Miya Momoko and Bayushi Kenshin quickly make their exit from Toshi Ranbo on their way to the Lion city of Nikatoshi.  The skies overhead are dark and cloudy, the first snows of the Winter--which will close the roads and passes to the movement of all except small groups and caravans--are yet to fall.  If the Lion manage to take Toshi Ranbo--or even entrench themselves for a Winter siege--the Crane will be unable to retake the City for years, if ever.  The two samurai know that their mission to convince the Lion to forestall their attack will most likely end in failure and death, but their duty is to try.

ooc:  your success, falure, and/or death are not actually predetermined, I'm just being melodramatic ^_^

Momoko rode with purpose - a thing that she lacked for many years.  Had she not been the shameful reminder of a Miya herald's intervention betweent the Crane and the Crab, she might have undertaken this task anyway.  As the 'Hostage' of the Crane however, she was honour-bound to ensure that her hosts were at least represented fairly.

Beside her rode her new friend - and she had mixed feelings about this.  Bayushi Kenshin had thus far proved to be nothing but an honorable man, and one who had pledged his blade to help her.  He had a lovely wife whom he obviously adored. MMomoko did not want to part them - for a day, or more likely for thier life times, should things take a turn for the worse.

The ragged little pony that Momoko urged forwards was an attempt at modesty - she wanted to appear as pathetic and genteel as possible before the Lion, should any Matsu feel a hankering for blooding thier bows or swords.  Plus, it gave her an advantage - the Lion would underestimate her.

She herself was dressed in her family colours, and hoped that the Lion were not so stupid as to attack someone dressed as a Miya before acertaining their identity.

Kenshin's presence was understated, yet it was an obvious reminder that the Miya were not in this alone. The steed he had chosen was chosen for speed and temperament. It was not as humble as the Imperial's pony, nor was it abrasive as a Unicorn's might be.

It simply "was".

He had also changed into a kimono that had only his family and clan Mon; but, unlike the Miya, Kenshin knew that this would not be interpreted as yet another Scorpion mask. Much like the Mask that he wore on his face, Honor, would not be interpreted as he intended.

And he was okay with that.

Kenshin kept riding beside Momoko, scanning his surroundings ...

Momoko could feel the pressure of the mission mounting on her, almost drowing her in a mixture of fear, duty and pride.  She needed something to occupy her mind until they found the Lion.

"Bayushi-san, I wonder, are you much of a poet?  It is a skill i never learned but often wished I had." She didn't finish the sentence with the line 'before I died', but she did think it.

"Iie" Kenshin replied, a bit embarrassed, "I spent nearly all of my free time with the blade."

Kenshin forced a smile under his thick mask.

"Many of us were forced from our homes by spear-point while still quite young" he continued somberly. "At first I focused so hard on sword work because I wanted revenge, but I soon found that it had a calming effect on me."

Indeed, the Scorpion clan were only recently reconstituted, and even then only the crucial role that the Scorpion Thunder had played and the Emperor's command forced an empire to grudgingly return them to their place. Before then, the Scorpion's children were forced to stay with the Crane.

The Last Hantei had clearly intended it to be for ever.

"I needed a lot of calming ..."

"I understand Bayushi-san. I did not intend to cause you embarrassment. I must beg your forgiveness.  I too have studied the blade, and I think I may have narrowed my studies perhaps a little to far. This mission cannot be resolved with just a blade, I feel."

"I feel terrible for you - your ordeal must have been heart-wrenching. You would have remembered your clan's expulsion, where as I don't even remember not being part of the Crane. What a strange pair we make."

Momoko kept her eyes peeled for Lion - she wondered if they were there at all in fact.

"Think nothing of it" Kenshin replied politely. "If I plan on spending more time in court, I'll need to learn more of the courtly arts."

The armies of the Lion wait in the distance, a field of unending yellow and gold.  You can see troops moving in drills, as others begin the slow process of preparing the evening meal.  From this distance it is unclear whether or not you have been sighted.

Momoko looked at Bayushi and grinned - "Well, we found them at last, heh." With that, she pointed her mount directly towards the encampment and steadied the beast's pace.

"Hai" Kenshin replied quietly. "Now we shall see what that means."

Kenshin moved his mount slightly to the rear of his charge, a move meant to indicate their relative status. He would not need to move up unless the Lion were foolish enough to threaten her.

And that would be a bad move on their part.

As Miya Momoko and Bayushi Kenshin approach the Lion encampment, a lone rider comes to meet them bearing the Lion banner.

"Miya-san," he calls, "...and Scorpion-san," he continues with some distaste, "what brings you to Nikatoshi?"

Kenshin bowed his head in acknowledgment, but remained silent and slightly behind his charge. Here, he was nothing more than a Yojimbo.

If the Lion were to infer something else ... well, that was their problem.

"I am Miya Momoko. I am here on buisness. I seek your daimyo. Take me to him."  Miya tried to be as meek as possible, appear as weak as possible. She rode and smiled at the lion, but since he never bowed, she does bow.

The Lion leads you past the encampment into the city of Nikatoshi, too fast for you to pick up many details--except for the overwhelming Lion numbers.  [Private to Bayushi Kenshin; Miya Momoko: you can make a Perception/Investigation check TN 30]

You are taken through the lightly defended Lion city--it was clearly not meant to maintain more than a small defensive garrison, rather than the massive army now stationed there--into the governor's residence and left in a well provisioned waiting room.

"Tea?" one of the Lion servants asks once you are seated.

"Thankyou, no. I have forsaken food until the matter I am here to discuss is resolved."  The Miya answered matter-of-factly, but inside she was grinning like a child. Yes! make them think that there is a time limit on how long they can play this game - if they cause a Miya to die becuase they would rather war, it sends a strong message to the rest of the clans, and to the Emperor himself that the Lion clan is only interested in killing.

She smiled at the servant and made sure her sword remained at her side.  She had made a little fuss earlier, claiming that she needed her katana - it was to defend her from reprisals from unhappy Crane Bushi... in the end, she had settled for allowing her yojimbo to carry his blade in order to protect her.



