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Post by Shosuro Himitsu on Mar 2, 2014 22:16:26 GMT
(Currently no party exists, but I will be starting the thread.)
The night would be its usual welcome embrace, a cover which enshrouded the world, as a great mother tucked its people in for the night. But no such rest would come, this was only a mantra for those who wanted to see their children slumber all the more soundly when the sun descended. For others the day might only beginning anew once more. It had been many seasons since Himitsu had need of her old Shosuro training, her blades had rested long and well within their sheaths. Tonight they would awaken if only at the chance of a greater opportunity for herself.
Movements in Crab lands had little to do with the economy on the other side of the empire, and yet it still had some connection. She could wonder what sort might assemble, what goals they might have in mind. For now she would wait as the stalking owl for even a single movement of her prey. Her attire would be drastically contrasting her usual appearance as she bound the free flowing attire of a samurai around each of her joints with simple ties, allowing her a more sleek and silent way to move as she preferred.
(This character is stealthing around the area she suspects will either be a meeting point or a path the informant will take.)
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 3, 2014 16:04:30 GMT
Kousei-san,
I must meet with you. The Otomo and the Crane have long been close allies, and your skills have been noted throughout your years of service to Doji Hashimi-san. I have information that you may find interesting but I fear disclosing it will place me in danger.
Meet tonight at midnight in the northern garden by the statue of the Great Bear. Be discreet and come alone.
Otomo Ishihama
Kousei folded up the letter with an exasperated look on his face and placed it inside his kimono. The Otomo had a flair for the dramatic apparently, and while Kousei appreciated that at the theatre he found that in life it was likely to get you killed. Hopefully Ishihama was getting excited about nothing and was trying to create an amusing diversion for himself. Worst case scenario it was some plot of Doji Aoshi to discredit him, but regardless it would have to be investigated.
Kousei dressed in a simple blue kimono that was easy enough to move in and carefully placed his daisho in his obi. The north garden was a little way away from where he was staying, plus he liked to get to places a little early, so at half past eleven he informed the servants he would be going out for a stroll. He asked for recommendations of a good geisha house, thanking them politely when they recommended the House of the Tranquil Pool. If it turned out that he needed help he would swear about the misdirection later, but for now it seemed like a sensible precaution.
He stepped out into the night, inhaling the cool air and wondering what was going on.
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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 5, 2014 3:50:58 GMT
Posting as: Otomo Ishihama Ishihama saw the Crane, and his heart began pounding. The Otomo Courtier's mind had been addled for the better part of three days. He had been working in Crab Lands trying to get to the bottom of purported pepper shortage. Prices had skyrocketed recently, and rumors of a spice shortage loomed. Nothing had prepared Ishihama for what he had discovered, and he hoped that his contact in the Crane Clan could help him get resolution to the problem, without staining the honor of the Crab, during the time of Kaneka's wedding. As Kousei started walking towards the geisha house, a man dressed in a simple kimono, with the Otomo Mon emblazoned on the heart stepped into stride with him. "Greetings, Daidoji-sama. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me." The man bowed as deeply as he could as he walked in lockstep with the Crane.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 5, 2014 10:25:50 GMT
Kousei bowed back. "The honour of meeting with a member of the Imperial family is all mine. I see you have decided to take matters into your own hands - presumably the meeting place you mentioned was a ruse in case your letter fell into unwanted hands? I must confess to being slightly at a loss as to what is going on here."
The Daidoji's eyes flicked around out of habit as they walked, scanning entrances to alleys and dark corners of the night. As they walked they let their feet guide them, and found themselves moving out of the castle and into the town.
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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 5, 2014 12:03:28 GMT
Posting as: Otomo Ishihama "Indeed, Daidoji-sama." The Otomo spoke. There was a nervousness to his voice. "I will confess, I feel safer walking with you right now, than I did just a few moments ago. I have reason to believe that my life is in jeopardy." Ishihama dabbed at his forehead with a hankerchief as they walked. The Otomo took the lead as they walked, leading him through the city, and into a quiet Geisha House, The Painted Wave. It was a small, house, but impressively decorated on the inside. As they walked through the front door, a servant nodded at Ishihama, and took them into a room in the back. Music could be heard coming adjacent rooms, but the room they were led to was a quiet, and empty. Once they were seated in the room, Ishihama stared down the Crane. "Daidoji-sama, I have reason to believe that the merchants are attempting to use Spices to start an economic.... war within Rokugan." Ishihama's voice was quiet, and shaky. "I believe that they are looking to start a fight about it, and now that I know, I fear that they have every intention of making sure that I can't say anything to anyone about it."
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Post by Shosuro Himitsu on Mar 5, 2014 12:41:59 GMT
The imperial was clever enough to close corners, but this alone would not be enough to protect him just by simply entering a building. Already there should be those within and around quietly keeping an eye out for the fellow. Ruffians who's drinks had already been paid for, and ample company provided. The hidden figure moved from one rooftop to another as she closed in behind the pair walking and speaking, eavesdropping all the while while maintaining more than an appropriate distance. Working alone had its benefits and its low points, but part of her interest was in the conversation itself and as it stood there was some concern to the weight behind the words.
