"The Crane still hold the city," the Crane Clan Champion smiles grimly, "as long as that is so, you will always have allies within its walls.  However, as with Otosan Uchi and Ryoko Owari, trust in Toshi Ranbo is a valuable commodity to be bought and sold at will.  Even members of the Crane may have an unexpected agenda.  So ask for assistance as you need it, but be cautious about trusting too far."

"Of course, Doji-sama."

Yoshiko bows from her kneeling position. Caution is second nature for any yojimbo worthy of the name, and although she was slightly disappointed not to have been given the name of a reliable contact this situation was nothing new. She would do her duty regardless.

Sachi sits and absorbs all of the conversation around him.  So, we are to travel to Toshi Ranbo with all due haste and then wait until we recieve instructions or identify a a threat.  Perhaps I will have enough time to continue my studies after all.

"If there are no further questions, perhaps we we should go and make our preparations. By your leave, Doji-sama?"

Yoshiko is eager to set out, so she asks Doji Kuwanan's permission to go.

"If you feel prepared," the Crane Clan Champion nods, "then by all means.  Here are your traveling papers," he says, handing over a sheaf of scrolls, "and here are the equipment requisition forms--should you find yourself in need of more...specialized tools," he smiles, arching one eyebrow in the direction of Daidoji Sakura.

Musashi bowed respectfully towards Kuwanan as the Clan Champion dismissed them.  He waited until Ukyo rose from the floor before doing so as well.  Musashi would remain silent unless either asked a direct question or he felt that Ukyo would benefit from his insight.

This is an interesting opportunity for development & enlightenment.  The Empire is still recovering from turmoil, both "danger" and "opportunity" face the Crane Clan... which direction will the Clan take?  I know I should not concern myself with Clan politics... but... I also know that as the Crane Clan goes, so goes the Empire.  For good or ill, the Crane Clan still serves as a guide to the higher goals of life... just as Lady Doji-hime intended.

Ukyo bowed to Kuwanan and rose when dismissed.  He picked up his katana and carried it in his right hand.  He walked out with Musashi.

"I am glad yu will be accompanying me to Toshi Ranbo, Musashi.  I know you understand much more of politics than I.  Of course that is my own failing as I have spent so much of my time at the Academy.  I hope you will not mind guiding me through such treacherous waters."

Ukyo looked over at Musashi and smiled.  Navigating politics was much like swimming through shark infested waters with a bleeding wound.  It would help to have a guide.

"On the bright side," he paused for a rattling cough, "I suppose this would do much to prove my worth in my family's eyes.  Being chosen by the Clan Champion is quite an honor."

Musashi bowed his head but an amused smile formed on his face as he said in a polite tone, "I am pleased to accompany you and I am honored to lend whatever aid I may Kakita Ukyo-sama.  However I fear that you may flatter me too much regarding my grasp of "politics" per say... I put much of that knowledge behind me when I donned the robes of a simple monk.

Still I hope to be able to provide a unique insight from an alternative perspective than may be available to the honorable samurai chosen by Doji-sama for this mission.  I certainly shall not mind lending guidance when & where I can, quite the opposite I assure you.

The first step upon the path of wisdom is knowing when one needs to seek another's wisdom to guide one to the next step along the path."

Musashi smiled back at Ukyo and said in an agreeable tone, "Quite true Ukyo-sama, you along with the select company around us have indeed been singled out for both potential high honor and potential great glory through loyal & dedicated service to the wise Clan Champion for the good of the noble Crane Clan.

I am sure that your family would regard this circumstance as being a sign of good fortune... if they are allowed to be made aware of it.

However... I fear that we shall need to refrain from sharing this good news with anyone outside the immediate group involved, at least until such time as either the mission is successfully completed or Doji-sama grants us permission to speak freely.

I fear though that in order for us to succeed in our assignment, the utmost discretion and secrecy may be required.  As such our duty may prevent us from letting others know about the honor bestowed upon us... at least for the moment.  Do you not think so as well Ukyo-sama?"

Yoshiko bowed deeply and rose to leave the room before Sakura, waiting just outside the door for her charge after having checked everything was in order.

"I agree Musashi-san.  I do not think I will be able to tell my family what it is I have been charged to do.  I am sure they will think they're worthless son is running off to escape his familial responsibilities."

