I swiftly begin finalising the journey details as it approaches late morning. The Monkey lands are beginning to reach their normal levels of activity now and I can hear training instructors begin their lessons in the distance. I ask a servant where the Toku Champion can be found at this time.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 12, 2011 17:18:29 GMT -5
Once my orders for the day are over, I sent someone to inform Rinko to join me in the stables. My horse is waiting for me, looking a little irritated. I have had little time for riding lately. I hand him an apple and finish the loading of supplies. Nothing too serious, our destination is not far. All that is left is to wait for Rinko. She trains every morning. Something that I will have to make more time for. The Toku Dojo is alive with activity. Soon the graduating class will join our ranks. I pack a few more apples for my horse, he gets irritated when stabled for too long.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 14, 2011 16:53:18 GMT -5
It doesn't take long to find out where Hirotomo is - he had in fact asked for me. I make my way to the stables. Hopefully my servants can prepare my horse quickly. En route I mentally double check to make sure I have everything. It all seems fine.
I spot Hirotomo preparing things near his horse as I enter. The Monkey stables aren't too large but the horses are well cared for. "Good morning Toku-dono" I say, bowing to him. I wait for him to address me. Hopefully the plan hasn't changed. I would hate to get excited for nothing.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 14, 2011 17:15:39 GMT -5
"Good morning, Rinko-san, it's a good day for travel." I grin at her as I finish setting my saddle. When I saddle my horse, it feels comfortable. Another addtion by my clan I assume. It's better leather, and the reigns are embossed. More show. I grit my teeth and try to ignore it. I pull out a map, more for her benefit than mine. The Toku lands are not very big after all. "It's about three hours north west, we'll hug the coast for most of the trip. The village is fairly well known, it's a hub for the fishermen brining in their catch to the other parts of our lands. I pack in a little salted fish for a surprise.
I finish my preparations and wait for Rinko to finish hers, I might ask her if I could assist, but I know she vastly prefers to do things herself. After final preparations, we'll be off.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 14, 2011 20:19:11 GMT -5
I'm glad to hear we will soon be leaving. When they arrive, I instruct my servants to prepare my horse. This gives me time to check the map. I do appreciate being shown it, though no doubt the young man knows the way. It lets me think ahead too. I give my horse a once over, tightening one strap, then signal that I am ready.
I am slightly concerned about our present numbers. It may be unsafe and certainly could be misinterpreted. "Will anyone else be accompanying us? This isn't the honeymoon yet..." I say the last part seriously and then see Hirotomo grin. I realise he interpreted it as a joke. I can't help but laugh a little too
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 14, 2011 23:53:59 GMT -5
I frown as I look around. He should be here. A tall man comes over from the shrines. He's late. Again. He's got that ghastly gajin weapon with him too. Like an ono attached to a nagamaki. "Rinko-san, allow me to introduce Toku Rokugo. He'll be keeping us out of trouble. He's always been huge, but I don't remember that eye-patch. Some grand story he'll never tell probably. "He's the youngest of 6, and apparently ate for 6 as well." I wink at the older man and he ignores me. He never gets my jokes. Probably his Crab heritage.
"Hirotomo-dono, Kitsuki Rinko-sama. He bows to each of us in turn. "We should arrive soon enough to speak with the Governor about this matter. A letter was sent last night about our arrival. We should expect a large welcome, a Champion has not been there since Toku Kyoji." I raise an eyebrow. "That is the most words I've ever heard you say, Rokugo. I complement him with a smile. "I saved up from last year. he grunted as he saddled his horse. He worked with my father, and was a good man, if not exactly the icon of our clan. He had a habit of straying into shrines. He was a very pious man, thankfully my coastal route will be clear of them. It was rumored it took him a year to send a message to the Crab because he stopped at every shrine along the way. Still he was good in a fight and would keep wagging tongues at bay.
"Ready?" I say to Rinko getting excited. This route will help her see the more scenic route of our lands. I hope she enjoys it.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 18, 2011 22:01:01 GMT -5
I inspect the big man. He seems capable enough at first glance. Perhaps a little slow. He reminds me of a Togashi monk. He is either thinking of something deeply spiritual or counting sheep I muse. It's the same look either way...
"Toku Rokugo-san. We will be in your case" I say simply, bowing to him
Enjoying the exchange between the two, though unable to easily smile to show it, I mount my horse. I instantly feel a little stiff. It has been too long since I have ridden.