Miya Momoko rolled 23 using 2d10, rerolling max ((4,(10+9)19)) --> Perception test

GM:  About the swords - if you dont want that to have happened, I'll happiliy edit... I know its a bit 'Godmoding'

Kenshin nodded his acceptance, but kept his silence once again. He knew he was supposed to have been offended by the treatment that he received at the hands of the Lion, yet he was not.

It was sad, really.

They saw only a Scorpion. They saw only treachery ... a poisonous tongue and tail. They saw only masks and venom.

They could not see Kenshin.

Honor, Kenshin's mask, gleamed in the light of the small room that had gathered in. He was beginning to see what his Sensei referred to all these years, how a battle in court was the same as a battle of swords.

"This one cannot speak to such things, Sama," the servant bows, departing, "but the master will be interested to know why I have failed in my duty."

Momentarily, another screen opens and a Lion--hair grey and thinning with age, but eyes still undimmed and frame still unbent--wearing the Ikoma mon enters.

"I am Ikoma Genma, Lieutenant Governor of Nikatoshi," he bows, "how may I serve the Imperial presence today?"

"Good day, Ikoma-sama. The sun shines brightly for you and your clan I see. Truly, the Emperor must be greatly pleased by his guardians. It has ever been your clan that has sought to protect and honor the Emperor, and of all the imperial houses, the Miya recognise that." Momoko smiled and then fained a pain in her stomache, grimacing. She held the pose for a few seconds then smiled brighly, returning to her attempt at a diplomatic negotiation.

"I have been asked by the Crane to mediate a dispute. I cannot see how such a disagreement has arrisen, so I have come all this way to discuss the matter with your Clan Daimyo. This is the action of the Clan Daimyo is it not? I just want to be sure to get it right when I write to the court to inform my aunts and uncles of the situation."

Miya Momoko gave a small and rather pathetic cough. "Excuse me..." How is it going? Am i doing this right? Is he falling for it I wonder?

Kenshin sat unobtrusively, sipping his tea -- as a good Yojimbo should do.

"You cannot see how this disagreement has arisen, Miya-san?" Ikoma Genma replies, raising an eyebrow, "you would have been better served being fostered among the Lion, we would not have allowed you to pass from our halls without knowing the history of Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho."

"Scorpion-san," he says, turning to Bayushi Kenshin, "I see that you wear the mon of the Kakita Bushi, surely you were a better student of history than Miya-san here.  Please remind your fellow student of the long history that lies between the Lion and the Crane regarding Toshi Ranbo.  I will not be offended if you only tell the Crane side of things."

Ikoma-sama, please let me thank you for not displaying the legendary disresepect of your family." She turned to the guards of the govenor. "You would better serve your master by reminding him where I am. Talking through yojimbo will take a very long time, and will be a source of annoyance to my family. It must be hard for you, to guard a man whose manners... well..." She smilled, fained a cough, and returned her attention to the lord.

"I can see you think me a child because of my small stature. Perhaps you did not understand the fullness of what I said. Perhaps your rudenss in addressing my yojimbo rather than me is an ill-concieved plan to upset me. But I am a Miya. I do not just serve some family daimyo... I serve the very will of the celestical order. Through me, the Emperor's will is known. So, Ikoma, shall we discuss thos properly, or do we need to shed my blood and involve my family?"

"I am not attempting to upset you or treat you as less than you are, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo replies wryly, raising a single eyebrow, "and I certainly hope no blood is shed, as I have a weakness for such things and it would be quite embarrassing if I were to faint into my tea.

"Tea...why is there no tea?  Please," he says, gesturing towards the servants, "pour some tea.

Now, to return to my point, which was to answer your question regarding how this disagreement has arisen, Miya-san," Gendo continues, sipping his tea, "I had endeavored to explain it by allowing your yojimbo to provide somewhat of the history which led us to this precipice.  Personally, I would like to hear how the Crane view our mutual history, which has claimed the lives of so many Lion samurai, including the brother of the Emperor himself, if you would continue Bayushi-san?"

Kenshin's head dipped a little, but his eyes did not. His attitude was submissive, yet firm, and his voice solemn.

"Surely it is not the stories that the Crane tell that will devastate the Lion, Ikoma-Dono*."

Kenshin paused only a heartbeat before continuing.

"Already I have heard whisperings in court from the many clans, suggesting that the Lion believe that they are on the throne and not the Glorious Emperor. What stories do you think my kinsmen will tell? Or the Mantis? What will the Emperor be forced to do to prove to Emerald Empire that he favors no clan?"

"Surely you do not wish to place the Son of Heaven in such a difficult position?"

The teachers at the Academy told Kenshin that politics and war were the same. He was beginning to understand.

[dono - Roughly "lord". Reinforces his "politeness" level.]

Momoko smiled at Kenshin's words. He is intelligent and speaks with as much honour as he acts. His wife is indeed a lucky woman.

"You young people," Ikoma Gendo sighs, shaking his head, "no sense of history.  Battle between the Great Clans is like a game of go.  You think that the current conflict is the entirety of the game, but it is merely the latest sequence of moves in a game almost as old as the Empire.  Toshi Ranbo is the lynchpin of the relationship between the Crane and the Lion, our fight over it goes back for generations.  But perhaps the two of you need this battle to be explained in the context of honor...

"The battle for possession of Toshi Ranbo is a matter of honor for both the Lion and the Crane," the Lion explains, "The Lion want back what is theirs by right, taken from them by treachery.  The Crane have held Toshi Ranbo for so long that they perceive it as theirs.  What the other Clans think about our fight is irrelevant, this is a matter of honor between the Lion and the Crane, and all of the Emperors from the early Hantei to Toturi understand this.  Toturi would not dishonor both the Right Hand and Left Hand of the Emperor by interfering in a personal matter of honor."

"If the matter is one of honour, then why not settle it as such. I am sure both daimyos would agree to a simple duel over the matter. I would be happy to observe on behlf of the Miya caln. But I do not think that you will accept this offer for one simple reason - Toshi Ranbo is not about honour for you, but about glory. And how could it not be. You have gathered a great army for the soul purpose of wasting mens' lives on the blades of other men, and all for the glory of holding Toshi Ranbo."

