The RPG Duelling League
RPGDL Games => Forum Games => Topic started by: AndrewRogue on September 22, 2016, 01:31:41 AM
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Grey clouds roil in the skies above, promising an early start to the region's normally wet autumn.
The people of the riverside town of Inaba remain undaunted, however, the traders and merchants setting up their stalls in the town square to hock wares, the boats docking to unload and load their goods. The town bustles with activity, perhaps hoping that the storm spirits will respect their efforts and hold back the rain until the day ends. Not that it really matters: rain or shine, work is never done in a trade town.
This day, however, brings something slightly unexpected to the docks: a boat laden not with goods for trade and sale, but rather a large group of people from the west.
It takes some time for it to find docking due to the day's rather heavy traffic, but eventually room is found and the boat is given a place to stop.
As the gangplank is put into place, an older woman, flanked by two guards dressed in white and blue jackets and wearing blades, will await the opportunity to greet whoever is in charge of the vessel.
((OOC: Let us begin, eh? Rat, Excal, I believe we know where you guys are. May, Magey, Soppy, you may all position yourselves freely. We'll figure out the best way to deal with chat/post hybriding as we go. Use this formatting for OOC. If you have any questions about things or need information about this moment, feel free to ask. I believe we can officially consider this a couple days after the last Akeha prologue scene - wherein soldiers were sent out on an adventure because they are getting bored.))
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Lee emerges from the deck, swathed in a beautiful, vibrant blue shawl that flows about her body with every step. Behind her, an small entourage is assembled to follow; some carrying portable instruments such as flutes and sanxians, whilst other girls clutch small purses and wear coordinated silks; a uniform of sorts that separates the dancers from the players.
Her son joins her; a smiling blonde lad on the border between adulthood and adolescence, with youthful features and the swagger of one who has spent much time on the water. Bodyguard, executive officer, secretary, the boy is invaluable. Lee might be the face but someone needs to make sure they handle whatever local procedures are in place; buy food, conduct repairs, account for each individual member of the Unbound Choir, and deal with all manner of organizational dilemmas. Typically, she handles the greetings and he handles the meetings when it comes to dealing with humorless paper-pushers and other sorts of important, yet dreary folk.
"I see you," Lee states in a clear dialect of Forest-Tongue upon disembarking. She greets their apparent welcoming party with her palms together and a bow. "May we be welcome?"
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Dressed in a rich indigo yukata and black obi that made her fiery white hair glow all the more, Akeha is doing one of the dozens of things she never imagined herself doing. Taking a walk with a half-squad of samurai through the red light district, Akeha is making afternoon calls on the proprietors of each establishment before the Festival of Five Daughters in two weeks. It's a necessary formality to establish good relations, and particularly to insure said proprietors seek the town's garrison for redress of disorder rather than hiring any gangs. Will it be effective? Time will tell.
Blissfully unaware, and trying to not think especially hard about what the current endeavor was doing to her dignity, Akeha is slowly working her way towards the harbor.
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Akeha
Even now the people are still a little nervous, a little too acutely aware of the awkward relationship maintained with the previous steward. Still, no one -actively- avoids you, an indication that perhaps things are going better.
Your guards remain attentive and at the ready despite the lack of danger that is generally presented in Inaba. Loyalty is a wonderful thing, though perhaps those sent off to investigate the borders of Nine Rivers are not the only members of the White Fire Company in need of a chance to exercise their skills.
Lee
Tora follows your greeting, bowing as well.
The older woman clears her throat. "Greetings." She speaks passable Forest-Tongue. "I, Kakita Hana, welcome you to Inaba on behalf of our lady, Tetsuzuru Hakuhi. Might I inquire as to the nature of your business in Inaba?" The older produces a clipboard - the deadliest of all weapons at the dock.
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"Of course you may," replies Lee, paying the little thing in the woman's hand no mind. "I am Lee Aaeiko; in the old tongue, it means 'Unbound Voice', and me and mine are a most merry band of magnificent minstrels making our way through the world! It is our humble wish that we might be permitted to enter Inaba and seek the patronage of your people and lady, so that we might display our skills to the discerning and provide amusement and succor to the weary."
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Vol glides swiftly through the red-light district, having heard his boss was out and about doing the rounds of public relations. He had encouraged the practice after all, so in essence he was happy she was there... even if they would quickly have to change plans. His simple brown robe flutters a bit with an unusually strong gust, prompting an idle thought about omens from the usually non-superstitious bureaucrat.
Finally spotting his boss, he strode over while waving off her guards. Thankfully they have grown used to the unobtrusive assistant requiring access to their liege lord and commander at random times and let him pass. Since they are in public, Vol at least goes through the formal bow to her, keeping up public appearances. "Greetings, Lady Hakuhi. I come bearing... news. Remember that project to prepare for any refugees we began the other day in case the possibility ever came to pass? Unfortunately, I have received word from the harbor that just such an event might be taking place already. I have sent Hana ahead to greet them, but we should make due haste to back her up."
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Vol's sudden approach pulls Akeha from her revery, to eloquently express her surprise at such unsettling news. "What?"
Issuing a few quick commands in Dragontongue, Akeha, Vol, and her guards briskly march to the harbor to get a better handle on any sudden influx of dozens, hundreds, perhaps THOUSANDS of scaborous and starving peasants fleeing death and devastation in the Hundred Kingdoms.
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Rishi yawns as he rolls out of bed, moving to get some lunch, though he thought of it as breakfast. As he finished getting dressed, a knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Sir? You might want to come to the office." It was Subaki, one of his small band of workers, and the most adept at both filing paperwork as well as sifting through the many rumours to find the nuggets of truth.
"I'll be right there." After long nights spent with nothing to be found, what could possibly be so urgent to have popped up while he was asleep? His answer came to him rather abruptly as he walked into the office only to find a fair few of the more paranoid dock workers in his office, all looking rather more distraught than usual and each with an official request form.
"They asked to speak with you directly. Apparently something happened at the docks this morning, and... well... I'll let them fill you in." With that, Subaki went back to her paperwork and the voices began bombarding him. Singing ships, hundreds of freeloaders and outsiders, citizens of Xanafai, an army come to cause a ruckus, a dog so big it must be a demon... Normally Rishi would politely decline after hearing tales like that, but they were all much more insistent than usual, and asking him only to keep the peace instead of kill some new trader at the drop of a hat.
Rishi raised his hands a little, and the workers began to quiet. As the last of their voices died down, he spoke up. "Please give your requests to Subaki, as per normal. I will look into the matter immediately, and get back to you with the cost when I know more about the situation. Good day." He calmly walked out of the building, his thoughts racing about what happened in such a short time, and as the door closed behind him, he immediately took to the rooftops and began sprinting and leaping to the docks as quickly as he could, hoping to find his usual spot nestled on the roof of the harbormaster's office so he could investigate the matter without being seen.
((OOC: As a note, Rishi does have Keen Sight as well as Keen Hearing and Touch activated indefinitely))
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((OOC: Rumors FLY in this town fast, apparently.))
Lee
Hana takes notes on her clipboard.
"It is a pleasure to welcome you and your band to Inaba, Lee Aekio. Before I can schedule an audience with..." she pauses for a moment, considering her next words, "...the steward of Inaba, the honorable Tetsuzuru Hakuhi, I must ask you a few questions. Where do you and yours come from? Are you looking for temporary or permanent residence? Are you interested in private or public performance? What is the current status of your group's finances?" She continues to prattle on, her questions growing into increasing minutiae.
((OOC: She will attempt to read Lee and Tora's intentions. 1 success.))
Even Tora seems a bit taken aback by the sheer quantity of questions. This is much more thorough than any other port you have encountered along the Yellow River. "Are... all of these questions really necessary?
Hana looks surprised. "Of course. All of this information is vital."
Rishi
The chaos promised to you seems to have been vastly overrated. An unfortunate result of living somewhere where little actually ever happens. There is indeed a boat and it does appear to be laden with people, but it is hardly the ravening hoard of bards and bastards you had been lead to expect. From your vantage, the issue currently appears to be under control by the dock guards.
Akeha/Vol
Aiko steps closer to Akeha. "Would you like me to request additional guards, Tetsuzuru-san? Or shall we give in to the bureaucrat's panic and summon the whole of the White Fire to secure the dock?"
((OOC: Let's give it a couple beats before you arrive at the dock. Feel free to walk and talk.))
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"No, I think fifteen of my men are enough to hold refugees at bay if need be, Aiko," Hakuhi Akeha Tetsuzuru quips to her second, shaking her head. "None the less, return to the garrison and have every squad on hand in readiness. It'll be decent a decent practice run for any serious matters." She nods. "And Aiko? If you see the harbor light up like a second sun, bring Chidori."
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Akeha/Vol
Aiko struggles to restrain a smile as she bows. "Of course, Tetsuzuru-san. The White Fire shall be ready if the hordes descend upon Inaba." She will take off at brisk pace to prepare your loyal guards for the inevitable sacking of Inaba.
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"Darling, you really must pause between the questions if you're expecting answers," Lee replies, cupping her lips with her palm.
"Ah, but it is all down to one simple fact, isn't it? We are strangers! Not known to you! I'm sure all manner of people pass through this port, not all of them wholesome, and how can one tell? But please let me allay your concerns with our brief history.
"We have no fixed plans nor abode. We ply our trade along the Yellow River, you see; this is the first time we have come so far East. Beggars, kings, it matters not, for we charge only what our hosts might afford, even if it is only a bowl of rice and a hearth to sleep by. As such, we are not wealthy but you need not fear an infestation of destitution; we've earned our keep so far, after all. Should there be no profit, then we will leave as we came for familiar shores."
She gestures to her dancers with a fan that has somehow appeared in her hand. "Beauty is not something maintainable in the condition of poverty, after all! And it is essential to our work.
"Of course, I am sure that you desire assurances of our skills! We are not so arrogant as to expect our word to be taken freely. It's important to our creed to demonstrate our worth before asking for anything! Don't you agree? A passionate public performance must precede a pleasant private presentation, I believe! I would hate to meet with your port's potentate without giving a hint of our art."
((OOC: Attempting to instill an intimacy of.. oh, Lee Aaeiko (Much Glamour. Wow!) I pretty much intend to follow this up with a persuade action to let us in, but stacking up social actions in one post is a bit unkosher, probably?
Anyway, will spend 2m on an excellency from peripheral pool, which is not enough to flare anima. HPM gives me a 1m discount on all social charms, so that's +3 dice, on top of the extra +3 from HPM being an indefinite-length charm that's always on. Total dice pool prior to appearance modifiers/stunt: 5(cha)+3(pre)+6(charm)=14))
That would leave my Personal Pool at 13/13, and my Peripheral Pool at 24/33 (7 motes committed to HPM.)
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A man with long green-blue hair bound in an intricate braid and wearing comfortable silk robes as well as a durable and scuffed looking leather satchel over one shoulder, walks up the stairs from below decks. Beside him a rather large reddish coloured dog with a massive mane trots along genially, sniffing the air excitedly.
He raises an eyebrow as he sees Lee's performance, and speaks briefly with one of her underlings before walking up and to the side, where he can eventually gain access to the official and the gangplank, but otherwise he stands to the side. Lee is having her moment, he will quietly stand back, and drawing upon the energies of creation, he will activate his Spirit Detecting Glance, marvelling once more at his ability to see spirits as they are without false flesh even as he allows himself to slowly scan the port to see if there are any interesting spirits here, and perhaps more importantly, to see if there are any bound elemental or demonic soldiers backing up the official.
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Lee/Zhao
((OOC: Stunt 1. Target Resolve: 3
<Luna> AndrewRogue: 17: [1: 3, 2: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 2, 7: 1, 8: 3, 9: 4, 10: 1] - 10 Successes
SUCCESS. Minor Intimacy: Lee Aaeiko (Impressive) added))
Hana finds herself nodding for a moment, but stopes. "While your group is undoubtedly skilled and, and while I am quite sure that Tetsuzuru-san would be honored by a performance by artisans like yourselves, it is still important that you accurately and completely answer my questions so that a report may be delivered and a proper meeting scheduled. Already your arrival is quite the public spectacle."
Tora clears his throat. "Perhaps it is best we make sure we adhere to local customs, even if they are... more thorough than we have encountered along the Yellow River, mother? I am sure I can manage to answer whatever is needed."
As Zhao descends the gangplank, the guards will shift a little bit, but make no overtly hostile movements. They are most generally there to make sure that one does not step onto the dock without permission, after all.
The local spirits are the sort you would expect from the fertile lands around the Yellow River - those of the river, those of the wilds, those of the storms, those of the grasses, those of the rice... but it does seem more sparse than you would expect for a town in such a place.
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"A public spectacle? Truly?" asks Lee, eyebrows climbing. "My, my, my! And all we've done is dock our ship. I take it you do not often receive unexpected guests?" She snaps her fan shut with a grin. "My son is wise, as usual. Since he can cover all the details, I'm sure you don't require my presence. Would you mind if my little entourage and I took a stroll through the city? If I am to meet with your ladyship- so soon, what an honour!- it would be my pleasure to compose an appropriate salutation that pays homage to her dominion."
((OOC: this would normally be a persuade attempt but Akeha herself is probably going to show up any second now, so whatevers. Dicepool is 11 (5cha+3pre+3HMP) if need be.))
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((OOC: We may indeed assume that Akeha and Vol will arrive about this point. Persuade will not be necessary. Rishi is similarly free to stay at the fringes or engage as desired.))
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While not the kind of crowd he had expected to find, it is a crowd nonetheless. Rishi sits back in his perch, relaxed enough to enjoy the show that seems ready to begin at the drop of a hat, but also with his bow ready in case the show becomes a little more heated than is called for.
As he hears Akeha and Vol approaching the strangers, he breaks a smirk, closes his eyes, and focuses solely on listening to the surrounding citizens, in case an assassin is hiding in wait for either side. He lets the sound of the water and the babbling merchant's voices roll over him until they fade away, leaving only the sounds of footsteps, weapons, and armor for him to hear.
