Sakura's smile softened with Doji's words.

"You have not shamed me, Musha-San*" she replied with a gentle forcefulness. "Were this any other time and any other place this would probably be just another simple conflict between Lion and Crane."

"I know my limitations, but because of this I also know where to search for allies. I have my reasons for entreating the Scorpion to aide us. I also have my reasons to expect that they will do so -- not for our good, but for the good of the Empire. They will not march to our aide here, nor do we want them to, but I believe that they will help. Or, to paraphrase Kuwanan-Dono, to at least not hurt."

"However, speaking of my limitations" Sakura continued, turning to both the Courtier and the Lord of the city, "I wonder if it could be arranged for me to acquire a spell-scroll or two from the Crane Shugenja of this city? I doubt very much that the tactics that we used at the Day of Thunder will be of any use here."

"Nothing fancy" Sakura continued, "just something to make me a bit more useful in this kind of battle. The Lion are known for being ridiculously stubborn with these sorts of things."


[1) a cutesy "Mr-Warrior".
         2) I'm thinking something along the lines of Katana of fire or Yari of Air. Enough that if a Samurai or two comes her way she doesn't have to play the "helpless Princess" and stand there while Kedo and Kenji save her ....]

Bowing to Lady Sakura-san “You are most kind Didoji-Sama. I meant no insult with my words, but know this, the fire that fueled my words is ever present in defense of my kinsmen. I am in your dept and that dept shall be repaid. Didoji Tsukiko-san is correct we must attack our enemies on all fronts.  I have been behind the spear so long I know no other way for myself,” looking to Satoru-san, “but I have not forgotten the lessons of our lady Doji, allies and cunning words are no doubt great weapons in any arsenal.”

 Kedo seemed to miss the possibility of insult in the words of the rash Crane - or perhaps more accurately did not sense any deliberate desire to offend, and so remained at his post, studying the map as though it were the territory, possibilities and patterns flowing through his mind as though he were selecting the kata through which to experience a sword or the ore which may one day become a blade.

 He's a very... intense... young man this one. "Might I be permitted to know some small amount regarding the forces arrayed in the defence of this city?" he inquires humbly of whomever seems to be most likely to provide an answer, his tone suggesting that he's thinking his way through a problem, rather than simply asking for the sake of asking.

"You are most modest, Satoru-san.  But my judgment is made for two reasons; first, being a monk you are more likely to be listened to than any man or woman who have direct allegiance to the Crane.  Second, as one who understands the way of combat, I am certain you would be more likely to make the Lion see sense than I would.  Tsukiko spoke with great sincerity; her respect for Satoru knew no bounds and she was certain that bloodletting could be kept to a minimum by a few carefully placed words.

"While I have no doubt of your valor, Satoru-san, Daidoji Tsukiko-san," Doji Kusanagi replies ernestly, "under no circumstances are you to attempt to face down the Lion under these circumstances.  If the our enemies have gone to such trouble to put together such an assault, I doubt that even the voice of Shinsei himself would be heard.  Furthermore, we must remember that Toshi Ranbo must survive more than this one attack.  We will also soon be hosting Winter Court and I am loathe to throw away skilled and talented negotiators on what is likely to be a fruitless endeavor.  You may be of use here, however.

Daidoji Sakura-san has mentioned a possible arrangement with the Scorpion Clan.  While normally I would object to such a maneuver, anything that will aid in our survival is paramount.  On that same vein, these upstarts who call themselves the Mantis have also been mentioned.  While we have ambassadors to other Clans, the Mantis are a fresh face to our Courts, and as an unknown quantity, they also have value to us.  These tasks, and any others you may see fit to take on, I leave to you.  Though," he smiles wryly, "I would prefer that you keep me informed.  I am going to discuss with Daidoji Ryu and the other Taisa what forces we have available to us and what forces we may muster," he says not acknowledging Kedo's question while answering it at the same time, "at last count, we had some 5000 troops--both ashigaru and samurai--available, though that number may have changed recently.

"The Asahina librarians will asceed to your requests, Daidoji Sakura-san," he says, almost as an afterthought, "within reason, of course."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:09, Tue 04 Mar 2008.

"As you wish, Doji Kusanagi-sama," the lightness went from Tsukiko's voice and she was once again the cool, unflappable courtier.  To have brokered a truce between the Lion and the Crane, even a temporary one, over Toshi Ranbo would have ensured that the name of Daidoji Tsukiko would have been spoken on the lips of thousands of Rokuganis for centuries and would have brought great honour to her family.  And yet, it was a fools wish, an impossible task, so she would acquiesce to her superior's wishes.