She smiled sadly and, glancing at Kenshin, spoke with a sorrowful voice. "Is there anything you wish to add Bayushi-san? Anything you think I should remember?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Mon 04 Jan 2010.

Kenshin sipped his tea for a moment, carefully considering the Lion's words as well as his charges. This was a tricky situation, more especially so because the Lion was not interested in hearing what was being said. Kenshin carefully kept his attitude, not wanting to give the Ikoma an excuse.

"I do not know, Ikoma-Dono" the Scorpion finally began, "what Divine Wisdom our Emperor drew on when, after being threatened, he granted the Lord of the Mantis Great Clan status rather than taking his head. I do not know what wisdom he drew on when he raised the status of a peasant that impersonated a Samurai to be a Clan Champion, yet he did. I do not know why the Glorious Emperor chooses to intervene in this situation through his servants, the Imperial Family, yet he does."

The Ikoma was ignoring one inconvenient fact: that the pair sat here meant that the Emperor was already intervening in this "matter of honor".

"However, I do know a few things."

"There has never, in the entire history of Rokugan, been a moment like this. For the first time ever, there is a non-Hantei on the throne. For the first time ever, all of Rokugan was forced to directly face He Who Must Not Be Named in the Imperial City."

Kenshin paused for only a moment. It was critical that the Lion heard what was being said, rather than just pretending to hear as he had been doing.

"I also know that the Lion will not be allowed to ignore the wishes of the Glorious Emperor, Toturi I, without severe consequences. The entire Empire watches, and the Glorious Emperor is too wise."

Kenshin took another sip of his tea.

"And do not forget" Kenshin continued somberly, "the Scorpion are only recently reinstated*. Too many believe that we are weak, and Our Lady* knows this. She will make sure that all of Rokugan knows what it means to have the Scorpion back."

"I am not privy to Our Lady's thoughts, but let me ask you this: do you really want to take the chance that she will turn her eye on the Lion Clan, knowing what opportunity this provides to show the true strength of the Clan of Secrets? Do you really want her to be the one to tell you that the Emperor's wishes must come before ancient grievances -- in her way?"

Kenshin looked at the Governor, Honor gleaming in the room's light.

[1) Reinstated - the Scorpion were disbanded after the Coup and only reinstated after the Second Day of Thunder.
         2) Our Lady - Bayushi Kachiko.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Tue 05 Jan 2010.

"A duel?  Ancestors preserve me," Ikoma Gendo replies incredulously, "you guests of the Crane, you're all the same.  You think that all of Rokugan's problems can be solved with a duel, without any idea of the history of the conflict. You must think that we're morons.  Do you think the Lion have never thought of that?  In thirty generations do you think that we overlooked such an obvious solution?  When Toshi Ranbo was first taken by the Crane, the Lion commander, Akodo Mitsukoto, challenged the Crane commander to a duel.  He was allowed into the complex, then hung from the walls like a criminal.  The message the Crane sent was this:  'the Lion pride themselves on their skills of war.  Toshi Ranbo was taken in war, let the Lion reclaim it in war.'  Fourteen generations ago, the Lion challenged the Crane to a duel for Toshi Ranbo.  The first messenger never returned and the Crane claimed that the message never arrived.  The second messenger's head was returned with a message stating that the Crane did not suffer bandits masquerading as samurai.  Are you suggesting that the Lion should send more samurai to be executed like common bandits rather than at least giving them the opportunity to die on their feet, with a sword in their hands?

Now, I have ignored your insults to me, my Family, and my Clan up to this point because you are young and foolish, however, if you persist in doing nothing but offer offense you will be denied the hospitality of the Lion."

"I am not certain what your role here is, Bayushi-san," the Ikoma governor says more calmly, "but if you are here representing the interests of your Clan, please convey our respects.  The Lion have no quarrel with the Clan of Secrets and no desire to offer challenge or incur their wrath.  Your Clan is legendary for their drive to avenge offenses given regardless of how much time has passed.  Would they allow the loss of Toshi Ranbo to go unanswered?"

OOC:  I would like to point out that Ikoma Gendo is not offended that you're attempting to disuade the Lion from conquering the city, he's angry that you've been being offensive left and right.  He would have been perfectly within his rights to kick you out when you thanked him for not showing his family's "legendary disrespect"--thus insulting the entire Ikoma family--then ignoring and insulting his desire to discuss the background of the situation, and finally claiming that his ENTIRE CLAN had no interest in honor.  Really, he could demand your head from the Miya daimyo and probably get it, but I won't go there ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Tue 12 Jan 2010.

Miya scowled inwardly, but simply bowed at the old Lion's words - she had hoped to rouse his anger and make him loose face, and then for him to try and regain it through a duel, which Bayushi would certainly have won.

"So you are not immicible to the idea of dueling for the city, just to sending in a brave soul to be betrayed and dishonoured?" Miya Momoko thought for a moment. This was harder than she had thought. He family would have taught her how to resolve disputes like this, but the Crane had taught her to use a sword. She felt a little powerless.

"If the matter were to be resolved with the Lion bushi a guest of mine, that would bring further implications should the Crane display any 'uncharacteristic behaivour'. Sending a Miya to solve a problem would work both ways in that situation."

"I would, in your situation, say no. However, if the contest was held in the open - in the court of the Emperor, or in court of another clan, then perhaps you might agree?"

Kenshin took another sip of his tea while the Governor was speaking. He was careful to listen

"I am but a humble Yojimbo" Kennshin replied courtesly, "though I shall give your message to my superiors. As for the other question ..."

Kenshin took another sip of his tea.

"As you yourself mentioned, the Scorpion are very patient" he continued respectfully. "The Scorpion would never abandon such a Duty, but we would certainly delay it if the situation were important enough."

"The conflict will still be here next year. In that time, our Courtiers would pave the way so that there would be no .. unintentional misunderstandings. Then, when the time was right, we would descend ..."

Kenshin thought for a moment longer.

"If you'll forgive the bluntness, Ikoma-Dono" Kenshin said, still maintaining his deferential attitude, "I believe that the Lion have a unique opportunity. The Akodo are no more and the Matsu now have the reins of the Clan. There are many in the courts who misunderstand the Matsu, believing them reckless and impatient."