((OOC: Rishi is not in stealth, and if anybody bothers looking at the roof of the building they will see the cloaked figure with a bow in hand, seemingly asleep on the edge of the roof.
Awareness is using the Keen Hearing to reduce the difficulty, and activating SAP from personal (8/13 motes left). This puts the roll at 3(Awareness)+5(Wits)+2(Excellency)=10d10(Double 9's), with Difficulty 2 rolls made automatically, higher difficulty rolls made at D-1 with one automatic success and if any of the stuff I'm hearing is related to stealth in darkness, slashing swords, or long bows then the difficulty is reduced to 1, as well as the other effects. ))
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Vol hardly batted an eye as his brisk, efficient pace and humored tone came off as panic to Akeha's guards. Such is the jealously one garners being a mere consultant who the Lady has chosen to place her trust in. He fills her in on the situation on the way, as if no miscommunications or jokes at his expense were made. His voice is level and conversational. "I was down at the docks when the ship came in, doing the inventory transfers for the refugee stockpiles we discussed. The dockworkers came saying they had heard something like music coming from the ship, and after listening for it I was inclined to agree. They quieted down while docking, so I left Hana to greet them and came to get you, since I knew you were in the area anyway."
Eventually they make their way to the outskirts of the crowd around the dock, of which Akeha's minions make quick work of forming a path through. As they approach, Vol does catch sight of Rishi on the rooftop and acknowledges it with nothing more than a brief closing of his eyes. If he could see him, everyone could, and he truly wondered if this was the message they wanted to send to these strangers.
He turns to address Lady Hakuhi again. "Well. It was mostly an assumption on my part but certainly something interesting seems to be about to happen..." he nods mildly as they begin their final approach to Lee's group.
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As Tora begins going through the minutiae with Hana, and as Akeha's troop makes its way to the dock, Lee rapidly loses interest in her surroundings. Interminable officials, always wasting everyone's time; frustration and dismay!
Her eyes wander about until they latch onto the roof, whereupon they suddenly widen! "A rogue watches yonder, sharp arrows poised!" she exclaims, pointing towards the roof. "What is this about?!"
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Akeha follows Lee's pointed finger as she steps foot onto the dock. "That is Rishi, do not be especially concerned with his... often unsettling choice in vantages from which to languish," she chuckles. Akeha steps forward, wrapped in dark blue silk, carrying a sword through her sash and a long dagger across her stomach. She moves with a fluid, dancing grace of total surety, as if even the obtrusive sword hilt at her side was a comfortable part of her body. "I am Hakuhi Tetsuzuru, the White Fire of the Iron Crane," she smiles politely. "Shugodai of Inaba and Guardian of the Mouth of the Ginkawa River."
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Well that answers that... Vol thinks as the woman dramatically announces his presence. He lets it slide from his mind as Akeha attempts to gloss it over, keeping himself neutral and attentive-looking at her side and letting her handle the introductions until/unless he is needed.
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Everyone
Hana and her escorts bow in response to Akeha's approach. "Ah, Tetsuzuru-san. I was preparing to send a runner for you."
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There is a pregnant pause, but soon enough Lee decides that she can let the matter pass.
"I am Lee Aaeiko," she says, drawing her fan across her ship and people in a wide flourish. "And we are the Unbound Choir! Tetsuzuru-san," she says, copying the retainer's form of address in lieu of some more typical formal title. Her dancers bow in unison, forming a momentary kaleidoscope of animated silks. "It is an honor for us humble ones to meet you, and so swiftly, too! The White Fire of the Iron Crane herself," she muses, with a lyrical uplift to the words. "The White Fire... that seemed to me a portentous title, to be held by a doer of great deeds," she asks, suddenly focusing on Akeha's forehead. "Might I politely ask how it came to be yours?"
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"It was actually given to me at birth," Akeha admits, raising an eyebrow at Lee's attention as she found nothing there at this moment. "Nobles are given public ad private names in our lands. Though it was a reflection of my family's expectations for me," she agrees, her lips quirking in annoyance at thinking about that. "Your group is rather large, is it not?"
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"Well, Tetsuzuru-san, we had heard that the port of Inaba had developed a recent interest in foreign participation," replies Lee, smiling as if sharing a private joke with Akeha alone. "So I thought you might appreciate an extra helping. I do hope the size of our party is not a cause of distress! I'd hate to think you thought we thought we could presume. As I was just saying to your attendant," she continues, drawing her fan about her in a snakelike gesture that leaves it pointing at the sky, but not before onlookers have their eyes drawn across her bare midriff and her sinuous form-
"We four-score-and-ten seek only a fair chance to ply our trade- and, dare I say it? To compose a few new pieces, topical of our gracious hosts for the edification of people in lands we've traveled and are yet to travel."
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"We had heard of chaos in nearly every direction, and expected some resultant imposition as a consequence," Akeha admits, gesturing around them. "For the most part, Inaba has always been our point of participation with outsiders, but I hope to have brought some more... energetic administration to it than previous nobles," she nods, watching Lee gesticulate and twist with a curious amusement.
Tilting her head a little, Akeha smiles none the less. "I hope our small trading port can live up to such hopes. And please, call me Lady Hakuhi. Certainly I hope there to be no reason we will have to base our relations on my family," she chuckles. "I would caution you with regards to your people seeking employment with our inns... of the foreign tongues, you will find Rivertongue by far the most common here. And the Realm languages are pleasant enough to our ears, but Dragon tongue is the most elevated and courtly language in the land of Suizasho," having maintained the conversation in Forest Tongue, Akeha's accent certainly did smack of Old or High Realm.
"So if I might inquire, what brings one such as yourself wandering down the river?"
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Lee taps her head with her fan. "It is our quest to bring cheer to the world! To seek fame and fortune! Ah, but, of course there is more to it than the surface. It is a story I find difficult to sum up in a few words. Better suited to sitting than standing, I would say," she explains. "But, if you wish to hear it, I shall oblige. Would my lady Hakuhi accept our humble hospitality?" she asks, gesturing to her ship.
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"Certainly," Hakuhi grins. "If I might bring my assistant Vol Kikure," she gestures to the bureaucrat at her side. "I would be happy to join you for a short while to discuss the matter."
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"Charmed," replies Lee, glancing briefly at Vol. "My son, Tora, will handle the formalities here."
She gives her child a meaningful glance, that trails between the likes of Akeha and Hana before turning away. These are women of quality, Tora!, she imagines herself saying. Make a good impression! Then, she turns and walks towards her austere cabin. Her dancers remain on the dock. As part of the usual public relations effort, they will soon be making eyes at the soldiers, whispering between themselves, and occasionally mimicking this one's stern visage or offering that one a flirtatious wink and smile.
Nobody would call Lee's room rich, but being spartan has a certain inimitable quality. She sits herself cross-legged on a cushion, taking up a sanxian leaning against the wall. Between her and Akeha sits a low table. A tall wall-hanging that depicts the dawn hangs behind her, a half-sun rising above verdant hills and rich farmland. To one side is a map, with old realm calligraphy marking the places thereupon. Someone will bring them tea soon, certainly.
"Why we are here, indeed," muses Lee, thoughtfully. "As the farmer leaves one field clear so that it might grow boldly next summer, so too do we rotate from town to town, knowing that songs are worth more when heard infrequently. Unbound and unbowed, we have neither lands nor title to call our own, thus to be itinerants is all that remains to us. Our home was no longer a place for us, so we made a new one out of wood and sailcloth. The more of the world we see, the more we learn and the more we can teach. I suppose you could say we traveled this way because I sought to chase the dawn."
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Everyone
Tora nods. "Of course, mother." Smiling brightly at Hana and her guards, he will gesture for her to continue, asking her politely for the last few questions to be repeated so he might answer the venerable bureaucrat's inquiries to the best of his abilities.
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Vol bows graciously upon being introduced, "Lady Aaeiko." he offers neutrally in response.
As the eccentric woman led them into the ship, Vol is surprised at Lady Hakuhi's willingness to deal with the newcomers on their own ground, but he attributes it to the leverage still being firmly with Akeha and Inaba. He listens closely to the woman's verbiage and carefully takes in the surroundings to get a better sense of them. For one, the sun imagery jumps out at him, which might it not if Lee herself hadn't drawn attention to it with the phrase chase the dawn. Still, it is secondary to the vagueness in her story of the group's origins, and he files away questions of his for later use.
He takes his seat at Akeha's side, ready with keen interest in beginning the talks with this boastful character.
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Even as he tried to listen past it, Rishi could hear something... off about the tone of the newcomer, Lee. She sounded zealous, but in a different way than the usual monks, and he never had such a hard time ignoring someone before.
As Akeha and Lee agree to move into the cabin, Rishi's ears perk up and his eyes open. As soon as he looks down at the group, he notices the man standing near to Lee staring in amazement; which would be fine, if he didn't also have a large dog with a strangely large... mane? Not a term he's used to using for dogs.
When the group begins moving to the cabin, he rolls lazily backwards and out of sight, then quickly puts his bow away and drops off the building. As he turns around the corner, he drops his hood and blends into the crowd, finding a place near enough to the boat for him to listen in on the conversation about to take place, but far enough away that he won't gather the attention of the remaining refugees. Those workers were right about one thing, Rishi thinks to himself, something is very, very wrong here. I just hope nobody gets hurt from it...
((OOC: Stealth pool is 5(Dex)+5(Stealth)+2(2 motes on Excellency from Peripheral)=12d10.
<+Magey> .ex 12
<Luna> Magey: 12: [2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 2, 5: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 2, 10: 3] - 10 Successes
Awareness is same as before, and if deemed a new scene will pay the motes again. 7d10 with Double 9s, and Difficulty dropping shenanigans.
EDIT because I am a derp and used the wrong stat. Adjusted the dice pool to what it actually should be, can be rolled if Andy deems it necessary.))
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Akeha takes a moment to consider Lee's terming, narrowing her eyes sharply. "You were driven by foes or circumstances to flee your home, and now you seek..." she frowns, chewing on Lee's phrasing, the room, feeling as though she was still missing something. "Now seeking something in particular," she raises an eyebrow. "But I can't tell what, if my name was a specific point of curiosity or was it merely seeking another tale?" she hums, one emerald-green and one sapphire-blue eye staring at her. "Either way, you expected something of me."
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Lee laughs. "Where I come from- the Confederation of Divine Thrones, where the gods rule men in little city-states," she remarks. "We rarely describe each other's thoughts to one another so candidly. It's impolite. But perhaps if we did, though, things would have turned out better?" She plays a little riff on the sanxian, a touch melancholic.
"I think something interesting will happen, or has happened here," she tells Akeha. "Fire has taken on a prophetic mode as of late. I associate it with revelations. And death. And madness. The imposition of order upon chaos, and the righting of wrongs. To meet someone bearing it as a name, why, it felt as if the gods were granting me a sign, saying this is a person I should take pains to befriend. This is a place I should be. What would you say to that, Lady Hakuhi?" she muses.
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Vol takes in the conversation with interest, filing away the details of note for later- especially about the Confederation of Divine Thrones. Oddly, his mind seems to latch onto the one part, which causes him to chuckle in prelude to his segway to enter the conversation. "On the contrary, Lady Aaeiko. You and your merry band are the most interesting thing to happen in Inaba since Lady Hakuhi arrived. Quite the self-fulfilling prophecy you have enacted?" he observes with a friendly smile, attempting to smooth over, or at least distract from, his boss' confusion with some light banter. This also serves to give Akeha the proper time to think of an answer.
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"My!" Lee looks a little confused. "I hardly could have thought... honestly, I had been wondering at the reception," she admits. "Most cities downstream paid our entry little heed. I must extend my apologies for any rudeness on me or my son's behalf in dealing with these unfamiliar circumstances. Had I known we would be such an oddity, I would have tried to send word in advance of our arrival."
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"Pay it no mind, Lady Aaeiko. Our work here has been, in essence, to leverage the town out of the rut it had fallen into under the succession of previous inept stewards. Perhaps this will be another opportunity to test the flexibility of the townsfolk, as well as the effectiveness of our reforms." He pauses a moment for comedic effect. "In other words... it will be good for them." he times perfectly, looking sidelong to Akeha to make his suggestion for how to proceed known. "Of course, that is contingent upon Lady Hakuhi's decision, and what kind of agreement we can negotiate."
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"Well, I'm glad to know I have already made a contribution to your civic futures," muses Lee. "Negotiate, you say? It need not be all that complicated," she replies. "I have some confidence in our ability to impress. It would be my honour to allow you to- how do the hawkers say it, sample our wares?"
She nods a little. "Then, with our credentials properly established, we can discuss accommodations, future performances, the value thereof, and appropriate venues, taxes, and so on and so forth. I am not all that interested in money. It is important, of course, for we have to eat," she muses. "But it is my son who enjoys the thrust and parry over particular figures and percentages. Once we know we are good for each other on the whole, all the rest of the details tend to just fall into place, don't you think?"
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Akeha appears to be stewing over the last thing Lee said to her directly, watching the other woman with a plainly measuring gaze that was completely oblivious to her and Vol's exchange.
"I apologize for my direct nature, it's not considered entirely politic or polite in Suizasho, either. Rather that I was indulged as a child to avoid quite as much training in such things, in favor of violence," Akeha opens up again, pursing her lips. "Somethingi nteresting did happen, my arrival in itself was far stranger than yours, by the standards of Inaba," she agrees, "And what caused it certainly could be described as a prophetic revelation in fire," she grins. "A fulfillment of my name, if you might. Did you experience your own revelation in the flames of dawn?"
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"Almost. It was noon, as I recall," replies Lee, "And I was dancing in tears and anger when the flames began consuming the detritus of my life and all its follies. But a greater power reached out to me then; the highest of fires itself," she continues, with a slight nod towards the hanging on the wall.
