Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 2, 2014 14:46:40 GMT
OOC: more info on this mandate, check HERE.
Satomi should visit her former sister-in-law, Tsi Chise, sister to her deceased husband Kaiu Shigekazu. The Tsi woman, nƩe Kaiu, was living with her family in West Hub Village, or what remained of this once prosperous village around Otosan Uchi Ruins. As Shigekazu's only sister and living relative, Tsi Chise had rights over some of his belongings after his death, or so was what Satomi decided. Shigekazu and Satomi hadn't had any children together, so the former Kaiu general thought she should return his daisho and some minor items to his relatives, so the precious items could remain in possession of the same bloodline. The ride to Mura Nishin Chushin happened uneventfully, and the gloomily aspect of the Hub Villages wasn't scaring enough for one accustomed with Shadowlands and depressive landscapes. The only thing it made her think was that the Empress needed a new capital, as living near such ruins is never good to inspire her closest subjects, and in a most prosaic perspective, the Empire's bureaucracy needed a bit more of space than Kyuden Seppun could provide. However, during the day trip, Satomi was accompanied by just a servant, as she knew the region was infested with ronin and other random menaces, so she keep herself in alert all the time. The day along Tsi Chise's family (her husband, and two children) was interesting and even funny, in some sense. There was an attempt of ambush from the children, and some tests to determine she was indeed ""Aunt Satomi-sama". Fortunately, she passed the children's proof testing. O the horrors one must undertake to try doing what is right. she thought. Chise, from her part, "knew all along" she was a Scorpion; she didn't even resemble her Kaiu "mother" at all, Satomi was told. Chise also lamented the fact that Satomi hadn't had children of her own, to pass along Shigekazu's heritage, " but it was all his fault, that fool cheater", his sister whispered, and Satomi didn't even blush. From Chise's husband (a blacksmith as his wife, of course), Satomi listened rumors about the Dawn Tower Ghosts, destroyed by a sea monster, and the lost Tortoise relic. Tsi Okitsugu even showed the Imperial Edict seeking for experienced individuals to clean up the tower from spirits. Satomi thought the whole thing was perfectly suited for her and her former experience. Yorei couldn't be a problem when you had been where she had been. However, she was a strategist and not a sort of headless bushi. She would need assistance of other experienced and willing individuals. Then, she started to seek out for willing heroes to join her.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 2, 2014 23:40:14 GMT
As not everything occurs in the Empire at the pace of a Centipede Tattoed Monk, the investigation about Lady Mai's death was a bit stuck at this point. So Satomi decided to ask Tsuruchi Kasumi some help regarding exploring the Tower's ruins. The Mantis woman had been into the Shadowlands before, so Satomi thought that she wouldn't be afraid of a bunch of violent ghosts. That's why she sent a messenger after the Emerald Magistrate with a request for a meeting and a copy of the Imperial Edict.
If not by the previous success in having contacted ancestors to confirm that Otosan Uchi was corrupted beyond redemption, Satomi knew she was going to have a good use of a Kitsu shugenja in her plan.
Also, a good historian that also was a shugenja, could provide important information about the possible reasons for the haunting phenomenon. That's how she came up to Kitsu Hiraku's name. Satomi requested a meeting with the Lion historian sending a message to the Lion Embassy, and waited for a reply. In the meanwhile, she decided to look for some practical-minded samurai for the "other part of the work". Nobody goes to a den, even a den of "ghosts" (although there was the possibility of other creatures), without being prepared for some physical violence and other events. She was prepared to hire ronin if needed be, and that's why she arranged for the meeting to be at The House of the Green Koi, a traditional teahouse strategically located at East Hub Village, a picked choice intended to put her prospective group in the mood.
That's how other persons from Satomi's circle of acquaintances were invited to this meeting, and after arriving at the teahouse, they could be led by the Green Koi servants to a privative tea chamber at the first floor of the building, where she was awaiting.
She let word to the current owner of the teahouse to let people know she was looking for people interested to join her "raid" to the Dawn Tower, so she was expecting some new faces to join them at anytime.
|
|
|
Post by Kurimuzon Te on Jul 3, 2014 1:21:56 GMT
For weeks Te had been trying to catch up with Bayushi Satomi. Just when he thought he was getting close she would rush off to somewhere else. Most recently he had heard of her being in the capitol, however when he had gotten there he found that she had left just that morning for some small village. Getting directions from an elderly rice ball cook, he ordered two of the balls then proceeded to leave the capitol without further delay.
