The Mantis shugenja perks up as she sees a man exit the baths, wearing the grays she knew to look for. Her expression is even, and she approaches at a brisk but respectful pace. "Samurai-san," she queries, her voice as even as her expression as she offers a small bow, "I apologize for being forward. Are you the one named Kedo?" She waits for his reply silently, seemingly unaware of, or unconcerned by, any potential damage to her reputation that might be done by approaching a ronin.

 It has to be said that Kedo certainly doesn't look like a prodigy, or even much of a Bushi beyond his obviously innate grace and good physical condition - certainly by Crane standards he's simply, even plainly turned out and of course also a ronin. On the other hand he's so very obviously a Dragon masquerading as a wave-man that the Scorpion are starting to doubt it, and the one thing you can almost always guarantee when the Mountain Clan stir themselves to act is that things will be interesting.

 When he returns he might still be at somewhat less than his best (even shabby by the standards of Toshi Ranbo, given what his clothing has been through lately - both in battle and in the forge) but he moves with his accustomed fluidity and offers each of the assembled Bushi (and monk) a respectful bow as is appropriate for a houseless man showing respect to those who still have their honour before turning at last for the deepest of the bows to the approaching priestess, answering "I have that slight honour, Moshi-san*." as he rises out of it once more, "How may I be of service?"

 ---

 * That presupposes there's a Mon in there somewhere, if not I'll edit accordingly.

Upon confirmation of his identity, Reiko bows just as deeply as Kedo. She moves evenly, simply. "I believe the matter may be the other way around," she replies. "I am Moshi Reiko, now of the Mantis, servant of the kami. And," she adds quietly, I am no friend of the Lion."

A twitch, or a shadow, something passes over her face as she says the clan's name.

"I have heard...that you are the architect behind the plans for defense of the city. In this, I wish to assist, if you'll allow it," she says. "Though my training centers on being centered, sometimes, the only way to return things to balance...is with a significant show of force."

OOC: No worries on the mon; if there's not one clearly visible, the obi SCREAMS Moshi. Perfectly reasonable assumption to make. :)

Michio replies to Doji Shinichi, "I think that it is too soon for me to be able to tell Doji-san. I have only just met Kedo-san and I would not want to judge him based on first appearences, and as you know appearences can be deceiving."

[I'm still a bit new with the formalities so I'm not sure if they are correct or not. If my formalities are not correct please let me know and I will change them if I can.]

 The deep bow results in yet another round of that classicaly Rokugani game 'who thinks they're lower in the Eyes of Heaven' as Kedo bows right on back just a touch more deeply, the slight smile that passes over his features at the bottom of the gesture of respect visible to just about everyone else in the room and suggesting that the gray-clad Ronin is perfectly prepared to keep this up all evening if there's need.

 "It is not lack of fondness for Akodo's children that brought me to Toshi Ranbo." replies Kedo gently, though without heat or censure, certainly not daring to judge the motivations of a priestess but rather making it plain that he bears no especial hatred or love for the bearers of any Mon; "But rather a search for the point where the weight of a feather might achieve more than the marching of mighty hosts a year from now."

 "As for the defences of the city?" he goes on to add, turning a small, wry sort of smile in the direction of Daidoji Tomoe, one that seems to invite the young man to take a moment to revel in the strange yet humourous ways that the universe chooses to unfold itself for the wonderment and education of the mortals who dwell within it, "If I have returned a fine edge to the Daidoji blade it was only possible because it was wrought of the best steel to begin with. All I have done is to remind some few men and women of what was in them all along... And yet I believe that my companions and I would welcome the company of another brave soul come the test, is that not so Daidoji Tomoe?"

 ---

 You're doing fine Michio. Don't worry, I think we'll cut you a lot of slack just for being a monk, let alone being new. ^_^

Pausing only a moment, Reiko returns his bow, not quite meeting his depth. She would rather talk, it seems. "A prudent and wise philosophy," she nods at his feather imagery. He is very well-spoken, something she's been told to expect. Still, it's a pleasant surprise, though perhaps his words a bit knotted up in the worries of necessary humility.

She looks up as Kedo references a Daidoji, presumably still in the baths, soon to exit. "I wish not to trouble anyone; if I have come at a bad time, I can arrange to speak with you elsewhere, later, at your convenience. I did not even ask if you had other business, and in that I am remiss. My apologies." There is genuine remorse in her face, and perhaps a bit of self-censure.