-
Both eyebrows shoot up at Lee's inability to abandon poetics, but Akeha begins to softly laugh. As her amusement persists, an eight pointed sunburst burns itself into her forehead, reaching a soft glow that nearly matched her hair. "It has been... vexing to say the least, as my home reveres the Dragon-Blooded above all, and we hold to the traditions of the shogunate. And it had been hoped since my birth that I would Exalt just as my father had," she admits. "Inaba is a place of exile and isolation for me, safely away from the Imperial Court and Kuni Witch Hunters that might ferret me out."
-
Lee's eyes light up first in fascination, and then with a matching mark upon her own brow, a solid gold disc that contributes to the room's illumination. "I knew I was not wrong!" she exclaims. "Truly, this is a meeting ordained by fate itself! Hah, what fools they were to spurn you!"
-
"In my father's defense, he hardly spurned me," Akeha admits, a bit more softly. "My status might mean more intensified warfare, and an inability to contain thhe situation in Court..." she shakes her head. "My exile was a necessity. Otherwise I would die in my Lord's defense, by my own hand or another's," she hums.
"Please, to spare me the intricacies I am not well trained for... as one Anathema to another, what is it you are seeking, then?"
-
Lee scoffs. "I wonder. Even I, a humble priestess some only middling skill in the fighting arts... well, I was imbued with might enough to wound a god; what strength must you have, being well seasoned in violence? In the long of it, I seek for the Chosen to claim their rightful place in the world. I won't suffer to be called Anathema- no, I can wear that from those who don't know better or are my outright enemies, but to hear you address yourself by the term? We must have the confidence that we know better than to believe the lies of jealous men and lesser idols. I wish to fight against those lies and I wish to do so with your aid and support.
"Lady Hakuhi, I now believe with a certainty that I am meant to be here- that we are meant to be together. It is a bond we share beyond nations or personal creeds. We are the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun. If you rule these lands as a steward and warrior, then please allow me to support you as a priestess and songstress, that I might contest lies with truth, and inequity with piety and a holy will."
-
"I can assault hundreds of men, but I wouldn't wager against a dozen Dragon-Blooded, even as I am," Akeha hums, the statement an obvious moment of stalling as she eyes and measures Lee carefuly, weighing her words. "My place..." she sighs, rather dramatically, but seemingly heartfelt in her sudden melancholy. "Is at the head of an army that won't have me any longer," she muses, rubbing her jaw. "I can't... say for the moment. My father has defended me even in spite of this, as a Dragon-Blooded of pure Shogunate descent and belief..." her shoulders drop. "I must consider this more. But for the time being, we have prepared some and would be happy to have you as guests, until you and I can come to.... a further understanding of our futures."
-
"Well, should those dozen Dragon-Blooded threaten your life, do not hesitate to call upon me. Whoever or wherever it is, if a Chosen is imperiled, I would help," insists Lee, setting aside her instrument. "We gladly accept your hospitality, and shall endeavour to return your trust."
-
Akeha appears to relax a little bit, and smiles. "But please... do not be so... bold with any others besides myself and Vol," she worries, "Suizasho ultimately is a land born of the Shogunate, ruled by Dragon-Blooded and raised in the belief that we are Anathema. We must remain discrete for the time being. My men can be trusted, but the townspeople and outsiders..." she shakes her head. "Please be cautious."
-
"I would not want to trouble you so soon after meeting," replies Lee. "But it is not in my nature to conceal what I know to be right for long. Still, there is a time and place for it, and I'm well aware there are those who would strike against me for what I am. We shall talk of this again in time."
-
As the two women dance around the issue for a few more exchanges, a knowing smile creeps onto Vol's face. But still he listened and watched, both Lee for her reactions and Lady Akeha for any small tidbits she may have left out of any of their conversations. Seeing an opening he does take the opportunity to re-enter the proceedings.
"We shall. However, this is not the time for such talk. Such an occasion calls for happier tidings." he smiles, clapping his hands. "If you would, I can schedule you to meet with Lady Hakuhi tomorrow for a more detailed conversation on what your plans and needs are, and what we can do for you. Now that, at least, we know the nature of your arrival, we can work together to mutual benefit. We had actually just begun to make preparations for such an influx. Should you bring a list of your needs, we can compare them to what we are able to provide and work accordingly." Vol offers a diplomatic smile, happily talking business for the moment.
"If that is agreeable to you, we are of course free to celebrate your arrival."
-
Lee sets her instrument aside, and takes a moment to gather her thoughts. "I shall have the precise details compiled by Tora for you," she replies. "But first and foremost, I would like you to show me where my people could stay? I like for them to mingle, to get to know people better. We have slept under the stars in camps beyond the village wall before, and will do so again if need be, but I would like it if they could break bread with some of your countrymen, so we can learn a little more about one another."
-
"Such a time will come, I assure you Lady Aaeiko. However, as you say, we shall use this night to let rumors run their course and reassure the people. We did have a plot of land in mind for any potential influx, but it is as of yet undeveloped. Not wholly untended, just empty. Should you use that space tonight to say, host a relatively quiet gathering to mingle with curious locals, I doubt anyone but Lady Hakuhi could gainsay you." he gives his boss another sidelong look. "Could you, m'Lady?"
-
Akeha's lips quirk. "I hardly could," she shakes her head. "We can certainly assist with making the space more livable as well, and it is not at all beyond our protection. But we are running at capacity for our inns with normal traffic," she nods. "If there is anything you need in the immediate term, please let us know."
-
Lee nods. "I think we can manage for now," she replies. "We will need permission to trade on the dock, of course, to secure supplies and advertise and so on, but aside from that..."
She rises, clasping her hands together. "It has been a pleasure. Until we talk again?"
-
As the talks continued, Rishi found himself inexplicably getting drawn closer and closer to the cabin, and eventually the reason why became clear.
He made his way through the crowd, and calmly walked aboard the boat as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him to be there, showing no sign to be suspicious of his presence, and walked up to the cabin door. Just as he heard the talks conclude, he arrived, and knocked on the door one, two, three times, just loud enough for only those inside to hear him.
-
"What is it?" singsongs Lee, standing up.
-
"I have a message for Lee Aieko," Rishi cheerfully mentions. "Please open the door so I may deliver it."
-
The man in the robes on the deck walks the rest of the way over and opens the door himself. "My apologies Lee, the man has been slowly wandering across the decks like a lost lamb." He lets his gaze move over to the two strangers in the room, and adresses himself to Akeha in an odd variant of the local language.
"Verily, is this not one of thine sworm men, lady of the great holding of the eternal spring?"
-
Akeha blinks, staring at the man in his robes as if momentarily dumbfounded as he speaks in something resembling her native tongue. "He is an independent operative known to me as an ally of sometimes troubling impertinence," she responds, struggling a bit with what seemed to be an odd and archaic priestly grammar.
-
He cocks his head a bit, and seems to take a moment parsing what he heard before he speaks again.
"A greivous misfortune. But now may the time be of the making of well meetings. I am Khun, of the illustrious blood of Zhao, of the Port of the Thousand Flowing Spirits under the Hundred-tongued God. I am a knower of a thousand truths, a bringer of well-being, and a crafter of existence. Mine is a man of journies, prithee would rest here for a time, rending my skills upon this place should it be well wished by yourself.
-
As the man opens the door, Rishi lets himself in and closes it behind the two of them quietly, so as not to interrupt the newly forming conversation. He waits until Lee meets his gaze, at which point a shining circle appears on his forehead for a brief moment and he gives her a knowing nod and smile.
-
"I am Hakuhi Akeha, eldest daughter of the unyielding and noble line of warrior-lords called Tetsuzuru, iron taloned guardians of the Land of Roads and Rivers under the Emerald Throne," Akeha returns the introduction, slowly getting more comfortable with what felt like conversing in prayers. "I welcome your blessing of truths and bid you stay as you need and desire, for studied sages are always of good portents."
To anyone that can speak Old or High Realm, words pop out here and there as individually comprehensible, but the grammar is a strange sing-song of twists and turns in on itself.
-
He sideyes the glimmering sigil and conspiratorial nod before continuing.
"Much gladness is there in your tidings. If there is a house of the leaves of pressed truths of the venerable... sages, much happiness would I have at passing my days within such confines. As well, much desiring I have to see the industry of the house of maladies, that I might work under it's roof." He pauses for a moment, letting himself look from the associate to Lee, and then let his vision linger on Akeha and her other associate, an eyebrow arched just enough to imply a question in the glance.
"Before the partaking in of queries, I should wish to slake my lack of knowledge. Should another of your swornlings be anticipated? For the venerable and wise Zhenli shall rend asunder with a mighty gnashing of jaws and fang any other who, with great impertenence, attempt to hear words not meant for their ears, and a most ingracious guest it is that dismembers the servants of their host."
-
Vol's face is neutral, trending towards opaque as Rishi rushes in and announces himself to the world. He politely declines to notice, instead noting the questioning glance from the other newcomer who speaks in unknown but increasingly familiar tongues to Vol. His eyes soften and he regards him with a smile, trusting Akeha to prompt him should the man address him directly.
-
Lee takes the arrival of another apparent Solar with only momentary poise.
"What a momentous occasion! I am honoured, blessed and charmed," she declares. "I see I was not the only one drawn to this town! Pray tell, how many more little suns might we mine from the rich vein of mankind beyond your misty port?"
-
"Fear no other intrusions of that one's nature, he is the only one capable of them in my cohort. The persons sworn to me are by and large simple warriors, while both these men serve silver's humble temptation. Ah..." Akeha smiles wryly. "The house of maladies may be sought out easily, for it is visible from the main place of common gathering. As to your other inquest, I believe we have most remorsefully reached the limits of our ability to consumate this conversation in a privately shared tongue," she laughs.
Switching to Forest tongue, "I apologize, I have few enough opportunities to speak in the Tongue of Dragons that I could not resist even a conversation in a sibling language," she admits, nodding to Khun. "Unfortunately, I don't think anyone else in this room speaks anything close enough to get more than a few words."
-
Khun lets out a grin as he nods back. "Yeah, my family believed in learning languages, my master believed even more in learning them, and he said that yours was one of the best for both reading old stuff and talking with living, breathing, regular people. After talking with you, I'm thinking the version he teaches is better for the old books than the people. Speaking of old books, my other inquest was for libraries."
A frown crosses his face as he thinks. "Which reminds me. Some idiot, or more likely collection of idiots, opened up at least one tear in reality over in the Nine Rivers. Probably, hopefully, accidentally. Wyld's spilling through, and it's all nearly killed the San River. The goddesses of the rivers need help, but are pissed off at mortalkind collectively it seems. You could say I was blessed enough to be able to kill the Wyldspawn I found, and I shut down the only rip I could find, but there's more, and I don't know where. Hopefully it's far enough away it won't spill on you, but if it does, well, at least you know."
-
"Dragon's tongue is useful perhaps for speaking to some nobility, but..." Akeha shakes her head. "That format, at least in Suizasho, is more like our liturgical format. But yes... ah, libraries, unfortunately, we do not have in Inaba. And I would not especially recommend traveling upriver. We are a reclusive people," she nods, paling as Khun brings up Nine Rivers.
"I sent five men down to Nine Rivers to confirm if any of the rumors were true..." she admits, pursing her lips. "Now I fear for their safety, I think."
-
"Right then, do you know what route they were going to take? And do you have someone who could find them in the field? I can travel faster than any ship, and bring one person along with me."
-
Rishi audibly clears his throat. "I believe I may be of some assistance there."
He turns to each of them in turn, starting with Akeha. "You and your men have been a blessing for this town, and I would like to offer my services free of charge in making sure they are taken care of."
Next, his gaze goes towards Vol and Lee. "I have spare funds enough to help ease the budget for Inaba in terms of creating housing for the refugees without having to impose any new forms of tax on the people, and I can probably spare some to help fix up the boat as though it were new, in case it is needed in the near future."
Lastly, to the strange robed man. "If you will have me, I am quite adept at finding what needs to be found, especially from great distances. I have also been down to the land of the Nine Rivers a number of times, myself, and so am no stranger to the area."
-
Lee tuts to herself as she turns to Rishi. "I believe there is a misunderstanding present which I must correct," she states, clearly. "We are not refugees seeking to huddle away from the vicissitudes of life in the strong arms of a protector, nor beggars or the dispossessed in need of charity. We have much to offer. You are kind, but I must insist on repaying any debt incurred."
She snaps her fingers. "That is karma."
-
Khun rubs his chin as he thinks, then changing his facing to take in the newcomer as best he can while still primarily facing Akeha speaks. "Greetings, I am Zhao Khun, initiate of the First Circle, journeyman of the Craft, and walker of twilight. Your independent operative is acceptable to me, so long as you believe your men will listen to him. Aside from that, if you can show on my map roughly where you expect them, I can search."
With that, he rummages about in his bag, and pulls out a smallish scroll and unfurls it, showing a rough map of the nine rivers that seems to be partly done by a fanciful carotgrapher, and showing recent additions added in a cramped hand.
-
"I doubt my men will listen to him specifically, but I can provide a letter that should ease their desire to cooperate," Akeha nods, looking over the map. "This road here," she taps her finger, tracing it from the nearest port on the Yellow River coast inland to their capital. "Unless there was a major obstacle on it, they would have followed it expecting to pick up information."
-
Reaching into his bag he pulls out a simple wooden case and a bottle of ink. Removing a pen from its case he draws a few symbols on the map near where Akeha indicated. Then he stoppers the ink bottle, and lets the map dry while he pulls out a rag and mindlessly wipes the nib of his pen clean while turning to face the newcomer and Lee.
"Right then, operative, get anything you'll be needing and get back here. We'll go when you get back. Lee, I'll need to nab about a week's worth of food from you before I go, and a bigger favour. I won't be able to take Zhenli with me on this one. Can you watch over him for me?"