He reached the village soon enough. Asking around he heard a few rumors of a Scorpion spending her day at the local tea house. Staring at the sign outside the tea house made him hungry. He hadn't had fish in a long time, and since it was the only meat he was allowed to eat it was something of a treat for him. He hoped the Green Koi was more than just a name, and that they served food here as well.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 3, 2014 1:58:06 GMT
When the monk Kurimuzon Te was announced as looking for her, Satomi raised an eyebrow. Not knowing what to expect from his unexpected, but welcome, presence, she hoped being able to convince the giant man to join her as well. Spiritual guidance and some knowledge about metaphysics can always help, and if was not the case, his ability with staves and wrists could. However, as Te's arrived and now she got company, she ordered the food to come. When the monk entered the room, Satomi was sipping some sake, and trying to follow the deep aphorisms of Little Truths, the obscure Scorpion book with plain untitled cover. She put it aside and glanced upwards to Te. Kurimuzon-san, is nice to see you againā¦ Please join me in my meal.
She'd never met a monk who refused to share a hot, or cold, for all what matters, meal. Something that was absolutely wise from their part, by the way. Then, what are the news, dear monk? Have you had success in your "endeavors" at the Pink Chrisantemum?
Tea, or sake? she asked, waving a hand at the bottle on the table.
|
|
|
Post by Kurimuzon Te on Jul 3, 2014 2:29:59 GMT
"Would you happen to have water available? I apologize, it is all that I am allowed to drink." Te settles himself into what appears to be the sturdiest chair. Happy to hear about the food that was soon to be coming he visibly relaxed.
"It is nice to see you as well Satomi-sama. My endeavors have proven quite fruitful. While your former subordinate will not be able to work in his old aspects I hope he will be able to at least be a warning to others that are, how should I say, overzealous."
"I heard a rumor that you were expecting company, I would not want to intrude. Shall I return later when you would not be so busy, I have a few things I would like to discuss with you."
|
|
|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 3, 2014 7:42:26 GMT
Kasumi was reading some older reports from the archives about an investigation into the Kolat in 956. Now she was waiting on some information about Soshuro Mai and also on the child there was no advance. She had found a wet nurse to take care of the child, but she kept it with the emerald magistrates for now. The child had been the subject of an attack before and she wasn't about to take chances with it.
"Tsuruchi-sama," a servant entered the room with a deep bow, "I have a message from Bayushi Satomi-sama." He handed her a letter and withdrew. Lucky that Satomi didn't have the time to learn the Scorpion letter folding techniques, Kasumi thought as she opened it. She had seen Scorpion letters at court and they were a devil to open. Satomi still sent them the Crab way, which made her life easier.
She read the letter and had a servant fetch a map to see where she had to be. Then she called Kitsuki Katsuo and Kakita Mitsuko, her two principal assistants, to her. She showed them the letter from Satomi. "I have to leave for a couple of days," she explained, "Kakita-san, you are in charge of the investigation into Soshuro Mai's death in my absence, and also if something comes in about our mystery child. Kitsuki-san, you can continue the investigations in the archives." "hai sama," they both said before leaving her office. Kasumi went to the head magistrate and informed him as well about her absence and then she prepared to leave. Luckily the hub villages were not far and she made good time, arriving at the inn a bit before night fall. Inside she was directed to a private room on the first floor, where she saw Satomi and the Dragon monk Kurimuzon, who she had spoken with during the investigation in Yasuki Yachiki.
"Satomi-san, Kurimuzon-san," she said with a bow, "I must say, things are always interesting near you." The last remark was directed at Satomi.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 3, 2014 11:50:33 GMT
If it's urgent and you don't mind, we can talk about it now. HOwever, if it's something private, we risk it being interruped by someone's else arrival...*Satomi served him water, and then reached a copy of the Imperial Edict, handing it to the monk. In fact, Kurimuzon Te -san, your arrival sounds to me more like a signs from the Heavens... I'm looking for people that can help me to get rid of this potential peril for our Empire. It's been said that the ruins of the Tower are infested by vengeful ghosts or maybe worse thing... The Dawn Tower fell under treachery and deception, even before the Sea Monster crushed it to dust... The Shrine to the Tortoise founder was within its walls, and some sacred objects to this family are irretrievable until this menace have been definitively dismissed.