"Shall I instruct my servants to accompany us or are we to go there with all haste?" I ask, looking back at them as they wait politely to one side. "I am otherwise set, yes". I nod to the younger man. Perhaps I should smile too? No, I must get to know this new Monkey first so as to not appear improper. I would not want to show up my family.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 22:26:43 GMT -5
We ride quickly. I say looking forward. It's only a few hours at a comfortable speed. We can cut that in half. Plus I want to give the Governor less time to think of a reason why my people are starving. I say the last part a little harshly. Rokugo looks and me and I sigh. "Okay, Rukugo-san. I know it may not be his fault, but still. He should have seen this coming, or sent for supplies. He merely bows. I'm not happy, but I can't let that make me see things that are not really there. I start to ride at a gallop, my horse is happy to be running, I am happy to be doing something with my own hands instead of a seal.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 18, 2011 22:47:32 GMT -5
I signal for my peasants to remain here and be helpful. I will rejoin them in time. I then kick my own horse into a gallop. The wind on my face, cooling due to the speed, is a joyful feeling. We ride out to uphold justice I remind myself. This is inherently ten times more joyful.
Hirotomo's unusually harsh words made me think that he took wanted to pursue the same. I would support him to the best of my abilities. Unfortunately, I fear in a matter such as this, either gross ineptitude and negligence or more sinister things afoot.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 19, 2011 11:06:39 GMT -5
The ride is not hard, or too long. We stop for a meal around the bay coast, and the scene is nice. I start thinking about what is coming when the two servants that did come pour tea and prepare the meal. Rukugo-san still says nothing. He's barely said anything on this trip, though none of us has much to say.
"The village we'll be going to will give you a good idea of most of our villages, Rinko-san. I finally speak more so to hold back the silence that has engulfed us, than to really say something. "I hope this is just a misspoken letter, and all is well. Maybe even an excuse to see the new Champion. I laugh, but my heart it really not in it. I feel worse as we draw closer. Like something is draining my laughter.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 21, 2011 15:06:58 GMT -5
The meal is pleasant. I am impressed to see the Monkey can provide horses for their servants to enable them to keep up. My family would consider that a radical expense but I can see the use. While our status as samurai affords us respect and courtesy, it does not always mean we are able to find experienced assistance for tasks. A well trained set of hands is a valuable thing, whether samurai or peasant.
The journey had been nice and quiet. I had begun to recall some of my friends and family back home. I could see a few of them enjoying the trip. One would have wanted to stop and do a painting I think. She was quite into her art.
It's hard to respond to Hirotomo. He is trying to remain positive even with his responsibility and I can understand that but... clinging to false hopes is not the best way. I can't think of a tactful way of putting this but it would be even ruder to leave him to his idealism. I clear my throat "It's more likely that something is amiss and those responsible will either need to be punished or, if you are lucky, they may just need to be gently reminded of their duties and disciplined". I say it matter of factly. He likely already knows, deep down.
It is nearly time now. I check around us and observe the geography, thinking back to the map. "I recall it should be at the bottom of this valley. It should be within sight soon. Is that so, Toku-dono?"
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 21, 2011 21:02:13 GMT -5
"Yes, another hour and we should be there." I saw looking behind her. She's right, of course, something IS wrong and somebody is going to have to pay the price.
The servants clear our camp and we set off. I've heard that some Great Clans do not let their servants ride. Seems a little foolish to me. Yes, horses are expensive, but training a servant in riding and caring for a horse seems to be the better option. I've heard the Unicorn also believes this. I've heard there is two horses for every person in their lands, though that's probably an exaggeration.
We ride quickly and I finally start to enter the town. We slow to a trot. I grab my banners and affix them, ceremony can be a bother, but I want them to KNOW the Champion has come.
We are greeted by a man who probably was born to the wrong Clan. His long black hair was in the Crane style, and he was obviously not in danger of starvation. He greeted me flowery, and started to simper. I hate simpering.
"Greetings, my Lord and Champion, Toku Hirotomo-dono, Lord of The Monkey, Hero to All, and Oni-slayer!" The last part is not entirely true, I helped get rid of it, sure, but does he have to speak like this?"I am Toku Gusan, your loyal and most humble servant. I was humbled to be informed of your arrival, I was certain our trivial matter would not require such an illustrious visit. I have never been happier to be proven incorrect."
As he bows before me. More than once. I look at the samurai surrounding him. They look well. I don't see any commoners though. He starts to wax lyrically about how exalted I am, how wonderful, how masculine. When he is finished with me he turns to Rinko.
"The beautiful, Kitsuki Rinko-sama. You too have graced my humble home with your amazing beauty. I must envy my Champion to have such a lovely betrothed. A warrior supreme, and the ideal woman, surely the other Champions are lashing their teeth in frustration that such a superb beauty and mighty warrior is forever lost to them!" I want to tell him to silence himself, but I keep my calm. It takes the better part of an hour for him to run out of praise. I finally manage to get a word in. "The letter I received mentioned that there were commoners suffering from some sort of food shortage." I try to keep my voice level, but I think it still manages to come out a little grim. Grim enough for the simpering look on Gusan to waver.
"My Lord, it was a trivial thing. There was just a misunderstanding is all."
I excuse myself for a moment and speak with Rinko and Rokugo. "I don't exactly think this is just a 'misunderstanding'. Any ideas on how to continue? I was thinking of trying to talk to the commoners, alone, but I think I won't get that chance.
|
|