"To delay -- at the Emperor's request -- would show the Empire otherwise in a decidedly honorable fasion. Then, next year, you could remind them of the Lion's tactical expertise."

Kenshin paused for a moment.

"But, then again, I am nobody special ..."

"Both of those are interesting suggestions," Ikoma Gendo acknowledges thoughtfully, "I do not have the authority to speak for the entirety of the Lion, but I will ensure that your proposal will be presented in the most favorable light possible.  I--"

The Lion's words are interrupted by a sudden crash of sound like thunder and a slight shaking of the earth.

"What in the world!" he cries, running out of the building.

"Bayushi-san, should we remian here? I have a feeling that no matter what that was, we will be held responcible for it."  She took his cup and topped up his tea from the tray set before them.  She knew that they would likley still being watched, so she acted with all decorum.

"I wonder if they wil accept our proposal? My guess is that they want a war, not a duel. The clan leadership will see this as an oppertunity to test the blades of many of thier young warriors - a foolish act in my own oppinion, but I have a different philosophy on this. mercy is the highest tenet of Bushido."

"We should follow quickly" Kenshin said quietly, simultaneously standing and preparing himself to move, "so that they know that we are with the Governor."

He would have preferred to end the conversation differently, but what was ... was.

[He won't leave his charge ... hopefully she'll follow.]

Seeing that his charge had no intention of moving, Kenshin sat back down and accepted his tea.

"Yes" he said matter-of-factly, "I think they might. They must be able to save Face, of course, and their clan is known for war -- but when an Ikoma promises to put the proposal in its best light to his Clan Champion, then we have done as much as can be done by any of our status."

Kenshin took another sip of his tea.

"To gain so much in the courts, and to have another year to plan the assault ... that would be a good thing for the Lion."

Kenshin looked out the door once again. He really wanted to know what was going on out there, but a Yojimbo never left his charge.

"I think that we are almost ready to leave" he added quietly, "we can report that things were more successful than anyone had a right to expect."

There was the small detail of ruffled feathers, of course, but Kenshin would take care of that -- like a good Yojimbo should do.

The sound of a second ground rumbling crash is punctuated by four ashigaru bursting into the room, weapons sheathed.

"Miya-sama, Bayushi-sama," they bow hurriedly, "please come with us for your own protection.  The Phoenix have attacked us with their magics and Ikoma-sama fears for your safety in what may be the next target."

[Kenshin still has his weapons, right?]

Kenshin quickly stood, not worrying about his Kimono this time. He waited only a moment for his charge to rise.

[If he doesn't have his weapons he'll grab them first. If she hesitates too long, he'll ... 'help' her along.]

OOC:  you still have your weapons, no attempt has been made to take them.  Besides, you'll need them soon ^_^

Standing up, Miya smiled. Four ashigaru warriors? How dare they! "Gentlemen, I would like to retrive my sword. May you please take me to where it is held. I would... feel better with it beside me." she said, giving a look to Kenshin. So, four assassins, and not one of them even the status of a ronin!

She walked to the door that they had entered by, obviously meaning to go find her sword - the question had been an order really, and if the hemin refused, she was going to have Kenshin's support she hoped.

[I thought you left your Katana behind?]

Kenshin was right by Momoko's side, though far from complacent. This was, after all, a Yojimbo's duty. Somewhere in the back of Kenshin's mind lay an understanding of the distinct differences between a Duelist and a Yojimbo.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Bayushi Kenshin was starting to understand the difference between Warrior and a Duelist.

Kenshin's right hand was available to draw his sword, but his left hand rested on his charge. A Yojimbo was willing to throw himself between his charge and a blade, that was true enough; but Yojimbo was also willing to direct his charge away from the blade.

Even if it meant his life.

OOC:  the Lion ashigaru would have delivered it to her, if she hadn't left it in the care of her yojimbo ^_^

"Ah! You have delivered it? Well, I will forgo sneering at hemin touching my blade, and smile upon the bounty of fate." she smiled dramatically. She felt the touch of Kenshin on her shoulder as she took the blade, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

If he is touching me, it is because he feels he might need to move me - and that can only be because he expects an attack!

"Ashigaru-san, can you take us to view the battle between the Phoenix and the Lion. I would see how a preditor and a pacifist fight." She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but she knew Kenshin was behind her, she was condifdent in her own ability to prevent being harmed, though possibly not in defeating two, well trained, ashigaru if it came to that.

Kenshin stayed with his charge. There was no time to dawdle ...

Once outside of the building, you are surrounded by chaos.  Lion samurai and ashigaru are running to and fro carrying water buckets.  From your position, you can see the pillar of smoke rising from one of the city's graineries, Ikoma Gendo directing the firefighting measures, and a squad of Phoenix samurai making a strategic retreat.

OOC: make a Perception/Investigation (notice) roll

I'm definitely going to have to consider honor gains and losses for you two since honor actually affects your school techniques ^_^;;;
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:59, Fri 22 Jan 2010.

Walking up to Ikoma Gendo, Mimoko stood and bowed. "We will help." she said. She took a bucket from a hemin walking past and bent to the task with the Lion.

What are you doing? During the confusion, you should be cutting down the army General, or signalling the Crane to attack... but the Granary isn't only used by Ikoma Gendo, its used to support the entire town - and that means more lives than you can shake a sword at. I don't know whay the Phoenix did this, but they had better have a damned good reason.


She moved through the jostling, paniced people as she tried to help with the fire fighting efforts. She was sure that she was safe now - should the ashigaru have been ment to kill her, they would have to do so in front of all the Lion Bushi gathered around, and they would paradoxically be forced to fight on her behalf.

The building blaze heat made her flinch as she approached it - still several yards away, and she readied her bucket to throw onto the fire.

Kenshin surveyed the scene. There was something that was just "not quite right" about this. The pacifistic Phoenix would never do such a thing, especially not while wearing their own colors.

[Per/Inv(w/ void): 31! Very lucky roll!
 You rolled 31 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max ((7,(10+4)14,8,9)).]

