About 6pm, Miwa starts to get ready for a presentation for the emperor. The serving girls are all dismissed to the barn used as a training center. Takara disappears. Miwa goes and gets dressed in her armor then has a long talk privately with her husband. They meet the emperor and his underage. Once they are assembled, they too make their way to the barn. One of the hummingbirds is at the door. She whispers into Miwa’s ear. The matron nods and everyone goes in.
There is a seat and places for the emperor and his consort. He takes his place. Miwa’s husband takes the seat to the left of him, and she takes her place to the left of her husband. Drasta fades behind Miwa silently. Drasta is watching around, making sure anything out of the ordinary does not happen especially with Emperor Hojo in attendance.
She sees a small form hiding and watching everything from behind a weapons rack and a pair of eyes behind the clay water jugs. She leans down and whispers very quietly to Miwa. “Apologies for the interruption but there are two forms attempting to hide my lady. Shall I retrieve or take care of them?”
Miwa listens to her but shows no signs of recognition due to the company. After the initial show Miwa stands. She comes over to the emperor and bows deeply. He stands and recognizes her. She walks over to her katana kate and retrieves the Edge of Divinity, Her blooded katana. Its blue-white light shocks many of Hojo’s samurai who did not know who she was.
Drasta carefully keeps her eyes on both subjects and waits. Miwa approaches the pit of fire where she discards her boots and walks barefoot into it. She then turns her attention to Drasta giving her a silent message. The elf gestures gently with a nod to the clay water jugs and one of the weapon racks.
Miwa hesitates a moment then looks at a pair of hummingbirds then over to the weapon rack. They quickly go over to the area. A small form tries to run but the girls catch her and drag Nobuko out and in front of her. Takara suddenly looks angry.
Drasta keeps her eyes on the other behind the jugs. Whoever is there, she knows their eyes are green which are not a Kozakurian trait but a western color. Miwa looks again at her. “Drasta retrieve my Sai please.” She nods and retrieves the magistrate’s symbol from the katana stand bringing it directly to Miwa. The old woman sheath’s the Edge of Divinity and accepts the Sai. She then looks at the hummingbirds guarding Nobuko. They bring the child into the pit. Her feet start to singe immediately. Nobuko is forced to her knees.
Drasta steps away from the pit at a point where she can keep her line of sight directly to both places at the same time. Miwa states. “Nobuko! You know that you should not be here, yet you have decided to circumvent the law. I will give you a choice here and now. You can choose death… Or you can choose to become one of us and train. Because you broke the law you will succeed or die. What is your choice?”
Takara stands in her place fuming because Nobuko is her own daughter. The young girl cries out, “It hurts! It hurts so bad!”
Miwa asks again, “What is your choice, child?”
“I want to live!”
Miwa nods and the two hummingbirds lift Nobuko up and take her out of the pit. The magistrate looks at the emperor. He nods ever so slowly. Miwa next calls Drasta over to her. Drasta steps up to her with a light bow. Miwa gives her back the Sai and asks in a whisper, “Who is the other intruder?”
The besshikime whispers back with a sigh. “It may indeed be the boy… They have green eyes.” Miwa takes time to think about it. All the while Drasta’s boots are slowly melting. Miwa gives her a nod and continues giving the elf leave to vacate the fire pit. Drasta nods and steps out, slightly away but not too far.
Miwa states, “Let the record show that Nobuko, daughter of Takara has chosen to train as a hummingbird.” She hesitates then picks up her speech again.
“I am 56 years old this day. There are 20 of the 24 hummingbirds here. If one can defeat me. I will abdicate my position as commander and retire from the field as an Onna-bugeisha.” She moves to the middle of the pit, then motions to Drasta to get her wakizashi.
Drasta wonders if she should step away to where the boy is but then nods and retrieves the sword, bringing it to her matron stepping into the fire pit once more with it held in both hands. Miwa takes it and places it in its proper place then draws out the Edge of Thunder. There is an audible boom as the sonic blade is unleashed. Drasta has half a smile as she steps back off the pit.
Miwa closes her eyes for a moment. With both blades out of their scabbards she meditates just a moment then when her eyes open Drasta sees something she has not seen in years. It is Miwa’s natural bloodlust that her father instilled in her. Any fight that she wins now will result in the death of her opponent. Drasta stands very serious now with the intent of being a bit cautious.
An initiate that only has 3 years of training steps up. Her name is Akane. She bows to Miwa and steps into the pit wearing boots that protect her from fire. Drasta mutters under her breath very quietly, “Cute.”
Akane moves deceptively as Miwa watches her carefully. She uses moves she was taught with great speed, moving back and forth advancing then backing off. Miwa doesn't move at all, letting her bloodlust crescendo. She just watches. When Akane finally decides she sees an opening she attacks. Miwa quickly counters her blade and strikes out putting her katana under Akane's armpit and pushing it through her all the way up to the hilt. The young girl cries out in pain and goes to her knees.
Miwa says, "You have failed and there are consequences for failure. Akane lowers her head. Miwa withdraws her blade and raises it again for the final strike.
A figure comes out of the water jugs and rushes into the pit. The small child hugs Akane while shouting out. "Jinn grandmother! Jinn!" Drasta arches a brow staring down at them. The emperor stands up from his chair.
Drasta moves and steps behind the boy placing a hand on him to remove him watching Miwa. The magistrate shakes her head. Drasta again steps back. Miwa looks at her grandson. “You have not only broken the law but have prevented justice to its fruition. I give you the choice then. You can accept Akane's fate or receive a proper beating from your father once he finds out what you have done.”
Tatsuo near hyperventilating says, "It is an injustice to take the life of someone far inferior to someone like you. I accept your judgement as I am the one that broke the law...........not her."
Akane slowly leaves the firepit. Tatsuo knees and lowers his neck for his grandmother. Miwa raises her blade. Her bloodlust is at the max when a voice cries out. "I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS YOU WOULD KILL YOUR OWN GRANDSON FOR SOMETHING SO TRIVIAL. HE IS A CHILD FOR 8 MILLIONS SAKE!"
Everyone turns their head to the voice. It is Takara’s. Drasta flairs her eyes and form. She stands with a hand on her rapier. “It is justice to serve, would you think to suggest another venture to be obtained?”
Miwa looks at her daughter. "Do you champion someone that obviously broke a law that he knew full well?"
Takara sets her chin, "I do!"
Miwa states, "Step into the ring."
Takara steps into the embers. As she does, her boots immediately start to slowly melt. Tatsuo runs out of the ring to Drasta. He hugs her waist and closes his eyes, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"
She looks down to him placing an arm around his neck gently but firmly, “You have nature and too much curiosity.” She keeps her hand on her blade looking at Miwa.
The battle between Miwa and her daughter is different. It is not so quick. Miwa trained Takara to a sharp edge, and each knows the other's weaknesses. Drasta has the feeling that this is a battle to the death, yet she knows Miwa has a trump card a ring she wears. She pushes Tatsuo behind her and places a hand on her other blade watching carefully.
The crowd watches as Miwa and Takara trade blow after counter blow. Much blood is spilt as each takes flesh wounds as the two women tire. Miwa faster than Takara. Takara having problems with Miwa's bloodlust while Miwa having problems with the same discipline she instilled with her daughter.
Suddenly in an unorthodox move Takara gets past Miwa's guard, and her katana buries itself into Miwa's stomach. Miwa releases the edge of thunder and grabs Takara’s arm. she pushes the other’s katana all the way to the hilt declaring, "You have chosen the future over the past. You are now ready to succeed me." Takara pulls her katana out and Miwa falls into the cinders of the pit.
Drasta rushes to Miwa taking her out of the pit promptly and giving Takara a side eye. Miwa spits up a whole lot of blood, but Drasta knows her ring is already working. Takara leaves the pit and presents herself in front of the emperor with a bow. Drasta whispers, “You taught her well.” Miwa tries to reply but only spits out blood.
Tatsuo hugs Drasta’s leg. “Please don’t let anyone die. Please. They are all part of the whole.” They stay with Miwa.
Drasta does her best to bandage her but looks at the other birds for potions or healing items while intensely upset. “I will not let her die today.” She grabs Tatsuo’s hand and put is on the wound. “Place pressure here.” She then looks at Miwa. “You do not need to speak I will take care of you.”
Miwa slowly regenerates. Meanwhile, the other hummingbirds do their best to stop the blood from wounds. Takara chose the stomach on purpose so that it would take Miwa longer to regenerate from the stomach acids destroying her other organs. Takara goes to her knees in front of the emperor for judgement. He waits for further understanding. As Miwa receives potions of healing and is bandages, she looks at Drasta. "Let me stand."
The elf nods placing a hand in Miwa’s to help her, “Of course, Bird.”
Miwa stands unsteadily with the help of Drasta and the others around her. "Emperor, may I have your attention. My daughter did the just thing not according to the law but by a higher law. She is worthy of taking my place as leader of the hummingbirds. May her reign be just as your hand of righteous." Miwa continues, "I relinquish my right to lead the hummingbirds in battle to my daughter Takara. I will retire with honor and advisor her as she leads my unit in battle henceforth.” She bows to him.
The emperor who has been standing the whole time says. "I accept your affirmation, and your daughter will become the leader of the unit. However, what will we do with the boy?" Drasta places an arm around Tatsuo in a protective manner.
Miwa looks over at Drasta. "What will we do with the boy? Takara has absolved him...…Yet now he has forbidden knowledge."
Drasta sighs, “There are only two options with him living… He is my shadow, or we find a way to train him as a hummingbird. I would not prefer his death. He is a smart one.”
Miwa retorts to her. “The hummingbirds is an all-female unit. A man cannot be a hummingbird. A man cannot move as a girl. They do not have the same center. They cannot move as a lady in flexibility. How do you propose that he take the mantle of hummingbird?"
Drasta thinks for a moment tapping her chin. “Nimbleness is a learned talent… I have seen many men who have been quick in my previous line of work…” She stops and pulls out a 2-inch blade from her vest. “Perhaps he could learn quickly between his methodical studies and the art of dexterity. Would you allow him to dance a moment and see his movement.” She hands the blade to Tatsuo. “Study me a moment and find the best place to hit.
Tatsuo takes her blade and looks up at her. "Do I have to fight my grandmother?"
Drasta studies him, “No child.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You watched them dance now show us your dance and hit me. Show what perhaps you may be capable of. Remember the lines and where I found you and how you used what was around you. What was around you.”
Tatsuo attacks Drasta as fervently as Miwa attacked her own daughter, He maneuvers himself so he advances Drasta is pushed to the pit of cinders.”
She stands solidly in the cinder with a smile only slightly evading his attacks. “A calm mind can achieve great things when you can control the rage child. Take a breath and find where you mean to hit carefully.” She allows the room around the pit to darken a bit more, so her form is fully in his view. She takes a moment to look at Miwa, Takara and the emperor. Miwa is resolved, Takara is relieved, and the emperor is still standing and watching. Drasta stays in the pit looks to Tatsuo. “Place your steps and endure young one. I cannot stand here forever.”
There is a shout from the emperor himself, "STOP THIS NOW. I WILL TOLERATE THIS NO MORE!" Drasta looks over directly, bows deep and steps out of the embers. "BESSHIKIMEM COME OUT OF THE PIT, CHILD COME OUT OF THE PIT AND STAND BEFORE ME!"
Drasta comes forward and kneels down very low pulling Tatsuo with her. He stands before the emperor and bows.
The emperor looks at him, “On your knees child!” He goes down on his knees. Drasta keeps her head down.
The emperor states, "Child you will be the first male that trains as a hummingbird. This unit is secret and special to the imperial family. I decree that Hojo Miwa will train you in all that you need to know to become a member of this unit."
Miwa immediately protests. " My lord emperor. Tatsuo is male. He cannot possibly.....................
Drasta looks over at Miwa. “You took a chance on me. Why not this young one.”
The emperor interrupts her, “You will find a way.” Miwa looks at Drasta then to the emperor and bows.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
Following in the Footsteps of Another
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Winterhawk99
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Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
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- Location: Pa.
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
For the next few nights Tatsuo has troubled sleep. It seems the 8 million will not leave him alone. It’s almost as if they want him to remember his past. It’s late at night. He thinks perhaps he should go to the village teahouse to wear himself out and come back home but he steps out and looks at the moon.
The moon has disappeared over the horizon, it is indeed very late. He goes back to his sleeping mat and tries to sleep thinking about all the loss that his family has recently endured. He finally gets to sleep in the dead hours of morning and with that he dreams.
After 4 months of training, it is not going well. Tatsuo is still a smallish boy now 12 years old. He moves like a man and cannot use the lower center of gravity of a woman which is the basis of the hummingbird style of fighting. Miwa is disappointed. Tatsuo is frustrated. Kyo constantly teases him, and Takara is at her wits end.
Tatsuo is practicing in the archery field. He is doing somewhat rather well with his daikyu. Miwa makes him shoot the heavier bow to help build up his strength, so she does not let him use a Yumi. She is watching silently in the background every move that Tatsuo makes. Kyo comes up beside him for her practice. She laughs, “Well at least you can use one weapon without it getting knocked out of your hands.”
He says, “Shut up already Kyo,” I need to concentrate.” Miwa doesn’t move from her position She just watches. Drasta stays with him carefully, instructing and helping with his efforts.