Like Kedo says--you're doing just fine, Michio. :) I usually play Crab because I can never get a proper handle on courtesy, so this is a challenge for me, too!

Edit to fix fiddly grammary errors.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Wed 31 Mar 2010.

"That's for damn certain," Doji Suou mutters in response, not noticing the return of Kedo and the presence of Moshi Reiko, "who would've thought that the children of Doji would be fighting side by side the Scorpion and the Mantis."



"That is certainly the case, Kedo-san," Daidoji Tomoe bows, "as you can see, Moshi-san, we welcome any who would join us in defending Toshi Ranbo against the predations of the Lion.  Please, feel welcome to join us.  This is my brother, Daidoji Yukito," she says, introducing each in turn, "our fellow bushi, Doji Shinichi, Doji Suou, Kakita Ginta, Kakita Rokutunda, and the monk Michio of the Temple of Osano Wo."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

 "Such are the lessons of the mountain." Kedo replies with the very slightest rueful touch in his voice, that suggests without explicitly stating that those lessons were, in his case particularly hard-driven in order to make it through his skull.

 He moves with the priestess closer to the main group in order to facilitate the introductions, offering Doji Suou a slight nod of the head with dancing eyes that suggest he understands the other mans concerns and judges them not at all, before directing his attention back to Tomoe and Reiko "You see? - You are welcome among us Moshi-san, as is any true-seeking soul. Before I parted to refresh myself we had been discussing how we might best work together - have any thoughts been voiced on the topic in my absence?"

Reiko nods and bows at the arriving Cranes as Tomoe makes introductions. She looks Suou in the eye; she very likely heard him. But her face lights up at the mention of the monk.

"I, too, am from the temple of Osano-wo," she says, offering an extra bob of respect.

She advances alongside Kedo. "I know little of battle plans, and formations, and the world of the soldier. My understanding lies with the ancestors and the kami, whom I treat with the deference they deserve. And I am well versed in the art of divination, which I suspect may be of use. And if it isn't, I assume that a shugenja whose affinity is Fire will be welcome in any fight."

With that, she waits for the Crane to reply to Kedo's query.

"Only insofar as both you and Michio are both unknown quantities, Kedo-san," Daidoji Yukito replies, "the styles of the Crane that we represent are primarily linear, but we have trained to help cover each other's flanks.  Both of you have trained as solo combatants, making you more versatile, but difficult to fit into the established paradigm--especially in the cramped quarters of the city.  Tomoe and I have considered the possibility of splitting our forces in order to flank our enemies, the concern is that one of the groups will be to isolated to reach aid should the Lion force a retreat.  Always a possibility in any battle, but not one that I'm willing to accept without a fight."

"You're doubly welcome, Moshi-san," Doji Suou says fervently, "the Crane rarely have enough Shugenja support relative to the other Clans, so your presence will be a most welcome addition."

 "The wise Bushi will always make time for the strength and the insight of a Shugenja of any focus, though one dedicated to fire will be of even greater assistance in battle than most." Kedo agrees warmly as he moves alongside Reiko, then nods in definite agreement to Yukito's words, plainly seeing both the value in his observations and mulling them over before he comes around to a suggestion.

 "A fluidity in war is to be much prized, but to achieve that fluidity we should have some knowledge of one anothers abilities and skills - some small time spent here with training weapons will not allow us to match the lifetime of mutual support you have trained to offer, but it shall give us each an appreciation for the others abilities." the Ronin points out reasonably, before admitting with a slightly shy smile as he glances between the Crane assembled, quietly confident that word of just what happened in the forge of Kakita Maru won't have spread yet and that it won't seem out of place to add "Besides which, after a day spent at forge and table, it will be good to move once more."

Reiko listens to the Crane, nodding appreciatively to Suou, and smiles--faintly--at Kedo. "Knowledge of ourselves is good, but knowledge of those who choose to oppose us will be useful as well. While I can fight with a katana, it is not something I relish, and my blade is not mine, but the favor of the kami. And while it would be useful to demonstrate my capabilities, I do not believe it prudent to be frivolous with the favors of the kami. Therefore, I offer to perform divninations. I am well-versed in kawaru."

