If there is relief in Kedo's reply it is not immediately apparent - he may have no gift whatsoever for deception, but the emotional highs and lows that so many lock away behind rigid expressionlessness simply don't seem to trouble the mountain Samurai.

 "Such it is to be Ronin." he replies simply in an answer of sorts to the first statement, making it clear that he expects no more and no less than for Sakura to do as it is necessary for her to do.

 The second however does bring him a moment of pause, causing him to roll the thought around inside his head. The traditional samurai 'answer' to a possibly compromising revelation isn't available to him in this circumstance even if he were inclined to it... But even so... "If you know so much, then you know that there is little in your power to do to aid me. But I will bear your offer in mind, Sakura-sama."

 The last statement of course requires neither answer nor consideration - it is a simple statement of how things are - or rather should be (and have tended to be for time out of mind in the mountains, under the watchful eye of one who knows what it is to lead).

Sakura's answer, if it could be called such, to Kedo's statement was to sing. She began to sing softly, a habit she had picked up long ago. It was something that delighted the kami, so she considered it something of an offering to them.

So they continued on to the school.

[Unless Kedo has something else to say, that is ...

Also, just to make sure we're on the same page: there's nothing inherently wrong with Sakura knowing about Kedo's quest (so long as she does not interfere, which for her will be a difficult task ... ;p). Kedo is not allowed to use his affiliation; but there are times when he would be forced to reveal it, and there would be nothing dishonorable or shameful about it under those circumstances.]

 It does not seem as though Kedo has anything more to add - but then, under most circumstances he does not... It can make him a difficult companion at times, not least because of his tendency to consider conversation to be an art form not unlike that of manufacturing a puzzle-box (each word shaved down to fit just so into the meanings required of it).

 And so he simply follows, one step behind and one step to the side... to the school.


 ---

 Well, he'd be forced to reveal that he's a Ronin. What other people choose to believe is irrelevent to him. Sakura knowing more than is good for her mildly troubles him because he doesn't trust her to know when not to fiddle with things, having basically pegged her as a bit of a busybody. But he's not going to try and cut her head off for that now, is he? ^_^

[LOL! Well she is a busybody, but that's why she promised not to interfere.]

The two of you arrive, not late, but certainly not early, to Kakita Tsutomu's open air dojo where the former ronin and his Daidoji student are sparring.  Tsutomu is wielding only one of his peculiar long-handled bokken in a classical style, somewhat reminiscent of the Akodo; whereas his student wields another of his long-handled bokken much more awkwardly--as if she is used to a longer grip and reach than the katana affords.

"You always tell me to use what works!" she complains, unable to pierce his diffident defenses, "why can't I use my naginata?"

"On the field of battle, you will not always have the luxury of choosing your weapons," he replies, "weapons are often lost or broken in the heat of the moment.  If your weapon of choice fails you, you will need to be able to stay alive long enough to rearm yourself."

OOC:  make a perception/investigation (notice) check TN 20

[Private to GM: It looks good for Kedo. ^_^

You rolled 36 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max of 1, 6 & 7 ((6,(10+6)16,(10+1)11,9,7,1)).]

 Accompanying Daidoji Sakura at his accustomed one pace behind, one to the side Kedo says little on the short journey from the indecisive meeting with the representatives of the Scorpion, instead either being lost in his own thoughts or - perhaps as likely - lost in contemplation of the world about him, noticing countless tiny details that hundreds of others have seen before him and thinking thoughts that almost none would ever have entertained.

 He's like that really.

 Arriving at the Dojo on the other hand, now that focuses him tremendously, and his eyes gleam ever so slightly at the details of the developing encounter.

 Even in the movements of a student, there is something to learn.

[Made it ... much better than I expected, actually ...
You rolled 28 using 5d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max of 1, 3 & 5 ((1,(10+7)17,5,3,(10+1)11)).]

Sakura smiled her gentle smile, watching the two spar. She seemed to be paying very good attention to this match, watching even closer than she did when looking for bandits on the open road.

'Is this her?' she thought to herself. No matter; she had promised not to interfere. This did not mean that she wouldn't keep an eye out, however.

"I knew how to hold the Naginata once" she commented aloud, though at a low tone so as not to interrupt the training in progress. "But that was long ago. I would probably kill myself with it now ..."

Sakura focused even closer on the girl. As Sakura watched the girl's every move, she looked for clues -- though felt for clues would be more accurate -- to the girls personality.