The Shiba samurai swing their nagiata in a veritable curtain of steel, not doing much damage to their pursuers, but preventing them from causing injury.  Meanwhile, most of the Lion are busy attempting to extinguish the flames, wordlessly accepting the presence of Miya Momoko, despite the presence of the Kakita mon on her shoulder.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: Through the smoke and haze and chaos, you notice two samurai in Phoenix red with bows.  One appears to be aiming a flame tipped arrow towards the area of the burning granary--though a single arrow would do little damage and the head of the arrow seems far too bulky...
The other is not aiming for the granary's at all, rather towards the crowd of Lion samurai where Ikoma Gendo is directing the relief efforts.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage; Miya Momoko: Momoko -- I figured that since you cooperated before you'll cooperate again so I posted this way to save time. If you'd rather not, just let me know and I'll change it; it may feel way too much like me controlling your character ...]
[*bows* please forgive the odd posting; *'s are places where I'm assuming (I'm guessing that we all know how that word breaks down) that Momoko's player cooperates. If not, I'll rewrite. *bows again*]

Kenshin took a sharp breath. Turning quickly, he grabbed his charge* with one hand and used the other to help his words carry over the din.

"Gendo-Dono! ..." he shouted. There were undoubtedly too many Ikoma to use the previous title, and not enough time to be properly formal. "... Incoming Thunder!"

It was an odd irony, but Kenshin was probably the only Scorpion in the area that knew nothing of Gaijin Pepper. So it was that the Honorable Scorpion had only one way to explain himself. And while Kenshin had no particular Duty to warn the Governor of his impending doom, if the treaty was to stand even a small chance of coming into existence the one that accepted its logic -- Ikoma Gendo -- must be permitted to survive this skirmish.

Though this seemed to be forever in Kenshin's mind, it could not have taken any longer than half a heartbeat for Miya Momoko was not yet being carried* by her Scorpion Yojimbo. Once Momoko was properly secured*, he led by example -- running hard to get his charge out of range of whatever odd magics these "Phoenix" were using. He had no authority to order the Lion away from the granary, and would not dishonor the Lion Leadership by assuming it. Nonetheless, the words "Incoming Thunder" and two rapidly withdrawing samurai would provide compelling arguments for they and their Ashigaru to do the same.

Forewarned by Bayushi Kenshin's insistent, if surprising, warning, Ikoma Gendo manages to swat the incoming arrow out of the air with his tessen.  The granary, however, is not so lucky.  A loud crashing sound and a small burst of wood indicates that another of the Lion's storehouses has fallen victim to the Phoenix's powerful magics, and a flight of burning arrows all but guarantees their loss.

"Let the silos burn!" you hear Ikoma Gendo orders over the ringing in your ears, "get rid of those raiders!"

"Cowards..." muttered the Miya, shaking her head as the arrow wizzed past the Lion. War... she supposed this was war... was messy and chaotic. How could one duel in the swirling melee? How could someone kill from a distance with such impersonal glee? Momoko there and then condemed any man or woman who would rather shoot an unarmed man than draw swords and fight them face to face.

Kenshin released his charge and positioned himself between her and the archers. He doubted they would actually attack them -- just as he doubted that they were actually Phoenix -- but, he would do so nonetheless. He left his blade in its sheath and took a neutral posture, simply observing and protecting.

If he was to be perceived as neutral, he would need to act neutral.

"There are many Samurai who would disagree" he whispered in response to his charge. Most of his kin felt quite strongly that he was the coward for "hiding behind the mask of honor". Still, this was no time for debate. Given his druthers, he would simply stand and wait until the situation was under control.

He would, of course, have to report this to his superiors ...

"Yes... there might be. But the fact is not changed. Those who attack a target in such a manner..." She left the sentence hang in the air. It was quite plain as to what she thought of archery - not a honorable skill at all.
"I have much more time for a samurai that faces his opponents face to face. An arrow from the distance is too much like the fabled ninja that they have in the pillow books. Anyone can weild a bow, notch and arrow and point it in the right direction, but a sword - well, that takes skill."

"Be wary of speaking such views aloud" Kenshin replied even more quietly. "All clans use Archers -- even Akodo One-Eye used archers. Some do use them to better effect than others ..."

Especially the Scorpion Clan. The Honorable Kenshin could easily withstand an insult to his person, but an insult to his clan could not be taken without protest.

"... though none use Archers as effectively as the Wasp, the Scorpion have often come a close second ..."

A subtle reminder to Momoko to avoid insulting his clan. Bayushi Kenshin was Honorable -- but he was still Scorpion.

"... I must admit, however, that I have rarely heard of such tactics as these."

The Honorable Kenshin would not, of course, mention where he heard of these kinds of tactics before. That list was very short, and one name was likely to stand out.

And that would compromise the mission if it were overheard.

OOC:  I'll make a real post by Wednesday, when things are less hectic, but in the meantime, something to consider:  the Phoenix, despite their 'cowardly' tactics, attacked an entire Lion army encampment (hundreds, if not thousands, of samurai) with only twelve men--how cowardly can they be?

A soot marked ashigaru approaches, standing just outside hearing range until the two of you finish conversing.

"Miya-sama, Bayushi-sama," she bows, "please, follow me outside of the danger zone.  It would reflect poorly upon the Lion if such honored guests were to be injured under our care."

Kenshin nodded and moved closer to his charge. The attackers were most likely not interested in them anyway, so getting the pair farther way would be a good idea.

"After you ..."

The ashigaru leads you away from the burning area, deeper into the town.  After several turns, he takes you into a large, fortified building.  Within one of the sitting rooms is an ash coated Ikoma Gendo and another samurai wearing the mon of the Ikoma, but clearly of a more martial bent than Gendo.

"So what do you think of this attack by the Phoenix, Miya-san?" the stranger asks.

Kenshin stayed close to his charge, knowing that the danger was not over. He could not quite shake the feeling that they were about to be ambushed,but he said nothing -- for now.

He was Yojimbo. He would guard Body, Soul, and Honor.

"And you, Bayushi-san," the Lion says, turning his attention to Kenshin while waiting for Momoko's answer, "your presence, confuses the issue further.  What is your purpose here, at this time, in this place?"