"I would suggest that we speak to the Scorpion first to gauge their reaction, especially as we have one of their own to assure them of the legitimacy of our proposal." Tsukiko nodded in the direction of Bayushi Kenji.  "Once the outcome of that is known, then we can speak with the Mantis.  I would prefer a little more time to consider the unknown quantity that is the clan from the islands."

Sakura bowed low to the city governor and thanked him. It was no small favor that she asked, yet she knew how critical things would be in only a very short time.

"The Mantis" Sakura said to Tsukiko, once the formalities were completed, "will aide whomever pays them the best. Of course they do not always prefer to be paid in money, but even still ..."

Sakura took a deep breath and let it out slowly. As far as she was concerned the Son of Storms should be rotting in a deep pit, not the Lord of a Great Clan. "I will aide you with them if you wish it, though I must confess that I am probably not the best person to do so."

Then a thought came to her.

"Lord Kusanagi?" Sakura interjected quickly, "With whom should I be coordinating with regarding my place in the coming war? Would that be Ryu-Taisa?"

With the exception of herself and the Bayushi, there were only "properly" trained bushi in the room. It would probably be best to allow someone who understood her abilities on a more personal level figure out where she would do the most good.

 Kedo pauses for a few moments after his request was made, only to be snapped back to the here-and-now as an uncomfortable silence greets it, punctuated by the honourable debate of his betters on matters of greater significance than mere numbers of spearmen and bushels of arrows.

 Without drawing further attention to himself, the gray-clad man draws back one step and then a second, becoming once more Daidoji Sakura's silently protective shadow, for all that there is no threat here that mere steel can hope to turn aside.

 After all, what is it to a Wave Man if a Crane city should fall?

"If I may be so bold. Time is of the essence. If it is at all posible we should try to speak to both of these quantities at once. And if such speed is necessary then I and whomever wishes to come with me shall speak to the Mantis. I fought with them during the Clan War when Doji Chomei petitioned them for aide.  As for their 'unknown' facets, Shinsei says 'One must learn to see what is to be seen and to see though what others wish you to see' with him as my guide and intentions pure I will take the necessary steps." Satoru says with confidence.

"Kenji-san, Kedo-san, I will show you some of the defenses once the more pressing business is handled. In the mean time, should your duties allow,” Slightly nodding towards Sakura-san “here are the locations you should report to in the case of a lion attack." Aki points to several locations on the map of the fortress, notably the parade grounds and the gate to the inner keep.
Turning to Satoru, "My words will undoubtedly be a waist on the scorpion, Lady Tsukiko is far more equipped for such a conversation, but perhaps I may be of some help with sons of storms."

"Then it is settled?" Tsukiko looked around at those assembled.  Myself, Kenji-san and Sakura-san," Tsukiko paused as her eyes fell on the gray clad figure who had moved closer to the shugenja, "and the ronin Kedo that request an audience with the Scorpion clan while Satoru-san and, perhaps, Akibieden-san visit the Mantis to discern the likelihood of gaining their help."

She looked at each of the bushi in turn before speaking once again.  "I know you will all wish to see to your places in protecting the city, but I ask that you allow these few hours to help those of us who fight without a sword."

Tsukiko found herself turning more to Bayushi Kenji than any of the others as she finished speaking; she was beginning to see the wisdom in Sakura's suggestion of forging some form of alliance with the Underhand of the Emperor if Toshi Ranbo was to be kept from the grasping hands of the lion.  The Scorpion might be more inclined to consider the matter if one of their own blood supported it, permanent guest though he was of the Crane.

"That seems a sound plan, Daidoji Tsukiko-san," Doji Kusanagi nods, as he and Doji Kasarugi depart, "Daidoji Sakura-san, I understand your desire to be of use to the Crane in their hour of need, but do not feel bound to serve under Ryu-taisa.  Doji Kuwanan-sama sent you to serve as you deem best, if that is under the auspices of the Daidoji then so be it, but if you have another path, then do not hesitate to follow it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Wed 05 Mar 2008.

[Let's try this again ...]

"Thank you" Sakura replied with a bow, "I appreciate your confidence. I will do my best to be creative."

She did indeed have ideas, many of which would depend on how much time they had left. Many of which were illegal.

'But in many cases' she thought to herself, 'I don't have to be the one to perform the delivery.'

A slow smile crept across Sakura's face ...

 Kedo offers a small, smooth bow of gratitude towards Doji Akibieden, one that allows his face to drop out of line of sight for just long enough to allow him to school his features to serene immobility once more.