Just what kind of Daidoji is she?

OOC:  you both notice the distinctive striking falcon tattoo on the inside of her left wrist

At the sound of Daidoji Sakura's voice, the two combatants disengage warily--you can tell that one or both of them have used outside distractions to strike a telling blow in the past.

"Ah, Kedo-san, Daidoji-san," Kakita Tsutomu smiles, still warily holding his weapon in a defensive position, "this is Daidoji Tomoe whom I have spoken of before.  Tomoe-san, this is Daidoji Sakura and her yojimbo, the ronin Kedo, who helped me with the next move in our game of Go."

"Daidoji-san, Kedo-san," Daidoji Tomoe bows, "I heard about your display of swordsmanship earlier today and I am sorry that I missed it.  Perhaps we ought to retire to our game, if that is acceptable to you, sensei?"

"Certainly, Tomoe-san," Tsutomu replies, leading the way back to his small sitting room.  It is much as you left it, with the Go board in a place of prominence and cups set out for tea.

"Interesting," Tomoe says, her eyes narrowing as she studies the board, "the response appears obvious, but there are too many potential pitfalls...I shall have to consider this carefully.  In the meantime," she says, looking up at the two of you, "what was it that you wished to speak to me about?"

 As is only proper - it can hardly be expected (though it can be hoped) that a foe would pass up an advantage given by a distraction that poor training has encouraged one to allow to ones attention to wander from the task at hand.

 "There are many paths." remarks Kedo softly, either in answer to the comment made by Sakura, or perhaps even just in a general observation of the world about him, but there is no time given for discussion of the point when master and student approach and - to a fractionally greater degree than he is offered, the Ronin bows appreciatively.

 "I was priviledged to learn something of the sword from your Sensei." he does however venture to 'correct' with impeccable humility, rather than allow the talk of 'display' to stand unchallenged, before moving (just behind, just to the side of Sakura) into the room when the invitation is extended.

 "The obvious is not, I think to be disregarded. In war, or in Go." comments Kedo again, once more letting his eyes wander over the board in casual thoughtfulness, letting the imagined click-clack of stones fade away in his mind to be replaced by flying banners and the war-cries of samurai...

 ...only to be jerked back by the suddeness of Daidoji Tomoe's inquiry, the almost brutal bluntness of the question actually seeming for a moment to surprise (if not actually offend) the soft-spoken Ronin, his eyes glancing for a half-heartbeat between Sakura and Tsutomu before returning to the young woman... "I cannot speak for Daidoji Sakura-sama... But for myself." he replies, unhurriedly, "For myself, I would one day hope to know something of steel."

When introduced, Sakura bowed properly to the young woman that she saw in front of her. This did solve several problems, after all, so Sakura was more than willing to go along with it. She allowed Kedo to do the speaking ... until her name was mentioned.

"His desires align with mine" Sakura replied in a semi-formal tone. "At some point I will be in need of his smithing services for a very special project." At the words "very special", Sakura's tone changed to one of reverence. "I can't say much at this time, however I can say that what I have in mind must be worthy of awakening."

Very special indeed.

This went well beyond meddling in an erstwhile Ronin's affairs. Kedo would be useful, of course, but if necessary she would climb Tagashi's mountain and ask for one of the loan of one of the smiths that resided there. Whether or not her head was still in tact after she delivered the request was irrelevant to her.

'There is no failure -- only Success or Death.'

 A very faint grimace crosses Kedo's features, which fortunately Sakura is in no position to see - being one pace ahead, one pace to the side of him. He after all, would not presume to consider himself a 'smith', but merely one who has hopes that on day he shall touch the sleeve of steel, and this is the first he has heard of the Crane's delusions of grandeur.

 It is sometimes... uncomfortable... to protect one with such enthusiasms.

"Tomoe-san," Tsutomu says, disaprovingly.

"My apologies for my bluntness, Kedo-san, Daidoji-san," Tomoe bows, "a legacy of my Crab father.  Excuse me," she says, a shadow briefly crossing her expression, "former Crab father.

It is one reason Tsutomu-sensei was chosen for my training.  My Doji cousins would say that his...how did they put it...unorthodoxy is a perfect match for my bluntness of speech," she shrugs, "I prefer to think that I simply choose not to waste time by hiding my opinions behind pretty words--if you want to kill someone, do it cleanly with a blade, not a knife hidden behind a fan.