"I am Yojimbo to the Imperial Envoy" Kenshin replied calmly, "It is my job to protect the Envoy and her mission."

It was a simple enough response, both sincere and accurate. The as yet unnamed Ikoma undoubtedly had other questions as well ...

Momoko bowed and smiled as Gendo talked, thinking of her reply while Kenshin made a comment.

"It would be impoite to pretend I saw anything, -sama. I only witnessed the fire, and tried to help to put it out."

"Besides, I am told the attack was carried out by the Phoenix, but I find it hard to belive - they are a clan of celebates and Priests, are they not? Unless they have a secret cadre of warlike bushi..."  She was not mocking, and showed genuine concern about Phoenix ninja-like warriors in her voice and in her facial expression.

"They do seem to have caused quite some damage to your grain... Will there be enough to sustain your town?"

"And your presence, Bayushi-san, has nothing to do with the Scorpion army even now approaching from the west?" he replies, raising a single eyebrow while Ikoma Gendo looks at him in shock and then with narrowed eyes at Bayushi Kenshin, "forgive me, but I find the possibility of coincidence too fantastic to believe.  I do not question the truth of your words, only the entirety of that truth.

The attack, Miya-san, was carried out by bushi wearing the colors and mon of the Phoenix," the still unnamed Ikoma replies to Miya Momoko, "that fact is not in question.  Nor is the fact that the Phoenix have never made any secret that they are as capable of warlike action as any other Clan--as proven by the Five Nights of Shame--and the Shiba are a family dedicated entirely to the study of warfare and tactics.  Further, the Phoenix's traditional alliance with the Crane made an event such as this a distinct possibility.  This particular strategy of attack is more reminiscent of the Daidoji tactics that I have observed rather than the Phoenix, but the approaching presence of the Scorpion has clouded the issue."

"The needs of Ninkatoshi are not your concern, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo bows, "though I thank you for your concern.  We are Lion.  We will manage."

Miya raised an eyebrow. "I would most humbly disagree with that last statement, Genkosama. The concern of the Emperor desends from the most luminary member of the imperial court to the lowest of the eta in the land.  Each is a part in a vast structure that holds order in place, and therefore the loss or damage to any one part is like damage to a suit of finly wrought armour - it looks good until it is time to fail you."

"However, I understand you - you don't think the grain is an issue.  If that was true then, why did the Phoenix attack it?"

Sometimes Bayushi Kenshin hated being Scorpion, but right now was not that time.

"My Lord's court training is showing" Kenshin replied with a subtle smile, "for me to say that my presence here had nothing to do with our plans would be an obvious lie. After all, the fact that you suspect something is something, ne?"

"But, to answer the intended question, if I may quote a monk of Shinsei that I met once 'Sometimes a tree is just a tree'."

"I have no knowledge of the tactical plans of my cousins -- if I did they would not have sent me -- and what happened with Governor*-Sama was a matter of Duty. If he were to die, our mission would have ended in failure."

"And we could not allow that to happen."

Sometimes Kenshin loved being a Scorpion. Now was one of those times.

[Sorry, I can't remember the Japanese/Rokugani title. But it is a proper/formal way of address.]

"Don't you know that you can't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs, Miya-san," the Ikoma commander admonishes, "of all of Rokugan's Emperors, none were so well informed regarding the needs of the Lion as Toturi-sama.  When word reaches the Jade Throne of the loss of the granaries he will know what that entails for the entire Clan."

"As for why the Phoenix chose to attack?" he shrugs, "my guess would be that they pursued the old adage that an army moves on its stomach."

His gaze then returns to Bayushi Kenshin.

"A answer full of Scorpion double talk if I ever heard one," he laughs, "but I think that I will let others ponder the enigma that you represent.  There is enough to deal with in the now, that I do not wish to borrow trouble from the future."

"Now, Ikoma Gendo says that you have a proposal for the Lion to postpone our siege against the Crane," he says, now all business, "I say there are armies in position to attack now.  The benefit to the Crane is obvious.  The benefit to the Scorpion less so.  However, what benefit will there be for the Lion in your proposal?"

Momoko raised an eyebrow and stifled a laugh when the lion described himself as a grandmother.  She remained quiet as he talked with the other duelist.

Kenshin waited until it was evident that he was the one expected to answer. He smiled, indicating that he had just entered Courtier mode.

"The only reason that the Lion will do so is because the Emperor wishes it, but what fringe benefits will there be?"

A not-so-subtle reframe.

"The courts will be much more friendly, as the rumors will have been disproven by action. By next year, Toshi Ranbo will be much easier for the Lion to hold and maintain."

"And by next year, many of the clans currently supporting the Crane in Toshi Ranbo will have lost interest."

"First of all, Bayushi-san," the Ikoma replies, "the Lion have never been motivated by rumor, if the other Clans cannot see the rightness of our actions then that is their concern.  Much like the Scorpion, the Lion's honor is our own.

"Secondly, if we hold off our attack, can the Scorpion guarantee that they will be...uninterested in the defense of Toshi Ranbo," he says, raising a significant eyebrow at Kenshin, "and do the same with the Mantis?"

"Finally, what makes you so certain that the Son of Heaven does not wish this war?"

Kenshin's composure shifted once again, this time becoming a seemingly impenenetrable mask. It was his dueling attitude, though only one other in the room would have seen it.

"Are the Lion questioning the place of the Imperial Families in the Celestial Order, or just our testimony?"

Focus ...

Momoko senses the chill eminating from Kenshin and she closed her eyes momentarilly. If she didn't do anything, there was every chance that the honerable Scorpion would kill the man in front of her, and then he would be submitted to duel upon duel until he was dead.  That would not help the course of the war.

"What we mean, -sama, is that you seem so certain on your course of action, or the action of your clan, I should say. When you bring the Son of Heaven into a discussion, sometimes the discussion can get heated. How can anyone know the mind of the Emperor? Is he not neigh on a kami himself? His mind is unknowable. To say that you know the mind of the Glorious Son of Heaven is to say you know the unknowable."  She sighed dramatically.

