Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 4, 2014 20:29:30 GMT
semi open thread; if you have reasons to join, please PM-group Arandaru, Moeru e Satomi Hatosenshi and Kaigen can join without PMing.
EVENING The secrecy was a essential key for their plan, so even this meeting was covered by obscurity and discretion. Satomi was the first to arrive. She got a time to talk with some Akodo in the court, during the day, and got a good assumption of the terrain around Kyuden Meyo. She was even promised to have a look in the plans of the castle (why not a free consultation with a Kaiu?) but it was for other day. Anyway, she traced a rough map with the points of interest, crossing informations from the map Yasuki Hachi sent to her by the morning and her guessings and information obtained from the Akodo. Afterall, few Lions in their sane conscience, would give her a detailed map of their lands... But that would be enough. Of course, the trio had few resources at hand, and their investigation should run unnoticed as long as possible. The persons involved in the meeting of the "council" were invited to this meeting, as they have a compromise to join forces to defend the Empire against such threats. Satomi wasn't, though, sure if all five could join, as the message she sent was quite cryptic, meant to not betray the real reason of the meeting to a stranger's eye.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 4, 2014 22:59:44 GMT
Moeru had risen in the mid morning. His head still pounded from the Sake the night before. He left his bed, the other figure in the bed stirred slightly, and a woman's leg slid out from under the covers, but she didn't rise.
Moeru moved through the room, looking looking for something. While the elements could help him with some things, finding a pair of pants seemed a little beyond the scope of what he could manage. As he reached the wardrobe, he carefully slid open a drawer, making as little noise as possible, and pulled on a fresh Hakama. Satisfied, and comfortable in his attire, moved to a window, drawing the curtains back a little to feel the warmth of the sun. It's times like this that Moeru could relish being blind. Anyone else with his hangover would probably run screaming from the sun pouring in the window. Moeru just stood there, and felt the warmth on his flesh.
Moeru drew the curtains closed again, and moved along the wall until he found the door, trying as hard as possible to make as little noise as possible. He slid the door open, and moved into the central chamber of the Dragon quarters. the Tamori Shugenja was seated, and looked at Moeru, slightly shocked. It was already a buzz in the Dragon chambers that Moeru had not come home until late, and that Shinko had helped him to his room, and never left. "Uh.... Moeru-sama..."
Moeru held his hand up to stop her. "Tea." Moeru's voice was a little gruff sounded, and he cleared his throat. "Tea, is there any prepared?" His voice sounded better the second go around.
The young Tamori replied. "Yes, Moeru-sama. I have some tea here."
Moeru began to move towards her, and sat on the futon across from her, and she poured a cup for him. "Arigato, Tamori-san. I didn't expect to find anyone still in the chamber this late in the morning." Moeru sipped at the tea.
The Tamori giggled a little. "Well, Moeru-sama, we drew straws to see which one of us got to stay behind and witness your emergence from sleep." She was trying to stifle full laughter at this point. "I won!" she was all but cackling at this point.
Moeru gave a couple of good laughs along with her. "Was I too loud when I came in last night?"
The Tamori composed herself. "No Moeru-sama. But you were in good spirits. Maybe.... too good?" Her tone shifted to a questioning tone.
Moeru chuckled. "If you are asking if impropriety took place Tamori-san, You'd get a better answer when asking a mantis to give up the sea." Moeru finished his cup of tea, and placed it on the table. He stood, and moved towards the kitchen, where he found a delectable piece of fruit, and took a bite out of it.
The Tamori began. "The Kitsuki were a little... perturbed that you have commandeered their favorite servant, and wanted to know if they could find you a suitable replaceme....."
Moeru shook his head. "Shinko-san, knows too much of why I am here now. If they had an issue with this arrangement, they could have said something after the first day." Moeru took another bite, and chewed for a moment. "But, we both know that's not what the issue is. They wish to save the new Hatamoto's honor."
"Well...." The Tamori started, "You see Moeru-san, politics..."
Moeru interrupted her. "The only way that someone will know that she slept in my chamber last night, is if a dragon were to let it slip." Moeru had a frown on his face. "Too much sake, and being blind Tamori-san. That's a good way to have an accident." The frown was turning into a grin as he spoke. "Now, if we can stop this tete-a-tete about what may or, may not have happened, and get down to the business of the day, It'd really help my headache." Moeru finished the fruit, and licked his fingers. One would think he was more Crab than Dragon with his manners this morning.
The Tamori realized that there would be no details, and trying to get more would truly be an exercise in futility. "There are multiple court sessions going on today, but a note arrived for you from the venerable Kaiu Satomi-sama." The Tamori picked up a piece of script from the table. "Forgive me, Moeru-sama, I opened it, to ensure that it was of importance."