As for the obvious, well, was it not Bayushi Tangen who wrote 'Spend little time on the plan, for the only thing that is certain is that something will go wrong. Spend all your time on contingencies'?  I am not so concerned about my initial response, but what will come afterwards," yet, as if to belie her words, she places a stone almost immediately, with a smile, "Tangen also wrote that impetuousness alway triumphs.

And as for steel, well, I must confess that though my father is not unknown among those who work that most precious of metals, I have only inherited his talent for words."

OOC:  make an awareness/etiquette roll (the conversation emphasis applies) and an awareness/go TN 20 or perception/battle roll TN 30

[Private to GM:

 My goodness, the dice are with me tonight. ^_^

Manners
You rolled 33 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max ((9,3,5,(10+9)19)).

Go
You rolled 32 using 8d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max of 2, 6, 7, 7 & 8 ((6,(10+1)11,7,8,7,8,2,(10+3)13)). (With a free raise)]


 A faint flicker of understanding passes across the features of the momentarily distracted Ronin and his features crease in a slight smile... Where one might chide a Crane for less than perfect manners, the Crab cannot be expected to live up to their standards.

 They have, after all, more important things to do.

 Politely he gives a small nod and does not mention the fleeting and momentary 'disgrace' of the blunt speech, focussing instead upon the far more interesting words that follow it, "There are those who would say that the fan cuts more cleanly and more deeply." he suggests, giving a small motion of his hadn to suggest that he is not necessarily one who feels that this is 'better', merely one who knows that it is a thing that is said.

 "Bayushi Tangen's writings are insightful." he agrees however, giving a little shrug, before pointing out ruefully, "But they are, I would imagine, not the same writings that those of his own family have inherited from him." - in other words, when writing for others a clever Scorpion is very likely to advise that which is to the benefit of those he has told what he has not written for others.

 It's a singularly twisty thought to come from someone as seemingly open and honest as the simple Ronin, and Kedo looks on with mild curiosity to see whether Tomoe can work her way to the end of it.

Sakura chuckled at the thought of Bayushi Tangen's writings. It was somewhat ironic  for her to be talking with two Crane, one a "Crab-Crane", and a Ronin about such things.

"Actually, Kedo-Kun, Bayushi Tangen did not need to hide his meanings. Only those capable of thinking like a Scorpion were not so offended that they did not decry them; and they undoubtedly thought of the entire thing as children's primer."

"Akodo-no-Kami would likely have asked how one could make contingencies for a non-existent plan. The point of a plan is to figure out what can go wrong, ne?"

"Speaking of plans" Sakura said, turning to the Tsutomu, "If you have some time at some point, Sensei, I would like to get your advice. I know you have a busy schedule and all ..."

Sakura turned to Tomoe, a sadness crossing her face.

"I am not a 'true Daidoji' either" Sakura told Tomoe, "I was  called Yagyu Sakura before; I was adopted into the clan after the Yagyu vassal family was destroyed ..."

"... I was the only one to leave that village alive ..."

'Many died that I could be here. I must remember my Duty to them ...'


[For the record, Kedo-San, I (the player) know that Kedo isn't a "smith" (since we discussed it), but Sakura hasn't figured it out yet. Oh, and for player's comfort, her plan has nothing to do with Kedo's goals.

Rolls:
20:06, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 25 using 4d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5,7,5,8. Awareness/Go (Unskilled).

20:06, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 28 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,8,7,6,5,7. Awareness/Etiquette (Blind).]

Etiquette results:  despite her ramblings and abrupt manner, Daidoji Tomoe is far more eloquent then she is letting on.

Go results:  what Tomoe has set into motion, with her seemingly thoughtless placement, is another zone of conflict to distract from the others already in place that may--if played correctly--result in the fortification of a large area of territory, the loss of a moderate number of stones, and/or both.  It is a risky maneuver, because one mistimed stone could result in a serious disadvantage.

"My schedule is not particularly full, Daidoji-san," Tsutomu replies with a bow, "and for friends of...Kedo-san, I can always make time.

You are too modest, Tomoe-san," the sensei says, looking archly at his student, "while you may not work with steel, your knowledge of the true quality of it is second to none."

Tomoe shrugs modestly at the complement, but does not otherwise comment.

"Though the Crane benefited and it was long ago," Daidoji Tomoe bows, to Sakura, "I sorrow for your loss.