Knowing how senstive some bushi can be about secrets and techniques, she ponders a moment. "I would ask to watch you all, if that would be amenable," she says.

Drawing close to the group gathered near the bath house in some slight haste Idun approached glancing around rapidly. Fairly young looking and with the slightly rumpled look of someone who'd dressed in a rush the ronin was armed with the traditional katana of a samurai secured at his side, carried a small bag over one shoulder, and had the expression of one faintly perturbed. This lessened slightly as he caught sight of Reiko but shifted instead into a somewhat aprehensive stance as he saw the company she was keeping.

Slowing his pace Idun approached with his head kept low and adopted the most deferential stance he could to the Crane present and, after a moment's hesitation, to Kedo also. Discretion was surely the better part of good manners and there was no sense in assuming anyone was further down in the social order than himself. Drawing closer to Reiko he placed himself pointedly in her line of sight and waited for those conversing to pause for a moment.

 If it was possible to derive the inner meditations and mental focus that translates technique into lethal beauty by mere observation, then there would long ago have been a loss of all such secrets - and so Kedo at least is perfectly happy to offer Reiko a nod of the head and the simple answer, "No mortal is unarmed who yet has their spirit unbroken, least of all a Shugenja." in a fashion that sounds like some sort of proverb before he turns to the others and gently slides katana and wakizashi (scabbarded of course) from his obi and places them on the lowest rung of the storage rack set aside for such honoured implements, before gesturing to the barrel of practice staves.

 "Perhaps - if I might be so bold - we might practice two or three against the remainder of us, acting out the role we plan to perform come the day of battle?" he suggests to the other Bushi, obviously preferring to practice as he means to fight (without such foolishness as bearing live steel against a friend).

Listening to Kedo's response and moving forward as he gestured to the staves, Reiko glances back at the samurai who has just joined her. "Idun-san," she says, nodding at him, and offering him a hint of a smile. "It is good you have found us," she says gently to him.

"Honored samurai--I should like to introduce you to my able yojimbo, Idun. These good samurai are Kedo, Doji Shinichi, Doji Suou, Kakita Ginta, Kakita Rokutunda, and the monk Michio of our Temple of Osano-Wo," she says, introducing Idun to the others, and vice-versa. "We are learning about one another, to better defend the city from the approaching Lion."

Ducking his head in acknowledgement of his charge's greeting Idun offered a small smile during the introductions. Once those were finished he responded to Kedo's earlier suggestion, keeping close to Reiko's side as she advanced towards the staves. "I would agree. A sparring session would not hurt to give us all an idea of what we will be able to rely on one another to do on the battlefied." He negelected to mention his other reason, that otherwise they'd likely have to go through a slightly more formal and extensive discussion which would take more time and get less information as people either over or understated their abilities.

Sliding his own swords free of their place at his side Idun carefully placed them on the holding shelf, and the bag he carried just to the side of them where he could see it, before picking examing the staves. As he shifted through them the samurai also pulled loose a small wooden fan from his belt and idly tapped it against one leg as he eyed them over.

 "An honour Idun-san." Kedo offers as he's introduced to the nondescript new arrival, musing on the curious synchronicity that sees both Sakura and Reiko coming to the city with Ronin as their protectors, drawing a pair of staves without apparent care for their weight or balance and sliding them through his obi before motioning to the assembled Crane warriors, "Perhaps if we begin by a demonstration of how you work as a group so that Idun-san and myself might best fit ourselves into your technique? You will, after all be the greater part of our efforts, with Reiko-sama at our centre."

Reiko's eyebrows rise at Kedo's words. So I am to be in the center? Very well, then, she muses, and a small smile briefly appears on her lips.

Crouching, she removes her wakizashi and places it in one of the stands. She rises and stands aside, giving others room to store their weapons.

"It will be an honor to fight along such accomplished bushi," she says with sincerity.

Michio watches silently and with interest as the others prepare to spar.

"Not as good as facing off against someone who's Lion-trained," Kakita Ginta shrugs, sliding a bokken into a ready position, "but at least it's something."

"No, it's better than sparring with someone trained in the ways of the Lion," Daidoji Yukito replies, with an apologetic glance at their guests as he places his own weapon in a high guard stance, "remember Kakita Tsutomu-sensei's lesson:  'the enemy's stance in the dojo and his stance on the field of battle are not the same.'  It does us no good to try to predict the unpredictable--even with an enemy as tradition bound as the Lion."