-
Lee snaps open her fan and covers her mouth. "From me, Master Zhao? I, ah, of course!" she says, momentarily flustered. "We can spare a little rice and some perishables. Fish, of course. I suppose we should make it into jerky before you go, but that would take some time... but of course I can take care of Zhenli. Though, he is more like to take care of me."
-
"Absolutely not," Akeha interjects, stern and insistent. "They are going after my men, to ease my concerns," she shakes her head. "Master Zhao, I have supplies on hand for soldiers to march with for an entire company. We will certainly supply you with anything you need. I will not stand for guests adding burdens to each other when already doing me a favor," she insists, her blunt and almost abrasive tone showing a clear lack at delivery, but perhaps understanding what was going on as ell as her social obligations.
-
Trying to mask his own emotions, if nothing else, he should have thought of not adding more of a burden on his friend, Khun refocuses on Akeha.
"Of course, two weeks of field rations will do as well as rice. As for water, I'm good at talking with water spirits, finding a place to will my waterskin is never an issue."
-
Inwardly relieved, Lee lowers her fan for a moment. "I will pray for your success," she insists. "If you do not return swiftly, I shall come looking for you! So you must, as I am a poor huntress and would easily get lost," she adds.
-
Akeha nods, glancing at Vol. "We'll make the arrangements within a couple hours," she agrees, standing. "Now, as I think we all have things to attend to... Lady Aaeiko, I would be more than happy to receive you at my residence this night, so we can talk at more length," she smiles and bows. "As well as anyone else here still available. For now, I suspect my guards are becoming a touch nervous, and Vol and I should see to supplies for our friend here."
-
"Bits and pieces, Lady Hakuhi. My knowledge of High Realm is fairly fresh, but it still has not allowed me to pick up Suizasho dialect at a pace acceptable to me." he comments to Akeha's inquiry, content to stay at the outskirts of the conversation and observe. He notes with interest at Lee's brief befuddlement on the subject of their food stores.
As the topic of money and resources comes up, Vol does chime in again. "As Lady Aaeiko said, Rishi, that will not be necessary. Among the things we had begun marshaling were building materials. What I can offer here is, should they desire, the use of said materials on credit to be paid later, at a minimal fixed interest. I can assign Hana to the job, who can keep track of everything used. I can also add the labor of the workers assisting in that endeavor to the same credit line. I would ordinarily offer to subtract the labor if you did it yourselves, but it wouldn't do to have those workers have a grudge against you on the outset. Cooperation and mutual respect must be achieved, not petty divisions. Of course, we will ignore the taxes for any income you gain in tonight's... cultural meet and greet as well. So rest easy on that account. It should provide you with a good enough stake of local currency to begin with" he nods, the business formalities completed.
He stands with Akeha, offering a polite and respectful bow to Lee. "Allow me to offer my personal welcome to Inaba, Lady Aaeiko. I look forward to speaking more with you at dinner tonight."
-
((OOC: Zhun, go ahead and craft away. You can still find the goods locally. 2 Successes is the goal and will give you a minimum 7 days worth of doses. I believe you should actually also have several doses from your previous adventure available.
Success is a decent tasting drink that gives you +1 Dice vs all Wyld related rolls and 3 Silver XP.))
Akeha/Lee/Vol
As the sun begins to set, rather than beginning to retire, the city comes alive this night.
Of course, that is a bit unusual. Often the town tends to settle as the shroud of night overtakes it, but today has been an unusual day for Inaba, with people rather than goods flooding the dock. And not just any people: performers who promised to share their art with the people. Thus it is that as the lanterns light, so do grills for fish and fires for pots of noodles. Tonight, in the crisp autumn air, the people will celebrate.
Having completed his duties to his mother and his people, Tora is enjoying the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry, having found a seat alongside a slight redhead who laughs and chatters away as they both sample some of the catch of the day.
Even the guards seems to have relaxed... a little, at least. While main eat, drink, and be merry, there are still some who stand alert at the fringes of the celebration, swords at their side.
Already some small warms up have begun, performers testing instruments and limbs that have too long (more than five minutes) gone unused. The atmosphere is pleasant, warm, and welcoming.
Zhun/Rishi
((OOC: Assuming you wanted to set out this eve... If not, let me know and we can excise this.))
At around the the party is beginning in Inaba, your cloud will put you over the small port town mentioned by Akeha: Sansi. The town itself sits on the opposite side of the bank, near where the San River spills into the Yellow River.
Much like Inaba, the citizenry is beginning to pack up for the night, but unlike the people of Inaba they are actually looking to chill out for the evening. Drink in the bar, sleep, etc. This would have been the first stop of the five warriors from the White Fire Company, so presuming they didn't drown in the river, you should be able to get news of them here.
-
Akeha approaches Lee as things seem to settle into place, leaving oversight of her guards to Aiko for the evening. Lightly touching the other woman's shoulder, she glances about, "I don't know how much you feel the need to supervise, but I have things prepared whenever you feel ready." She glances at Tora and his companion curiously, "Will your son be joining us? I had assumed he and Vol would be..."
-
Lee turns from studying a bonfire that her followers had set up near the center of the gathering. A length of rope had been scrounged up from somewhere and lain around it in a wide circle, in preparation for one of their more flamboyant acts that never fails to build excitement among her hosts. With her back to the firelight, her hair glitters around her whilst her face is cast in shadow. Her light clothes from before have been exchanged for a golden robe more befitting a hierophant giving a sermon than a fun-loving dancer of the river.
"Of course! We would be honored," she replies, delighted by the proposition. "Tora, darling!" she calls, easily projecting her voice across the grounds and interrupting whatever nonsense he was planning to get up to.
"And Vol as well? He must be much more than a mere assistant to you," she muses, with a teasing smirk.
-
Akeha's eyebrows shoot up at the smirking speculation, and she shakes her head, trying to realign her brain with reality after Lee's silly side trip. "Though he chose not to display it, he is far more deeply involved in our shared situation than let on. Though he persists in a role as my political and administrative advisor, please consider him as one of us."
Akeha for her part is dressed in a blue silk robe, heavily embroidered with white and silver vines and stalking cranes. Her obi is at least twice as wide now, striking crimson and wrapped with a curious black cord. The obi is tied in a complex knot at her back, and the cord at her front. Her dagger protrudes from it, but her sword is nowhere to be found, the obi clearly too large for it. Her sleeves are wrapped around her arms, and if they were unrolled might have reached the ground.
-
"As you say."
Lee folds her hands together. "I've been this way for only a few short months. Exactly as long as our voyage, really. How about yourself?"
-
"A little over three months, since fighting off another clan to the north," Akeha smiles a bit, the expression nervous and even shy at opening up like this. "I was almost immediately sent here to prevent a political crisis."
-
"You mentioned that you might be forced to kill yourself," Lee says, sounding sad. "It must have been a grim time for you, whereas it was a moment of joy for me. I'm sorry you went through such trouble."
-
"Forced?" Akeha blinks. "No, I asked," she admits quietly. "I was terrified I would bring ruin to my family. Lord Tetsuzuru's eldest child a Forsaken?" Akeha shudders from head to toe at the memory of her uncontrolled emotions. "I wanted to be rid of myself, but such cannot be done without approval. And my father would not consider it, instead commanding me out here to give us time and space to manage the difficulty."
-
Lee blinks. "Your father must love you very much," she tells Akeha. "It would have taken courage to look beyond the stigma. The thought of a man with such resolve fills me with hope."
-
Akeha smiles shyly. "And as a Dragon-Blooded himself, no less," she agrees, shaking her head. "I think that is my greatest regret... so much rests on if a child's Dragon-Blood runs true, and now we will never know for me, chosen by the Unconquered Sun."
She shakes off the rumination. "We shall yet see what develops... for now, Inaba is my duty, and I will make it the best place I can."
-
As they fly above the ground on a cloud, Rishi barely manages to stay composed about the fact that they are flying above the ground on a cloud. As they get within sight of the city, however, Rishi manages to speak up. "I see it, in the distance. We should be there soon. Do we want to land outside the city and walk in, or arrive on a.... err... cloud?"
He waits for the response, then nods. "I'm Rishi, btw. I'm, well, not really used to introducing myself. Sorry it took so long."
-
Vol/Akeha/Lee
Tora bows his head to the young woman and excuses himself, hurrying to join. He bows politely. "Mother. Tetsuzuru... san," he says, stumbling over the unfamiliar mode of address. "Your town is a wonder, replete with delicacies that rival those of every other township we have visited along the Yellow River. The people are kind and appreciative of the arts. On behalf of everyone, I wish to thank you for the generosity you have shown and hope that we may live up to the expectations that we have set."
-
"Please, Lady Hakuhi is perfectly fine, particularly as we don't seem to be very far apart in age," Akeha nods, bowing in turn to Tora. She blinks at the effusion of praise, caught off guard a moment and smiling, trying to restrain the impulsive expression. "You are certainly adept at flattery for a small trading port of a kingdom that barely wishes to trade," she laughs warmly. "But I certainly do hope we can meet each other's desires with that same warmth and honesty," she nods.
-
Lee/Akeha/Vol
"Small or large, mounted on gold or lost in the earth, a diamond remains a diamond, Lady Hakuhi." That form of address is much more comfortable, as demonstrated by a little quirk in the smile that hints at a little wryness to the gesture. Inclining his head politely, he turns to Lee. "How may I assist, mother?"
-
"Lady Hakuhi has invited us to dinner, and we could not possibly refuse our noble host," replies Lee, with the lightest of stresses that only a beleaguered son could understand.
-
"Of course." He smiles brightly, youthful charm bright on his face as he turns toward Akeha and bows deeper. "It is my distinct honor for my most unworthy self to be welcomed to your table alongside my most esteemed mother, Lady Hakuhi."
-
Before leaving, Khun spends his afternoon first roaming the town markets, collecting a small supply of cheap herbs and plants as well as conversing with the locals in their native tongue, his intent as much to practise his verbal skills as to gain what he needs. Then he retreats to the boat, where he secludes himself inside a cabin for a half hour.
There he lays out the tools of the alchemist, the mortar and pestle, the intense candles for small, but potent, flame, and the small pot to hold the mixture. As always, his slow prepartions almost as much of the ritual of the crafting as the crafting itself, this potion as much an act of meditation as of brewing, for the Elixir of Soul Perfection can only be made by one who knows themselves and can craft with the calmness of a pool of still water. Even now, he can still remember, still feel, the tense barely contained jubilation of the first time he knew he was going to be successful, of the joy when he drank the potion, and summoned his cirrus skiff for the first time. But now, he needed to look further. He had changed, he was no longer the person he was when he last crafted this elixir. And so, with the initial preparations finished, every tool an component in its place, he began the true depth of the ritual, and began delving into himself.
His hands moved of their own accord, reaching out, grinding the herbs, but now he chanted, low, thrumming words, he could hear it, the formula he used as recited in an archaic version of the oldtongue, one best used as quasi-musical chanting. He could feel the powers of creation moving through him, feel the hint of warmth in his brow as the powers of the anathema flowed through him.
Hah, it doesn't matter what I say, in my thoughts it's the gift of the Anathema. There's still a part of me, that wants to go back. This must be studied, and how can I do it? How can I know that whatever it is I've taken into me hasn't corrupted my thoughts, isn't bending me to its will. After all, it's said no anathema sees anything wrong with its behaviour, no matter what it's doing. The Circle could be objective, unbiased.
And I could be chained there until they've satisfied their scholarly curiosity. Which will be never. No. That would never do.
I can feel whatever this is, it isn't entirely passive. And it does have feelings, an agenda. It doesn't want me to be studied forever and a day either. Is it directing my thoughts? No, my memories, even my writings from before, all tell me that I want to go out and provide knowledge by finding it or learning it, or working it out on my own, not by having it dug out of me. But this thing, this essence, it doesn't seem to have a reason for why it feels, it just needs to go out and do something. It seems a power that needs to change things, but it does not seem to care what that change is beyond that. Could it truly be so helpful and benign as to rest all its power behind my will with such a simple commandment as that?
His actions continue onwards, worked herbs and plants added to the heated water almost by instinct, his fingers and voice managing to help mix and separate the potion as needed, in ways he never could before, his twilight mark lighting the room. Indeed, he stokes the candles with his breath, but now they respond as they never have before, reacting almost as if they were mere extensions of his will.
Yes, three fingers of the silkweed, and... did I just chant a finger of nutmeg? But... yes, yes, nutmeg for need, and I have more need than I did before, and the Jace's Lily for action. Yes, it is changing, it is now what is, what must be! This certainty, this knowledge. Let us see how well my hands are guided in this endeavour!
1,0Snackoo_Detective_Excal rolled :1,0 11#d10 1,0plus willpower autosuccess --> 1,0[ 1d10=4 ]1,0{4}, 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]1,0{2}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}, 1,0[ 1d10=1 ]1,0{1}, 1,0[ 1d10=7 ]1,0{7}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}, 1,0[ 1d10=5 ]1,0{5}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=7 ]1,0{7}, 1,0[ 1d10=10 ]1,0{10}
As the potion finishes brewing, in only minutes instead of the hours normally needed, he places it into three simple, if largish flasks. The room now well lit by his anima banner. Never before had it felt like that, and he knew, knew with utter certainty that he had succeeded. Done, he ends the ritual by cleaning up his ingredients and tools, before going to take a quick rest before it is time to leave.
-----------------
Hours later, upon the cloud.
He looked down at the port town. He recalled when he had stopped there last, and supposed that he could now check up to ensure that rower who had managed to break his arm had managed not to infect it. Perhaps also he could manage to hear some news, either from the peasants, or from the spirits.
"Good to know your name, operative. We'll land in the town, most of these port towns know that a man arriving by cloud is me, or one of the other initiates of the Jin Tor. Came by here myself on the way in, so they'll be friendly."
Suiting actions to words, he aims the cirrus skiff to bring them down near the entrance to the main inn.
-
Khun/Rishi
((OOC: Have Stunt 2 Credit on that, so get the Willpower back.))
