Mariasha had walked with Motoko to the Temple keeping a few pace back but within distance to reply if spoken to. She had not wanted to impose upon the swords woman's thoughts  and thus kept silent the whole way there.  Waiting patiently, she stood back to allow Brother Galen and Motoko to conduct their business first.

Brother Galen looked up as Motoko greeted him.  A smile, like the warm spring sunrise, lit up his smooth features, crinkling the corners of his eyes as they reflected the colours of the early morning sky.  A slight breeze brought the scent of Lan Su and wild cherry to delight the Grand Master and his visitors.  He stood effortlessly and then bowed to Motoko and Mariasha.  He quickly produced two more small porcelain tea cups (though from where is a mystery) and offers them to his friends.

"Will you join me in a cup of tea?  Nang Xi would be pleased to know her most excellent tea is being appreciated by all."

Indicating that he would be happy if they joined him, he sipped from his own cup and looked across the temple court yard silently.  After several long moments he spoke addressed Motoko's question, gazing directly into the swordswoman's eyes with a a look of profound sadness:

"Tenshi no Shi, yes she is here still.  She remains in the Eastern Garden amid the remains of former monks and masters of our temple.  No one has been able to stir her from that place, nor have any who tried returned.  You are most welcome to visit her there; perhaps you can persuade her to unburden herself to you, and in so doing, find peace.  I wish you the luck, brave Kensai."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Tue 08 Nov 2016.

Petal had followed her mistress silently admiring the quiet temple with obvious fascination.When she was able she snuck a glance at the monks and novices who were going about their morning routine. and smiled to herself.

Kneeling by her mistress she held out her hands t take the tea from master Galen and offer it to her Mistress with a smile and small bow f her head as she held it up to Mistress on the tips of the fingers of both hands.

Mariasha bowed respectfully to Brother Galen and took the delicate tea cup with a quiet word of gratitude. Having settled upon the top step, after pouring herself some tea, Mariasha gazed out into the courtyard allowing the tea and surroundings to calm her.

"Thank you," Motoko bowed respectfully to Brother Galen before taking the cup of tea from Petal.  She smiled down at her slave, playfully tussling her hair before taking a sip.  Her eyes popped open as she stared down at the tea.  "You're right, this tea is excellent.  I don't think I've had any this good since I left Oko."

The swordswoman's gaze wandered over toward the Eastern Garden.  That was where she was to find the mysterious Kensai, Tenshi no Shi.  She had no idea what to expect, but she had every intention of fulfilling her promise.

Remains of former monks.  No one who tried returned.

In other words, walking into that garden could mean certain death.

Motoko took a deep breath, finished her tea, then placed the empty cup back into Petal's hands.  She ran her fingers through Petal's hair, relishing the touch one last time.

"Petal, you are to remain here.  Stay out of the Eastern Garden," Motoko sternly growled between her teeth.  She glanced over toward Mariasha and gave her a smile, "Mariasha, could you watch Petal while I'm gone?"

She looked up at the bright blue morning sky.  She stood there for a moment, wondering what else she needed to get out of the way.

"If I'm not back in an hour, find Crow," Motoko said before walking toward the Eastern Garden.  Her left hand rested on the hilt of her blade.  Hopefully, she wouldn't need to draw it... but who was she kidding, really?

http://malleni-stock.deviantar...n-Stock-18-415601523

(Used with permission, this absolutely beautiful photo from the gallery of Malleni Stock on deviant art.  Please check out this artist's amazing gallery here http://malleni-stock.deviantar...50085/Chinese-Garden).

Through a stone archway, and up a set of broad, flat stone steps, is the entrance to the Eastern Temple Garden.  A high, crystal clear waterfall tumbles over dark grey stones into a natural pool surrounded by grey willow, cypress, and weeping cherry trees.  Here rests a small shrine to the former masters of the Temple.  A little ways north of the shrine the land slopes gently upwards, becoming a low, round, wildflower carpeted hill. Along this hillside are the kanji carved grave markers of many monks and masters who once lived here.

Kneeling by the shrine is a woman of indeterminate age; her dark hair pulled up into a single short knot.  She wears a traditional Shenyi (a long, loose, dress like garment with wide sleeves and darker bordered collar and cuffs) of pure white, with black trim, all bound by a black silken sash.  Strapped to either side are the beautiful black lacquered scabbards of her húdié shuāngdāo.