Moeru nodded "And?"
"It doesn't make sense" the Tamori said, completely confused. "It's a haiku."
Moeru's face contorted in confusion. "Well then, I'm sure you'd humor me with the Haiku."
"Of Course Moeru-sama" The Tamori unfolded the parchment.
Flock of Five sorted Old Paths of glory counted On the eve of night
Moeru nodded. "Satomi-san, has been practicing" he grinned. "If you'll excuse me, I believe that I have a meeting to prepare for." Moeru bowed, and moved back towards his room.
The Tamori looked completely perplexed. "Practicing? Meeting?" she said under her breath as he entered his room.
Once inside, Moeru felt the edge of the bed, and sat down, listening to her breathing for a few moments. After a short while, he placed his hand on her calf, and she jumped up, scared.
Moeru smiled "Sssshhhhhh. All is well Shinko-san."
She took stock of the situation, and in a terrified voice. "Moeru-sama.... I..."
He chuckled. "There is nothing to say. Come, get ready, Unfortunately, I have a meeting to attend to, but I want you to have your day. No worrying about me, or last night, or anything else. You enjoy your day, and soon, we will be traveling home. At that point, we'll have plenty of time."
Her face held a terrified look. She was certain that it would be her death. She nodded, and and began to get ready. Moeru moved to where her aura was, and put his arms on her shoulders. "Fear not Shinko-san, there is no need for it."
After he got her calmed down, he set about finding the Kimono the Scorpion had tailored for him, and prepared, and set out for the meeting. It was odd to walk alone, and it required more concentration on the elements to guide him to his destination. He got lost a time or two, but he could feel the presence of his friend, Satomi. As he prepared to knock, the door slid open, and a Crab in full armor checked the hall around him, and then spoke. "This way Moeru-sama."
As he entered the room, Moeru bowed. "Haiku? Clever choice Satomi-san."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 4, 2014 23:37:38 GMT
It serves well when I wish to shock spies and reinforce my fame of uncultured, Moeru-san... She said absently, comparing two maps over a table. Moeru could tell, of course, that she was stood next to a table, and the ocasional scrap of charcoal over paper was enough denotement of her activity.
I heard you Dragons enjoy riddles... I'll tell you a secret. I have... this book. She patted over a worn and tiny book, but he only could hear the sound that my grandfather bought from a peddler somewhere in Kyuden Gotei. It's... horrible. And I shuffle the verses. Sometimes it makes sense.
It was, of course, a well worn lie, one of many Satomi was used to say.
I hope you've had a good day of rest and amenities, Moeru-san. You seem well rested, at least.Being naturally a extremely focused person, she didn't notice, from his arrival, that he was acting differently or why.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Feb 5, 2014 11:56:49 GMT
Arandaru was pacing along the palace corridors heading to the place that the meeting would take place. He was reading the parchment again and again
"Flock of Five sorted
Old Paths of glory counted
On the eve of night"
"Heavens! What a horrible haiku!" he mentally exclaimed, rather pharisaic, for he was absolutely untalented in this kind of "art".
He was merely optimistic as of if he'd understood the message properly.
He entered the room. He had time for preparation. Many a moment before, did all of them "stumble" on something related to this cult on the outskirts. And today they were about to put an end to it.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 5, 2014 15:52:27 GMT
Moeru nodded. "Thankfully, I have had practice swimming that river before, Satomi-san." He walked towards her voice, placing a hand on the table he felt parchment strewn across. "Mitsu-sama once said a riddle was the destination. The answer, was the true journey."
Moeru arched his back, and it cracked slightly. "I do so hope that our journey this evening, is the answer to the riddle before us."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 16:15:57 GMT
Ha. Now you lost me, my friend Dragon... The destination is our journey, but the journey is the answer which is the riddle, which is the answer?
She teased Moeru, while the Unicorn joined then. What's your frown about, friend Arandaru-san?
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 5, 2014 16:34:44 GMT
Moeru grinned wide. "Precisly Satomi-san. One answer is just another answer's riddle, Satomi-san." Moeru was in high spirits, and turned to the Moto. "It is good to see you joining us, Moto-san."
Moeru thought for a moment. "Who else will be joining us?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 19:21:32 GMT
Satomi responded to the Dragon's question.
I've contacted both Crane and Phoenix representatives, but not sure how the most "eastern minds" can interpret my senseless riddle. I suggest we don't delay our planning, as we can quickly sum up our conversation in the case any or both join us later.