She looks between the siblings. “Concentration is only part of what you must do. You must also feel the bow and be part of it.”
Tatsuo shoots again, Nao watching him shoots her arrow into his target. Hers hits closer to the bullseye than his. "Umph, still a girl just beat you, brother."
Tatsuo looks at her in a rather foul mood. “That’s Illegal! Shoot your own target!”
Drasta regards her, “A competition may only fuel anger and anger will not help you achieve your bow skills quicker. Breathe deep and block out the world around you and focus directly on what you wish to accomplish.”
Tatsuo draws his Daikyo. Almost at the same time Kyo draws hers. Tatsuo's eyes shift to hers. She smiles back and fires. He turns his head but releases too soon the arrow flies high and wide of the target. He seethes at her. "Why don't you go somewhere else Kyo! I'm trying to practice and you’re! Disrupting me!"
Kyo laughs, "Maybe you can’t even handle a bow. Why don’t you quit."
Drasta shakes her head at his stubbornness, glancing at Miwa. Meanwhile Tatsuo attacks Kyo and the fistfight begins. Drasta takes a step back. “When the two of you are done there will be a punishment to endure.”
Tatsuo at 12 now is much stronger than Kyo but she’s been training how to fight a man since she was very young. She gets the upper hand in the aikido fight and after each has a bloody nose and a black eye she pins him in a locking hold. "Let me know when you want to give up loser."
"I'm not giving up!" He replies. He can't do anything though because of the way the smaller girl has him wrapped up on the ground.
Drasta taps her bow on the floor three times looking between the two. Kyo releases him but kicks him away from her giving the boy a bruise on his back. He gets up and dusts himself off though his nose is bleeding and he’s obviously sore. Miwa finally calls out, "ENOUGH! Both of you to my office......NOW!" Both Nao and Tatsuo put their heads down and start to walk.
Everyone gets to her office proper honorifics are made and Miwa sits down. They start too but she says, "NO! Both of you remain standing." (it’s a bad sign) She looks at Kyo first. "What is the fourth principle?"
The young girl looks down. “Respect and politeness grandmother."
"Were you respectful and polite to Tatsuo? Did you help or hamper his development to prepare for battle? Or were you smearing his nose into the dirt just to make a jackass out of him?"
Nao picks her head up, "I'm helping all of us grandmother! 4 months and Tatsuo cannot even get the basics. He's incompetent. He always loses even with girls younger than himself! You’re the one that said we must trust each other completely in battle. Who would ever put their trust in Tatsuo?" Drasta bites her tongue watching things unfold.
Miwa shakes her head. "Get out and don't come back until you've run the whole of the property line 10 times. NOW! I truly hope you think on your words' young lady. " Nao bows and leaves.
She then looks at Tatsuo. “. "Look at me! A samurai n ever puts his head down especially to a woman. Where is your Yuu, Tatsuo!" Tatsuo looks up obviously nervous. Miwa continues, "Your training is not going well. I am disappointed. Therefore, while I search my mind for a new way to train you in the hummingbird style. I'm going to be sending you and Drasta after something you can do. Or at least should be able to do.
I have questions about this ongoing Shinto/Barasume feud. I am sending both of you to the Shinto court to find information on what is happening. Mind your manners, they are my family, and I want to show them that we still keep up the old ways. Do you understand, Tatsuo?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"Now go and prepare yourself.” He bows and leaves leaving Drasta in the room. She leans back in her chair, sighing and looking to the side thinking while Drasta gives a bow to Tatsuo. She looks back at Drasta, "I'll think of something while you are gone. the others even my daughter. they are getting impatient."
“Indeed, it seems he does not listen well even in my instruction. I hope we have a solution on the return.”
"I'm not really sure there is a solution. He's now much stronger than most of the girls his age and lower........still they easily defeat him in everything they do. He's a boy Drasta and growing. Despite his strength he cannot move, pivot or dance like a hummingbird a style meant to defeat men in combat. I must put all my efforts into finding a new way to train him so that he can."
The Besshikime nods, “A difficult situation but I presume it will be fruitful, if there was any who could think of a way it will be you.”
"Get your gear. Go with him. find out what you can of the feud. the reasons behind it. I am not sure Shogun Barasume has the wherewithal to start it and it's been on my mind for years on why it happened in the first place. Find answers."
Drasta gives a bow, “Of course. I will do what needs to be done.”
Miwa nods, “You are dismissed, old friend.”
“Until we return then.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
The moon has disappeared over the horizon, it is indeed very late. He goes back to his sleeping mat and tries to sleep thinking about all the loss that his family has recently endured. He finally gets to sleep in the dead hours of morning and with that he dreams.
After 4 months of training, it is not going well. Tatsuo is still a smallish boy now 12 years old. He moves like a man and cannot use the lower center of gravity of a woman which is the basis of the hummingbird style of fighting. Miwa is disappointed. Tatsuo is frustrated. Kyo constantly teases him, and Takara is at her wits end.
Tatsuo is practicing in the archery field. He is doing somewhat rather well with his daikyu. Miwa makes him shoot the heavier bow to help build up his strength, so she does not let him use a Yumi. She is watching silently in the background every move that Tatsuo makes. Kyo comes up beside him for her practice. She laughs, “Well at least you can use one weapon without it getting knocked out of your hands.”
He says, “Shut up already Kyo,” I need to concentrate.” Miwa doesn’t move from her position She just watches. Drasta stays with him carefully, instructing and helping with his efforts.
She looks between the siblings. “Concentration is only part of what you must do. You must also feel the bow and be part of it.”
Tatsuo shoots again, Nao watching him shoots her arrow into his target. Hers hits closer to the bullseye than his. "Umph, still a girl just beat you, brother."
Tatsuo looks at her in a rather foul mood. “That’s Illegal! Shoot your own target!”
Drasta regards her, “A competition may only fuel anger and anger will not help you achieve your bow skills quicker. Breathe deep and block out the world around you and focus directly on what you wish to accomplish.”
Tatsuo draws his Daikyo. Almost at the same time Kyo draws hers. Tatsuo's eyes shift to hers. She smiles back and fires. He turns his head but releases too soon the arrow flies high and wide of the target. He seethes at her. "Why don't you go somewhere else Kyo! I'm trying to practice and you’re! Disrupting me!"
Kyo laughs, "Maybe you can’t even handle a bow. Why don’t you quit."
Drasta shakes her head at his stubbornness, glancing at Miwa. Meanwhile Tatsuo attacks Kyo and the fistfight begins. Drasta takes a step back. “When the two of you are done there will be a punishment to endure.”
Tatsuo at 12 now is much stronger than Kyo but she’s been training how to fight a man since she was very young. She gets the upper hand in the aikido fight and after each has a bloody nose and a black eye she pins him in a locking hold. "Let me know when you want to give up loser."
"I'm not giving up!" He replies. He can't do anything though because of the way the smaller girl has him wrapped up on the ground.
Drasta taps her bow on the floor three times looking between the two. Kyo releases him but kicks him away from her giving the boy a bruise on his back. He gets up and dusts himself off though his nose is bleeding and he’s obviously sore. Miwa finally calls out, "ENOUGH! Both of you to my office......NOW!" Both Nao and Tatsuo put their heads down and start to walk.
Everyone gets to her office proper honorifics are made and Miwa sits down. They start too but she says, "NO! Both of you remain standing." (it’s a bad sign) She looks at Kyo first. "What is the fourth principle?"
The young girl looks down. “Respect and politeness grandmother."
"Were you respectful and polite to Tatsuo? Did you help or hamper his development to prepare for battle? Or were you smearing his nose into the dirt just to make a jackass out of him?"
Nao picks her head up, "I'm helping all of us grandmother! 4 months and Tatsuo cannot even get the basics. He's incompetent. He always loses even with girls younger than himself! You’re the one that said we must trust each other completely in battle. Who would ever put their trust in Tatsuo?" Drasta bites her tongue watching things unfold.
Miwa shakes her head. "Get out and don't come back until you've run the whole of the property line 10 times. NOW! I truly hope you think on your words' young lady. " Nao bows and leaves.
She then looks at Tatsuo. “. "Look at me! A samurai n ever puts his head down especially to a woman. Where is your Yuu, Tatsuo!" Tatsuo looks up obviously nervous. Miwa continues, "Your training is not going well. I am disappointed. Therefore, while I search my mind for a new way to train you in the hummingbird style. I'm going to be sending you and Drasta after something you can do. Or at least should be able to do.
I have questions about this ongoing Shinto/Barasume feud. I am sending both of you to the Shinto court to find information on what is happening. Mind your manners, they are my family, and I want to show them that we still keep up the old ways. Do you understand, Tatsuo?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"Now go and prepare yourself.” He bows and leaves leaving Drasta in the room. She leans back in her chair, sighing and looking to the side thinking while Drasta gives a bow to Tatsuo. She looks back at Drasta, "I'll think of something while you are gone. the others even my daughter. they are getting impatient."
“Indeed, it seems he does not listen well even in my instruction. I hope we have a solution on the return.”
"I'm not really sure there is a solution. He's now much stronger than most of the girls his age and lower........still they easily defeat him in everything they do. He's a boy Drasta and growing. Despite his strength he cannot move, pivot or dance like a hummingbird a style meant to defeat men in combat. I must put all my efforts into finding a new way to train him so that he can."
The Besshikime nods, “A difficult situation but I presume it will be fruitful, if there was any who could think of a way it will be you.”
"Get your gear. Go with him. find out what you can of the feud. the reasons behind it. I am not sure Shogun Barasume has the wherewithal to start it and it's been on my mind for years on why it happened in the first place. Find answers."
Drasta gives a bow, “Of course. I will do what needs to be done.”
Miwa nods, “You are dismissed, old friend.”
“Until we return then.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
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Winterhawk99
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- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
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- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
It takes Tatsuo and Drasta 5 days to arrive at the Shinto palace. They treat the pair much like extended family. The young shogun holds court. Tatsuo has asked for an audience. When it’s their turn the two stand and bow to the throne.
The Shogun recognizes him. "Young lord Taiyo no Shizukesa. What brings you to my lands?"
"A follow up for the courts, Lord Shinto. The lady Mayonaka Sakuya wishes to follow up on certain hostilities between Lord Barasume and yourself and.......the buildup to hostilities in those days gone by."
Lord Shinto thinks for a moment, "Is this truly worth your time lord Uesuki. Hostilities ended some two years ago with the treaty brokered by your grandmother. There is no need for follow up being there has been lasting peace."
Tatsuo thinks a bit more than what is appropriate though Lord Shinto indulges him. "There must be cause and effect. This did not come out of nowhere. Something triggered Shogun Barasume's hostilities and your response." Drasta gives a look towards Lord Shinto being quiet.
Lord Shinto considers the boy with some respect then turns his head to his advisor who shakes his head, "It is simple Tatsuo. Barasume encroached on our border. We responded by seeking allies because Barasume can field a much larger army than we by ourselves."
Tatsuo is about to speak then somehow senses he's not going to get anywhere. He bows, "My apologies, Lord Shinto."
Lord Shinto smiles, "No apologies needed, Taiyo no Shizukesa. It is good and in form for one that negotiates a treaty.......check up on the progress of such. It is a matter of honor. I am honored that you have come. Please enjoy your stay here for as long as you like."
Tatsuo bows and leaves court being dismissed. He asks Drasta, "What now?"
She looks at him. “I am a tool that you can use for information this is my work. It is not only to protect and train but to get you any information you need to dig into a deeper report. I am but an extension of your arm if something needs to be done that cannot be easily achieved.”
Tatsuo frowns and looks at his notes. "But where do we start with something so old?"
She smiles, “One could start in a barracks of the soldiers or a local tavern where words can be found spoken more freely on a loosened tongue. The people of a place are more willing to say what the courts will not openly.
Tatsuo thinks about this for a while. "The barracks would look like we are trying to interfere. The tavern seems like a better suggestion."
She nods, “I would agree though we need to select one carefully where there is more truth than false information. She gives a light chuckle, “And perhaps not being easily recognized for yourself...thinks a moment I will loan you my cloak if we enter one so that we do not draw too much attention.
Perhaps even it will help tune your skills in listening and patience.”
Tatsuo thinks about it for a moment then nods. He takes the cloak and wraps it around his finer clothing of silks and soft cottons.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
The Shogun recognizes him. "Young lord Taiyo no Shizukesa. What brings you to my lands?"
"A follow up for the courts, Lord Shinto. The lady Mayonaka Sakuya wishes to follow up on certain hostilities between Lord Barasume and yourself and.......the buildup to hostilities in those days gone by."
Lord Shinto thinks for a moment, "Is this truly worth your time lord Uesuki. Hostilities ended some two years ago with the treaty brokered by your grandmother. There is no need for follow up being there has been lasting peace."
Tatsuo thinks a bit more than what is appropriate though Lord Shinto indulges him. "There must be cause and effect. This did not come out of nowhere. Something triggered Shogun Barasume's hostilities and your response." Drasta gives a look towards Lord Shinto being quiet.
Lord Shinto considers the boy with some respect then turns his head to his advisor who shakes his head, "It is simple Tatsuo. Barasume encroached on our border. We responded by seeking allies because Barasume can field a much larger army than we by ourselves."