Maybe I can count on your help... She indicated to the servant to attend the Dragon monk first. Then tsuruchi kasumi was introduced in the room. After the Mantis woman words directed to her, Satomi couldn't help but nod. Let's say that when I'm not actively seeking for troubles, I still have great chances to stumble over them. Please, join us, Tsuruchi-san, I'm glad you attended my request for this meeting.
|
|
|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 3, 2014 12:42:10 GMT
As a magistrate she had kept her weapons with her and now she put them at her side, choosing the right side, as a sign of trust. Not only her daisho, but also her bow. "I'm spending too much time reading over old reports," Kasumi said, "I needed a break from that. Also from the Otomo who won't let me see certain reports I want to see. At the moment we're waiting for some information to get back to us and my assistants can handle that easily. So, is there a plan already?"
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 3, 2014 13:58:46 GMT
A good planning relies not only in knowing thy enemy_ which we have little else but rumors_ but in knowing thyself and what resources to count on. I've gathered the Dawn Tower's original plant which I borrowed from the Sepun Office, and all existing reports from all the failed raids already made. She motioned to a table previously arranged, in a corner of the room, where the material was laid upon. I'm waiting some more allies to this enterprise. This meeting is merely to trace a plan. We have some time, please share the meal with us.
|
|
|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 3, 2014 18:28:30 GMT
"I could eat," Kasumi said, "and I could do with some sake as well if they have some here, to get that library dust out of my mouth. They really have to do something about that, don't you think?"
|
|
|
Post by Kurimuzon Te on Jul 4, 2014 1:28:25 GMT
Te finished reading the edict as Tsuruchi Kasumi was shown into the room. He rose and bowed as she stepped up to the table. "I would hope my dear magistrate, that I will not end up under guard this time." He smiled to show the jest of his words. After she had been seated he lowered himself back down onto his chair.
He turns to Satomi "for the help that you have provided I would be happy to assist you. I am sorry though, planning is not my strong point, however if you would like me to analyze what information you have collected I may be able to provide some insight."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 4, 2014 13:30:09 GMT
By all means, you can check the reports if you want, Kurimuzon-san. And she turned to the servant by the door. Unless it's scroll soup, bring what's more you have in your kitchen. And more of your best sake, pleaseā¦ Or your second best, in the case Lady Mantis here wishes a "Black Bay"*, but I can have a "Friendly Traveller's" if you still have some. She couldn't help but tease the Mantis about sake preferences.
I'm also counting on the arrival of at least one shugenja and one or two reinforcements as well. Satomi resumed. when the servant left.
|
|
|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 4, 2014 13:52:32 GMT
"Friendly travelers is okay with me," Kasumi said to the servant, before turning to Satomi, "I've been in Crab lands for quite some time, I've learned to appreciate their sake. Have you asked Shiba Kaigen? He was there with the legions when Otosan Uchi fell. He is also used to fighting strange things."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 4, 2014 14:26:23 GMT
Yes, I've sent him a message... Not sure if he received it though...
By the way, how things are going about the mystery child of yours...?
Casually commenting, Satomi introduced the monk into the subject.
Do you know, Kurimuzon-san, that some bandits slaughtered an entire small monastery into Lion lands, and tried to kill a small child as well? If not by Tsuruchi-san and an Imperial Legionnaire known of us both... I can't think on a reason to such thing to happen, but it's indeed a bizarre stratagem to kill a baby, don't you think?
Of course the Bayushi woman expected some reaction from the monk.
|
|
|
Post by Kurimuzon Te on Jul 4, 2014 14:46:27 GMT
Te seemed to shrink into himself at Satomi's words. "For some reason bandits feel that temples are easy targets. I am glad to hear that the child survived, innocent life is a precious thing. Do you have any idea of who he is?"
"I also would like to know if the bandits have been caught? The needless slaughter of my brothers would call for punishment of those responsible."
|
|