As for Bayushi Tangen," she smiles, "I believe the truth--if such a word can be applied without irony to his writings--lies somewhere in between.  While hiding his teachings in plain sight may have been effective, only a fool relies strictly on the foolishness of others to keep his secrets safe.  'Three can keep a secret, if two are dead' after all."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:34, Fri 25 Apr 2008.

 Kedo gives a little nod of concession to Sakura's claim, choosing to take no umbrage at the words 'think like a Scorpion' - since after all, however dark and wide-spread their negative reputation has become, no-one has ever dared to suggest that they might not be rather clever.
 And they're kin, after all, of the most elemental sort...

 The thought comes, and then passes without further expression, banished from the surface of his mind as the image of the Go stones in his mind fades once more into the charge of archers to high ground and their screening with hastily raised spearmen - a combination that must work together flawlessly or be overthrown.

 Looking for a moment to Tsutomu for an indication of whether or not to speak, he manages to give the impression of having gained some insight from the visions flowing through his minds eye - but being unprepared to intrude upon the essence of the game without invitation.

 However the Sensei answers he glances at the student with a slight tilt of the head that suggests measurement, before asking... "It is something of an imposition, Tomoe-sama, but whilst Tsutomu-sama considers his move, may I ask you to judge something of my crafting, and seek your insight into where I might look next for the insight to draw closer to the shadow of Steel?"

Sakura noticed the slight pause in Tsutomu-Sensei's words, but she did her best to ignore it. She had, after all, made a promise to Kedo and if a Scorpion knew anything it was Loyalty.

Sakura smiled her knowing smile at Tomoe's words. In fact, Bayushi Tangen was known as a fool among the Scorpion Clan, after all, and it was precisely for this reason. It was ironic that his plan was working so well.

Instead Sakura looked at the Go board, and then back to Tomoe spending a little more time on the latter. "You are an impressive warrior, Tomoe-San" she told the young woman, with a slight bow, "you have obviously inherited the practicality of both the Crab and the Daidoji. It shall serve you well."

"Please" she told the three Bushi, "pretend I'm not here until your business is completed."

She then took one step backwards and bowed to the Sensei, now content with being unobtrusive.

Tsutomu confidently places his stone upon the board without hesitation, it is clear that he had placed a great deal of thought into the move--different from the prescribed, traditional response, it offered a different set of rewards--and risks--than the quagmire foreseen by Kedo and Sakura.

"It isn't the move that I would've preferred she make," Tsutomu says with a mock grimace, "but I didn't think she'd resign so easily anyway.  Now," he smiles, "how may I help you, Sakura-san?"

"I would be honored to examine the fruits of your labors," she bows deeply, "as for where you might choose to search next..."  Tomoe considers Kedo's words thoughtfully for several minutes before answering.  "It would depend on what you are looking for," she says slowly, "my father's search was for the untarnishable--the uncorruptable, if you will.  A steel which would remain pure even in the heart of the Shadowlands.  Despite his disgrace, he continues.

Kakita Soto, who forges the weapons that I prefer, produces the most durable blades in Toshi Ranbo.  Not a single weapon of his craftsmanship has ever broken in my experience.

Kakita Maru, however, forges the sharpest blades in Toshi Ranbo.  Her steel is more brittle, but holds a keener edge than any I have seen.

Does that answer your question, Kedo-san?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:01, Tue 29 Apr 2008.

 A small nod from Kedo indicates his willingness to accept that instruction at least, since it has the convenience of both practicality and dignity, after which he turns back around smoothly to glance at the board and tilt his head very slightly... It is not the move he would have made, that much is visible - but then, what does a Ronin know of the Game?

 Moving unhurriedly, and with what would be his off-hand were he not trained in the Miromoto school he removes the longer of the two swords balanced at his hip and, treating it with the expected degree of consideration rests it across one arm before extending it for inspection, neither point nor hilt towards the young woman.

 His answer however takes a moment, though he is obviously impressed by the explanation of Tomoe's father's search. "Purity is a powerful ideal to work towards indeed... As for what I seek?"

 A moment passes, and then a moment more as he considers the question both from the viewpoint of a young, vigorous Bushi and that of a more than passingly philosophical recluse before putting both answers to that part of him which is a smith... "I... do not reach so highly. To forge purity I would first need to be pure... but perhaps if I strive, I might forge a sword worthy of the hand of man."