Ukyo looked down with a frown, coughing lightly.  "I am somewhat concerned though.  Did you notice that many of us in there can be considered... questionable?  Sachi, who left some time ago, has apparently returned and would seem little better than a Ronin.  Daidoji Sakura-san is someone whom I have heard many rumors about her lack of honor.  I know of no proof though.  Which is a shame, she is quite pleasing to the eyes, is she not?"

Ukyo chuckled at that which instigated another coughing fit, this one causing him to stop walking and double over with the effort.  When it passed he took a deep breath.  "I cannot speak of the others as I do not know them that well.  It almost seems as if they are asembling a group that, should we fail or go missing, we won't be terribly missed.  Then again, perhaps I am reading too much into it."

"Wakarimash'ta*!"

There would definitely be some preparations needed before a journey of this magnitude. Some things obvious, some not.

Sakura rose from her position and moved toward the door and met up with her Yojimbo. "We have some preparations to take care of before departure, as will the others I'm sure." Hearing the cough, Sakura looked at the Samurai and a sly smile crept across her face. The smile morphed into a well practiced, much more gentle, smile and she approached the pair.

"Please pardon the intrusion" she interjected with a lilt, "most honorable monk -- you are, I hope, the medical expert on this little journey of ours, ne?"


[* - "Yes sir!", lit. "Understood"]

After Ukyo's question but before Sakura's arrival, Musashi shrugs lightly as he replies in a calm tone with a small smile, "Ukyo-sama, you should not be so quick to believe that your family will think the worst of you... never forget that whatever your infirmities, you have proved many wrong by excelling in your training as a duelist.

As for the nature of the samurai chosen by Doji-sama to compose this group, who can say what motivations lie behind the choices?  It may have more to do with Doji-sama's desire to select those young samurai who are "hungry" for success and advancement.  Who is more apt to risk all in order to gain all... one who has much already or one who wishes to earn much not already possessed?

Perhaps there are certain traits that link you all together, but it is clear that this assignment is important to Doji-sama.  He would not choose samurai who were not ready to give their all for the good of the Crane Clan... whatever their reasons or personal motivations might be for doing so.

As for Daidoji Sakura-sama, a fair exterior is no comparison to an enlightened interior... the spirit, heart and mind can be much more beautiful than the outward bodily form.  That is not to say that Daidoji-sama's interior does not match her exterior... only that one should be careful not to judge too much based solely upon appearances."

After Sakura's interjection, Musashi bowed respectfully towards her and said in a relaxed but polite tone, "Daidoji-sama, I have a certain knowledge of medicine though I would not be so rash as to claim true "expertise" in my medical studies.

Alas, my rigorous martial training in the Order of Osano-Wo has prepared me more for inflicting injury upon another rather than healing injury... but I do possess some skill in the traditional medicinal arts.  I also know certain Kiho that can provide beneficial relief of pain for the body.

I am Musashi, currently serving as a humble advisor and travel companion to the honorable Kakita Ukyo-sama {he shifts his head slightly to indicate Ukyo}.  Daidoji-sama, do you inquire about my medical expertise because you are in need of medical aid?  I am certainly willing to lend what aid my limited medical knowledge can provide should you require my services."

Having no real questions to ask, Sachi bows deeply to Kuwanan before rising and turning for the door.  As he approached he could hear the others talking on the otherside and paused a moment before finally following.

"Ahh, Musashi-san, you are, as always, far too modest."  Turning to Sakura with a slight smile, "He would have you think that he were a mere novice but do not let him convince you that his abilities are anything less than excellent.  I've been the recipient of his administrations a few too many times to let him get away with that."

Ever practical-minded, Yoshiko immediately sets out to tackle those preparations.

"Hai, Sakura-san. Do you have any relatives or friends in Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho, or should I make enquiries for introductions so we will have a place to stay? Unless someone can arrange for lodgings for all of us?"

That last question is obviously aimed at the entire group.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Mon 02 Apr 2007.

"No, nothing so urgent" Sakura replied casually. "While I may be in need of some advice or training myself in the long term, I was actually thinking about equipment needs in the short term. I have a few things I must requisition, so I thought I would requisition a medicine kit and some herbs for you. Any particular requests?"

She had her reasons, of course. It would be a "last resort" -- such things were far too "sloppy" for Sakura -- but she had her reasons. It would also give her time to consider what other items she might need ...

[Oops! Sorry for the delay!]

Musashi shrugged his shoulders as he said in a calm tone, "Well Daidoji-sama, I do possess a medicine kit* gifted to me by the honorable & generous Lord Kakita Yoshihiro-sama.