 'Once more pressing business is handled' has the elegent ring of a polite refusal about it after all, and it is always ungracious to press on in such matters, particularly when it seems that there are other duties to perform rising moment by moment, not leas that of ensuring his overclever ward returns to the city unharmed.

 It will be, no doubt a long and tiring errand - but one that may offer some small chance to see the works of Akodo put into practice by those who know his legacy best, and there is no small reward in that for the thoughtful Bushi...

 When he rises again, there is a faint and ever so slightly detached smile on Kedo's face, that of a man anticipating some abstract future pleasure or insight.

 He really isn't all there you know.

‘if you have another path, then do not hesitate to follow it’, perhaps there is more to this girl after all. She certainly is different than the peace loving talisman bearers of the library here. Also she seems to have this ronin well trained, I wonder is there more to their relationship than meets the eye. Well she is not the only one to have been trained in the Diadoji style of thought. A Magician, Ronin, and a Scorpion bring news of an imminent attack and promptly offer their aid in battle. Spies….No….the lion is not so devious.

The tea cup in Aki’s hand does little to hide the look of concentration even raised to his face.  Returning the empty cup to the table he says, “May the seven fortunes bless our efforts these next days.” We are going to need it.

to Satoru: (sorry guys I don't know how to use the colors) "Perhaps I might accompany you on your way to the mantis, I have always wanted to venture outward, and they are as outward as would be prudent"

"Hai, Asahina-san. Your presence will be greatly appreciated." Satoru says with a quick bow. " With your permission, my lords, we will make haste; otherwise we will have the Lion accompanying us to see the Mantis."


[Private to Asahina Jiro: Hello Jiro. There are two options to write in blue or any other color.

1st you must use these brackets < > and place the type of formatting (ie coloring or bolding, etc within) so if I want blue I will type:
<blue>This is written in blue</blue>
to give me:
This is written in blue

2nd While you are typing or editing a post look to the bottom of the text window. There will be a list of buttons, starting with bold then Italic. Second in from the right is the "styled text" option. Click it with words highlighted and it will turn the highlighted blue. If you have nothing highlighted a window will pop up allowing you to insert any text that you wish to be blue.
Experiment with either option and remember you can always hit the preview button before you post to see how it will turn out. :)]

"And we too, for my instincts tell me that we shall be glad for every last second we have to negotiate with the Scorpion."

Tsukiko bowed, the flourish she added to the respectful gesture was in keeping with the latest Court fashion.  Then, standing straight once more, the Crane courtier looked expectantly at those who would be accompanying her to speak with the Scorpion representatives.

Satoru stepped back from the group for a second. "Tsukiko-san, if I may have your ear for a moment." he said flicking out a fan and leaning in a little bit, though making certain to keep a tasteful amount of distance between them.

[Private to Daidoji Tsukiko: "Be wary, Tsukiko-chan, when a Scorpion comes as a friend is often a time to fear them the most."]

With a nod to her he called out again. "Asahina-san, Doji-san, let us make haste to the Mantis' lodgings." he said folding his fan up.

[Private to Satoru: Tsukiko nodded, the motion hidden by her monk's fan.  "Then I shall endeavour to ensure that once their hand is given, they must cut it off completely to take it back.  I shall be on my guard, Satoru-san.  May the Mantis' sense of duty override their love of profit."]

As Tsukiko stepped back, her inner thoughts remaining a mystery behind a mask of serenity.  A small smile tipped the corners of her lips upwards as she regarded those who were to accompany her.

"And we should away to speak with the Scorpion for I believe there shall be much to discuss.  Kenji-san, I believe less tongues would busy themselves with speculation if it were to appear that we were accompanying you to visit your kin.  If you would lead the way...?"

Tsukiko's slim-fingered hand swept towards the door, visible now as the long sleeve of her kimono twisted from the gesture.

"Aki-San" Sakura said courteously, "I will need some advice from yourself and Kedo-Kun sometime soon. I suspect we will have a day or two before it is necessary, however it's impossible to determine when the Lion will strike."

She observed Tsukiko and her discussions for a moment before rising. She then hesitated another moment before looking at Kenji.

"Do you know the way, Kenji-San? If so, then please lead the way. If not, then I shall do so."

Without a second's hesitation, he stands up and wakls towards the door and so to the mantis   Motioning for the others to follow.

I will make myself availible to you Sakura-san whenever you may need.

There goes my rest before tonight's plans, Kenji thinks, turning toward the door.
"It would be my pleasure, Daidoji-sama," he says, bowing before making his way through the door.

Satoru walks out of the meeting with a deep bow to his superiors. His mind filled with possible ways to earn a Mantis' trust.