"I feel I am teaching my grandmother how to suck eggs again, am I not."  She laughed, a genuine sound that conveyed only mirth. "You should be aware, due to implications of history and artiface upon neither of us have been able to act, my yojimbo is as much a scorpion in his heart as I am, or you are, -sama. To infer that he was speaking with, er, double-talk?... well, that is a little unfair. Really, such a think would not be possible if words did not have two meanings, and then, if one thinks about it, it is down to the person who hears the words and misunderstands them who is at fault."

[Bloodshed wasn't where he was going, though I can see how one could interpret my words that way. He was actually going for a ... well, "Courtier's Duel" if you will (a duel of words).]

Three years ago

"Master?"

The aged Crane looked at the youngster.

"What is it, Kenshin-Kun?"

"You said a duel of words is the same as a duel with blades" the young Hostage replied, "but how can that be?"

The old Crane chuckled before he replied.

"There are differences, of course. But in the end, the common elements overwhelm the different ones. There are times for waiting, ways to prepare ones spirit ... but most of all, the only time to move -- whether to Say or to Do -- is the correct time, and with the correct timing."

"Do you understand, Kenshin-Kun?"

"No master, but I'm sure that I will."

The Present

Kenshin moved ever so slightly behind and to the left of his charge. The message would be clear -- 'I am but a Yojimbo'. Should the Lion General be interested in further engaging him in this duel of words, the General's timing and context would be off. In an odd sort of way, Kenshin could not lose this duel. Kenshin was beginning to understand how his training could mesh with the traditions of his Clan.

'There is no failure, only success or death'

It would be some time before he could master even the most basic concept, but now he had an idea of how to pursue. His master had tried to introduce him to Doji Houtori's philosophies, only now was he understanding why.

Focus ...

"You are the ones who brought the Emperor's will in to this situation, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo replies, raising an eyebrow, "first, by coming here under the banner of the Imperial Families.  Second, by bringing His name into play.  Third, it is your yojimbo who reintroduced the Emperor's name into our discussion.  Do you now say that you do not speak the will of the Son of Heaven?"

"Semantics aside," the unnamed Ikoma says, speaking directly to Bayushi Kenshin, "I question neither the Imperial Families nor your testimony, merely the source of your information.  If you claim to have spoken with the Son of Heaven or ones who carry his direct word, then I will accept that, Bayushi-san.  You are as much a student of Bushido as I, and would not stoop to lie."

Momoko smiled. He called kenshin as tricky as a bag of snakes, but he is trikier. He coils like a serpent. I need to find a way to pin his tail down.

"I am Miya Momoko. Where I go, go the eyes and ears and mercy of the Son of Heaven. My mere presence however, does NOT indicate that the Son of Heaven himself is present, as you well know. Saying that I brought up the subject with my mere presence is flattering, but really, I look nothing like the Emperor."

"And, as I recall, my yojimbo was bayushi. He is not the emperor either. Really, if I did not know better I'd say you were delaying our return..."

To say that Kenshin was in a sticky situation was an understatement. It was his duty to protect the honor of his charge as well as his mission, but how would he do so?

With skill.

"It is quite true that the Mind of the Son of Heaven is unknowable" Kenshin began carefully, "yet we also know that the Imperial families speak the Will of the Emperor. This mission was comissioned not by the Miya, but by the Imperial Families. This I saw with my own eyes and heard with my own ears. Thus, while it is not an Imperial Command, it nonetheless represents the will of Son of Heaven."

"Such is the celestial order."

Focus ...

"You've been here for scant hours, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo replies, raising an eyebrow, "even counting the...incident with the granaries.  If we intended to delay you to our advantage, we would be showing you the full hospitality of the Lion.  Instead, we are acting with unseemly haste in arranging this meeting.  Really, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were rushing off to make a report of our strength to the Crane..."

"Now that is an interesting piece of intelligence," the unnamed, but obviously highly ranked, Ikoma replies with a frown, "as I have a similar piece, perhaps we ought to compare notes.  Tamanari-san please bring me my correspondence chest."

Miya smiled at the raised eyebrow, ignoring the Lion's loss of face. Instead, she took a deep breath. "It is reasuring then, that we both know better. One could get quite insulted if they misunderstood the words being said here. Let me make this plain. I am here to ensure, or to try to ensure, that there is no bloodshed at a time when the empire needs its finest warriors ready to face threats from without. There is the ever-present danger of foes from without the empire, such a great threat infact, that figting and interneicne warfare seem mere frivolities compared to it."

"Some might say that the few men you loose in taking the city would be negligable. However, I say... count the thunders. How many men or women went with Shinsei to the tomb of evil? Can we aford to lose even one of those thunders before their time? What would become of the empire if such a time should arise again?"

"Remember why samurai were gifted swords - not to fight for land against thier brothers, but to defend the land against the foes of the empire. Some might think that duy forgotten in this day and age."

There were times in the Court that one was expected to come up with the perfect words, to know exactly what to say; there were also times that the best thing one could do was to remain silent.

This was one of the latter.

Kenshin said nothing. Rather he simply nodded and waited for the appropriate letter or letters to arrive.

Focus ...

"I do remember the Thunders, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo replies, "I remember that they defeated Fu Leng, not twelve months past.  With the Shadowlands in full retreat, no gaijin at our shores, and little more than yobanjin bandits to the north, to what enemies do you refer?"

Silently, the Lion passes two letters to Kenshin.

To Ikoma Mitsumoto:

I believe this shows the passes are clear of obstruction for those with the courage to enter.  If you agree I will expect you at Ninkatoshi before the winter snows.

Matsu Akutori

To Matsu Ketsui:

The Son of Heaven acknowledges the debt that he owes the Lion, how could he not acknowledge the Clan that birthed him.  So too do I acknowledge the debt that I owe the Crane, having been a scion of Doji before my acceptance into the Otomo.  But the courts are no friendlier to a new Emperor than they were to the old one, with the reemergence of the Scorpion, the rising prominence of the Mantis, and the insistence of the Crane for their old place at the head of the courts.  The Lion, however, might provide a distraction for the Crane in their old disagreement over Toshi Ranbo.  The Son of Heaven cannot, of course, encourage you without calling into question his impartiality, but equally he cannot show favoritism for the Crane should you show your military superiority.