Tatsuo is about to speak then somehow senses he's not going to get anywhere. He bows, "My apologies, Lord Shinto."
Lord Shinto smiles, "No apologies needed, Taiyo no Shizukesa. It is good and in form for one that negotiates a treaty.......check up on the progress of such. It is a matter of honor. I am honored that you have come. Please enjoy your stay here for as long as you like."
Tatsuo bows and leaves court being dismissed. He asks Drasta, "What now?"
She looks at him. “I am a tool that you can use for information this is my work. It is not only to protect and train but to get you any information you need to dig into a deeper report. I am but an extension of your arm if something needs to be done that cannot be easily achieved.”
Tatsuo frowns and looks at his notes. "But where do we start with something so old?"
She smiles, “One could start in a barracks of the soldiers or a local tavern where words can be found spoken more freely on a loosened tongue. The people of a place are more willing to say what the courts will not openly.
Tatsuo thinks about this for a while. "The barracks would look like we are trying to interfere. The tavern seems like a better suggestion."
She nods, “I would agree though we need to select one carefully where there is more truth than false information. She gives a light chuckle, “And perhaps not being easily recognized for yourself...thinks a moment I will loan you my cloak if we enter one so that we do not draw too much attention.
Perhaps even it will help tune your skills in listening and patience.”
Tatsuo thinks about it for a moment then nods. He takes the cloak and wraps it around his finer clothing of silks and soft cottons.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
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Winterhawk99
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
There are at least 4 taverns around the area of the city and keep. The first one they go into looks to be a samurai tavern where men of the local lords go to have a quiet drink. Most in there are samurai or pretty women. some are onna-bugeisha. As they walk in, they get some looks as it is unusual for a besshikime to be accompanying a man unless it’s her husband. and this is obviously an older boy not quite ready to be a man.
She whispers to him, “Take my words without any ill will.” She confirms herself gently. “It has been some time young friend, let us sit and share some stories perhaps have a drink or two in the time we are able to speak.” Making it well enough to be heard and affirmed to keep it less unusual
Some of the Samurai seem to recognize Drasta and seem to wonder which member of the Hojo extended family she is accompanying. She pulls a chair out with him facing not quite away but so his face isn’t easily seen and gives a bow. A young serving girl comes out maybe 14 or 15 to their table and asks how she can help them. She gives Tatsuo much attention, similar to a hawk sizing up its next meal.
It makes him uncomfortable. Drasta places a few coins down It is my treat you order anything you would like. giving a glare to the young girl.
Tatsuo nods, "just some of the local tea please." She brings some tea and pours it for the two of you then bows and goes to the next customer. Tatsuo is looking around at everyone.
Drasta takes time sipping her tea while listening to patrons while making small conversation to him. An older samurai comes up and sets himself down at your table. He smirks, "Drasta Resh’dalin Besshikime for Hojo Miwa...... What are you doing here elf and who is this." He studies Tatsuo for a few minutes. "Can't be one of her students.......That means your family." Other samurai hear him quite plainly and look over.
She taps her fingers on the table. “I am in the city on business and had a small amount of time to have a moment, so I took it.” She then takes a moment and smiles at him. “This one is learning but not in any way you think, perhaps you could help with some information I am attempting to gather?”
He grunts, "Depends upon the needs of my own lord. The information that is. A samurai is ever loyal. As you well know."
“Aye. I am just curious of the rumors on the border front as you know it has always been a great interest of mine...Other than of course burying bodies.” She chuckles playfully.
Tatsuo finally speaks, "It's about the hostilities between Shinto and Barasume two years ago. We are looking for underlying reasons."
The samurai laughs, "Not much to tell. Just the usual border hostilities. Happens all the time between clans. “Some nerving times though. That I'll say especially with the Barasume army being three times our size."
Another Samurai with another badge sits down next to Drasta, "Maybe the young man here needs to learn what favors to give to his samurai when he becomes an apprentice." Thats sparks up some laughter from around the nearby tables. Drasta stops taping her fingers. Dead silence hits the table.
The 1rst samurai looks grim, "Remember who you are talking to peasant. I'm assuming the young man is doing something here. best accept the good-natured barbs."
Tatsuo smiles, "Good lords, we will of course accept whatever information you choose to pardon with by buying a round of drinks for you after. As you say it is a small matter. A follow up so to speak."
Drasta produces a deep smile, “Perhaps some Shasta.”
More samurais surround the two of them peering over the table. The first one says, "Aye long as it doesn't affect our lords."
Another says, "Nor the Shinto clan itself." He looks at Drasta not Tatsuo.
“Practical peace is more valuable than any war or unneeded worry because each night you feel surrounded in an outcome that can be stopped. I will make note not where we retrieved such information so there will be no trail on who it will show against for forms of punishment or dishonor.” Drasta raises her tea in a truthful manor.
Another samurai says, "Your lady is an onna-bugeisha you know the code just as well as we do, Drasta. So, ask. We will either choose to answer or not too."
She looks at Tatsuo for a moment. “The hostilities have been reported as no longer around though I get the sense there is still some discomfort on the borders yet to which and why is what seems to confuse me.”
The 2nd samurai smirks, "No more than normal." She considers that answer a moment listening carefully.
Tatsuo asks, "Who was involved in the Shinto response? Shinto have always been the peacekeeping clan of the south yet found themselves in the middle of hostilities they looked for allies. How did that happen?"
The first samurai Grunts, "Barasume's always go after Shinto first. How do you think Hojo Miwa became a Barasume? She was a war prize." Tatsuo obviously didn’t like the reply. The samurai smell blood in the water.
Drasta sips her tea. “I see. So perhaps continuing the journey to find more tales should be taken, no?
Well, that is unless you can gleam something that I will not find elsewhere to honor a true peace between both places without the worry of who will cut a throat first.”
One of the samurai looks at the others, "What about Orochi?" Drasta sets her tea down, looks at them firmly and with a flat face.
The 1rst says, "He’s gone just as quickly as he came after the treaty."
Another says, "Make sure we stay in the code. She is a besshikime."
The first says, "A round of Shasta and enough for those around the table here to visit the local tea house."
Drasta tosses a handful of coins on the table. “Drink as much as you wish.” Then she sips her tea once more gently Even small amounts of information are useful in the bigger picture. “Who or where has this other one you speak of went to.”
One of the Samurai surrounding the table says. "Oh, yea that’s not against code. Orochi. He was a big man, a monk in fact. Dedicated to one of the 8 million we never heard of. Probably some local god of some far-off clan. Had a thick accent too. When Barasume came to start maneuvers on the border. He showed up here."
Another says, "Oh yea he was offering all kinds of advice for dealing with the problem."
The 1rst says, "He was pretty good too. helped draft letters to the other clans. When that didn't work, he told Lord Shinto to sue for peace...... go to court."
Another says, "Once the treaty was signed, he disappeared. Just vanished into the night."
“I see. Well, that may have earned you men a special treat.” Drasta gestures for as many cups as there are samurai around her to the young woman and produces a black bottle with the word reserve on it placing it in the middle of the table.” They all drink their Shasta and leave apparently making a b-line to the nearest tea house.
She nods to Tatsuo. He looks back. His hands nursing his tea. “What next?”
“That is your course to judge we gained much knowledge here, but we must continue to find more. Would you like to pursue more in this place or look into the Barasume side. Though did this help you in how to gather knowledge better, my friend?”
“Try another tavern?”
“We could indeed. Though they did express they were to head to a tea house what would you reference of that?”
Tatsuo cringes, “My father said I should not go into a tea house until I’m old enough to understand.”
She gestures at the door. “Another tavern then perhaps with less samurai and more common people.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
She whispers to him, “Take my words without any ill will.” She confirms herself gently. “It has been some time young friend, let us sit and share some stories perhaps have a drink or two in the time we are able to speak.” Making it well enough to be heard and affirmed to keep it less unusual
Some of the Samurai seem to recognize Drasta and seem to wonder which member of the Hojo extended family she is accompanying. She pulls a chair out with him facing not quite away but so his face isn’t easily seen and gives a bow. A young serving girl comes out maybe 14 or 15 to their table and asks how she can help them. She gives Tatsuo much attention, similar to a hawk sizing up its next meal.
It makes him uncomfortable. Drasta places a few coins down It is my treat you order anything you would like. giving a glare to the young girl.
Tatsuo nods, "just some of the local tea please." She brings some tea and pours it for the two of you then bows and goes to the next customer. Tatsuo is looking around at everyone.
Drasta takes time sipping her tea while listening to patrons while making small conversation to him. An older samurai comes up and sets himself down at your table. He smirks, "Drasta Resh’dalin Besshikime for Hojo Miwa...... What are you doing here elf and who is this." He studies Tatsuo for a few minutes. "Can't be one of her students.......That means your family." Other samurai hear him quite plainly and look over.
She taps her fingers on the table. “I am in the city on business and had a small amount of time to have a moment, so I took it.” She then takes a moment and smiles at him. “This one is learning but not in any way you think, perhaps you could help with some information I am attempting to gather?”
He grunts, "Depends upon the needs of my own lord. The information that is. A samurai is ever loyal. As you well know."
“Aye. I am just curious of the rumors on the border front as you know it has always been a great interest of mine...Other than of course burying bodies.” She chuckles playfully.
Tatsuo finally speaks, "It's about the hostilities between Shinto and Barasume two years ago. We are looking for underlying reasons."
The samurai laughs, "Not much to tell. Just the usual border hostilities. Happens all the time between clans. “Some nerving times though. That I'll say especially with the Barasume army being three times our size."
Another Samurai with another badge sits down next to Drasta, "Maybe the young man here needs to learn what favors to give to his samurai when he becomes an apprentice." Thats sparks up some laughter from around the nearby tables. Drasta stops taping her fingers. Dead silence hits the table.
The 1rst samurai looks grim, "Remember who you are talking to peasant. I'm assuming the young man is doing something here. best accept the good-natured barbs."
Tatsuo smiles, "Good lords, we will of course accept whatever information you choose to pardon with by buying a round of drinks for you after. As you say it is a small matter. A follow up so to speak."
Drasta produces a deep smile, “Perhaps some Shasta.”
More samurais surround the two of them peering over the table. The first one says, "Aye long as it doesn't affect our lords."
Another says, "Nor the Shinto clan itself." He looks at Drasta not Tatsuo.
“Practical peace is more valuable than any war or unneeded worry because each night you feel surrounded in an outcome that can be stopped. I will make note not where we retrieved such information so there will be no trail on who it will show against for forms of punishment or dishonor.” Drasta raises her tea in a truthful manor.
Another samurai says, "Your lady is an onna-bugeisha you know the code just as well as we do, Drasta. So, ask. We will either choose to answer or not too."
She looks at Tatsuo for a moment. “The hostilities have been reported as no longer around though I get the sense there is still some discomfort on the borders yet to which and why is what seems to confuse me.”
The 2nd samurai smirks, "No more than normal." She considers that answer a moment listening carefully.
Tatsuo asks, "Who was involved in the Shinto response? Shinto have always been the peacekeeping clan of the south yet found themselves in the middle of hostilities they looked for allies. How did that happen?"
The first samurai Grunts, "Barasume's always go after Shinto first. How do you think Hojo Miwa became a Barasume? She was a war prize." Tatsuo obviously didn’t like the reply. The samurai smell blood in the water.
Drasta sips her tea. “I see. So perhaps continuing the journey to find more tales should be taken, no?
Well, that is unless you can gleam something that I will not find elsewhere to honor a true peace between both places without the worry of who will cut a throat first.”
One of the samurai looks at the others, "What about Orochi?" Drasta sets her tea down, looks at them firmly and with a flat face.
The 1rst says, "He’s gone just as quickly as he came after the treaty."
Another says, "Make sure we stay in the code. She is a besshikime."
The first says, "A round of Shasta and enough for those around the table here to visit the local tea house."
Drasta tosses a handful of coins on the table. “Drink as much as you wish.” Then she sips her tea once more gently Even small amounts of information are useful in the bigger picture. “Who or where has this other one you speak of went to.”
One of the Samurai surrounding the table says. "Oh, yea that’s not against code. Orochi. He was a big man, a monk in fact. Dedicated to one of the 8 million we never heard of. Probably some local god of some far-off clan. Had a thick accent too. When Barasume came to start maneuvers on the border. He showed up here."
Another says, "Oh yea he was offering all kinds of advice for dealing with the problem."
The 1rst says, "He was pretty good too. helped draft letters to the other clans. When that didn't work, he told Lord Shinto to sue for peace...... go to court."
Another says, "Once the treaty was signed, he disappeared. Just vanished into the night."
“I see. Well, that may have earned you men a special treat.” Drasta gestures for as many cups as there are samurai around her to the young woman and produces a black bottle with the word reserve on it placing it in the middle of the table.” They all drink their Shasta and leave apparently making a b-line to the nearest tea house.
She nods to Tatsuo. He looks back. His hands nursing his tea. “What next?”
“That is your course to judge we gained much knowledge here, but we must continue to find more. Would you like to pursue more in this place or look into the Barasume side. Though did this help you in how to gather knowledge better, my friend?”
“Try another tavern?”
“We could indeed. Though they did express they were to head to a tea house what would you reference of that?”
Tatsuo cringes, “My father said I should not go into a tea house until I’m old enough to understand.”