However I certainly would not object to having access to further medicinal resources if you wish to procure them.  As to specific requests, none come to mind right off hand though I'm sure I can rely upon your good judgment in such matter Daidoji-sama.

For myself, I am a man of simple & humble needs.  As such, I should not require much aside from the most basic of provisions.  But I do thank you Daidoji-sama for your gracious inquiry."

OOC: *I know monks don't usually start out with a medicine kit, but the GM was generous.  ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Tue 03 Apr 2007.

"Alas, I have precious few relatives, Yoshiko-San" Sakura replied courteously, "and not many more friends. Please use your best judgment."

Sakura bowed politely to the monk. "Very well, then, I'll try to pick a few things up."

"We will undoubtedly need a few gifts" Sakura said to the rest of the group, "and social accouterments. Do any of you wish me to pick a few things up for you?"

Musashi bowed respectfully towards Sakura and said in a polite tone, "I thank you for your kind consideration Daidoji-sama."

Musashi shifted his gaze over to Yoshiko and bowed his head as he said in a calm tone, "While I cannot promise anything definite Daidoji-sama, I do know that Lord Kakita Yoshihiro-sama is well respected especially throughout Crane lands.  I am blessed with the good opinion of Lord Kakita-sama and I am willing to inquire of him if he knows of any place where we might all stay during our time in Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho.

Of course, he may wish to know why I would require rooms for more than just the honorable Kakita Ukyo-sama and myself.  Given the nature of our assignment, I would be uneasy in confiding too much.  Though to be sure, there are precious few Crane samurai in whom I would place greater trust... meaning certainly no disrespect to any honorable samurai present here at this time."

"One as wise as Lord Kakita Yoshihiro-sama surely knows the value of discretion. If he values you, Musashi-san, I am inclined to believe whatever information you would give will be deemed sufficient - as long as we don't act in any way that would reflect badly on our host, of course."

Yoshiko bows to the monk, grateful for the offer.

"A few basic supplies for medicinal purposes might be useful for me, Daidoji Sakura-san. You know my skills in this area are limited, but disdaining any possible advantage would make me remiss in my duties. Besides, I might perhaps have an opportunity to learn from Musashi-san."

Hearing no requests from any others, Sakura bowed to the small group and excused herself. There were supplies to get and gifts to requisition ...

[OOC: I waited, but nothing else was posted. BTW -- is our Courtier still with us? I don't want to step on her toes (and I don't have the skill set in any case ...).

Gifts -- GM choice. Nothing too expensive though. And something for a Scorpion or three. Standard medical supplies ... plus a few "dual purpose" herbs if we can swing it.

Oh, almost forgot -- I'll also need a few blank scrolls.]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Tue 10 Apr 2007.

Yoshiko bows as well and follows Sakura.

.oO(A strange assignment, since we find ourselves without a true goal as yet, but the honour of being chosen is all the greater for it. Perhaps the Fortunes have directed my path in a more glorious direction... And while I don't know the worth of the others yet, I sense that Doji Kuwanan's hand in the selection of the group will not steer us wrong.)

OOC: I could RP this but I figure we all want to jump into the main game thread now right?

So just as an FYI, at some point Musashi is able to contact Lord Kakita Yoshihiro discretely and Lord Kakita lends his aid to Musashi (Musashi revealed a few general bits of info such as the fact that he is on an assignment for the Crane Clan but none of the details such as what the mission orders are or WHO gave the assignment).

Kaze no Kage:

before you set out, Yoshihiro will provide an alternate letter of introduction for you, Kakita Ukyo, and assorted companions

So we have room & board in the city provided by Lord Kakita Yoshihiro rather than the much more conspicuous Clan Champion Doji Kuwanan.  While Yoshihiro does have "Major Influence" he isn't on the same "public eye" level as the Clan Champion (also as Yoshihiro is known to be on friendly terms with Musashi, it isn't as unusual for Yoshihiro to be helping Musashi & Musashi's "charge" Kakita Ukyo this way).

So I think if everyone is ready, we can probably move to the new City thread (is that good for you as well Kaze no Kage?).

OOC:  sounds good to me ^_^

OOC: Glad to hear it!  ;)

Speaking of the Yoshihiro arrangements... who is Musashi meant to show these letters of introduction to (ie. where will the group be staying for the time being)?

OOC:  your first contact will be Doji Kusanagi (I just made him up ^_^) but first you have to get there ^_^ here's the link to the next thread link to a message in "[L5R 3ed] the Price of Peace"