Otomo Hatsumoro

"So I ask again, Bayushi-san," Ikoma Mitsumoto says, once you have finished reading his correspondence, "can you guarantee the...disinterest of the Scorpion and the Mantis in the following year?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Tue 27 Apr 2010.

"I am well aware of the problems facing the thunders, thank you. However, it seems that the lessons that were taught by thier example have been forgotten. Where they cooperated, people fight. Where they listened to one another to bring the downfall of fu-leng, others bicker and argue.  Twelve months is a lifetime and a half, I fear, for thier message."

"And as to the question of 'what enemies', well, I would have thought it your duty to know your enemies from your cousins..."

"My privledge" Kenshin replied carefully, "Is but to protect the Imperial Emissary; Our Lady does not permit me to speak for her."

"Nonetheless" Kenshin continued, handing the scrolls to Momoko, "There are some things I can say. I noticed, for instance, that these are both quite old -- many things have changed in the last few days, much less in the last few weeks or months."

"I have no love for the Crane, but the Fortunes have seen it fit to grant me some small piece of their eqanimity. With the murders and banditry that has taken place on the streets of Toshi Ranbo recently, there is no way for the Lion to take the city and keep Face."

"The Crane will accuse the Lion if the Lion win; should they loose it would be even worse ..."

"The only 'guarantee' I can make is that you will loose ten times more than you stand to gain."

"The Choice, of course, is yours."

Kenshin shot a look to Momoko that said it was time to go.

Focus.

[Not a typo, Strike comes as were leaving.]

"And yet it is among family that conflicts are the fiercest," Ikoma Gendo shrugs, "you speak in generalities Miya-san, but are short on specifics.  Your message has been delivered, your honor satisfied.  The Lion will do as their honor compels them."

"If you are unwilling to speak for the Mistress of Secrets, Bayushi-san," Ikoma Mitsumoto replies, "I do not suffer under the same restrictions with regards to my own forces.  No Lion samurai, ashigaru, or eta will leave Ninkatoshi for Toshi Ranbo with hostile intent for a year and a day if you will give your personal word of honor that the Mistress of Secrets or her representative will but hear a proposal from the Lion Clan."

"Ikoma-san, you speak of a lack of details yet give none yourself. You claim that conflict is greatest in families, yet here you are engaging an external foe. Ikoma-san, you are a man of contridictions and great skill in oratory and talking that goes beyond my own."

"And yet, you have failed to address the key points I have laid before you... That the attack is unwarranted from an objective view of the empire; that all men are needed now, more than ever, and not to be wasted on a fruitless war; and of the fact that, when asked, you cannot say who your enemies are."

"The first two are mearly faults of perspective - you are lookinng from the point of view of your daimyo, I from the Emerald Throne itself. The later is concerning, as you otherwise seem an intelligent and verbose man with all his congnitive skills in place."

"Let me, once more, reiterate what I propose. Since you seem dead set on competing for the city, simply duel for it. If the reputation of the Kakita academy is what is preventing you from doing so, organise a different sort of competition through me, your most humble servant.  Additionally, examine the evidence around you - are not the Phoenix attacking in support of the Crane? Does that not suggest that they have support at court? If that is the case, and the oracles are on the side of the Doji, then doesn't that give the Lion cause for alarm? Does your clan wish to plunge the empire into another civil war?"

"Wasn't losing the Akodo all those years ago enough?"

Sorry Kenshin-sama, but the Clan Coup is still fresh in thier minds, and they do seek to plunge the world into war to satisfy thier material desires.

In reply to Kaze no Kage (msg #81):

"That much I can guarantee, -dono. Our Lady will hear all, though what she chooses to do I cannot say."

Kenshin was quite satisfied with this turn of events. The mission would be successful, partly at least.

"War, in case you've forgotten, Miya-san," Ikoma Gendo replies to Miya Momoko, "is a yearly occurrence.  The Clan War was terrible, yes, and no war since Akodo himself faced Fu Leng on the field of battle has been as terrible.  But war is the lifeblood of the Lion.  The lifeblood of Rokugan.  Centuries of warfare prepared us for the worst that Fu Leng could conjure, but it seems unlikely that an indifferent student of history would realize that."

"As for your request to have the fate of Toshi Ranbo decided by a duel, Miya-san," he says icily, "I have already given my oath to bring your proposal to those who may rightly make that decision.  If that is unacceptable to you, feel free to travel to Shiro Akodo to make your arguments directly to the Lion Clan Champion."

"Of course, Bayushi-san," Ikoma Mitsumoto bows, "I would expect nothing less of the Clan of Secrets."

OOC:  okay, you've accomplished a couple of things:
1)  the Lion forces here won't attack Toshi Ranbo, and so won't be involved in the battle should it occur--that's about half of the Lion army you just removed from the equation ^_^
2)  you've learned that the Lion believe that they have Imperial dispensation to try to take Toshi Ranbo (from the letters that Ikoma Mitsumoto showed you)

OOC:  on the assumption that you two are going to head back to Toshi Ranbo, if you'd rather do something different, let me know

The Lion watch you leave warily, but they do not attempt to stop you.  As you leave, you can see a number of the troops beginning to build fortifications and others gathering up their equipment to depart.

As you approach Toshi Ranbo, you see an irregular column of troops approaching the City.  They wear the black and red along with an open display of Scorpion standards.

Kenshin was glad to see Toshi Ranbo. What could have been an unmitigated disaster was instead very successful, and Kenshin had a message to deliver.

"It seems my kin have arrived ..." Kenshin said idly.

The Scorpion chatter can be heard, though not understood, a fair distance from their encampment outside the city walls.  This kaisha from the Clan of Secrets looks more like a masquerade ball than a military presence.

As you approach, the Scorpion part to either side of you, silence spreading like a wave.  The path that opens for you leads towards the gates of the city, under an open pavilion drinking tea, sit the governor, the Daidoji commander, and a Scorpion dressed in great armor with a steel mempo depicted a horse-faced demon of some variety--presumably this is the commander of the Scorpion forces currently present.  Standing, watching everyone and everything warily are the various assorted yojimbo.

OOC:  move to Chapter 8 - Helping Hands