She gestures at the door. “Another tavern then perhaps with less samurai and more common people.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
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Winterhawk99
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
The pair go to another tavern. This one is more for the peasant class. It’s not unusual to find a besshikime here or there but not so much someone like Tatsuo. They get stares with people trying to figure out what they are up to. Even though Tatsuo tries to hide himself with Drasta’s cloak. The fresh smell of the soap he used and the fine silk and cotton clothing showing out from the cloak marks him as something more than a peasant.
A serving girl comes to their table. She is older, shying away from Tatsuo a bit as they order food and tea. Drasta keeps her voice hushed. “Do your best to relax and blend.” She does her best to carry out a general calm conversation with him and listens to the room, keeping him advised of it as they wait for someone to come along.
After quite a while another besshikime comes over. “Looks like warm company. Perhaps I could sit with the two of you." She appraises Tatsuo with a keen eye.
Drasta half smiles and nods ordering another cup for them. “Sister.”
The woman speaks after receiving tea. “So, what’s a young lord doing here.........and an elven besshikime.... Ummm only one I know and that would be in service to the Hojo family."
“We had some time to rest on our journey so we thought it may be prudent to gather information to better understand what we need.” Drasta gives a small chuckle. “We are always working even when we aren’t is that not so sister.”
The other woman looks between the two of them. “What kind of information?”
“Perhaps an understanding of the border hostilities, no?” Drasta says, looking to Tatsuo
“Haven’t been any border hostilities in a few years now.” She replies. Tatsuo stays silent and listens.
“Indeed, but one has a curiosity on what caused what has come to past to learn that it be better taken care of in the future.” Drasta comments casually.
“Barasume attacked Shinto they responded in their own way until they sued for peace.
simple politics. Good outcome.”
“Did it never make you wonder on why?”
“Not my job.......nor yours. Though I know enough that you’re plying the trade now. So, tit for tat then." She looks at the two of them.
“Indeed, it does seem that way or was it always that way.”
"What are the current court cases? Especially anything to do with the southern clans?"
“That is the question is it not, even that I do not know currently.”
"Somehow I don't believe you. How about I rephrase that. are there any court cases currently involving the southern clans?"
“Perhaps there is one that may be of interest though I am unsure if interesting in hiding Kami's is what you are after?”
"General information not made public is always good. Your turn."
“Ah yes and the trade companies trying to buy out many of the public markets.”
"Common knowledge your turn."
Tatsuo speaks up, “Orochi, where did he get off too?"
Drasta taps her fingers for a moment with a smile. “And there is the real question.”
The woman considers and says, “Now that is a good question. This one is sharp. Some say he went into the forest west..........and never came out. simply disappeared. but there is more. So, these Kamis, who is hiding them?"
Drasta answers, “I hear the Oni are working with some sea leviathan on the south coasts near the man killers shore.”
The woman smiles, “Not my question. who is hiding the kami?”
“It would seem word has it there are some Marauder's keeping them away from the southern clans for their own benefit.”
The woman leans back thinking. “Ask away then.”
“What is it you know of the occurrences two years ago.”
Tatsuo grabs Drasta’s hand and shakes his head. "Never mind that. Tell us the more to the story? There is more isn’t there?”
The besshikime smiles. "Well now. It seems this forest is........slightly cursed. You see, most locals go in and out of there with no problem.... but...........but occasionally.......someone simply disappears never to be heard from again. Now, do you know where to find these kami?”
Drasta answers her. “Far along the coast where the sands turn to clay and the fields turn to jungle, they have a camp setup in an ancient tree. If the word is true, they harbor them in that place, but it has yet to be seen exactly where in the area.”
She smiles, "I think we are done here. Be at peace then." She gets up bows slightly and leaves.
Drasta takes a sip of her drink. “Well, it seems perhaps we have what we have here.”
Tatsuo thinks for a long while. “Looks like we take a ride. After some rest.”
Drasta nods in agreement.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
A serving girl comes to their table. She is older, shying away from Tatsuo a bit as they order food and tea. Drasta keeps her voice hushed. “Do your best to relax and blend.” She does her best to carry out a general calm conversation with him and listens to the room, keeping him advised of it as they wait for someone to come along.
After quite a while another besshikime comes over. “Looks like warm company. Perhaps I could sit with the two of you." She appraises Tatsuo with a keen eye.
Drasta half smiles and nods ordering another cup for them. “Sister.”
The woman speaks after receiving tea. “So, what’s a young lord doing here.........and an elven besshikime.... Ummm only one I know and that would be in service to the Hojo family."
“We had some time to rest on our journey so we thought it may be prudent to gather information to better understand what we need.” Drasta gives a small chuckle. “We are always working even when we aren’t is that not so sister.”
The other woman looks between the two of them. “What kind of information?”
“Perhaps an understanding of the border hostilities, no?” Drasta says, looking to Tatsuo
“Haven’t been any border hostilities in a few years now.” She replies. Tatsuo stays silent and listens.
“Indeed, but one has a curiosity on what caused what has come to past to learn that it be better taken care of in the future.” Drasta comments casually.
“Barasume attacked Shinto they responded in their own way until they sued for peace.
simple politics. Good outcome.”
“Did it never make you wonder on why?”
“Not my job.......nor yours. Though I know enough that you’re plying the trade now. So, tit for tat then." She looks at the two of them.
“Indeed, it does seem that way or was it always that way.”
"What are the current court cases? Especially anything to do with the southern clans?"
“That is the question is it not, even that I do not know currently.”
"Somehow I don't believe you. How about I rephrase that. are there any court cases currently involving the southern clans?"
“Perhaps there is one that may be of interest though I am unsure if interesting in hiding Kami's is what you are after?”
"General information not made public is always good. Your turn."
“Ah yes and the trade companies trying to buy out many of the public markets.”
"Common knowledge your turn."
Tatsuo speaks up, “Orochi, where did he get off too?"
Drasta taps her fingers for a moment with a smile. “And there is the real question.”
The woman considers and says, “Now that is a good question. This one is sharp. Some say he went into the forest west..........and never came out. simply disappeared. but there is more. So, these Kamis, who is hiding them?"
Drasta answers, “I hear the Oni are working with some sea leviathan on the south coasts near the man killers shore.”
The woman smiles, “Not my question. who is hiding the kami?”
“It would seem word has it there are some Marauder's keeping them away from the southern clans for their own benefit.”
The woman leans back thinking. “Ask away then.”
“What is it you know of the occurrences two years ago.”
Tatsuo grabs Drasta’s hand and shakes his head. "Never mind that. Tell us the more to the story? There is more isn’t there?”
The besshikime smiles. "Well now. It seems this forest is........slightly cursed. You see, most locals go in and out of there with no problem.... but...........but occasionally.......someone simply disappears never to be heard from again. Now, do you know where to find these kami?”
Drasta answers her. “Far along the coast where the sands turn to clay and the fields turn to jungle, they have a camp setup in an ancient tree. If the word is true, they harbor them in that place, but it has yet to be seen exactly where in the area.”
She smiles, "I think we are done here. Be at peace then." She gets up bows slightly and leaves.
Drasta takes a sip of her drink. “Well, it seems perhaps we have what we have here.”
Tatsuo thinks for a long while. “Looks like we take a ride. After some rest.”
Drasta nods in agreement.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
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Winterhawk99
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
In the morning, they pack up the horses. Drasta asks Tatsuo, “Where would you like to go? I don’t think I would take a single person to the cursed forest.”
His answer, “The cursed forest of course.”
The two of them head into the woods. It’s rather open though tropical. Trees have good spacing the country gets hilly. They search for miles but only find natural animals. There seems to be almost no nuisance animals around, nor are there tracks of big cats, bears or other dangers.
Deep in the forest Tatsuo notices nothing, however Drasta keeps finding faint signs of weapons training along patches of the woods that have been meticulously cleaned up afterward. All the traces are very faint. sword marks on trees, dirt moved a certain way. an arrow in the branches deep within a large bush. Forms seem to come just into view of the two of them but instead of advancing they seem to slowly retreat out of Drasta’s sight. She keeps her voice hushed. “We are not alone but they do not wish to be seen.”
As they wander the forest they spot a rather large cave entrance. Drasta points towards it and stops. “This could be dangerous.”
Tatsuo looks at the cave. "We need to find answers don't we Drasta? He swallows hard. Courage to go into the unknown. That is the path...... right?"
She nods, “We must have courage to journey where others will not, and I will be by your side.”
He looks at the cave and then at Drasta. "Umm ok....... You go first." She nods and keeps him close behind.
The cave is very large. It goes in for about 50 years then there’s cross tunnels that start to split off in other directions. The walls are very smooth. Tatsuo picks up a stone and throws it. When it hits, echoes reverberate throughout the tunnel system.
The elf looks across the floor for recent tracks and for what they could be. Though she finds no tracks the dirt floor looks like it has washboards in it. “Interesting.” She says quietly. She keeps note of where they are coming and going so they do not get lost and heads in a bit further keeping her eyes and ears aware.
There is suddenly a rumble of something moving. something big moving above them. It comes from Their right and goes to the pairs left then comes back but this time seems to go below them. Drasta pulls Tatsuo very close to her placing a hand on her rapier. “We’ve not come to fight unless we have no choice.” She shouts.
A deep voice issues suddenly from all around you echoing through the chambers. "I SMELL FEY ELF. WHERE IS YOUR QUEEN OF FIRE ELF. WAITING SOMEWHERE READY TO CARVE MY HIDE?"
“I have no queen I am not from these lands by origin.”
There is a deep reverberating chuckle. “. "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. YOU AND THE PAWN LEAVE MY ABODE LESS I KEEP THE BOTH OF YOU AS PETS. THEN IT WILL FORCE HER TO COME AND PAY HOMAGE. LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN."
“Apologies we only came to gain knowledge from Orochi.” She looks to Tatsuo. “Perhaps we will not find that one today we should heed the warning and seek their aid elsewhere.” The young man nods, Fear in his eyes.
She nods affirming him. “We will find the knowledge that we need I promise you this...I only wish this one could give us direction or aid as well since it does seem to know many things.” She says as they turn around walking out with Tatsuo.
"LEAVE THEN. THESE AFFAIRS ARE NOT YOUR CONCERN NOR ARE THEY FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. NOW GO BEFORE THIS INTRUSION IS NO LONGER FORGIVEN." Tatsuo's nerve breaks and he runs for the exit. Drasta follows quickly behind.
She finds him by the horses hyperventilating. "Whatever that was. I don't want to find out." He squeezes out between deep uneasy breaths.
She looks back towards where the cave is. “Curious is it not though”. Then she looks at him. “Apologies for it frightening you though you should not let something powerful scare you such.”
Tatsuo closes his eyes for a moment to steady himself. "Let’s go.... I think we need to get out of here and these woods."
The elf takes a general look around them. “Perhaps Orochi will find us...or he already has.” They make it to town in good order. Nothing disturbs them. Once there she asks, “Shall we continue our journey unless you have another direction you would like to head?”
They search the town for several more days but pick up on no more information. The two head home.
When they get back, they find Miwa waiting in her office. She is at her desk doing paperwork. With her is a tall man. He is 6ft 2 inches tall and very muscular. He towers over everyone. Miwa stands.
Drasta and Tatsuo bow. Drasta steps to the side. After honorifics Miwa doesn’t hesitate. She says, “I think I have found a way to improve your training. This is master Miako of clan Taira. He comes highly recommended from several temples. He will help with your training Tatsuo." The man bows respectfully.
Drasta notices there seems to be something slightly off in the man. His mouth is slightly too big, and his pupils are not perfect circles, they are slightly elongated north to south. She stares him down directly studying every feature then looks at Miwa.
The man says, "Greetings Tatsuo. I am to train you in flexibility and movement. It has been some time since the courts of Kozakura have honored me to be present. Please call me Orochi."
Miwa looks at everyone then sits down. "Now that, that is over what news do you two bring me?"
Tatsuo looks a bit in shock then looks to Drasta, "Its best Drasta pass the information along that we found."
“The news stands before you in form.” Drasta is still staring directly at Orochi.
Miwa looks to Drasta, "What do you mean....... please explain?"
Drasta generalizes the information they gathered including the venture in information they were able to gather and venture into the woods. “If you will pardon my manners...This is the one who we were following that trail of information...”
Miwa looks at the man. "You are dismissed master Miako. Never enter this abode again."
He bows to her. "My apologies Lady Hojo." He is about to leave then he places his hand on Tatsuo’s head and rustles his hair. "I could have made something of the boy, Lady Fire but alas it is not meant to be." He then leaves walking to the gate and disappears down the trail." Drasta watches him leave.
Miwa looks up to Drasta. "Thank you once again Drasta. You have helped keep this family safe once again."
The besshikime dips her head, “It is my honor to help my friend at any time.”
Miwa brings in other monks to help train Tatsuo in combat and flexibility during the rest of the year, but he still lags behind in his training.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
His answer, “The cursed forest of course.”
The two of them head into the woods. It’s rather open though tropical. Trees have good spacing the country gets hilly. They search for miles but only find natural animals. There seems to be almost no nuisance animals around, nor are there tracks of big cats, bears or other dangers.