As promised, the people are surprisingly unsurprised by a flying cloud setting down in their midst, and the few passing by greet Khun warmly.
The inn itself is crowded, bursting with men and women eager to unwind from a long day of work.
-
Akeha's smile remains stubbornly in place, seemingly in spite of herself at Tora's persistence. "Then please, follow me."
She leads them into a small manor house, heavily guarded by her samurai at the entrance and within. They meet Vol just outside the dining room, which is largely bare aside from the tatami flooring and a half-dozen paper lanterns. In the midst of it all is a low table, and as they are seated a foursome of lacquer trays with steaming bowls and dishes are brought to each of them. Although the patterns are not especially complex, by the standards of trade on the river both the lacquerware and china are quite expensive, and Akeha settles to sit on one of several cushions. "I'm afraid our selection of alcohol is somewhat limited... Suizasho lives almost entirely on rice wine and plum wine, though I have been trying to broaden my horizons. We have some foreign wine and beer if you prefer, but I can't speak to its standards for worldly tastes," she admits.
-
"It would be a treat to sample your local beverages," replies Lee, seating herself in such a way that Tora will be forced to sit directly across from Akeha. "Plum wine, you say? We've never tried that; out west it is usually made from grapes," she explains.
-
Vol seems not to have been waiting long, and a retreating staffer seems to indicate that he was recently fetched from wherever he was upon notification that Akeha and her guests had arrived. He wears a much more formal robe of green silk with a simple wave pattern design throughout. It seems to be much newer than the everyday clothes he wore this afternoon, as well as a much more noticeably local make and design.
He smiles diplomatically as they approach, greeting them appropriately and sitting as the arrangements noticeably fix themselves based on Lee's design. The corners of his mouth twitch with amusement, but he seems comfortable with the surroundings all told.
"Limited but just as universally effective. The rice wine is particularly of note there, though the plum wine is quite sweet and tasty." Vol explains to their guests to assist in their drink orders. He himself takes the rice wine, which arrives in a curious wooden cube.
-
"It is quite different, from the tasting of foreign wine I've had," Akeha agrees, showing no particular reaction to Lee's choice in arrangements. "A bit tart and sweet," she nods, gesturing for both to be brought forth.
The two wines come in small clay vessels, one marked with what seemed like 'West water' in Old Realm, the other as 'Tree Sea'. "Rice wine, plum wine," Akeha labels them respectively. While Vol drinks from a wooden box of sorts, the cups surrounding each selected vessel are small and lacquered ceramic. Another attendant brings a wooden stand, and places Akeha's sword into it, standing on the hilt. "Please, as you'd prefer. Though I recommend avoiding eating rice and drinking it's wine at the same time. They are thought to interfere with each other's taste."
Holding her expansive sleeve with one hand, she helps pour what's desired. The meal's first course consists of a soup with a light broth, mushrooms, onions, and some other elements there as well. A small bowl of rice, and another of brightly colored pickle slices accompanies it, Akeha seeming to take small bits of pickles when she switches between soup and rice. The rice is quite sticky, clumping together and easy to manipulate with chopsticks, though almost ladle like spoons have been laid out to avoid undue embarrassment.
"Any curiosities I can address? I'd certainly like to make sure things continue smoothly, and I... honestly, we need the influx of people to expand Inaba, create new businesses..." she admits. "Or so Vol tells me."
-
Lee/Vol/Akeha
"The liquor of a town is the taste of that town's spirit. To request something other than the labor of the locals is a grave dishonor and something that I could not abide." Tora seems a bit uncomfortable at the table, but he adjusts quickly. "It is no surprise to discover a town is rotten when their spirits are foul." Sampling the rice win first, he nods. "As expected, a rich and strong taste."
He has either eaten similar cuisine, as he follows Akeha's patterns in eating.
-
Contrary to the Lady's words, Vol takes a healthy drink from his cup before they indulge. He seems to manage the unwieldy vessel by drinking from the corner at an oblique angle, but it otherwise seems very proper. After that he sets it aside to begin eating, avoiding the rice in favor of the soup and pickles until it seems to wash the rice wine taste out of his mouth. After that he eats normally.
He sighs, half in amusement and half in reflection at Tora's words. "If only such a test were so, Tora. The Nexus, where I am from, sees the greatest of the world's spirits flowing through it, as well as a rich tradition of its own brews. Sadly, it is not the correct reflection. Though perhaps, at least, the negative connection will always hold true."
-
"I would like to think we can help one another, shared blessings aside," replies Lee, unfamiliar with drinking from such tiny cups. Why not use a simple mug? She attempts to mirror Akeha's mode of consumption.
The food is easier to deal with. Lee was never a heavy eater, so slowing lifting up small portions and savoring them, one at a time, comes naturally. Some people might eat with a dignified restraint, but it's not hard to read Lee's mind as she takes in the exotic preperations and shudders with delight.
"Although I am unskilled and unwise in matters of commerce and trade, anyone can listen to a song and know have an idea of where it is going and if it is pleasing to the ears. The matter of foreign intercourse is not so difficult see when one paints in the broad strokes of the neophyte. Perhaps you might reveal to me the intricacies of your present phrase?
"After all, the port of Inaba occupies a crucial fragment of the Yellow River, where the occidental flats meet the oriental trees beneath a rich nation strongly rooted to historical grandeur. A noisy mingling of notes could ensue here to the betterment of all in every direction. And yet, I sense that the acoustics of the place and moment do not befit the song that could be sung. Before I add my colleagues to the list of players, perhaps you could tell me why this is so?"
-
"Ah..." Akeha's eyes twist and glaze a little trying to find her way through Lee's verbal maze. After taking a full drink of plum wine, she seems to recover. "Suizasho is... reclusive, to the say the least. As a result of geography and history, Inaba is the sole gateway not hazarded by hungry ghosts and elementals driven mad, or demons wandering unbound. Rather than develop this sole road, for hundreds of years we have been turned inwards, and the kingdom at large is disinterested to the point of hostility to the wider world," she nods.
"Jade, iron, some other rarities... we import these for our silk, emeralds, and crafts. We mine our own silver, we are almost entirely self-sufficient for food. Inaba has been maintained only in so much as those goods benefit my Clan, and even then only just so. Among half the Clans, the philosophies of the Shogunate is deeply entrenched. They view themselves as inherently superior, the implicit rulers of creation by descent, but disinterested in the world beyond until our small empire is under their sway," she smiles sadly. "I would hope to change all that, to build a more effective trading port that can prosper and flourish on the river, and open up some of my homeland to the world."
-
"I know what it's like to live in a reclusive world," muses Lee. "There is only self, and everything else is the not-self, a danger or menace that we treat like a dangerous beast. Unlike Suizasho, however, we had little choice but to trade for essentials, and indeed pay tribute to stronger neighbours from time to time. Necessity forces the child from home to seek their own path, and I suppose that your nation has yet to reach such a stage."
She sips slowly at the wine. "Truly, there are many who would envy your position. Yet you have no choice but to change things, do you? No choice but to succeed and prove your worth. Our worth.
"Allow me to suggest a simple beginning. My people have a large range of skills that might well foster local industry, and a number of homebodies besides who would be happy for a roof that doesn't sway with the waters. But I believe our greatest value to your cause will be- well, to do what we're best at! It is the nature of travelling minstrels to tell stories and pass on the news. To attract foreign wealth, I believe you must have people go out into the world and talk about Inaba. Songs tie the world together, and if you will forgive the lapse in poetry- it's how the ordinary people know of anything at all beyond their doorsteps.
"I would say that it's also necessary for people to go into your heartland and talk about the world..."
-
"Such has been Lady Hakuhi's desire since she arrived here in Inaba." Vol confirms, switching conversations seamlessly. He doesn't seem all that mystified by Lee's patterns of speech, though the laugh lines in his eyes are ever so creased. "Less to leverage her entire nation out from its reclusive nature, but to at least do right by her post and bring honor her father and clan for so sparing her. Either way, hers is a noble cause indeed, to which I owe my own presence here."
"Your simple beginning has merit. To wit, the docks could use a more advanced house of the performing arts to attract the eyes and coin of the many passing merchants. Details can easily be negotiated at our business meeting in a few days time, so I will speak of it no further. These are the times for introductions and making merry, and Lady Hakuhi would be most cross with me talking shop over our dinner." He smiles, taking his cup once more and drawing another deep, contemplating sip. "However, I would advise caution on the insistence of going into the heartland of Suizasho just yet."
-
"You've not been there yourself, I take it?"
-
He nods, "I have not. In my few weeks here I have been... labeled as quite the interloper by some of Lady Hakuhi's less restrained allies. The rest seem unable to hide the tenor of their gaze. It is by grace of the trust Lady Hakuhi has placed in me that I am able to work with their full cooperation. It is a welcome difference from the threats of death from the town's more corrupted businessmen, of course." he chuckles to himself. "My assumption is that this is on the polite side should I ever venture into the heart of Suizasho itself." He swirls his drink gently, taking another sip to punctuate the statement.
-
"I fear you and I may have much in common," confides Lee. "Yet, then the only thing for it is to dive right in and play upon the excitement of our differences. Fear and desire are close relatives, I say. Attempt to cleave to the common ways and outsiders can only be marked for their inevitable failure to reach the mark. Accentuate the exotic and we may yet carve a place! True, the new becomes the old swiftly, but the first and second impressions weigh heavier than the tenth, you could say."
She sets her chopsticks down a moment. "Ah, in the spirit of proper dinners we should verily turn our talk to the topic of those townsfolk that tell terrific tales themselves to the teeming thousands. Who, pray tell, might seek a broadening of their horizons through my most personal effort to entertain?"
-
As Khun mentions that people riding a cloud would be perceived as normal, Rishi just shrugs and mumbles "If you say so." And, to his surprise, it really was.
As they touch down, Rishi grabs his things and walks off of the cloud, thankful to have some solid terra under his feet. As Khun gets off the cloud, Rishi looks around and turns back to him. "So, do we want to ask the locals directly, or split up and try to gather information? I'm not certain exactly how well you know the villagers here."
-
Akeha turns to Lee, raising her eyebrows. "Who indeed..." she thinks, pursing her lips.
"The four main silk factors, particularly since my predecessors spent much of their time entertaining them. Yasuki Shiro, Kakita Hiko, Doji Kirito, and Akashi Keiji. You may not wish to make your association with me that prominent in speaking to them. They miss their parties... though maybe the current one will engage them a little," she admits, shaking her head. "Kaiu Kawachi is a... not really 'former', but disassociated Crab clan samurai who runs the dockyard. He is not nearly as fanciful as the silk factors, but will value tales from abroad more than anything. Particularly of your sailing on the river, though beware - he is even more blunt and directly honest than I am. And Kurono Genbu, while he might not be your direct target, he runs the most well known and well established inn of Inaba. He would be your best gateway to the greatest of foreign merchants that visit us. They ask his advice on almost anything - how to gain an audience with me, where to seek entertainment while waiting for their ships to be loaded, whether or not Kawachi is gouging them on repairs..." she snorts softly.
-
"Bluntness and honesty are masks in their own right," replies Lee, eyes sparkling a little. "The shortest mode of speech can hide a soul of the deepest passions, just as surely as an overuse of flowery verbiage can be used to conceal an absence of inward contemplation. I relish the struggle; there's nobody who's uninteresting in the world. To find someone a bore, uncouth or otherwise; why, 'tis the mark of the viewer, think ye not?
Lee nods to herself a little. "I shall engage in solicitations henceforth! Not wishing to deny the existence of our sorority, it is inn-keep and the dock-lord that I shall pay visitations to anon; I have decided. Now, might I indulge you tell me more of the four great clans I have heard of? Sounds it to me a tale of wooden crabs, iron cranes, jade chimera and golden manes!"
-
"You may yet receive invitations from the silk factors, please do not spurn them overly should they do so... they may just be sour for the moment, and I hope to warm them to my presence," Akeha nods, seeming to relax a little bit from the wine and some strange comfort in new company.
"Our clans... there are the Crab, Crane, Lion, and Kirin Clans. There are also the Imperial Families, which is closer to a multitude of tiny clans with every form and fit imaginable, from which the Emperors are chosen," Akeha begins, working to phrase it all into Forest Tongue. "In each Clan there are a few major families... in the Crane we are ruled by the Uetsuru, I am of the Tetsuzuru, and then there are the Hikoutsuru and Kawazuru. The Lion Clan lives to our northeast and we suffer frequent conflicts over our borders with them... proximity and long differences have made relations perpetually fraught, and grudges only perpetuate it."
"To the immediate north and northwest are lands held by the Imperial Families, and beyond them are the Crab and Kirin clans. The Crab occupy a heavily fortified province to keep out the Earth spirits of the Black Mountains. While we in the Crane Clan find them impolite and stubborn even by my standards, lack of proximity has allowed us to avoid major conflicts. They are known for their strength, endurance, and their capacity to build and make weapons of war..." she hums. "The Kirin in the northernmost land are the most similar to us in their warmth and respect for negotiation. They occupy windswept plains and deserts, and some small northern stretch of the Black Mountains. The frozen deserts to their north are filled with spirits that will try to suck your soul from your lungs, so they say," she hums. "They are also very well known for their horses, having the largest herds and best breeding stock."
-
"Ah-! Dread spirits that consume the breath? What a dreadful menace," replies Lee, hand on her chest as if to shield it from such a thief's imminent attentions.
"My sympathies to the Kirin for existing alongside such creatures. At least they can ride away from such terrors."
-
"These are simple folks. They like people who deal straight with 'em, and treat 'em well. So, I'm just gonna walk into the Tenth River and say hi, catch up on some things, do some business, and ask what they know. You could skulk around, but I figure they'll be happy enough to chat if you're upfront and clearly with me."