Not fifty feet from her are the bodies of at least ten men, laid neatly as if sleeping in a freshly dug grave, their faces covered with yellow cloth.  All of them have their various weapons and personal items beside them.  All bear the bloody wounds that prove the manner of their death, swift and violently cut down.

At Motoko's approach the woman speaks, quietly, her back to the young Kensai woman.  She remains absolutely still as she recites:

"My name is Tenshi no Shi of the Sorrowing Blades, and if you are another hunter come to claim my head, I suggest you turn around and walk away.  I have no wish for further bloodshed, but if I must stand and face you it will end in death.  Please leave me to my own misery!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Sat 12 Nov 2016.

The Grand Master watched Motoko walk eastwards, towards the once peaceful garden and was silent for several long minutes.  Then he took another sip of his tea, then set the cup down and folded his hands in his lap. Then he gave his old friend Mariasha a soft smile as his gaze settled upon her.

"And so, my dear friend, you did not return to the Temple simply for Nang Xi's tea, exquisite though it is.  There is something on your mind, I believe. How may I help?" Brother Galen asks quietly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Sat 12 Nov 2016.

Mariasha had nodded her accent to Motoko and watched the swords woman until she disappeared from sight. Then rising from the top step of the wide porch she passed by Motoko's beautiful slave girl Petal, to take a seat beside Brother Galen. Mariasha savored the last drop of tea in her cup before turning to face him. She returned his smile and yet her violet eyes were shadowed gray with past memories, fears.

  "I have been following rumors and ghosts for years, you know this? Always searching yet never finding anything concrete until now."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Tue 15 Nov 2016.

Quietly the humble monk finished his tea and offered more to Mariasha, before refilling his modest cup.  He inhaled its soothing aroma and gazed off towards the rising sun, turning his eyes golden for a moment.  Then taking a deep relaxing breath, he turns his attention back to her and replies quietly:

"Mariasha, I know you well what you seek, though I remain uncertain how wise that choice is.  What is it you have found that troubles you so deeply?  Tell me what you have learned and I will advise you as best I can."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Sun 20 Nov 2016.

"Yes Mistress.I will do as you wish." Petal bit her lip and was obviously distressed but could not refuse her Mistress  even though she wished to accompany her. She sat quietly eyes drifting toward the path Motoko had taken with obvious concern.

Graciously, Mariasha accepted the refill of tea and inhaled deep it's calming fragrance. She sipped slowly, in deep thought, before setting the cup down and turning to look at her old friend. Her teeth worried her lower lip and her violet eyes clouded over before she spoke.

"Rumors circulating about mysterious deaths near this town, some of the details given lead me to believe a changling is involved."

Motoko wasn't sure what to expect when she stepped into the territory of the angel of death.  She could see the shrine, and the woman kneeling in front of it.  Her eyes glanced briefly toward the dead men, not sure how to react to the sight of them.  A cold shiver went up her spine as she thought about how each of them met their end.  She could smell the fresh blood from where she stood.  From the wounds alone, she could already imagine how each of them were killed.  A vertical slice.  A quick-draw maneuver.  A counter-attack.  Each one swift, deadly, and precise.  The result of perfected techniques.

She looked back up to Tenshi no Shi of the Sorrowing Blades.  She focused on the other woman's back.  For a brief moment, she flashed back to an image from her memory.  A memory of a sempai, kneeling before a shrine in a similar manner.  Clutching her chest, Motoko breathed deeply, getting a hold of herself before addressing the other kensai.

"I'm not here for your head," Motoko glanced off to the side, then approached, walking closer toward the other woman.  She reached into her cloak and pulled out a flask of rum.  She uncorked it, then took a sip.  She held it out to the other woman, offering it to her and said, "I'm just here to talk."

GrandMaster Galen listens attentively in that humble way he has that makes others feel like they are the only person in the world.  He eagerly drinks in every word Mariasha says, then weighs them carefully before he gives a well considered reply.