Deep in the forest Tatsuo notices nothing, however Drasta keeps finding faint signs of weapons training along patches of the woods that have been meticulously cleaned up afterward. All the traces are very faint. sword marks on trees, dirt moved a certain way. an arrow in the branches deep within a large bush. Forms seem to come just into view of the two of them but instead of advancing they seem to slowly retreat out of Drasta’s sight. She keeps her voice hushed. “We are not alone but they do not wish to be seen.”
As they wander the forest they spot a rather large cave entrance. Drasta points towards it and stops. “This could be dangerous.”
Tatsuo looks at the cave. "We need to find answers don't we Drasta? He swallows hard. Courage to go into the unknown. That is the path...... right?"
She nods, “We must have courage to journey where others will not, and I will be by your side.”
He looks at the cave and then at Drasta. "Umm ok....... You go first." She nods and keeps him close behind.
The cave is very large. It goes in for about 50 years then there’s cross tunnels that start to split off in other directions. The walls are very smooth. Tatsuo picks up a stone and throws it. When it hits, echoes reverberate throughout the tunnel system.
The elf looks across the floor for recent tracks and for what they could be. Though she finds no tracks the dirt floor looks like it has washboards in it. “Interesting.” She says quietly. She keeps note of where they are coming and going so they do not get lost and heads in a bit further keeping her eyes and ears aware.
There is suddenly a rumble of something moving. something big moving above them. It comes from Their right and goes to the pairs left then comes back but this time seems to go below them. Drasta pulls Tatsuo very close to her placing a hand on her rapier. “We’ve not come to fight unless we have no choice.” She shouts.
A deep voice issues suddenly from all around you echoing through the chambers. "I SMELL FEY ELF. WHERE IS YOUR QUEEN OF FIRE ELF. WAITING SOMEWHERE READY TO CARVE MY HIDE?"
“I have no queen I am not from these lands by origin.”
There is a deep reverberating chuckle. “. "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. YOU AND THE PAWN LEAVE MY ABODE LESS I KEEP THE BOTH OF YOU AS PETS. THEN IT WILL FORCE HER TO COME AND PAY HOMAGE. LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN."
“Apologies we only came to gain knowledge from Orochi.” She looks to Tatsuo. “Perhaps we will not find that one today we should heed the warning and seek their aid elsewhere.” The young man nods, Fear in his eyes.
She nods affirming him. “We will find the knowledge that we need I promise you this...I only wish this one could give us direction or aid as well since it does seem to know many things.” She says as they turn around walking out with Tatsuo.
"LEAVE THEN. THESE AFFAIRS ARE NOT YOUR CONCERN NOR ARE THEY FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. NOW GO BEFORE THIS INTRUSION IS NO LONGER FORGIVEN." Tatsuo's nerve breaks and he runs for the exit. Drasta follows quickly behind.
She finds him by the horses hyperventilating. "Whatever that was. I don't want to find out." He squeezes out between deep uneasy breaths.
She looks back towards where the cave is. “Curious is it not though”. Then she looks at him. “Apologies for it frightening you though you should not let something powerful scare you such.”
Tatsuo closes his eyes for a moment to steady himself. "Let’s go.... I think we need to get out of here and these woods."
The elf takes a general look around them. “Perhaps Orochi will find us...or he already has.” They make it to town in good order. Nothing disturbs them. Once there she asks, “Shall we continue our journey unless you have another direction you would like to head?”
They search the town for several more days but pick up on no more information. The two head home.
When they get back, they find Miwa waiting in her office. She is at her desk doing paperwork. With her is a tall man. He is 6ft 2 inches tall and very muscular. He towers over everyone. Miwa stands.
Drasta and Tatsuo bow. Drasta steps to the side. After honorifics Miwa doesn’t hesitate. She says, “I think I have found a way to improve your training. This is master Miako of clan Taira. He comes highly recommended from several temples. He will help with your training Tatsuo." The man bows respectfully.
Drasta notices there seems to be something slightly off in the man. His mouth is slightly too big, and his pupils are not perfect circles, they are slightly elongated north to south. She stares him down directly studying every feature then looks at Miwa.
The man says, "Greetings Tatsuo. I am to train you in flexibility and movement. It has been some time since the courts of Kozakura have honored me to be present. Please call me Orochi."
Miwa looks at everyone then sits down. "Now that, that is over what news do you two bring me?"
Tatsuo looks a bit in shock then looks to Drasta, "Its best Drasta pass the information along that we found."
“The news stands before you in form.” Drasta is still staring directly at Orochi.
Miwa looks to Drasta, "What do you mean....... please explain?"
Drasta generalizes the information they gathered including the venture in information they were able to gather and venture into the woods. “If you will pardon my manners...This is the one who we were following that trail of information...”
Miwa looks at the man. "You are dismissed master Miako. Never enter this abode again."
He bows to her. "My apologies Lady Hojo." He is about to leave then he places his hand on Tatsuo’s head and rustles his hair. "I could have made something of the boy, Lady Fire but alas it is not meant to be." He then leaves walking to the gate and disappears down the trail." Drasta watches him leave.
Miwa looks up to Drasta. "Thank you once again Drasta. You have helped keep this family safe once again."
The besshikime dips her head, “It is my honor to help my friend at any time.”
Miwa brings in other monks to help train Tatsuo in combat and flexibility during the rest of the year, but he still lags behind in his training.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
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Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
After about two weeks Tatsuo is at the end of the docks. The fishing junks have all left. He sits under him and the other up his foot on the ground and his knee at head level. He is drinking tea and watching the water. His mother, Uesuki Hikari, walks across the pier up to him with a tea kettle and sits down. “You have kept to yourself and quiet these last weeks. Is all well?”
“I’ve been having dreams of my past…. Concurrent dreams.”
She looks out upon the water with him. “The gods may be speaking to you, or your soul may be out of balance. These last years they have been hard, relatively speaking. We have lost so many. Have you considered going to temple?”
He shakes his head. “No, I have not. At least not as of yet. I am considering abdicating the position of ambassador. I did not do well in that land, Amia. A good start perhaps. A bad end indeed. Perhaps my place is here protecting my people.”
“Have you spoken to the Hojo court as of yet?”
Tatsuo shakes his head. “They left it to me.”
“You are a great lawyer, Son. You are also the Dragonfly. It may be best to stay. Did you enjoy your wanderings in the west?”
Tatsuo thinks a long time, “They are a dirty people, they do not wash often. The towns smell of refuse. The people…. They are like people everywhere but with less sense of family and duty than here at home. In fact, I did not enjoy it. I would advise others not to go there. There is plenty of trade, yes but they do not live like we do, nor do they think like we do. I don’t believe that I am the man to be an ambassador.”
“When do you have to decide?”
“After my mourning period.”
His mother smiles, “Well you have another month Tatsuo. You still have some time. We will await your decision.” She pours more tea in his bowl and leaves him to his meditation. Tatsuo slowly sips his tea and begins to daydream then goes into a trance taking him back to the past.
Tatsuo is doing wonderfully in his court training, but his combat training is still lagging behind. His grandmother, Miwa, has hired several monks to help him but he still can’t move like a hummingbird. Miwa is silently angry and disappointed in his progress.
Miwa is in her office when one of Tatsuo’s monk teachers comes in. She looks up from her paperwork and stands. He bows to her, and she recognizes him. Miwa asks, “What is it Tomoki?”
“I believe we have made some progress.........It is different from what you would imagine, and it is a small thing, but I believe effective."
Miwa retrieves her walking stick, “Let us see then.” They go out to the practice grounds behind the house used where there are no guests around. Drasta as ever follows her matron. They find Tatsuo now 13 and growing fast and an 11-year-old apprentice. Tatsuo seems somewhat excited.
Miwa leans on her staff and nods her head. The girl draws her katana and attacks Tatsuo who is unarmed. Each attack she tries to make, he dodges by stepping out of the way. It seems he is somehow anticipating her every stroke. Miwa watches for some time then looks at her besshikime.
Drasta looks on saying quietly, “Interesting.”
"He's countering the hummingbird style......" Miwa says. She thinks for a moment. "Get Kyo. She likes to rub Tatsuo's face in the dirt. Let us see what she can do with this."
Drasta cracks a small smile. “Indeed, let us see what he can really do.” Drasta departs to retrieve the girl. She finds Kyo on a warhorse working an obstacle course.
Drasta walks up to the horse and gives a light bow, “You are needed by request of lady Miwa.”
“What does grandmother want, Drasta?” Takara starts to saunter over after observing the scene.
She comes up on them. “Drasta what is going on?”
Drasta looks up at the smallish girl. “She would request you spar with Tatsuo to test his training. It is quite...” pauses for some time. “Interesting.”
Kyo smiles, "That dumb ass still here. Maybe this time I'll get him to quit!"
Drasta chuckles lightly, “I am not so sure that will be this time.”
When Kyo gets down Takara slaps her, "Mind yourself, girl!"
It doesn’t faze Kyo one bit. "Let’s get this over with then."
“I will spare you the unpleasantness of a quick trip so we shall walk.” Drasta says. She
gives a light bow to Takara as well, forgetting a moment.
Takara nods, "I'll come to. If you say it’s interesting, then It will be something."
“I feel it may be quite the showing.” Drasta responds.
The three of them head over to the area Miwa and the others are. Tatsuo and the monk Tomoki are talking softly while Miwa is still leaning on her walking stick listening. Drasta takes her place by Miwa’s side with a bow. “As requested,”
Miwa looks Kyo up and down. "I want you to spar with Tatsuo. Cut him if you can." Drasta gives a slight chuckle at that.
Kyo draws her sword, “Can I kill him?” Drasta gives the young lady a slight glare.
Miwa looks at Tatsuo and the monk. She turns to the others. “A moment.” She shuffles over to the young man and the monk, and they speak quietly. After they talk for a while. Tatsuo looks a bit afraid. Miwa and the monk speak to each other both speak to him. After some time, Miwa shuffles back. "Yes, Kill him.......... If you can."
Kyo smiles. then frowns, "He doesn't have a sword."
Miwa says, "Perhaps he doesn't need one."
Kyo smirks and draws her sword moving up to Tatsuo and Tomoki. Tatsuo looks nervous and scared while the monk sets up the fight. Takara nearly screams, "What in the hells are you doing, mother!" Drasta keeps a keen eye on Tatsuo’s moves with a smile.
Miwa simply comments, "The shadow of death is sometimes the only way to find one’s true potential."
Takara looks at you, "Drasta! Do something! They're still children!"
“Indeed. I am not worried though.” Drasta flatly states.
Miwa turns to her daughter, "Silence. Did you forget my testing?" Takara shuts up but is clearly distressed.
Drasta gives Takara a nod and focuses her attention once again to the children quietly saying, “This will be interesting indeed.”
Tatsuo and Kyo square off. Kyo attacks first with single swings. Tatsuo avoids the blade again and again with a single step and turn. As they spare Kyo gets angrier and angrier. She starts to use combinations as trained in the hummingbird style. Tatsuo struggles somewhat but seems to avoid the blade time and time again. Sometimes having to roll and swing away to avoid any counter. After some 15 minutes Kyo shouts out a war cry to her ancestors and goes into full attack mode. In a devastating combination. Tatsuo avoids the first three strikes, but the 4th clips him along the ribs. He manages to grab the sword in the back and punch her full force in her nose. She falls back on the ground in pain. Tatsuo has her sword but is bleeding quite badly.
Miwa calls out, "Enough!"
Takara shakes her head, "I can't believe it!"
Drasta has a big smile on her face, but she keeps herself looking at Miwa. “After, shall I treat the boy’s wounds?”
Miwa nods, "get him cleaned up and both of you come to my office. I will speak to Tomoki."
Drasta gives a bow and approaches Tatsuo pulling out some bandages and a small potion bottle. “Come let us get you cleaned up.”
Tatsuo huffs, "Is grandmother mad, again? I'm still not sure why she would let Kyo try to kill me. OH, Gods! It hurts to even talk"
The elf chuckles lightly, “I do not know for sure young one.” She hands him the small potion bottle for him to drink and takes him to a private room to clean and dress his wound. “We will be speaking to her shortly.” He nods and follows.
Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPd
“I’ve been having dreams of my past…. Concurrent dreams.”
She looks out upon the water with him. “The gods may be speaking to you, or your soul may be out of balance. These last years they have been hard, relatively speaking. We have lost so many. Have you considered going to temple?”
He shakes his head. “No, I have not. At least not as of yet. I am considering abdicating the position of ambassador. I did not do well in that land, Amia. A good start perhaps. A bad end indeed. Perhaps my place is here protecting my people.”
“Have you spoken to the Hojo court as of yet?”
Tatsuo shakes his head. “They left it to me.”
“You are a great lawyer, Son. You are also the Dragonfly. It may be best to stay. Did you enjoy your wanderings in the west?”
Tatsuo thinks a long time, “They are a dirty people, they do not wash often. The towns smell of refuse. The people…. They are like people everywhere but with less sense of family and duty than here at home. In fact, I did not enjoy it. I would advise others not to go there. There is plenty of trade, yes but they do not live like we do, nor do they think like we do. I don’t believe that I am the man to be an ambassador.”
“When do you have to decide?”
“After my mourning period.”
His mother smiles, “Well you have another month Tatsuo. You still have some time. We will await your decision.” She pours more tea in his bowl and leaves him to his meditation. Tatsuo slowly sips his tea and begins to daydream then goes into a trance taking him back to the past.