As soon as she was able to transition into the next space she was able to shift into a kimono left out by one of the serving girls. Her movements would be swift and soundless, poor woman would have to hope she had a spare somewhere in reach or she would be certainly late for work. Having ties with the merchants of her own city, she had to wonder just how far discord like this might spread as she filtered into view but blended in with the environment around her. Naturally she acted in such a way to seemingly tend to the lights in the room and to appearing like one of the many hostesses.
For now the trap was set, but she wasn't springing anything as of yet.
(Hopefully I'm not stretching anything too far.)
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 5, 2014 15:37:23 GMT
"Looking to start an economic war?" Kousei echoed. "But that makes no sense! Unless someone has stockpiled a lot of pepper and is seeking to drive the price through the roof, or a third party is hoping to economically cripple Rokugan, but who would gain from something like that? How did you find this out Ishihama-sama? Is it merchants affiliated to a particular clan? And what threats have been made on your life?"
He suddenly came to a halt, realising that he was treating a member of the Imperial families like a taisa under his command. "Apologies, Ishihama-sama, I did not mean to bark questions at you like a soldier. You must be under some stress if you are worried about your life and my manners won't help matters. Please forgive this one." He bowed low.
"As for keeping you safe, I understand that your family are building an estate on Crane lands. Would it not be fit if you were to spend the next few days as a guest of Lord Kurohito as a sign of the goodwill between our families? No one should be able to hurt you there and until that time I shall keep your company myself. I was never the best yojimbo, but I am not without experience."
Kousei suddenly realised that he was thirsty. "I would call for tea while you recall how came across this conspiracy, but perhaps it would be better not to eat or drink things that you don't make yourself for a short while, particularly in strange places."
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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 5, 2014 16:09:53 GMT
Posting as: Otomo Ishihama Ishihama was skittish, and the Daidoji's original tone startled him a little. He sat down, and wiped at his brow, and cupped his hand over his face. "Daidoji-sama, It is... hard to say, why someone would do this. I know very little about it, but..." his voice trailed off for a moment, and he stared vacantly. "Excuse me, sama. I... Well... You see, it all started innocently enough." The Otomo's face was defeated. "A group of merchants felt that in the wake of the rebuilding of the empire, that they had found a way to improve their position in life. They felt that a time of peace would bring the Empire's subjects to a safer, more prosperous place, and they wanted to... cash in." Ishihama ran his hands through his close cropped hair. "These merchants, originally just wanted to make more money. They wanted to make sure that their family's interests were protected. So, I agreed to help them, work towards their goal, of making more money..." Ishihama's face held a deep shame. "I didn't realize their ambitions were so great. OR that they would try tactics like this..." Ishihama stood, and bowed deep. "You see Daidoji-sama, I was complicit in this, thinking that I was merely serving to better the subjects of the Empire. But I was a pawn, and now that my dishonor is to be displayed, I can only think that my atonement would serve their purposes better than if I were to live." His eyes glistened with a tear. "If I return home, and my dishonor is laid to bear, they will succeed, and things will get worse. For all I know, I'm the only one who knows. And if the secrets die with me?" Ishihama shifted. "I'd rather not think of the chaos that would happen if they were able to continue, unchecked..." His voice trailed off, his face looking like he was waiting to be struck down.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 5, 2014 17:13:51 GMT
Looking at the distress so readily apparent on the face of the man in front of him, Kousei realised that he was going to have to choose his words carefully.
"Ishihama-sama, your idealism does you credit. Who could have forseen such an outcome? It is in the nature of merchants to want to make money, and if they are enjoying the fruits of a peaceful Empire then so much the better. No one would be surprised that you did not suspect foul play when they approached you.
"However, as you surmise a request for seppuku to atone for your misjudgement would suit their purposes very well - you are the only person who can bring these merchants to justice. That is what they are afraid of and why they are seeking to kill you before you can reveal them. You must be strong, Ishihama-sama, and atone in a different way. I imagine that saving the Empire from economic chaos would be sufficient.
"You say there is a specific group of merchants here, and that they wanted their family's interests protected. I need names, Ishihama-sama. Once the enemy is known, then a strategy can be formulated."
Kousei was reminded of the last time he was in Crab lands, talking to a young Crane who felt that he simply couldn't go back to the Wall. Everyone experienced fear and doubt. It was how you dealt with it that showed the measure of a samurai.
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Post by Shosuro Himitsu on Mar 5, 2014 23:19:26 GMT
The request for a drink, by the kami this was too damned easy. With a shuffle she had dissipated for a moment to quickly put on some makeup, her trained hand making light work of the process to further obscure her face just enough to make it all the more difficult to be recognized. Oh and the mask, she had already done away with it into a hidden pouch on her person, such a scandal to think that this woman should appear without it. But how true were some of those wives tales of the likelihood that you would die if the Scorpion appears to you unmasked...