"Your heart tells you that these deaths betray the presence of your kind.  Whether this is true, I cannot say, for I have not heard these rumours, except for the Mage's death.  Remember, it is YOU who knows the ways of your kind; you who might see what others miss.  If you believe a changeling is involved, then I believe you.  The question is, what will you do?  Is it possible this changeling might know of your family?  It is possible, certainly, though it is also equally possible they do not.  If you choose to investigate then my advice to you is be cautious.  You have grown up among humans and have been long out of touch with your people.  Take someone with you, someone you trust."

Slowly, gracefully, the woman called Tenshi no Shi stood up and turned to face Motoko.  If she was at all surprised she gave no sign, her demeanor as calm as a star strewn sky on a windless night.  For several long moments, she watches the woman before her, dark eyes piercing as she studies her, her gaze lingering upon the young Kensai's daisho.  Finally, she shakes her head ever so slightly, silently declining the proffered flask.  Then she slowly places her fist into her palm and bows respectfully.

"You are not here for my head?" She smiled bitterly, her gaze never wavering, holding Motoko's own.  "Alright, let me imagine, for the moment, that you speak the truth.  You are either very brave or very foolish to come here, and unless my instincts fail me, you are no fool.  Why have you have interrupted my...rumination... to 'talk' with me?  What do you think we have to discuss?  My swords, Hajimari and Owari speak far more eloquently than I, and I am sure they are eager to converse with you.  You are not like the others,  there is no fear of death, no hesitation.  You have the heart of a warrior... Very well, you have thirty seconds; choose your words wisely!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Sun 11 Dec 2016.

In reply to Brother Galen (msg # 83):

Mariasha took a deep, calming breath and then gave her dear friend a grateful smile." My thanks, I have worried over this rumors for awhile. I will give it some time and thought before actively pursuing them. I do want to find them truth and I believe that there could be some answers for me here. However, you are right I need. To be cautious and plan this out. Again, I thank you, dear friend for your sound advice."  She smiled again and then picked up her tea and drank, savorying the taste.

Motoko shrugged when the other swordswoman declined the flask of alcohol.  She took a quick swig of it before tucking it away.  She placed her fist in her palm and returned Tenshi no Shi's greeting.  The aura surrounding this woman... this other warrior who followed the path of the sword.  It was suffocating.  The smell of death lingered the air.  It took a good chunk of her willpower to keep herself from drawing her sword in response to the immense atmosphere.

Thirty seconds before to talk... that was more than she expected to get, honestly.

"There's a fine line between bravery and foolishness.  The only difference is one gets results, the other doesn't," Motoko couldn't help but remark.  Her gaze went toward the bodies lying on the ground.  "If I'm not mistaken, you have been... ruminating here for quite some time now.  I thought perhaps I could lend an ear and listen to whatever may trouble you.  In exchange, I may benefit from your experiences as a fellow warrior of the sword."

Motoko thought about it some more, wondering how many more seconds she had left, if she had any.  If there was... she would quickly add, "My name is Motoko Kurenai, by the way.  My swords are named Shohenji and Tadashi.  The Shinken Katana is unnamed.  I'm sure our swords have much to say, but right now, I'm more interested in your story."

Brother Galen finished his second cup as he listened to Mariasha's decision.  He nodded quietly in reply, then took a deep breath as well and exhaled softly.  He looked down at his lap, his lips tightening for the briefest of moments, almost imperceptible, but Mariasha knew the man better than almost anyone in Arn.  Carefully he placed his tea cup down and folded his hands together in his lap.  When he again lifts his face to meet Mariasha's eyes, there is a sadness in his own, as if old tears still dwelt there, waiting to be shed.

"Good, that is the right decision as I see it.  You have grown in wisdom, since last we met, Mariasha.  Once something has been done, it is written upon the tapestry of your heart and cannot be undone.  That is why I have found it is best to consider ones actions before their execution.  Then the mind, the heart, and the body may act as one; with strength, focus, determination.  Free from the distractions of doubt, you will then achieve success.  When the time comes, and you must make a decisive action, with no opportunity for thought, then you must trust in yourself, and let your spirit, your training, guide you to the correct path.  However, if you do have time, and in most circumstances you will, you should properly assess your situation.  There will always be consequences to all that you do.  It is best to be sure of what those will be, so that you know you can live with your choices."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Sun 18 Dec 2016.