Tatsuo is doing wonderfully in his court training, but his combat training is still lagging behind. His grandmother, Miwa, has hired several monks to help him but he still can’t move like a hummingbird. Miwa is silently angry and disappointed in his progress.
Miwa is in her office when one of Tatsuo’s monk teachers comes in. She looks up from her paperwork and stands. He bows to her, and she recognizes him. Miwa asks, “What is it Tomoki?”
“I believe we have made some progress.........It is different from what you would imagine, and it is a small thing, but I believe effective."
Miwa retrieves her walking stick, “Let us see then.” They go out to the practice grounds behind the house used where there are no guests around. Drasta as ever follows her matron. They find Tatsuo now 13 and growing fast and an 11-year-old apprentice. Tatsuo seems somewhat excited.
Miwa leans on her staff and nods her head. The girl draws her katana and attacks Tatsuo who is unarmed. Each attack she tries to make, he dodges by stepping out of the way. It seems he is somehow anticipating her every stroke. Miwa watches for some time then looks at her besshikime.
Drasta looks on saying quietly, “Interesting.”
"He's countering the hummingbird style......" Miwa says. She thinks for a moment. "Get Kyo. She likes to rub Tatsuo's face in the dirt. Let us see what she can do with this."
Drasta cracks a small smile. “Indeed, let us see what he can really do.” Drasta departs to retrieve the girl. She finds Kyo on a warhorse working an obstacle course.
Drasta walks up to the horse and gives a light bow, “You are needed by request of lady Miwa.”
“What does grandmother want, Drasta?” Takara starts to saunter over after observing the scene.
She comes up on them. “Drasta what is going on?”
Drasta looks up at the smallish girl. “She would request you spar with Tatsuo to test his training. It is quite...” pauses for some time. “Interesting.”
Kyo smiles, "That dumb ass still here. Maybe this time I'll get him to quit!"
Drasta chuckles lightly, “I am not so sure that will be this time.”
When Kyo gets down Takara slaps her, "Mind yourself, girl!"
It doesn’t faze Kyo one bit. "Let’s get this over with then."
“I will spare you the unpleasantness of a quick trip so we shall walk.” Drasta says. She
gives a light bow to Takara as well, forgetting a moment.
Takara nods, "I'll come to. If you say it’s interesting, then It will be something."
“I feel it may be quite the showing.” Drasta responds.
The three of them head over to the area Miwa and the others are. Tatsuo and the monk Tomoki are talking softly while Miwa is still leaning on her walking stick listening. Drasta takes her place by Miwa’s side with a bow. “As requested,”
Miwa looks Kyo up and down. "I want you to spar with Tatsuo. Cut him if you can." Drasta gives a slight chuckle at that.
Kyo draws her sword, “Can I kill him?” Drasta gives the young lady a slight glare.
Miwa looks at Tatsuo and the monk. She turns to the others. “A moment.” She shuffles over to the young man and the monk, and they speak quietly. After they talk for a while. Tatsuo looks a bit afraid. Miwa and the monk speak to each other both speak to him. After some time, Miwa shuffles back. "Yes, Kill him.......... If you can."
Kyo smiles. then frowns, "He doesn't have a sword."
Miwa says, "Perhaps he doesn't need one."
Kyo smirks and draws her sword moving up to Tatsuo and Tomoki. Tatsuo looks nervous and scared while the monk sets up the fight. Takara nearly screams, "What in the hells are you doing, mother!" Drasta keeps a keen eye on Tatsuo’s moves with a smile.
Miwa simply comments, "The shadow of death is sometimes the only way to find one’s true potential."
Takara looks at you, "Drasta! Do something! They're still children!"
“Indeed. I am not worried though.” Drasta flatly states.
Miwa turns to her daughter, "Silence. Did you forget my testing?" Takara shuts up but is clearly distressed.
Drasta gives Takara a nod and focuses her attention once again to the children quietly saying, “This will be interesting indeed.”
Tatsuo and Kyo square off. Kyo attacks first with single swings. Tatsuo avoids the blade again and again with a single step and turn. As they spare Kyo gets angrier and angrier. She starts to use combinations as trained in the hummingbird style. Tatsuo struggles somewhat but seems to avoid the blade time and time again. Sometimes having to roll and swing away to avoid any counter. After some 15 minutes Kyo shouts out a war cry to her ancestors and goes into full attack mode. In a devastating combination. Tatsuo avoids the first three strikes, but the 4th clips him along the ribs. He manages to grab the sword in the back and punch her full force in her nose. She falls back on the ground in pain. Tatsuo has her sword but is bleeding quite badly.
Miwa calls out, "Enough!"
Takara shakes her head, "I can't believe it!"
Drasta has a big smile on her face, but she keeps herself looking at Miwa. “After, shall I treat the boy’s wounds?”
Miwa nods, "get him cleaned up and both of you come to my office. I will speak to Tomoki."
Drasta gives a bow and approaches Tatsuo pulling out some bandages and a small potion bottle. “Come let us get you cleaned up.”
Tatsuo huffs, "Is grandmother mad, again? I'm still not sure why she would let Kyo try to kill me. OH, Gods! It hurts to even talk"
The elf chuckles lightly, “I do not know for sure young one.” She hands him the small potion bottle for him to drink and takes him to a private room to clean and dress his wound. “We will be speaking to her shortly.” He nods and follows.
Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
As they enter Drasta closes the door and carefully removes his shirt and applying the bandaging shortly after while humming a calming song. “Drink that vial it will help with the pain and healing. You did well considering in my thoughts.”
"I still can’t move and fight like a hummingbird."
“Perhaps not or ever....But you did something…” She pauses a few moments. “Similar yet different...”
Tatsuo sighs, “What does she want? It's been awhile since I was called to her office to get chewed out."
“Even I do not know exactly what she wishes to discuss. But we must make you look the best as we can. You will need a new shirt. Contemplates a moment in her own head since they are not in his room You may want to hold your breath and close your eyes a moment while we get to your room...” He nods.
She makes sure there are no peepers looking into the room a second and shadow jumps them to his room waiting a moment seeing how long he can hold his breath. He's 13 and training to be samurai. He can hold his breath fairly well. not like a swimmer but still fairly well. He dresses quickly and gets ready to see his grandmother. Drasta checks him over for appearance and gives him a nod. “Shall we find out what your grandmother wants now.”
They go to her office. She’s waiting. After honorifics she says, "A small glimmer of hope. You still can’t use a sword very well Tatsuo, but you have a few more years before you have to take your testing. I have a mission for the two of you."
Drasta tips her head slightly sideways and nods. Miwa continues. "The southern clans have been fighting one another for position for almost two centuries before things of late have quieted down. I want the two of you to go to the imperial archives and find what you may on this. Something has been haunting me in the back of my mind on this for some time now. Why the constant hostilities. Even sometimes between ally clans. I am not sure what it is, but I am starting to believe there is a source somewhere."
Drasta states flatly, “I see.”
Miwa looks pained while looking at some notes. “I don't think it the usual position jousting as it was almost constant for several centuries and now that the southern clans are calmed down the Northern section is heating up. It seems after the invasion things suddenly have become unsettled among the northern clans. See what you can find Tatsuo, Drasta."
Drasta nods, “Indeed, we will bring back as much as possible.” She then looks at the young man. “We shall succeed, yes?”
Tatsuo nods. Miwa gives them both passes into the imperial compound and to the archives themselves. “Your next stop is Dojyu. In the morning you leave and go to the imperial city. Is there anything you want to do before you go to the archives?”
As they get to the city Drasta takes a turn to the middle residential district. She finds a small home bringing Tatsuo along with her. She gives a gentle knock on the door. An elder woman opens it and looks at Drasta closely. “Oh, it’s that damn elf again. What am I to do?” The old woman half smirks.
Drasta gently chuckles and puts Tatsuo in front of her. “Still up for training new recruits?” She then breaks into a big smile. Tatsuo looks confused.
The old woman laughs, “Well mind your manners. This is my home.”
Drasta lets out a slight playful snicker, “Indeed.”
"Oh, I'm past that. Too many wounds. Is your lady still alive, I hope?"
Drasta gives a gentle nod, “And this is her grandson. We were tasked to come to the city and I thought I would visit an old friend.”
"Well come in. I'll make some tea. Make sure he knows to take his shoes off. He may be a lord, but the rules still apply." Tatsuo bows takes off his shoes and places them to the side. She lets the two of you in and herds you into the kitchen. She sits down and starts some tea.
Drasta smiles, “I hope you have been well in your retirement.”
She nods, "It's ok. Life is slower, duller. I get a few visitors now and again but most of the companions have died now. Sometimes a girl comes and asks for advice. That livens things up. Who is this?"
Tatsuo speaks up, “Tatsuo, ma’am.” Drasta gives a gentle nod after.
Haru smiles, “So informal. So be it Tatsuo. Drasta may not have told you but once upon a time I trained the very best of Barasume Besshikimes."
Drasta has a small smirk, “Indeed and one day I showed up on her door step as it were.”
“And made my life a living hell since.” She snickers.
Drasta lets out a laugh, “Trouble always did seem to find its way into that time.”
She laughs. "One day the samurai took her away. I found her passed out drunk with a fortune of coins laying around her. I never asked how she made it. I found her in the mayor's basement, no less."
Drasta chuckles, “Indeed...A small hangover incurred that morning. Though I do not remember much of that night.” She says chuckling, “I think I prefer being a statue though over that.”
"Yes, that’s the thing and why I didn't ask. I ran her 10 miles that morning. She fertilized quite a bit of the path."
Drasta looks down a bit. “Many flowers grew that day.”
“Aye the statue test is one of my standards. You have to be on guard all the time. And for you Tatsuo there is purpose. You need to listen for your lady. Besshikimes are not only bodyguards. They are a font of information for their ladies. So, I turn them into statues so to speak and make them stand the whole day motionless in a public area. I then would make them repeat all that they heard. Quite the test and many fail the first few times.”
“Indeed, one must be good at the ears and the mind.” Drasta says as she drifts off into memory.
Tatsuo nods. "I fear I would fail such a test. I move too much. Though at listening I'm fairly good training to be a lawyer."
Haru chuckles, "Well court cases are few comparatively with wandering samurai and ronin taking out instant justice. but I guess there would be many still."
Drasta nods, “Indeed though one must be good with the mind and their patience with such work.”
Tatsuo nods, "Still even in the empire things will change. Perhaps one day the emperor will hold more sway over the shogunate."
Haru chuckles, "A dreamer then. Hold on to a small part of that in later years. So why are you two in the city. Is there court?"
Drasta shakes her head. “Afraid not. We are to find some information in the archives.”
Haru nods, "Archives. Sounds like a rather mundane task for a besshikime and a young lord........ Anything to it? Something your Lady must need badly."
“Indeed, though she wishes for information about the conflicts between the clans. Perhaps that is what makes this somewhat dangerous.” Drasta comments.
"Far as I know clans have always been fighting for territory. It’s like the tides. A small reprieve then two clans start a war. It's been like that for centuries. if Kozakura ever unified there would be many samurai and besshikime out of work"
Drasta nods, “Indeed, though perhaps something lies deeper in this.”
"Aye perhaps. I'm not among the courts now. I do not know what the lords and ladies of court are saying. Nor any of the magistrates. I have settled down to enjoy my elder years."
Drasta chuckles, “Indeed perhaps it is better you have your time to relax.”
Haru looks up and back to her guests, “Shin visits occasionally with a new invention. I do enjoy our talks.”
“It is nice that you still get our friends company on occasion. I must apologize that I do not get away from my duties to visit more. I feel it may be a few hundred years before I am able to have this luxury.”
"I enjoyed it. Thank you for coming." Haru smiles.
Drasta gives a deep nod. “I do miss our talks.”
She smiles. "I do too. You are always welcome to come again when you have time, Drasta. My you look as young as the day we met. I will have a few more years."
The elf chuckles, “The luxury of being mortal...she sighs a moment I am sorry your time is so short...”
Haru laughs, “We all have our time Drasta, You will too. I do not know how long elves live but may your protect your family for many generations."
Drasta looks down at Tatsuo a bit more seriously. “Indeed, that is my plan. If you can, please come visit, at your leisure, if you are able.”
"Well, I should not keep you from your duties any longer. Come back. I may open some whiskey I keep in the back and invite some men next time if you give me a heads up."
Drasta laughs, “Aye men for you. The whiskey for me.” Tatsuo suddenly looks uncomfortable.
The elf stands and bows. “It was a pleasure seeing you well and alive. I will take you on that offer when I have leave.”
Haru remembers something. “Oh, that’s right maybe some girls too.” Drasta gives her a smirk. Haru starts to clean up. The two say their good-byes and head off to the archives.
Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPd
"I still can’t move and fight like a hummingbird."
“Perhaps not or ever....But you did something…” She pauses a few moments. “Similar yet different...”
Tatsuo sighs, “What does she want? It's been awhile since I was called to her office to get chewed out."
“Even I do not know exactly what she wishes to discuss. But we must make you look the best as we can. You will need a new shirt. Contemplates a moment in her own head since they are not in his room You may want to hold your breath and close your eyes a moment while we get to your room...” He nods.