The men she had entertained from a distance already were in full view in their grateful jubilation, adding to the atmosphere with only minor sleights in etiquette. Had Shosuro Himitsu viewed their behavior herself for any length of time she would have been delighted to have such reasonable dogs to train. But dogs they still were in her mind as they had now a variety of very simple commands. Ones that almost anyone with a working mind could accept. Kill, cause a ruckus, or if there was no need at all they could have a most delightful evening. But even they were too clever to believe that.
A small drop into the cup, she had to pick the right one. Her eyes focused on thought as the scene before her would play out in her mind. 'Let's not kill you just yet, death is a sweet embrace that I cannot grant. But regardless of the outcome you will be in my arms helpless little Imperial. We have far too much to talk about.' She was perhaps a bit too amused, it had been far too long since the last time she had been able to gather this kind of information. She let the thought of a far higher purpose return her to center. A vision of a man looking to her as he could look to no other. Her arm extended as she reached for a tea cup.
And so quickly it was thrown against a wall causing a crash. The signal for a potentially deadly brawl.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 6, 2014 11:43:37 GMT
Kousei started as he heard a crash coming from further off in the geisha house. There followed a rumble of angry voices and the sound of knuckles hitting flesh.
"Did you deliberately choose a place with a reputation for violence or is this unusual?" he asked the Otomo, suddenly aware that there was only one entrance into the room they were in. While they could see people coming, it also meant that they were trapped.
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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 6, 2014 14:42:44 GMT
Posting as: Otomo Ishihama The Otomo jumped at the sound of the scuffle. "I picked a place where no one knew me." sounding bewildered. "I'll give you names. Of that I assure you." As the sounds continued outside, he looked at the Crane. "Maybe... You might want to make sure the coast is clear, and then we can leave?" The Otomo was not a fighter. He was a courtier. He squirmed whenever he was required to wear a ceremonial Daisho, and the one time that he had drawn a wakizashi, he ended up needed stitches. "I'll stay here. No one here knows who I am. Go, check. The last thing we need is for someone to actually show up, and start asking questions about who might be here." The Otomo looked around the room, realizing that there was but the one door as well. "I'm not leaving this room without you."
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Post by Shosuro Himitsu on Mar 6, 2014 17:33:12 GMT
Much as many of the servers were clearing the way in slight panic, a few did try to gently tug at the men's arms to calm them, but they would have none of it. They would bring up whatever weapons they had on hand, some had katanas in badly need of repair, others had knives that they had kept hidden. These were not exactly the most monstrous of opponents, just thugs to cause enough of a distraction. The distraction that the Shosuro required to get them separated though they seemed to determined to try and remain together, it was cute but irritating all at the same time.
She had to move quickly as they started to growl at the Daidoji, they figured he would be a problem in getting to the Otomo. Himitsu ran down her checklist of objects in her mind as threats were bellowed. "You there, don't much like the way you're lookin' at us." A snort, a most elegant addition of a spit as he tossed the woman on his arm behind him.
'Close fitting mask to the face...' With a tug she would place a black cloth that slipped close over her nose up. She would move through the side rooms, prepared to defend as well as drag this Otomo away with a blade to his throat quite readily so. Basic hostage tactics while they were sorting themselves out. Her outfit was shed in the moment she was out of sight back down to her tightly knotted and close fitting attire. She had to move around behind them to an angle where her pounce would be swift, all the while leaving that poisoned drink behind for now, it was the backup plan. Although if forgotten a poor night for the unfortunate soul who dared tried it later that night.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 6, 2014 18:20:24 GMT
Kousei slid open the door and slipped out, gesturing at the Otomo to stay put briefly, and was surprised to see a full scale brawl taking place. As some uncouth patrons started to growl at him, he looked back over his shoulder.
"We're leaving. Now. Stay close to me and stay aware."
He moved forward, trying to keep one eye on his surroundings and another one on Ishihama. In the rapidly erupting chaos, it wasn't easy. One large man, steaming drunk, lurched towards him. "Did you steal my geisha? DID YOU STEAL MY GEISHA?!"
Still moving, Kousei posed a question "What did she look like?" and while the big man was pondering his answer the Daidoji punched him straight in the throat. His aggressor collapsed like a bag of rice on the floor. It was dirty fighting, but Kousei had a bad feeling about what was going on and there was still some distance between them and the door.
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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 6, 2014 19:40:20 GMT
POSTING AS: Otomo Ishihama As Kousei moved, Ishihama tried hard to keep up. The brawl was all around them. Ishihama did well to keep up for a while, and then two drunk men in a wrestling match over who spilled who's sake, smashed sideways into the Otomo, and sent him sprawling into a room. The one who had tackled the other looked at the Otomo, and grunted "What'r you lookin' at purty boy!?" The Otomo gulped, "I uh... well... I uh... I was... just... Well, you see, I was just leaving." Fear painted the Otomo's face as white as a ghost. "No way." the man grunted. "Maybe you spilled my sake!" And the man began to back The Otomo into the room further. The Otomo tripped over the now unconscious other foe, as he paced himself backwards, and fell back. "D...D...Daidoji-sama!" he yelped.
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