Tenshi no Shi listened in silence to Motoko's cautious reply, her expression inscrutable, her stance graceful, confident, motionless.  And yet Motoko, her warrior's instincts honed by years of training, could see she was razor focused, ready at any moment, for a fight to the death.  She was resolutely waiting for it like a familiar dance she'd long since tired of, but was unable to escape.

"You are not what I expected," she admitted quietly, her voice measured and calm, yet profoundly sad.  There was also genuine surprise: "Harmony surrounds you, and flows out of you into the world.  You are a warrior, that much is true, but in your face I see compassion;  in your stance there is peace; in your eyes there is hope, not the blood-lust of these hunters at my feet.  Their arrogance was their undoing, their battle lost before it had begun, but you are not like them.  You do not speak boastfully of your deeds, as these men did.  No, your honour is a part of who you are, it is the path that you tread...I envy that more than you could possibly know."

She laughed rancorously as Motoko talked of learning from her. "My mistakes are the only lessons I have left to teach, how not to succumb to your own folly, why you should not follow in my blood stained footsteps.  My story is unfinished, though I mean to write an ending very soon."

Tenshi no Shi considered.  She had a tale to tell, but until this moment she had seen no reason to tell it to anyone else.  And yet this Kensai before her seemed truly honourable; was such a thing even possible?  It seemed too much to hope for, and certainly far more than she deserved.  She decided to test Motoko...

"I have a story I would share with you, if you would hear it.  First, tell me, what do you know of me?  What have you heard of the terror that is Tenshi no Shi of the Sorrowing Blades?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Sat 31 Dec 2016.

"Heh... not much, I'm afraid," Motoko visibly relaxed when she realized that the woman warrior before her had chosen not to draw her blade.  She scratched the back of her head as she tried to remember what she could about Tenshi no Shi of the Sorrowing Blades.  She only knew what Galen told her.  "All I really know is that a woman who answered to the name 'Tenshi no Shi' suddenly showed up here one day three weeks ago.  A bunch of bounty hunters came after her and she... took them all down.  I take it your story is about what happened before then?"

Tenshi no Shi gives Motoko a wondering look and, for a brief moment, Motoko can see how beautiful she could be, but her smile dies as quickly as it was born, almost as if it knew it could never belong on her face.  She locks eyes with the young Kensai before her and then carefully begins to recite:

"I believe you, and so you pass my test, Motoko Kurenai.  To answer your question, my story begins long ago, in a village far from here.  In my years in the Ikoshan Empire I have been a wanted criminal, a bandit leader, a murderer and worse.  I have burned entire towns to the ground to avenge some petty dispute between lords, and led men to slaughter peasants by the score for their meager possessions.  It is all too easy to lose your conscience, once you have denied it.  I was not always like this, but I remember all too clearly when my decent began.

My father died when I was still a girl, and with him gone I felt no sense of direction.  I had no other family to turn to, and so I was alone.  I met a boy, he was a natural leader, he had drive and direction.  I was in love.  He used to enjoy tormenting the children of our village and I thought it was all fun.  Then one day..."

She pauses a moment, a profoundly sad expression on her face.  She seems lost in her memories, as if she could see the events she peaks of, as painful as if they were yesterday.

"He... he pushed a young boy into the river, outside of town.  It was fast moving, and would have swept the child away, but the boy managed to cling to a rock.  Why, you might ask, would my love do such a thing?  Why indeed.  In the intervening years I have come to believe it was more than simple horseplay.  There was a gleam in my young man's eye that I cannot forget.  The child screamed for help; his cries shrill with terror, for he could not swim.  I moved to help him, but then I felt a hand on my arm.

"The boy I loved, turned to me and said: "If we help him, he'll only tell others what we've done.  We have to let him go."  Something in his voice...I believed him.  That poor child was swept away in the current and was found dead, down river, two days later.  We never told anyone what we had done, but I could not forget.

"Those simple words still echo in my mind even now, If we help him, he'll only tell others what we've done.  We have to let him go.  Nights are worse, I cannot sleep for the screams of that boy as he was washed away; I hear them to this day.  I have known no happiness since and I do not ask for forgiveness that I do not deserve.  Whether I was to blame for that moment or not no longer matters, for I have done far worse since, always hoping to forget what happened.  As if the screams of others could drown out that poor child's.