Two steps behind you, Moeru-san, you have a stool, in the case you wish to seat.
We don't have time to lose.
She, though, remained stood.
I gathered some information about the topography around Kyuden Meyo, and though it's vague, I have some clues to where we can start our investigations. We have two possible places that are conveniently near the castle, and obscure enough to go unnoticed: the Okura Ravine, and the Akodo says little about the place, or what they call The Kurai Cannyon, which is a pompous name for a long ago dried riverbed. Both are about one hour riding, southwest. A good way to come and go from there is by a road used by the eta who deal with… well, whatever. Is enough to know that there's a road used by eta only, dealing with their unsavory business, and the eta are highly propense to… concede to the bloodspeakers temptations.
What do you think?
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Feb 5, 2014 19:38:59 GMT
The hiss of a door sliding open filled the room briefly as Hatosenshi stepped in through the doorway. He bowed towards his compatriots, and looked around the room.
"It would appear I deciphered the riddle correctly. It is good to know my mind is sharper then my feet." The Crane was wearing an elegant kimono, and had his daisho carefully arranged in his belt. However, a pair of sharp eyes would notice the trickle of blood running down his hand, and the exhausted way in which he seat himself.
"Satomi-san, perhaps our next lesson will cover the art of haiku?"
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 5, 2014 21:19:04 GMT
Moeru measured his steps, and found his seat. As he did, he heard the voice of the Crane sensei. Moeru stood and bowed. "Hatosenshi-sama, please, take a seat." Moeru said pointing where he had just momentarily rested. "It is good to see such an honored Crane such as yourself joining us." Moeru's tone was reverent. He had heard several Ise Zumi speak of Hatosenshi, and his gift for a good story. Riddles and stories could keep a Togashi happy for life.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 21:43:53 GMT
The blood in Hatosenshi's hand intrigued Satomi. Being used to see blood all the time, she hadn't the absurd reaction some samurai could have in presence of blood, in spite of thinking likewise. In times of bloodspeaker, such image in the court could be enough to cause panic, though.
Frowning, she produced an extra handkerchief from her belt, and discreetly handed it to the Crane, returning to her place.
The Emerald Champion granted us permission to investigate some... evidences of a gathering of bloodspeakers... or worse thing, in the vicinity of the Castle. Moeru-san would you please sum up what led us to think we are about to unveil a great threat in the heart of the Empire. Please, Moeru-san?
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 6, 2014 1:29:32 GMT
Moeru bowed. "Of Course." He turned to address the Crane. "It came to the attention of the Seppun guards, that their was an assassin within Kyuden Meiyo. The Seppun had reason to believe that a member of the Kitsuki Courtier group was the primary target."
Moeru frowned. "we unfortunately, discovered that the assassin was the Kitsuki courtier." Moeru's voice betrayed a sense of irritation. "The Kitsuki, and several of the Mirumoto samurai actually."
Moeru adjusted his blindfold, and continued. "One of the victims, happened to be Kaiu Satomi-san's husband." At the funeral, Arandaru-san related that he believed Shigekazu-san's spirit was still within the keep."
Moeru turned, and asked "Could I have a cup of tea please?"
He turned back to Hatosenshi. "So, I connected with him, and we found that there is a hidden keep of Tsukai in a ravine nearby. And inside an ancient evil that causes the elements to flee in terror."
Moeru finished speaking, and bowed again. "Pardon my bland story skills Hatosenshi-san, I am not the gifted orator of one such as you, and time is of the essence."
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Feb 6, 2014 7:31:21 GMT
Arandaru was listening attentively. He had already greeted all of the people present and when asked Satomi about the frowning he simply waved his head as to show that it wasn't important at all.
However, at a time he decided to chip in: "I suggest that we look into the Okura ravine. I suspect that a coven of bloodspeakers will be thrilled to associate themselves with one of the most notorious bloodspeakers of Rokugan even by association."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 6, 2014 11:48:59 GMT
As in the room, nobody else but the four were present, Satomi (a bit annoyed), served Moeru tea. It was not fresh, a bit too strong, and definitely, made by the lousy hands of an amateur... Satomi herself.
Anybody else? She asked, before returning the teapot to the top of the heater.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 6, 2014 14:20:14 GMT
Moeru bowed. "Arigato Satomi-san." He took a sip. It was... An interesting blend to be sure. He had forgotten what passed for tea in the hands of the Crab. He continued to sip the tea, and thought about the Death Priest's idea for a moment. "The Okura Ravine could be a good place to start." Moeru paused and a frown crossed his face. "Let's just hope the association is in words, not deeds."
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