Doji Shinichi merely grunts as he tests the heft of his chosen weapons before taking his place beside Kakita Ginta.

OOC:  do you guys want to do this the crunchy way (with initiative and attack rolls) or RP it out?  Either way is fine with me ^_^

if you decide to go with the dice roller: roll initiative, declare your stance and make whatever rolls are necessary; we'll skip the damage portion since you're not actually trying to kill each other

 Honestly speaking, I don't want to dig out the dice and get freaky with them any more than I did the last time I did this. I'm happy to post generalities and let the description take care of the rest. Besides, it's not like the dice pool gives a real idea of Kedo's effectiveness in battle anyway, so long as I continue to make offerings to the dice roller. ^_^

 ---

 "Ginko-sama makes a fair point - the majority of the foe's Bushi shall be trained in the schools of the Lion, but in the absence of one who knows their style, we must instead look to learning our own strengths and weaknesses." observes Kedo without seeming to be in the least offended by the gruff Crane's manner, instead busying himself with preparations for the sparring, leaving the shorter of the two bokken he chose sheathed in his obi as he weighs the longer a few times and assumes an offensive stance with it, "If Idun-san and myself assume the roles of attackers upon your flanks and front, whilst you in turn assume that your other Bushi are engaged? - We shall use no especial technique, merely seeking to strike through your guards, until we have some sense of how you work together, then you may assess our individual skills and determine how we might best assimilate with you?" he then suggests, choosing a scenario that will let them test the teamwork of the Crane companions whilst in turn giving them a chance to shine (since Kedo at least is far less dangerous without a pair of blades in his hands) before the two Ronin demonstrate what the road has taught them.

Shifting himself to stand alonside Kedo and between Reiko and the enemies offensive Idun just nodded at Kedo's suggestion, still absently tapping the war fan on the side of his leg whilst watching and waiting. The ronin seemed mostly unconcerned about the idea of the combat though his posture made it clear he was ready to lunge back alongside his charge should he need to. He doesn't comment on the choice of combat training, instead taking the time to size up the two before him quietly whilst he allowed the others chance to fight.

------------------------

OC - I'm happy enough to go with majority

"Draw your bokken, Ginta-san," Doji Shinichi says quietly as Kakita Ginta takes a classic iaijutsu stance, "when we engage the Lion your iai technique will only work once, assuming you're not foolish enough to sheathe your weapon in the middle of combat--in which case it will only work once and you'll be dead."  Ginta glares at Shinichi, but follows his...suggestion.

Silence follows as Ginta's weapon takes a low guard position.  To Ginta's left, Shinichi's two weapons shift smoothly into what appears to be Mirumoto's Second Position, one blade high, the other low across the body.  To Ginta's right, Yuikto's naginata begins to whirl in a complex defensive pattern.

 Like his companion, Kedo spends a few moments looking over the forming defense, noting not without some interest the unusual choice of style practiced by Shinichi before he hefts his bokken and assumes a blade-high-and-about-to-charge posture, remaining true to his word and using no especial technique, but rather trusting to speed, grace and aggression to come down upon the flank of the Crane trio held by Shinichi and Ginta, Kedo targeting the polearm-wielder and leaving the swordsman for Idun as he makes an attempt to first disrupt the pattern of the defense with a short, controlled sweep of his stave and then step inside its reach, trying to force the bushi to either concede ground and break open the defensive line or concede an advantage of maneuverability (which of course will mean nothing if Ginta manages to stand him off or simply smacks him with whatever comes to hand in order to open the distance once more).

 ---

 Basically it'll be two on two against each of the possible combinations they've got until we get a sense of how well they work together... and where we might fit in. Then we break for half-time oranges and change ends. ^_^

Reiko watches, letting the motions and movements stop being individual things and become a part of something greater. Withdrawing one of her scroll cases, she opens it and takes out a swatch of raw, undyed silk, and a bundle of kawaru rods. Kneeling on the ground well out of the way of those sparring, she spreads the silk on the ground before her, tucks the sticks into the scroll case, and begins shaking them with the soft rattle common to kawaru divinations.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: I can roll for the divination, if you like, but I figure it's a bit of flavor. I was going to use an online I-Ching reader give me my "divination" and run with what I got.]