And with that, he suits his actions to his words, walking towards the Inn, stopping every few steps to exchange words with somebody, inquire about their health or someone elses, and answer questions, mostly about where his dog is and if Zhenli is alright. Though this is usually answered as, 'with a friend,' he happily embellishes it a touch when a child asks, saying that a friend of his and her son could use a guardian for a bit, and Zhenli's the best guardian he knows, so he's with them. But the next time he visits, Zhenli will be along to play. In passing, near the end of each conversation (with the adults at least) he will ask if they know anything about five men who would have arrived recently. Armed, and asking similar questions to the ones he had been asking the last time he had been here.
-
Rishi brings a smile to his face, trying to be as unassuming as possible as he follows along behind Khun, keeping an eye and ear out for anybody in the distance spreading rumours of the five soldiers.
-
Vol/Lee/Akeha
Tota eats and drinks quietly, providing the occasional sound of agreement, smile, or nod. His mother no doubt recognizes it as his behavior when trying to take mental notes.
Rishi/Khun
The people are happy to see Khun and they eagerly chat and engage, asking about little aches and pains that are easily prescribed.
One man nods. "You're asking about those folks that come from the town upriver, yeah? I told 'em they ought to go home. San is dead. The only safe place anymore is here along the Yellow River."
An older woman shakes her head sadly, "There are things out in the forest and the swamp. Men bred with beasts. Animals that speak. They even say San still walks the mists, hunting the things that have come. We've had some folks down south make it this way, saying monsters came and cleared out their whole village. We're safe up here so far, but... well... they were brave soldiers, but I expect you won't be seeing them again."
A young man takes a long drink from his cup. "I told them to go west and find Bajun if they wanted to see if the rumors were true. I left because I knew things were getting bad. Hunting hounds stalking the town. People started disappearing. Ghosts. The San no longer flows. Bad, bad omens."
-
"Most don't go far enough north to encounter such terrors," Akeha assures, humming as the next course was brought. Delicately battered and fried vegetables and river shrimp were arranged with pickled ginger, and grilled trout with shredded radish.
"...Do pirestesses where you came from marry?" she suddenly asks, impulsive curiosity overtaking her, it seems. "We almost never see priests or monks here, I just realized. I haven't the faintest idea of religious practice beyond our realm."
-
"High priestesses occupying an instrumental rank did not. It was taboo, as total dedication to our god and his cause were intended to supersede earthly relations," replies Lee. "For those uninterested or incapable of reaching those lofty heights- lesser acolytes, commoners, and so on- marriage was common, albeit a touch melancholy. You could say it wasn't a priority of our order, but the celebratory hymns did need their occasion to shine so the practice did secure state sanction."
She looks a tad disgusted at the thought, almost losing interest in the food.
"People are people, after all. Everyone wants someone to love and hold close. Children were often separated from their parents where we are from, which I now believe weakened the institution of the family to an unacceptable degree. It's the pillar of human relationships which all others ought to be built around, don't you think, Lady Hakuhi? Without family, are we anything more than drifting leaves?"
-
Akeha's eyes flit to Tora for a brief moment of uncontrolled curiosity, but she quickly gets herself back under control. "Certainly... even for a child of nobility where I did not see my parents as much as others, they still are my first thought for who to seek aid or advice from," she agrees. "I can't imagine managing without them, or my aunts and uncles."
"The priesthood frequently marries in Suizasho. Only certain monastic orders eschew it," Akeha hums, pausing to eat a little, sipping at sake.
"And what role has Tora played in the world thus far?" she prods, turning her attention to Lee's son. "Such a highly placed mother of great performing renown surely must have had some impact..."
-
Why, her son's exploits as an officer of Xanafai's seafaring militia are remarkable enough to impress anyone, let alone his achievements since they left that wretched hive! Certainly, there's no reason to question his skills or courage! Lee snags a piece of battered carrot and turns to glance at her son as well.
-
At the mention of Bajun, Rishi turns to the young man. "Do you happen to remember how long ago that was?"
-
Vol seems quite content to eat quietly as they talk, though he does comment on a few of the people Akeha mentions with his brief impressions of them. He also takes in all the information he can, doing it a little less conspicuously than Tora, who's concentrated face Vol notes. At Akeha's blunt question, he cannot help the smile that spreads across his face, though he covers it by taking a long sip of his drink, finishing it and requesting another from the servant who brings in the next course. He settles in to eat, munching on one of the vegetables thoughtfully.
-
Tora/Lee/Vol
"Unfortunately, I was not blessed with the selfsame talents as my most illustrious mother, nor does parentage..." he hesitates for the briefest moment, taking a sip of the rice wine he still has, "...we were all expected to distinguish ourselves on own merits. My talents with song and performance are malodorous, rather than melodious." He smiles at Akeha, "But still, I sought my place and found it in a sulfurous burst of firedust. I have a modicum of talent when it comes to operating such armaments, and my knowledge became indispensable in teaching others to use them as well. While I would not boast so proudly as to compare myself to the skilled warriors under your command, I function quite adequately as a protector for my mother and my people."
"I also dabble in poetics, but it is a trifling affair, a study of the great masters of our land and the merest shadow of their art."
Khun/Rishi
That particular man shrugs. "Couple days, I suppose?" He glances to his companions at the table who nod various agreement on order of -thereabouts- or so.
-
"I thank you," he says softly to the folks. "I think we shall spend the night, and then in the morning shall set out again."
Those words are as much for Rishi as for the townsfolk, and assuming Rishi has no problems, he shall sleep, getting a night's rest, and then the next morning setting out on his cloud bright and early, the best to use the sun's light to their advantage. As well, before leaving he shall pull out two flasks, and hand one to Rishi.
"Here. I can heal what these things do, a bit at least. But prevention is better than a cure. This will keep you a little safe from Wyld taint."
And so saying, he drinks his own before heading off in the direction of Bajun, eyes peeled.
-
Rishi nods to Khun's suggestion. "I have something I would like to do before we settle in for the night, however." Rishi comes to an agreement with Khun on where each of them was staying and when to head out in the morning, then wanders over to the local ruler, hoping for an audience. If granted, he will drop off enough money to pay for construction and security for a few months, as well as mentioning how to get ahold of him in case things get dire for this village as well. Afterwards, Rishi will spend the night as Khun suggested.
When offered the flask, he will examine it briefly, then look to see what Khun does and mimic his actions involving the flask with a mild, "Thank you." He then unsteadily gets back onto the cloud and sits down, closing his eyes as they ascend, then opening them as they level out in the air, focusing his attention all around them, attempting to discern the shadows from trees and brush from the wildlife chasing after each other, and keeping a particular eye out for the notable colouring of the Crane Samurai, even if it's only scraps.
-
Rishi/Khun
You can find a local yeoman who fits the description and will gratefully accept your generosity.
The night passes peacefully and leads you once more into another chill, grey morning. The mist seems oddly heavy as you near Bajun.
((OOC: Perception + Awareness, sight or hearing bonuses/specialties are fine. Stunt 1 for both of you.))
-
Khun simply unstoppers his flask and chugs the potion. He doesn't care much for the bitter taste of it, nor the sharp aftertaste, but it's not like he hasn't fed himself and others worse over his alchemical career, so it goes down without a second though nor any warning on his face.
<Tarubot> 1,0Snackoo_Detective_Excal rolled :1,0 7#d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]1,0{2}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}, 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}, 1,0[ 1d10=6 ]1,0{6}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9} --- 3 successes
As they are nearing Bajun, Khun will frown at the mists below. This is most unusual, and the conditions definitely don't seem right for this to be natural. Either the Sisters feel they need to obscure the area, or the Wyldlings are causing something. Regardless, he's keeping his eyes sharp, and peering into the murk below. Worried, he spends a moment, and using his personal motes, calls upon his Spirit Detecting Glance. Perhaps if he can see any spirits nearby, they might be able to help. Or, worse yet, perhaps there may be none, and that may be a clue all on its own.
-
((OOC: Activating SAP and spending 2 motes on Excellency, for a total of 7 motes spent.
<+Magey> .ex 7 d9
<Luna> Magey: 7 d9: [4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 3, 7: 1, 8: 1] - 2 Successes
Difficulty imposed by Dense Fog reduced by 1, and Difficulty 2-3 Sight Checks are completed automatically, thanks to Keen Sight Technique.))
As they near Bajun and the dense fog, Rishi is thankful that his awakening included sharpening his senses such that he can still see rather well through it. Uncertain as to the cause of the unseasonably dense fog, he will continue looking for the samurai, though now alert to the possibility of something less mundane lying in wait. He notes Khun's frown, and hopes it isn't something worse than his last visit to the Nine Rivers.
-
Rishi/Khun
For Rishi, it is much as you fear. You would expect to see some manner of spirit, but the place is barren.
In fact, it occurs to both of you that an odd silence pervades the area. The wind seems dead and still. There is no rustle of bird or chirp of insect. Between the two of you watching carefully, you are able to identify a small area where the brush was disturbed and scattered, as if in a fight.
With that identified and Rishi's eyes penetrating the fog with ease, you are able to locate a quartet of bodies: 3 hulking brutes, covered in thick hair or fur and a woman dressed in the livery of the Crane.
-
As Khun points out an area that seems to be disturbed in some way, Rishi focuses in on it and notices what appears to be the remnants of a struggle where a single Crane sacrificed her life to take down 3 massive man/beast hybrids. Akeha will want to hear of this, he notes.
He quickly grabs Khun's attention, "Four dead. One is a Crane Samurai, and the other three are some of those half-human beasts we've been hearing of. Once we're certain it's safe, do you mind if we go down and investigate? We might be able to find something else down there, like some tracks."
-
Akeha arches an eyebrow. "Firedust? We've seen occasional examples of it, but hardly ever encounter the weapons. Particularly within Suizasho itself," she admits, tracing the rim of her cup. "I'd be curious to inspect such a weapon, if you wouldn't mind," she nods, glancing back towards Lee.
"Is your entire entourage entertainers?" she wonders curiously. "Aside, of course, from your son," she nods. "Though it's hard to imagine he could be as untalented as he says."
-
"It's what we have in common. You must understand that facility with performance was a mandatory skill for advancement in our priesthood, and most of us were members of that selfsame priesthood.
"That said, it is not our sole talent, or even the best many of us possess. I myself am also a healer- though, Master Zhao is a true master of that skill- and a student of the Nightingale; perhaps you've heard of that particular art?
"Else, amongst us are teachers, emissaries, healers, apothecaries, craftsmen of various disciplines, predominantly fine woodwork; sailors, of course we are all sailors now- vintners, brewers, seamstresses, scribes, counsellors... I suppose much of what you would expect from those trained in temples. You can expect an uncommon conviction from us once the tasks are set. If our talents can be of use to you I would be happy to place them at your disposal, Lady Hakuhi."
-
Khun nods, and brings the cloud down.
"Watch out, all of the spirits are dead, here. I will look into the condition of the bodies, you look for tracks."
As the cloud touches down, he will tether it to be near him as he goes to the bodies, to see if the Wyld creatures were tainted humans, or always wholly otherworldly. As well to see if any of the taint was, or worse, is, consuming the body of the Crane warrior.
-
Akeha shakes her head a little. "Within the Iron Crane, only the Shirokari... pardon, the White Reaping style have a following of the ancient schools. The Kawazuru and Uetsuru both have ol traditions of the Singular Void study with our traditional blades, but I have never heard of the Nightingale," she hums, pursing her lips.
"That is quite a breadth of talents. I had hoped perhaps we could be so aided by your people, but dared not to think it would be so varied and tremendous, their skills outside the arts." She nods, "I do hope we prove suitable and hospitable enough to keep you here a while, for both our benefit," she urges gently to Lee.
-
"These abilities may seem nothing new to the people of Inaba, but I'm sure we can impress you all the same," replies Lee, with utmost certainty. "Truly, I most of all hope I can assist you in overcoming any unjust prejudice that your lands might hold for our kind. Thus, good works, good spirit, good religion- yes! We can demonstrate our worthiness through great acts. Devotion to righteousness and the Unconquered Sun will be repaid tenfold, though there would no doubt be difficulty in reaching the common folk with these truths at first. Are yours a naturally pious people, Lady Hakuhi? I have seen lands where people take joy in serving the gods and ask little in return, but I have also seen lands where fear of their might causes great repression; every prayer a curse in disguise, one would think by the sour faces and clenched fists. A just god is harder to find than a just man..."
-
"The people of Suizasho are..." Akeha hums, "Disinvolved with their gods. They exist, the people drink to them or pray to them as appropriate, but hold them neither close to their heart or in particular fear. Demons and mad spirits are far more real to us, or even just more immediate. Everyday gods are often as distant as the Dragons themselves - seek thie assistance of their representatives, see you do not offend them, move on with your life."
-
"I see. In a way, gods being talked of but not often seen seems somewhat proper, but as their blessings are manifest through us..." Lee hums to herself a moment, and takes another sip of wine. "There's a time and place for demonstrations and it is not soon, so I shall leave it there for now!"
She gestures to Tora for a moment. "If I may return to our previous topic, I am sure my son would be pleased to demonstrate his prowess in the ways of fire and iron to you, and I feel there is a wonderful opportunity for him to learn of your own martial traditions as well. A new land demands new preparations and a new- I suppose you could call it 'awareness', as in awareness of ones surroundings and immediate context. Could I have him accompany you as you go about your military tasks, as far as the immediate future holds?"
-
Khun/Rishi
The creatures are easily identified as the same beasts you encountered a time ago: hobgoblins, humanoid beasts born of the Wyld. The Crane warrior seems normal, mortal wounds aside. There is no particular sign of taint that jump out at you.
For Rish, tracks are easily found, as there appears to have been no effort to disguise them. Plants are pounded down, branches broken, and it continues in the direction of Bajun.
-
"These are the same things I met before. Guess it's a good thing they don't spread taint while they're trying to pulp a person."
He reaches down and takes a few objects that he suspects Akeha and the soldier's family might like to have returned to them then hops back on his cloud.
"If you have found tracks, I'll hover above and cover you. If not, hop on, we'll go straight to the town."