"That is why I have come here now.  I am tired of my life, but at least I have lived it.  He deserved to live as I did, but has never felt a moment's remorse for his deeds that day.  If you have heard of the rich bounty placed on my head, you may even know him.  Ambassador Sen of Iko is my quarry.  I will make him pay for that boy's life!"

She exhaled softly, and lifted her face, her piercing gaze holding Motoko's own.  Her look is at once both pleading, and challenging.  "And now you know my intentions, you must choose, Motoko Kurenai... will you hinder me or help me?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Fri 13 Jan 2017.

Motoko was struck practically speechless by the story she just heard.  She wasn't sure how to respond at first.  She had figured that Tenshi no Shi had a dark history, but burning entire towns to the ground?  She wondered for a moment if she was biting off more than she could chew by accepting Galen's request.

She took a deep breath and tried to come up with the best answer she could.  She thought about what her Shisho would say... what her Sempai would say if they were in her place right now.

"Tenshi no Shi... I agree that the Ambassador Sen of Iko must face justice for what he has done, but his death would only keep him from his due punishment.  If you rush in and kill him... or he kills you, then the truth of his crimes would be lost forever.  That boy you told me about.  He deserves better than that."

"The moment you lose your life is the moment you can no longer do anything, including making up for your own sins.  If you truly feel remorse for the end of that boy's life, perhaps you should think about what you can still do with the rest of your life.  You told me that you have known no happiness since that day.  From the sounds of it, you've spent a long time since then doing what's essentially the same thing.  Perhaps the answers you seek lie somewhere other than death."

Tenshi no Shi shakes her head sadly, her features hardening.  "For a moment I dared hope you could understand, that somehow you might grasp the depths of my anger, my shame!  The cold hunger for vengeance is all that remains of me.  No Motoko, death is the ONLY answer with any meaning now; for me and for Sen.  Death is his due, as it is mine.  Before this is through we must both pay for our crimes!"

She bit her lip, the fury in her dark eyes ebbing slightly as she considered the Kensai's words.

"And yet, on one matter at least we seem to agree.  Sen has surrounded himself with guards, and while it is unlikely they have skill enough to hinder me, I cannot take the chance that one might land a lucky blow.  Motoko, you could bring me to Sen.  Tell his aides you have captured me, and are claiming the undoubtedly generous bounty on my head.  He is arrogant enough to permit you an audience, he'll want to see me humbled and defeated.  Get me to him and I will end his life, I need only one chance.  I've waited so long for just one chance... As one warrior to another I implore you, help me end Ambassador Sen's life.  After that I care not for my own fate!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:30, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

"Even if you manage to succeed in ending Sen's life, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to escape," Motoko replied, her eyes narrowed as she met the fury ebbing in the Tenshi's dark eyes.  "Even if you don't care for your own life, I do!  I won't allow you to throw it away."

The Kensai considered her options.  A plan was formulating in her head.  There were certainly ways to bring the Ambassador to justice.  She was going to need some help, but it was possible.

"Give me two days.  In two days, I will have the Ambassador himself confess his crimes to the public.  If my plan does not work, then... I'll do as you say.  I'll bring you to him under the guise of a bounty hunter."

"I have already thrown my life away Motoko; it was forfeit long ago.  This can only end in death, my sister in the sword...there is a kind of peace in knowing that it will finally be over."

Tenshi no Shi turned her face from Motoko, her hands clenching into fists, then slowly opening once more.  She nodded quietly, still not looking at the Kensai.

"Motoko.  If you lived as I have...perhaps you'd understand.  Sen will never confess, he'd rather die first, but you will learn that for yourself.  I will wait for two more days, Motoko Kurenai.  After that, if Sen is not in irons I will kill him, and ANYONE who stands in my way!"

She turned away from Motoko and knelt down as she had before and said nothing more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:15, Sat 18 Feb 2017.

"Thank you, I will not let you down," Motoko placed her fist into her palm and bowed at the waist respectfully.  She turned away from the other woman and started making her way back to the others.

She had made her promise and she was confident that the plan she had in mind would work.  Still... she did not know Sen personally, so she could not be entirely sure.  First... she needed more information and she knew exactly who she could count on to get exactly that.