She makes sure there are no peepers looking into the room a second and shadow jumps them to his room waiting a moment seeing how long he can hold his breath. He's 13 and training to be samurai. He can hold his breath fairly well. not like a swimmer but still fairly well. He dresses quickly and gets ready to see his grandmother. Drasta checks him over for appearance and gives him a nod. “Shall we find out what your grandmother wants now.”
They go to her office. She’s waiting. After honorifics she says, "A small glimmer of hope. You still can’t use a sword very well Tatsuo, but you have a few more years before you have to take your testing. I have a mission for the two of you."
Drasta tips her head slightly sideways and nods. Miwa continues. "The southern clans have been fighting one another for position for almost two centuries before things of late have quieted down. I want the two of you to go to the imperial archives and find what you may on this. Something has been haunting me in the back of my mind on this for some time now. Why the constant hostilities. Even sometimes between ally clans. I am not sure what it is, but I am starting to believe there is a source somewhere."
Drasta states flatly, “I see.”
Miwa looks pained while looking at some notes. “I don't think it the usual position jousting as it was almost constant for several centuries and now that the southern clans are calmed down the Northern section is heating up. It seems after the invasion things suddenly have become unsettled among the northern clans. See what you can find Tatsuo, Drasta."
Drasta nods, “Indeed, we will bring back as much as possible.” She then looks at the young man. “We shall succeed, yes?”
Tatsuo nods. Miwa gives them both passes into the imperial compound and to the archives themselves. “Your next stop is Dojyu. In the morning you leave and go to the imperial city. Is there anything you want to do before you go to the archives?”
As they get to the city Drasta takes a turn to the middle residential district. She finds a small home bringing Tatsuo along with her. She gives a gentle knock on the door. An elder woman opens it and looks at Drasta closely. “Oh, it’s that damn elf again. What am I to do?” The old woman half smirks.
Drasta gently chuckles and puts Tatsuo in front of her. “Still up for training new recruits?” She then breaks into a big smile. Tatsuo looks confused.
The old woman laughs, “Well mind your manners. This is my home.”
Drasta lets out a slight playful snicker, “Indeed.”
"Oh, I'm past that. Too many wounds. Is your lady still alive, I hope?"
Drasta gives a gentle nod, “And this is her grandson. We were tasked to come to the city and I thought I would visit an old friend.”
"Well come in. I'll make some tea. Make sure he knows to take his shoes off. He may be a lord, but the rules still apply." Tatsuo bows takes off his shoes and places them to the side. She lets the two of you in and herds you into the kitchen. She sits down and starts some tea.
Drasta smiles, “I hope you have been well in your retirement.”
She nods, "It's ok. Life is slower, duller. I get a few visitors now and again but most of the companions have died now. Sometimes a girl comes and asks for advice. That livens things up. Who is this?"
Tatsuo speaks up, “Tatsuo, ma’am.” Drasta gives a gentle nod after.
Haru smiles, “So informal. So be it Tatsuo. Drasta may not have told you but once upon a time I trained the very best of Barasume Besshikimes."
Drasta has a small smirk, “Indeed and one day I showed up on her door step as it were.”
“And made my life a living hell since.” She snickers.
Drasta lets out a laugh, “Trouble always did seem to find its way into that time.”
She laughs. "One day the samurai took her away. I found her passed out drunk with a fortune of coins laying around her. I never asked how she made it. I found her in the mayor's basement, no less."
Drasta chuckles, “Indeed...A small hangover incurred that morning. Though I do not remember much of that night.” She says chuckling, “I think I prefer being a statue though over that.”
"Yes, that’s the thing and why I didn't ask. I ran her 10 miles that morning. She fertilized quite a bit of the path."
Drasta looks down a bit. “Many flowers grew that day.”
“Aye the statue test is one of my standards. You have to be on guard all the time. And for you Tatsuo there is purpose. You need to listen for your lady. Besshikimes are not only bodyguards. They are a font of information for their ladies. So, I turn them into statues so to speak and make them stand the whole day motionless in a public area. I then would make them repeat all that they heard. Quite the test and many fail the first few times.”
“Indeed, one must be good at the ears and the mind.” Drasta says as she drifts off into memory.
Tatsuo nods. "I fear I would fail such a test. I move too much. Though at listening I'm fairly good training to be a lawyer."
Haru chuckles, "Well court cases are few comparatively with wandering samurai and ronin taking out instant justice. but I guess there would be many still."
Drasta nods, “Indeed though one must be good with the mind and their patience with such work.”
Tatsuo nods, "Still even in the empire things will change. Perhaps one day the emperor will hold more sway over the shogunate."
Haru chuckles, "A dreamer then. Hold on to a small part of that in later years. So why are you two in the city. Is there court?"
Drasta shakes her head. “Afraid not. We are to find some information in the archives.”
Haru nods, "Archives. Sounds like a rather mundane task for a besshikime and a young lord........ Anything to it? Something your Lady must need badly."
“Indeed, though she wishes for information about the conflicts between the clans. Perhaps that is what makes this somewhat dangerous.” Drasta comments.
"Far as I know clans have always been fighting for territory. It’s like the tides. A small reprieve then two clans start a war. It's been like that for centuries. if Kozakura ever unified there would be many samurai and besshikime out of work"
Drasta nods, “Indeed, though perhaps something lies deeper in this.”
"Aye perhaps. I'm not among the courts now. I do not know what the lords and ladies of court are saying. Nor any of the magistrates. I have settled down to enjoy my elder years."
Drasta chuckles, “Indeed perhaps it is better you have your time to relax.”
Haru looks up and back to her guests, “Shin visits occasionally with a new invention. I do enjoy our talks.”
“It is nice that you still get our friends company on occasion. I must apologize that I do not get away from my duties to visit more. I feel it may be a few hundred years before I am able to have this luxury.”
"I enjoyed it. Thank you for coming." Haru smiles.
Drasta gives a deep nod. “I do miss our talks.”
She smiles. "I do too. You are always welcome to come again when you have time, Drasta. My you look as young as the day we met. I will have a few more years."
The elf chuckles, “The luxury of being mortal...she sighs a moment I am sorry your time is so short...”
Haru laughs, “We all have our time Drasta, You will too. I do not know how long elves live but may your protect your family for many generations."
Drasta looks down at Tatsuo a bit more seriously. “Indeed, that is my plan. If you can, please come visit, at your leisure, if you are able.”
"Well, I should not keep you from your duties any longer. Come back. I may open some whiskey I keep in the back and invite some men next time if you give me a heads up."
Drasta laughs, “Aye men for you. The whiskey for me.” Tatsuo suddenly looks uncomfortable.
The elf stands and bows. “It was a pleasure seeing you well and alive. I will take you on that offer when I have leave.”
Haru remembers something. “Oh, that’s right maybe some girls too.” Drasta gives her a smirk. Haru starts to clean up. The two say their good-byes and head off to the archives.
Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
The pair go through several check points and wind up in a great library that would rival the best in the west. There are thousands of rows of books and documents. all arrange by year and clan. There are of course many scholars, an occasional Wu-Jen and hundreds of attendants.
Drasta looks at Tatsuo. “Perhaps we start from the beginning.”
He scratches his head. "Southern clans several centuries ago? It’s pretty vague but that’s where we would start."
“Indeed. We need to read carefully and note anything of importance.”
They catch an attendant. She guides them to the southern clans’ section of the building and back a few centuries. Drasta comments, “Do look for missing pages as well. There may be things people do not want known.”
They search the archives of several clans for an hour and a half. Tatsuo looks over at her while reading. “Not sure but I found something.” She glances over his shoulder curiously.
He goes on, “Two and a half centuries ago two clans of the deep south went to war. Clan Shimari, and Clan Mazurwa. Clan Shimari not only completely destroyed the other clan, taking all of its territory. The victory was attributed to a scholar/advisor by the name of Chorio.” The rest of the section of the book has been inked out as if someone spilled it on the passages. “Is this what we are looking for?"
Drasta frowns, “Perhaps though what was hidden is more of value.”
Two scholars come near and sit down. They start talking to each other softly. Nothing pertinent at the moment. Tatsuo nods and moves on.
They go through many records over the next few hours. Drasta is the next to find something. She reads, “53 years ago there was a spirit folk advisor by the name of Horochi of the Shinto clan. He advised Miwa’s Uncle and father many times in and after court before Miwa’s mother died. He left mysteriously shortly after her death. During that time the fortunes of the Shinto clan multiplied 10-fold. They took quite a bit of territory from neighboring clans: but not by war, they acquired it negotiation and marriage.” She points the passage out to Tatsuo.
His brows go up, "Thats strange he isn’t mentioned in our oral Shinto history that I know of."
Drasta’s sensitive ears pick up whispers from the two scholars. “Have you heard about the Red Sunset?”
“Yes, a mysterious ninja clan that suddenly sprouted up in the north.”
"Theres rumors of their political maneuvers."
"What rumors?"
"Pitting clan against clan same as always but it seems they are quite effective. I heard their leader was a mysterious figure by the name of Pyrexia."
"Heard the same. What do you think the end game may be. They will never be in the forefront they are a ninja clan"
"Don’t know we'll find out in time."
She makes a note of what they are saying without bothering Tatsuo. She finds the next bit of information and reads, “It seems about 44 years ago Barasume Yoshie had a large hengeyokai attended. that taught her to listen very well. It was rumored that the large female attendant advised Yoshie that Kyo’s dream for conquering the south relied on attacking the Shinto clan. The woman advised her not to take any territory but to take something else. A hidden gem within the Shinto clan that could be cut to a brilliant facet to aid Kyo in his conquest. The name of this attendant was Ichoro.”
Tatsuo reads it, while Drasta listens to their surroundings. “This is interesting.”
He nods, “Grandmother would have been 14."
She nods, “Indeed.”
Tatsuo gets a worried look. “Let us see if there is more.” The scholars leave.
They study for another hour, and Tatsuo finds something. “Look at this. Drasta cranes her head over his shoulder again. The passage reads: the Koryoian Kin-Ak-Cho conceived a plan to marry a Barasume noble that had befriended a dragon take Barasume Kyo’s place as shogun. The plan was foiled. Kin-Ak-Cho was advised by a Koryoian warrior; a large man against his father’s wishes due to his father owning land in Kozakura the advisors name is said to be Rochio. Tatsuo starts to write. Rochio, Ichoro, Horochi, Chorio, He thinks some more then writes Orochi. and passes the paper to Drasta.
She nods to him, “It would seem so.”
He nods, "I think we have what we are looking for."
“I would agree with this less you think there is something further.” They take up their notes, put the books back and head back to the compound after a night of rest.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
Drasta looks at Tatsuo. “Perhaps we start from the beginning.”
He scratches his head. "Southern clans several centuries ago? It’s pretty vague but that’s where we would start."
“Indeed. We need to read carefully and note anything of importance.”
They catch an attendant. She guides them to the southern clans’ section of the building and back a few centuries. Drasta comments, “Do look for missing pages as well. There may be things people do not want known.”
They search the archives of several clans for an hour and a half. Tatsuo looks over at her while reading. “Not sure but I found something.” She glances over his shoulder curiously.
He goes on, “Two and a half centuries ago two clans of the deep south went to war. Clan Shimari, and Clan Mazurwa. Clan Shimari not only completely destroyed the other clan, taking all of its territory. The victory was attributed to a scholar/advisor by the name of Chorio.” The rest of the section of the book has been inked out as if someone spilled it on the passages. “Is this what we are looking for?"
Drasta frowns, “Perhaps though what was hidden is more of value.”
Two scholars come near and sit down. They start talking to each other softly. Nothing pertinent at the moment. Tatsuo nods and moves on.
They go through many records over the next few hours. Drasta is the next to find something. She reads, “53 years ago there was a spirit folk advisor by the name of Horochi of the Shinto clan. He advised Miwa’s Uncle and father many times in and after court before Miwa’s mother died. He left mysteriously shortly after her death. During that time the fortunes of the Shinto clan multiplied 10-fold. They took quite a bit of territory from neighboring clans: but not by war, they acquired it negotiation and marriage.” She points the passage out to Tatsuo.
His brows go up, "Thats strange he isn’t mentioned in our oral Shinto history that I know of."
Drasta’s sensitive ears pick up whispers from the two scholars. “Have you heard about the Red Sunset?”
“Yes, a mysterious ninja clan that suddenly sprouted up in the north.”
"Theres rumors of their political maneuvers."
"What rumors?"
"Pitting clan against clan same as always but it seems they are quite effective. I heard their leader was a mysterious figure by the name of Pyrexia."
"Heard the same. What do you think the end game may be. They will never be in the forefront they are a ninja clan"
"Don’t know we'll find out in time."
She makes a note of what they are saying without bothering Tatsuo. She finds the next bit of information and reads, “It seems about 44 years ago Barasume Yoshie had a large hengeyokai attended. that taught her to listen very well. It was rumored that the large female attendant advised Yoshie that Kyo’s dream for conquering the south relied on attacking the Shinto clan. The woman advised her not to take any territory but to take something else. A hidden gem within the Shinto clan that could be cut to a brilliant facet to aid Kyo in his conquest. The name of this attendant was Ichoro.”
Tatsuo reads it, while Drasta listens to their surroundings. “This is interesting.”
He nods, “Grandmother would have been 14."