-
Rishi hops back onto the cloud, a strong urgency to his movements. "Tracks head to Bajun, and it seems like they weren't taking any pains to cover their tracks. How fast can this cloud go?"
-
A look of sorrow crosses Khun's face. "Boy, those bodies are cold enough that if something was gonna happen, it's probably already happened. Be prepared for that."
He commands the cloud to skim the ground at a safe height and zip towards Bajun as quickly as possible. "So, when we get there, you want to see if you can track 'em, or just want to scan from above and see if you can spot anything?"
-
Rishi's face hardens as he listens to Khun's words. "We'll start by scanning. No point in starting to track if there's something there waiting for us." He subconsciously traces his hand along his weapons as they travel, his whole body tensed.
-
Rishi/Khun
As you continue forward, the fog starts to thin, until only the barest wisps of it remaining in the air.
In a short time you will arrive at the village of Bajun. It's a small, fairly common looking place, not helped by the fact that it looks like several buildings have been hit with axes. Over and over and over again.
The overall look is not helped by the bodies in the streets. Many hobgoblins and... significantly less humans than you'd expect. Despite that, the place seems oddly deserted, with nary a living thing in sight.
((OOC: Perception + Awareness. Hearing specialties/bonuses are what we're looking for.))
-
As they come into the town, the sight and smell of the bodies harasses Rishi's senses. This was a good town. As he begins to reminisce, something stands out at him. "Hold up," he whispers to Khun. "It's too silent." He closes his other senses and hones his hearing as much as he can, straining to listen to every last ounce of the silence, knowing that only death and danger awaits amidst total silence.
((OOC:<+Magey> roll 7#d10
<Tarubot> 1,0Magey rolled :1,0 7#d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=1 ]1,0{1}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]1,0{2}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]1,0{2}, 1,0[ 1d10=4 ]1,0{4}, 1,0[ 1d10=3 ]1,0{3}
Thanks to SAP the 9's count twice, making it 4 Successes, with Difficulty reduced by 1 thanks to Keen Hearing. Also, if the check is being made against something to do with slashing swords, longbows, hiding in darkness, climbing, then the Difficulty is automatically dropped to 1.))
-
Akeha blinks, but nods a little. "Certainly he could accompany me through drill inspection and sparring. For the moment we have little enough to engage our company in the way I am used to commanding it, but we do have daily functions." She glances at Tora curiously. "Depending on how confident he feels, I could try sparring with him as well. I don't think it would be the best idea for Aiko or another samurai to spar with him just yet. There is a lot of... frustrated energy among my troops, and outsiders are easy targets to a Suizasho mind."
-
"Keeping soldiers busy is hard work, isn't it?" muses Lee. "My people are not warriors, on the whole, but should we expect to be challenged as we go about our business?"
-
"Not within the town proper, no," Akeha shakes her head. "Most of the men inside Inaba are off duty and are policed by their fellows. We have enough experience with foreign merchants by now that I doubt your group should be too troublesome so long as we keep any initial conflicts controlled," she smiles nervously. "I do hope tonight's celebration will add some weight to that, though I think some future intermingling without the townspeople as a buffer might also be a good idea. Do most of your people speak Rivertongue?"
-
"Some. Enough that a translator should never be far, but Forest-Tongue is our dialect," Lee looks a little shamefaced. "I am not amongst them. If we are to stay here, I ought to turn my attentions to mastering your native tongue first and foremost."
-
Akeha's expression is honestly sympathetic for Lee's difficulty. "I have been in much the same circumstance. While I speak Suizasho's Dragontongue and Riverspeak, I have had to add to my Forest-tongue quite significantly since I arrived. Whoever is best at languages... particularly if they speak Old or High Realm, should try to add our Dragonspeak to their repertoire... it is the language of court, priests, and art for us. As you heard Master Zhao and I earlier, it is not intelligible in either Realm or Rivertongue."
-
((OOC: Andy, I think we're winding up here. How shall we proceed?))
-
Khun nods at the directions, and instead of coming in directly, he angles his approach so that they have a good view of the town instead. And as they're at their best view of the city, he lets his anima flare as he funnels six peripheral motes through it, mixing with his aura, and briefly enhancing his sight before spreading out almost as a fine mist, letting him see more than usual. The All-Encompassing Sorcerer's Sight which would show any magical workings or where reality is thin and the Wyld is peeking through.
<Tarubot> 1,0Snackoo_Detective_Excal rolled :1,0 7#d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=5 ]1,0{5}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=6 ]1,0{6} - 5 successes
It seems luck is with him, and his eyes keenly scan the deserted city below.
-
Vol/Lee/Akeha
Tora bows his head and laughs. "Mother, are you trying to shame me? The fine warriors of Lady Hakuhi would no doubt find one such as mouse as a mouse underfoot. I would fear that my scurrying would place me quite in the way!" He finishes a cup of the plum wine and places it on the table. "Though I suppose if it is my dear mother's wish and Lady Hakuhi permits it, I would have no choice but to do what I could."
Rishi/Khun
It is almost simultaneous that you both catch it, a gentle sound of scraping drawing your eyes to a building and a lucky glint of light delivers what you need: the brief shine of an arrowhead in a window.
-
"Don't suppose you can parry an arrowhead?" Khun asks wryly, as he pilots the cloud at the fastest speed he thinks won't convince the archer to fire towards the window he saw the arrowhead from. His hands safely up, palms forward to show they're empty. Not that that actually makes him much less dangerous, but symbols are important and it might make the difference.
When they get close enough that he figures he could be heard, he'll shout out, "Friends! Don't fire!" and just repeat that every minute or so until it's clear they've been heard.
-
"Identify yourself! You speak with the warriors of the White Fire, the loyal servitors of the champion of the Crane, Tetsuzuru-san. To challenge us is to choose death, as you no doubt see. Think carefully about your next action." The voice is masculine and commanding.
-
Lee cups her cheek with a sigh. "Too humble by half, Tora!" she says. "As a mother, I can't be upset at good manners, of course. But here I really must insist. And it would be a quick start in familiarising yourself with the local language, insofar as it applies to military matters."
-
"Military matters do tend to be conducted in Dragon's Tongue," Akeha agrees, tilting her head a little. "If you have any experience in Old Realm it will provide... at least a minimal foundation to work from," she nods, drawing another careful sip of plum wine.
-
Khun stands before then, resplendant on his flying cloud as he speaks. Though he does not intend to fight, neither does he intend to let their bluff posture diminish his own pride and dignity, and as he speaks, he takes on the Mountain Lord's Defiant Stance and lets his voice boom.
I am Khun, of the house of Zhao, Riverspeaker of the Hundred Tongued and Sage of the Jin Tor. By request of Lady Tetsuzuru, Guardian of the Fox Spring, I bring to you a missive written in her hand for your eyes.
Then, he folds his arms together briefly, letting one reach up his billowing sleeve and grabbing the envelope, then pulling them apart enough to show it, the unblemished seal clearly holding the imprint of Haruki Akeha.
-
Rishi grins, "I actually might be able to. But now's not the best time to find out."
---------------------------
After hearing them speak and seeing Khun hold up the envelope, Rishi drops his hood and slyly brings his hands up with one holding his envelope from Akeha and the other hand holding his emblem. "Sorry I don't speak your language," he shouts, "but hopefully you'll recognize me and the seal on our envelopes enough to hear us out. But first, are there any dangers we're alerting with all this shouting that need to be handled?"
-
"To be sure, we are fluent in Old Realm, but I wonder if it was really meant for casual speech," muses Lee. "Ah, for us it is all about the sound. And speaking of that, perhaps I could demonstrate. Do either of you speak it?" she wonders, thoughtfully.
She reaches for her cup, but blinks. "Oh, dear," she says, before letting her eyes wander around the table until they latch onto Vol. "My, I don't see why we're not all being served in such quantity! Is rice wine not a strong drink in these parts?" she asks, curiously. "Well, I must try one, if you will."
-
Vol relaxes out of his attentive state to smile to Lee, "Quite strong, Lady Aaeiko. If I may?" he will elect to take over the serving duty from Akeha at this point, filling Lee's cup from the communal flask that had been left by the previous server. His technique is similar to Akeha, but more meticulous and precise, as if he'd been schooled and practiced in the art for years. "I think you will find it to your liking."
After serving, he holds his own cup up in a ritual toast of Suizasho, a prayer to the God of Sake.
-
Lee swigs down her cup following the prayer, and- really, how much has she had since she got here? Oh, it doesn't matter, it's a nice dinner party, after all.
"A song! I must commemorate today with a song," she insists, setting down her cup with a satisfying clack. "The words have come to me. I've been working on one for a little while, now- for fateful meetings such as today's. It is in Old Realm, alas, but you don't need to know the words to understand the meaning being it, if you understand? Ah, there was once a time when I had lost all passion for the art but it has been restored and I yet yearn to set it free! We can't have the people outside having all the fun, you know!"
She clears her throat, sparing a moment to glance at Tora. "Now, it does not have a name yet but I shall call it, oh... Fateful Joining?" she muses.
Then, she clears her throat, and swells into an upbeat song that interlaces levity with a high-pitched and urgent chorus. On most verses, she applies curious modulation to individual words that lend the entire thing a surreal, quirky tone. Nobody could doubt the song has an element of humor to it, though it switches between a commanding and comedic melody at the turn of a beat.
"Now child, look! Eyes burning bright;
I've taught you all righteousness;
Now consign that to Lethe
Life gives you branches on one lonesome river
Today the route is clear; do not fear it!
"Why, you cry? Couldn't be simpler-"
"The woman sitting there before you
Is a worthy and heavenly scion of virtue!"
"Below a warrior's coat lies a shy young maid;
Time to use the lessons of your roguelike mind
You only live once and your flame burns yet high;
I won't forgive you if you ruffle no feathers
"But why now, why here, why her? Sweet child! Do not be shy-
"The woman sitting there before you
Is a worthy and heavenly scion of virtue!"
"Join two worthies in an ancient pact!
Time for contemplation's after you've loved and lain-
Make no mistake
It'll soon be too late
Seize the chance to plant a field
Take fate by the arm
Persist with a wish-
For the woman sitting there before you's
a worthy and heavenly scion of virtue!"
At the end, Lee breathes in, and clasps her hands happily together. "How much of that did you get?" she asks, peering closely at Akeha.
-
Lee/Akeha/Vol
Tora offers a quiet harmony to help underscore his mother's piece, and a quiet, earnest applause upon its completion.
Rishi/Khun
There are some muttered words below from what you can identify as two distinct voices. They lapse into Forest-Tongue and are hard even for you senses to decipher, but it seems positive, particularly with the word "Rishi." After another moment, they speak again, dropping back into the more common tongue.
"It's clear, otherwise we wouldn't be yelling, sell-sword. The beasts are dead or dispersed. You two can land fine. In fact, if you've got some medical supplies, Hioshi could use them. We've done what we can to help his arm, but it was gonna be a rough trip back regardless. Repeat that to your honored friend if he doesn't speak the Forest-Tongue."
-
At the mention of an injured person, Khun's eyes narrow. "Show me your injured." he says in the Forestongue as he moves the cloud up to the window, ready to move in. Though he has some bandaging, he doesn't have any medicines ready to go. But, he does have what he needs to make most basic salves in his satchel, and hopefully this won't be anything major.
-
((OOC: SUBTLE))
Akeha blinks out of her musical reverie, smiling and clapping with the others. "Very little, and I'm ah... fairly sure some of it was misinterpreted by context cue differences..." she admits, shaking her head. "It was quite beautiful, though. If we could overcome or sidestep the basic prejudices, I'd dare to say you would impress at the Imperial Court..."
-
Vol erupts with applause at the piece, though the look in his eyes is thoughtful. His knowledge of the High Realm language let him pick up some of the meaning of the song, but the ambiguity of it makes him pause. "My, Lady Aaeiko. That was quite something. Bravo."
Once Lee had settled back with the rest of them, Vol attempts to hide the confusion brought on by the song with gentle ribbing. "I must say, Lady Aaeiko, I have never seen alcohol motivate someone quite that quickly."
-
"It is not the alcohol, but our innate temperaments and the spirit of companionship! I did not spend decades studying my craft to avoid using it," Lee says, swirling a finger in Vol's direction. "Alcohol is a mere lubricant at best. But tell me, young man. What motivates you?"
-
Lee/Vol/Akeha
"Music and poetry are both arts that speak to the soul, and draw out the hidden feelings that lie within the readers' hearts," Tora speaks to no one in particular, but smiles warmly round the table.
-
Rishi/Khun
The man will guide the pair of you into one of the least damage huts, and quickly show you to another in the garb of the crane, his arm messily bandaged with apparently whatever cloth could be found. The wounds do not take an expert the assess: the man clearly got the worst of a mauling on it. Some sort of beast. The man offers a pained grin. "Reinforcements? Were we not trusted to get the job done?"
"We were just discussing what best to do. We need to to report back to Tetsuzuru-san as soon as possible." The uninjured man shakes his head, remaining in Foresttongue once he knows the newcomer speaks it. "Things are bad here, as you no doubt saw. We lost Rin in a skirmish before we even made it. Aki and Shou are in the bodies out there. Sho and I were going to try and make our way back to Inaba and report ahead of them, provided he didn't just drop dead."
-
Vol's eyebrows rise in amusement at the question. "Hmm. A blunt question. I wonder if your opinion of alcohol as a lubricant is strong than you act. Alas, my Lady Aaeiko, my primary motivation is to remain an enigma; a riddle with no answer- or an answer with no riddle, belike." he nods sagely at his correction, taking a satisfied sip of his sake.
-
"Such a question poses no reward for its contemplation; it cannot be so!" Lee replies, scoffing at the notion. "Come, my friend, why so coy? Those are the lackadaisical thoughts of a nothing, a nothing thy are clearly not."