 Which is to say, if he were to think about it even more deeply than he has... not a blade of spirit or enchantment, cast about with Jade and the invocations of the Kami, nor even the blessings of the Fortunes. But rather steel, forged by a smith to cut. Mortal. Simple.

 Pure like the thunder...

[Private to GM: The katana in Kedos arm is a 'Fine' weapon - specifically this of course means that he can hit TN 30 with a crafting check. More importantly however I imagine it would tell something about the smith. He's 8K4 (as you know) with 4 void. The sword is obviously made to be one of a pair and used as such, balanced and flowing in the hand as though eager to cut whatever is put before it, the blade seeking to strike a balance between a cutting edge fine enough to slice flesh without turning and blunting on bone, but also flexible enough to take great strain unbroken. It's not beautiful or artistic, but it has a certain exquisite simplicity that's stylish in itself - a weapon quite plainly made for a mortal hand, not that of some mystic force and, as such exceedingly deadly.]

"I go where I am sent" Sakura replied softly to the Crane Sensei, "but that does not mean that I do not have my own goals -- I intend to become an Emerald Magistrate. To be a good Magistrate I must know the law, investigation procedures, and how to lead a team."

"It is the latter where I need the advice. The team must, of necessity, be composed of diverse Samurai. What skills or abilities do you think are needed for such a task? Is there anything else I have missed?"

Sakura heard Tomoe's words about her father's goals, however a slight change in her breathing was all that gave away her interest.

"Respect," Tsutomu replies to Sakura, apropos of nothing, "the Emerald Magistrates hold a unique position in the Empire, independent and powerful enough to do what needs to be done with the best resources available with little regard for status and birth, only for expertise.  Every Emerald Magistrate will be an expert in their field--but not necessarily an expert in relating with others.  To lead a team of such eclectic individuals you will need to be their translator and mediator so that their abilities are focused in the direction of the investigation rather than at each other."

"My father would like you, Kedo-san," Daidoji Tomoe grins, "though his words are far less philosophical--and generally involve more cursing--he too seeks to achieve his goals through the work of his hands, rather than the blessings of the kami," so saying, the Daidoji takes Kedo's weapon into her hands with the reverence due the weapon rather than his station, and examines it with a critical--if knowledgeable--eye.

 A small smile flickers across Kedo's features - he is no more immune to flattery than any other man, though he at least tends to prevent it from directly affecting his judgement, "I would be honoured to have his regard, and am pleased to think that one of his known skill has sought the path that I wish to tread. It seemed to me, after some meditation that while no man should refuse the blessings of the Kami and the Fortunes... That to forge mortal steel, one should employ mortal skill and seek mortal insight."

Sakura smiled her knowing smile and bowed to Tsutomu. "Your insights are both simple and deep, much like Kedo-Kun. Thank you." Sakura already knew enough of Tsutomu-Sensei to know that he would take the reference to the Ronin as a compliment.

She would also, of course, need her master's permission to actively embark on such a course, but she would take care of that soon enough.

She payed attention to the other conversation, though not as much as to her own. There were words there that were important to her as well ...

"Simple, yes, and pragmatic," Tsutomu bows, obviously pleased by Sakura's compliment, "but not particularly deep.  Though my circumstances have changed considerably, I'm still a wave man at heart, and the life of a ronin is ruled by simplicity and pragmatism."

"This blade is exquisite," Tomoe says, sheathing the sword with something like regret, "though you will find very few Crane who will say so.  They will say that its design is too simple, that a katana should be a work of art and not just a weapon.  I disagree," she smiles, "there is beauty to be found in simplicity, clarity to be found in starkness.  It is a truth that both the Crab and the Daidoji have learned to appreciate.  I am eager to see the completed work.

There are many who claim that the blessings of the Kami are in all ways superior to the works of Man," the Daidoji shrugs, "my father's response was always the same: 'Fu Leng is also one of the Kami'."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Fri 02 May 2008.

 "I sought to make a sword before I sought to create beauty... I have some small hope that when I achieve the former, the latter shall come as a matter of course." replies Kedo, bowing from the waist in a gesture of obvious gratitude for the kind words of the Daidoji before he rises and tilts his head ever so slightly at her fathers words.

 "So he is - and worthy of respect upon that account, if not the veneration accorded to his benevolent siblings. But respect does not mean slavish imitation - and if my hands are priviledged to create that which is only a sword, rather than a work of Power... then I shall be content to have done that which is all I sought to do."