She nods, “Indeed.”
Tatsuo gets a worried look. “Let us see if there is more.” The scholars leave.
They study for another hour, and Tatsuo finds something. “Look at this. Drasta cranes her head over his shoulder again. The passage reads: the Koryoian Kin-Ak-Cho conceived a plan to marry a Barasume noble that had befriended a dragon take Barasume Kyo’s place as shogun. The plan was foiled. Kin-Ak-Cho was advised by a Koryoian warrior; a large man against his father’s wishes due to his father owning land in Kozakura the advisors name is said to be Rochio. Tatsuo starts to write. Rochio, Ichoro, Horochi, Chorio, He thinks some more then writes Orochi. and passes the paper to Drasta.
She nods to him, “It would seem so.”
He nods, "I think we have what we are looking for."
“I would agree with this less you think there is something further.” They take up their notes, put the books back and head back to the compound after a night of rest.
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
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- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
They go back to Miwa’s office the next day. Drasta gives a deep bow to Lady Miwa. After she recognizes them, she sits down. “What did you find?”
Drasta looks at Tatsuo to see if he can relate the information correctly. He says, “We think someone has been influencing the southern clans for at least 2 1/2 centuries particularly you grandmother?"
Miwa looks at Drasta for further information. Drasta says, “Perhaps not even just those correct?”
The magistrate asks, “Hengeyokai? Spirit folk? Something else? A Yokai?"
Drasta answers, “The one you once dismissed from this chamber may be at play over the many years before. Many names he took upon himself but the letters always there in a different order.”
She looks at Tatsuo. He says. "We think it was the monk, Orochi. He has used many names over the years."
“One may be contained to their name but can change the letters.... Rochio, Ichoro, Horochi, Chorio...Orochi.” She places her black book in front of Miwa with the page of notes open directly. “Then there is the new faction... I would ask permission to remove the new ones from achieving what they are attempting to do.”
She reads it carefully. "If this is true. What do you think they are doing and why are they doing it? What is their goal?"
“Perhaps leading this place into some type of chaos and ruin...” Drasta states.
Tatsuo just shrugs its over his head at the moment. Miwa frowns. "There must be a reason this individual is doing all this. Chaos and ruin is a way to achieve a goal not the purpose of the goal itself. Ninja?"
“Perhaps some are trying the one I sent to the depths many years ago...as for the others...perhaps disorder. Indeed.... They would like to cause the chaos between clans to shed their blood but that one seems as they might control why.” She pulls a ripped page from her belt. “And yet they are trying to hide things as well.” It’s the ink-stained page. “Our magic users may be able to lift the ink and restore it...We may find what they hid.”
Miwa studies the page." There was obviously something here someone didn’t want anyone to know......... If this Orochi was here just a year ago........ Why would he come back after influencing my own life so much. It doesn’t make sense . I am too old now to fight." She studies Tatsuo "unless............"
Miwa nods, "Let us see if they can."
“Indeed...If not I may be able to infuse their magic so it can...Though it would only be useful at my gods shrine.” Drasta says.
Miwa nods, “See what you can do.”
Drasta goes on. “Perhaps at some moment moonlight it can show the truth of what is written.”
Gives a nod, “May I collect the users of your plane and bring them to the moon with your permission.”
Miwa nods, "Do what you need too. Drasta."
Drasta vanishes using her shadow abilities. Shin the artificer gets snatched from his stove cooking dinner and is teleported without warning to the moon shrine. “Why are you so heavy...” She vanishes again before he answers
Shin is older now too but still looks much younger than the humans Drasta knew on her adventures. He looks up "Drasta?" Several more Wu-Jen show up in minutes. Shin looks around "What is going on here?"
Drasta shows up with the last one coughing a bit of blood from the strain. The others look either mystified or angry. “Something you are all needed for.” She tells them. “Apologies...” She gives a deep bow. “I keep track of all of you....”
"You could have come in the front door lass. Not steal all of us from our work and families." Another says.
She points to the ink-stained page. “This is not our normal circumstance. An older entity than any of us has hidden information...It needs everyone here.” She hacks out a bug from the travel and shrugs. “I brought you all here because ink is not easily removed...and it could be magical...” Looks around them all.
Shin studies the page without comment then passes it around while he thinks. Several others have theories on how to remove it. One of them places a detect magic spell on it. There is no magic. Shin says, "a common dye made of squid ink. Easy to acquire hard to remove......... A bead of mercury rolled on the surface may bring out the indentations of the writing?" More than half agree. He looks at Drasta. Miwa watches quietly from the side.
“If it does not remove the older ink... If you are to do it...” places a hand outwards guide my hand on it.
Another mage says, "If it doesn’t work a legend lore should"
Drasta pulls a sword from her pack and places it next to them, “Enchanted items with such things exist.”
Shin says, “Let’s try the mercury first." She nods and touches his hand with her finger tips lacing it with greenish energy.
Shin looks in his pack because mercury is a common ingredient of artificers. He places a small bead on the paper and rolls it around. He then gives it to her "Now place it in the moonlight." She nods and does so. It actually works.
The passage reads: Who had a rival on the other side by the name of Pyraxia. Some commented that since both men were rather large and similar in stature, they could be brothers. As the first full battle came clan against clan Chorio commented to the Daimyo as they watched, "And so the great game begins."
Drasta looks at Miwa and then to the rest snapping her finger leaving only Shin. “A great game for Orochi over many years to be the coordinator for?”
Tatsuo looks around, "What does that mean?" Miwa narrows her eyes and huffs.
“Orochi...He is the one constructing these wars between tribes.” Drasta silents herself and looks to Miwa and Shin.”
Shin thinks a long time. "So, it’s a game these two are playing. Using people as pawns over centuries."
Drasta places herself guarding the room and watching every shadow. She doesn’t see anything unusual. She then places her void dagger in Tatsuo’s hand and sits by him.
Miwa nods. "Most likely. I don't think we can do anything about this. Let us hope our part of this game has come to it’s end." She looks at Tatsuo. "Make sure you stay well away from any large men that have something odd in their makeup. It will not do you well to fall in with them."
“Indeed.” Drasta sputters.
Miwa nods, "We will continue as we were then but be alert for anything strange like this in the future and if anything, major happens to our families we must weigh any influence that these two creatures may have put into it."
“We can remove them with time and planning.” Drasta suggests.
Miwa gets a dreamy look, "I am not so sure Drasta. These are two seem grand tacticians. They will be wary of us coming after them. The most important thing is they cannot know we know of their existence. It is our own advantage."
“Indeed...But every tactician has a fault.” Drasta thinks a moment. “I agree and will act when you ask.”
Miwa nods.
Drasta gives a deep bow then looks at Tatsuo. “Apologies young one.” She looks at Shin. “Ready to go back to cooking dinner.”
Shin nods, “Take me back home please.”
She places a hand elegantly on his shoulder. “Come visit old friend. We miss you.” She snaps her finer and he vanishes in shadow.
Tatsuo comes out of his trance and looks at the ocean again. He takes a small flask out of his pouch. He raises it to the emptiness. “Be at peace grandmother. I do not think I have the fortitude to take your place. He goes back home to think over whether to stay in the country and become lord of the village or go off to try to accomplish his other mission.
Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99
Drasta looks at Tatsuo to see if he can relate the information correctly. He says, “We think someone has been influencing the southern clans for at least 2 1/2 centuries particularly you grandmother?"
Miwa looks at Drasta for further information. Drasta says, “Perhaps not even just those correct?”
The magistrate asks, “Hengeyokai? Spirit folk? Something else? A Yokai?"
Drasta answers, “The one you once dismissed from this chamber may be at play over the many years before. Many names he took upon himself but the letters always there in a different order.”
She looks at Tatsuo. He says. "We think it was the monk, Orochi. He has used many names over the years."
“One may be contained to their name but can change the letters.... Rochio, Ichoro, Horochi, Chorio...Orochi.” She places her black book in front of Miwa with the page of notes open directly. “Then there is the new faction... I would ask permission to remove the new ones from achieving what they are attempting to do.”
She reads it carefully. "If this is true. What do you think they are doing and why are they doing it? What is their goal?"
“Perhaps leading this place into some type of chaos and ruin...” Drasta states.
Tatsuo just shrugs its over his head at the moment. Miwa frowns. "There must be a reason this individual is doing all this. Chaos and ruin is a way to achieve a goal not the purpose of the goal itself. Ninja?"
“Perhaps some are trying the one I sent to the depths many years ago...as for the others...perhaps disorder. Indeed.... They would like to cause the chaos between clans to shed their blood but that one seems as they might control why.” She pulls a ripped page from her belt. “And yet they are trying to hide things as well.” It’s the ink-stained page. “Our magic users may be able to lift the ink and restore it...We may find what they hid.”
Miwa studies the page." There was obviously something here someone didn’t want anyone to know......... If this Orochi was here just a year ago........ Why would he come back after influencing my own life so much. It doesn’t make sense . I am too old now to fight." She studies Tatsuo "unless............"
Miwa nods, "Let us see if they can."
“Indeed...If not I may be able to infuse their magic so it can...Though it would only be useful at my gods shrine.” Drasta says.
Miwa nods, “See what you can do.”
Drasta goes on. “Perhaps at some moment moonlight it can show the truth of what is written.”
Gives a nod, “May I collect the users of your plane and bring them to the moon with your permission.”
Miwa nods, "Do what you need too. Drasta."
Drasta vanishes using her shadow abilities. Shin the artificer gets snatched from his stove cooking dinner and is teleported without warning to the moon shrine. “Why are you so heavy...” She vanishes again before he answers
Shin is older now too but still looks much younger than the humans Drasta knew on her adventures. He looks up "Drasta?" Several more Wu-Jen show up in minutes. Shin looks around "What is going on here?"
Drasta shows up with the last one coughing a bit of blood from the strain. The others look either mystified or angry. “Something you are all needed for.” She tells them. “Apologies...” She gives a deep bow. “I keep track of all of you....”
"You could have come in the front door lass. Not steal all of us from our work and families." Another says.
She points to the ink-stained page. “This is not our normal circumstance. An older entity than any of us has hidden information...It needs everyone here.” She hacks out a bug from the travel and shrugs. “I brought you all here because ink is not easily removed...and it could be magical...” Looks around them all.
Shin studies the page without comment then passes it around while he thinks. Several others have theories on how to remove it. One of them places a detect magic spell on it. There is no magic. Shin says, "a common dye made of squid ink. Easy to acquire hard to remove......... A bead of mercury rolled on the surface may bring out the indentations of the writing?" More than half agree. He looks at Drasta. Miwa watches quietly from the side.
“If it does not remove the older ink... If you are to do it...” places a hand outwards guide my hand on it.
Another mage says, "If it doesn’t work a legend lore should"
Drasta pulls a sword from her pack and places it next to them, “Enchanted items with such things exist.”
Shin says, “Let’s try the mercury first." She nods and touches his hand with her finger tips lacing it with greenish energy.
Shin looks in his pack because mercury is a common ingredient of artificers. He places a small bead on the paper and rolls it around. He then gives it to her "Now place it in the moonlight." She nods and does so. It actually works.
The passage reads: Who had a rival on the other side by the name of Pyraxia. Some commented that since both men were rather large and similar in stature, they could be brothers. As the first full battle came clan against clan Chorio commented to the Daimyo as they watched, "And so the great game begins."
Drasta looks at Miwa and then to the rest snapping her finger leaving only Shin. “A great game for Orochi over many years to be the coordinator for?”
Tatsuo looks around, "What does that mean?" Miwa narrows her eyes and huffs.
“Orochi...He is the one constructing these wars between tribes.” Drasta silents herself and looks to Miwa and Shin.”
Shin thinks a long time. "So, it’s a game these two are playing. Using people as pawns over centuries."
Drasta places herself guarding the room and watching every shadow. She doesn’t see anything unusual. She then places her void dagger in Tatsuo’s hand and sits by him.
Miwa nods. "Most likely. I don't think we can do anything about this. Let us hope our part of this game has come to it’s end." She looks at Tatsuo. "Make sure you stay well away from any large men that have something odd in their makeup. It will not do you well to fall in with them."
“Indeed.” Drasta sputters.
Miwa nods, "We will continue as we were then but be alert for anything strange like this in the future and if anything, major happens to our families we must weigh any influence that these two creatures may have put into it."
“We can remove them with time and planning.” Drasta suggests.
Miwa gets a dreamy look, "I am not so sure Drasta. These are two seem grand tacticians. They will be wary of us coming after them. The most important thing is they cannot know we know of their existence. It is our own advantage."
“Indeed...But every tactician has a fault.” Drasta thinks a moment. “I agree and will act when you ask.”
Miwa nods.
Drasta gives a deep bow then looks at Tatsuo. “Apologies young one.” She looks at Shin. “Ready to go back to cooking dinner.”
Shin nods, “Take me back home please.”
She places a hand elegantly on his shoulder. “Come visit old friend. We miss you.” She snaps her finer and he vanishes in shadow.
Tatsuo comes out of his trance and looks at the ocean again. He takes a small flask out of his pouch. He raises it to the emptiness. “Be at peace grandmother. I do not think I have the fortitude to take your place. He goes back home to think over whether to stay in the country and become lord of the village or go off to try to accomplish his other mission.
Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99