-
Akeha watches the interplay between Lee and Vol, with an easy and amused smile creeping across her lips. "Knowing only a little more of Vol than the rest of you, I suspect he worries he is too plain to warrant more worth than as an enigma."
-
"On the contrary, Lady Hakuhi. There is little worry when one knows the answer." his smile stays, sipping his sake comfortably after the verbal riposte. "And to your point, Lady Aaeiko, there is nothing lackadaisical about me, as Lady Hakuhi could tell you. She once asked straight out if I ever slept, given I always seemed to be... 'flitting about' I think it was? On some errand. And no matter how late I stayed up pouring over inventory lists, I was always awake before her to compile and give her morning report. Such bafflement at an easy workload as I have encountered here comes as quite the surprise. I might even have to take up a hobby to fill time."
-
Lee seems visibly confused, and reaches for her cup again only to find it empty. Rather than refill it, however, she just sets it down and leans over the table to get a good long look at Vol's face from an intrusive, up-close-and-personal perspective.
-
His brows furrow a bit as she stares, but his eyes stay level and steady, keeping their appraising look. "Is something bothering you, Lady Aaeiko?"
-
Akeha watches Lee close the gap, starting to laugh softly and a bit sloppily as things get quite close. She settles back towards her corner of the table, leaning on it and glancing at Tora. "Is she usually this... direct? Bold? Not sure how to describe it..." in accented Rivertongue.
-
Lee speaks with intensity, winding between a whisper and a voice.
"Bother? No, no, I am not bothered. Cruelty and greed bother me, and this is not that so I cannot be bothered. But, well, what a to-do, how might I unravel you, knotted doll that's tightly wound? What thread should I pull to see what's beneath? Have you an unsettled score? A quest to abhor? A yearning for a place? A tale to tell? A desire for admiration? A bond sought and chased? A opus to display? An idea to plant or a people to promise? The possibles stack up, ready to collapse on the certain and one day I will see and know, so why not today?"
-
"Aha." Vol eases back into a smile, his gaze returning to the same "Now I see it. It makes sense that one such as yourself would not understand those who are unsung. Is a contentment in operating in the background and offering my support such a confusing issue? Even those on the main stage rely on those in the rafters, if I understand theater correctly..."
-
"Certainly," replies Lee, thoughtfully, as she reclines back to her sitting position. "We all have many roles to play, in and out a production. Ah, but it is not really the means I am interested in, but the end- or the change, if you will. We are agents of change, after all, set to Creation to reshape it. Lady Hakuhi, I feel, I understand to some degree, but..."
She raises a palm to her mouth in shock. "Oh, no! You must think me very rude."
-
Rishi/Khun
The man will guide the pair of you into one of the least damage huts, and quickly show you to another in the garb of the crane, his arm messily bandaged with apparently whatever cloth could be found. The wounds do not take an expert the assess: the man clearly got the worst of a mauling on it. Some sort of beast. The man offers a pained grin. "Reinforcements? Were we not trusted to get the job done?"
"We were just discussing what best to do. We need to to report back to Tetsuzuru-san as soon as possible." The uninjured man shakes his head, remaining in Foresttongue once he knows the newcomer speaks it. "Things are bad here, as you no doubt saw. We lost Rin in a skirmish before we even made it. Aki and Shou are in the bodies out there. Sho and I were going to try and make our way back to Inaba and report ahead of them, provided he didn't just drop dead."
So much for that hope, Khun thinks as he looks at the crushed arm. "Of course you were trusted," he says tersely as he thinks on what he has, fortunately, farmers occasionally get themselves mauled with their plows or their animals, and so most of what he needs is on hand already. Dried, sorted, and properly stored. "But things changed after you left. Your Lady Akeha found out things were worse here than she expected, and why. So, if she needs scouts, she'll send you back out properly warned and equipped for the freaks shambling about."
As he speaks, he reaches into his satchel and pulls out prepared bandages, as well as two small pots, three twists of paper, a small bowl and a waterskin. He pours the contents of the paper into the bowl, then carefully unstoppers the pots, taking a few pinches of what is in each and adding them to the bowl. Then, he mixes them together, slowly adding in water until they worm a pungent brown paste. This he smears onto one side of the bandages.
"Now, sit back and be still. This is bad, but survivable bad, and this'll help it heal faster and better," he says as he prepares to change the bandaging and put his new ones on.
-
Vol gives a polite laugh at the implication, taking the opportunity to sip his drink again. "Not at all, Lady Aaeiko. Indeed we are agents of change. Lady Hakuhi seeks to improve this town, but to accomplish that, you could say I am her agent of change for her bureaucracy."
-
Lee/Vol/Akeha
Tora smiles, moving between languages with ease. His tongue is quite skilled. "Our people thrive on drama, Lady Akeha. It is why she leaves most of the tedium of our journey to one such as myself, not so naturally inclined towards high adventure." He looks at her once more and offers, with a somewhat hushed tone, "Though perhaps the drink here is a bit strong."
-
"Truly," Akeha agrees, blinking a little at the use of her personal name, even in Riverspeak. "You hardly seem at all ill-suited to adventure, though. Perhaps just a bit less... mercurial so far," she admits, pursing her lips.
"Vol, you truly are far too subdued," Akeha admonishes lightly, returning to her accented butmore conventional Forest-tongue. "Even such a skittish creature as myself from a reserved society as Suizasho could see the plain invitation," she sniffs, grinning. "Take ownership! Declare yourself the harbinger of efficiency! The consul of discipline!" she prods, riaisng an eyebrow and taking another sip of wine, her cheeks flushed with its effect. "If there was anyone you should expose yourself too, it is Lady Aaeiko, forwith!" she points at him imperiously, all of this far more than usually spilled out of the white haired spear princess. "I have already laid you bare to her!"
-
"Have you now, Lady Hakuhi?" he casts a sideways glance to her, vastly amused as he looks back to Lee. "It is a great trial to maintain my title as Consul of Discipline under such circumstances." he quips, deadpan as you please as he sips his drink again.
-
Rishi/Khun
Sho, the injured man, nods and braces himself for what is going to be quite uncomfortable. "Shouldn't have lost the sake, Ren," he says, attempting good humor before it bleeds out of him.
Ren looks more concerned. "What has happened in Inaba?"
((OOC: Intelligence + Medicine, Stunt 1. Looking for 2 successes for an awesome treatment. The arm is pretty bad and has not been kept well. Luckily you are no ordinary doctor.))
-
"Alas, Lady Hakuhi, some things are difficult to force. It is like trying to catch a slippery fish with your hands; the harder you thrust into the water, the further it ends up splashing away," laments Lee, shielding her mouth with her sleeve.
-
As Khun prepares to treat the horribly injured man, Rishi pulls the other warrior to the side a little to give Khun some room. "A considerable group of refugees from up river arrived, though they are friendly and intend to work earnestly for their keep. They came and met with Lady Akeha already, and warned us of what was going on. Master Khun here was with them, and without his help we would not have been able to arrive when we did." He attempts to give a comforting smile. "Everything is fine in Inaba itself, however. They're even holding a party! We just decided that you shouldn't miss out on it, y'know?"
There are a few seconds of uncomfortable silence before he speaks up again.
"Sorry, not good with these kinds of situations. I promise Inaba is still secure, though."
-
Khun pulls a flask out of his satchel and says, "drink this," before getting to work on cleaning the wound. The whiskey should help keep the pain at bay while he worked. "Listen to the kid. Inaba's fine, and ain't nothin I've heard of about to change that unless it's coming from inland."
<Tarubot> 1,0Snackoo_Detective_Excal rolled :1,0 9#d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=4 ]1,0{4}, 1,0[ 1d10=6 ]1,0{6}, 1,0[ 1d10=5 ]1,0{5}, 1,0[ 1d10=9 ]1,0{9}, 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]1,0{2}, 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=8 ]1,0{8}, 1,0[ 1d10=5 ]1,0{5}
<Snackoo_Detective_Excal> Wait, stunt 1
<Snackoo_Detective_Excal> roll 2#d10
<Tarubot> 1,0Snackoo_Detective_Excal rolled :1,0 2#d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=5 ]1,0{5}, 1,0[ 1d10=7 ]1,0{7}
5 successes
He works quickly and competently, tightly binding the new bandages and making sure there is no trace of infection to hamper the healing process. With the skill put in, it should even have not hurt too badly.
"Now then, I can't take the pair of you out of here, but, if Rishi's willing to escort the two of you out of here and back to the river, what I can do is, in the morning, go to where your friend fell and return her to Inaba for a proper burial."
-
Akeha groans in frustration, leaning on the corner of the table. "He's too important to not bring to these things, but he would fit in with a regular Suizasho social atmosphere way better than me," she hmphs.
Akeha eyes Lee a moment, shaking her head. "For all his coy modesty, he is certainly difficult to force," she agrees, covering her mouth with one long and ornate sleeve to stifle a wine induced moment of sleepiness. "It is oddly comfortable, though, to not be worried about my... condition with a group of people," she smiles a little. "It's been the source of great duress thinking about my family."
-
Vol chuckles. "Or you're just not using enough force. Blood from a stone requires much more pressure, ladies."
-
"Alas, stone crumbles, rather than bleeds," replies Lee, shaking her head. "And who would seek to ruin such an ornate figurine?"
She yawns, rather suddenly, and has sufficient grace left to her that she can look ashamed. "I fear the night has caught up with me," she admits. "'tis time to retire, lest I yawn and stretch during my morning address."
-
"Just so." Vol replies, smiling contently as whatever point he was attempting to make has, apparently, been made
-
Akeha laughs warmly, struggling to her feet. "...I should see you out, but I think I'm... overindulged a bit," she admits, abashed. "I haven't had good reason to drink for months..."
-
Lee shakes her head with another yawn, whilst unsubtly nudging Tora beneath the table with her foot.
-
Rishi/Khun
Sho does indeed make it without too much pain. He was certainly braced for much more than your expert hand delivered.
"We can follow him, yes. It is important we inform Tetsuzuru-san of the situation." Ren shakes his head. "I would recommend against you staying behind though. You may be a sorcerer, but the things out here are bad. More of those things could show up. Or worse."
-
Rishi walks over to an unused table and pulls out his map of the area, which includes the area surrounding Inaba as well. "We'll try to go swiftly, but safely." He starts pointing out the path he took to get here four years ago, when he was last in Bajun. "We'll take these routes and I know of quite a few excellent hiding spots should anything start chasing us or show up along our path. Master Khun, please head back as quickly as you can and inform Lady Akeha of our route, and see if you can get a few reinforcements from her in a worst-case scenario. We'll take some time to rest up here, and head out when we're fully ready. We'll also try to collect the personal possessions of the fallen along the way so we can give them proper burial rites."
He rolls up his map again as he finishes speaking. "Also, please let Lady Akeha know that I will be requesting an urgent meeting with her when next we meet. If you feel up for returning to help out, that is entirely your decision, but I feel that getting the information to her as swiftly as possible is the best thing we can do right now." Rishi stops and looks at each person in the room, allowing his next words to weigh on each of them before he continues his preparations. "If anybody has any suggestions or such, please speak them now."
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Lee/Vol/Akeha
"Please, Lady Hakuhi, do not trouble yourself. You have already shown us great kindness." Tora stands and bows, gesturing for her to relax. "I am sure we will speak and dine again, at which point you can repair this grave breaking of decorum by showing us out twice." He extends a hand to help his mother up as he also offers a bow towards Vol. "I believe this is the warmest reception we have received since leaving home. I hope things may continue so well long into the future."
Rishi/Khun
Sho shakes his head. "Don't need rest anymore, need to get going. Not like my arm is gonna get much better just sitting around." He cringes, but a stiff drink and the expert medical work have done their job.
Ren clears his throat. "Yeah, I got a suggestion. Be careful around the mists. Those things cut. The people here said it was one of their goddesses protecting them, and the survivors followed them, but I certainly wasn't going to risk following bloody mist before we reported back." He snorts.
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Khun frowns, "Don't worry, I'm not staying here. If you know where the two in the city you lost are, and feel good getting them, then get them. Otherwise, get out and back to the port as fast as possible. The mist is associated with the San, but I can't be sure this one is hers. Of course, at least one of the Nine is pissed like hell at mortals right now, so she may not think too highly of foreign scouts on her land. As for the first of your number that fell, I already grabbed her personal effects in case we couldn't get back to her. But, if I'm able to travel alone, I can and will take her body back to Inaba so she can be buried. I can do this quicker, and faster, than you three can, and I can carry her without hampering my ability to defend myself." Khun's tone is grim, his face suggests he's not keen to debate this point.
He then begins moving himself, and briskly pulls out two bandoliers filled with approximately ten flasks and holds them out to Rishi. "This is what's left of my potion. Each one'll give you a bit of protection against Wyld taint for a day. Stay safe, and see you in Inaba."
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Rishi nods as each of the three speaks their mind, then takes the bandoleers from Khun and puts them on. "Thank you. With these, I have a feeling we'll be able to make it out okay." He hands a flask to each of them and briefly mentions to just "chug the contents like you would hard liquor." "I have a feeling I don't need to say it, but please stay safe yourself."
After Khun finishes his final few tasks and departs, Rishi turns to the two warriors in the room, taking out and stringing his bow. Seeing them here, like this, makes me feel like I've gone back in time. I won't see a repeat of that day. "I know you both said that you want to get moving, and I won't stop you. But I do intend to recover the bodies of your friends out there. You're honorable warriors and don't deserve to be left in an abandoned town. Come with me for as far as you're comfortable, but please don't feel the need to see me all the way there if it's still dangerous." He finishes with his bow and pulls out his katana, inspecting every last nick it has endured in its long tenure at his side. "We leave when you're ready, or when you've given me directions to where to go."
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OOC: And let us call this the end of session 1.
As such, everyone earns 5 Experience! Grats. In addition, all of you get 2 Solar Experience as an Expression bonus. Congrats!
Approximately 1 day has elapsed. Busy, busy!
I will post the next session shortly.