"If anybody asks" Sakura started intensely, "I tried to bypass your chain-of-command to report what I know of the Lion and you chewed me out."

"On the way here, we ... volunteered to guard a certain Miya Shisha on her way to this place. She was carrying a message that must be very bad for the Crane. Harriers had been assigned to intercept her and ... deal with it. She told us of one group; I saw another with my own eyes."

"I personally watched the second group Harriers fall before we could do anything by an enemy Darkness, one that is even more dangerous than the Dark lord and his Maho wielding minions."

"I do not know what was in that message that was so important, nor do I need to know. I do know that whatever it is is important enough to destroy the entire Empire if we are not careful."

"We will need pure crystals, the tears of Lady Sun, to fight this enemy. If you or any of your men see strange shadows or shadow creatures let me know as soon as possible."

For the first time, Sakura paused.

"Of all the clans, only Dragon and Scorpion have fought this enemy before -- and not many of them at that. There may be more Crane than myself, but I am not aware of them if there are -- nor are they likely to advertise the fact."

"And I cannot do it alone."

Sakura waited there, awaiting questions or dismissal.

"Harriers...attempting to assassinate an Imperial Shisha?" even Ryu looks shocked at this development, "I can hardly countenance it.  Yet you witnessed it yourself, and were not given orders to aid nor hinder them," he growls, striking one of the parapets with his powerful fist, "the Clan War has badly frayed our lines of communication if such independent actions can be allowed.  I wish you had brought me better news, Sakura-san.  And now you tell me, whilst we are besieged in the courts on all sides, that the Lion are planning a military action against us only weeks before the commencement of Winter Court and on top of that, we face an even more dangerous and enigmatic enemy in this...Darkness.  If I did not know better, I would suspect a Scorpion plot," he sighs, "leave me.  I must consider how to deal with this...quagmire."

"I hope to bring you better news soon ..." Sakura replied with a bow. Having been dismissed, she turned quickly and moved to leave. There were things to do. Once they were out of earshot she spoke to Tsukiko once more.

"I must visit the Scorpion" Sakura announced quietly. "You may come if you wish, however I suspect that you would feel much better elsewhere ... for now."

Sakura stopped for a moment and looked at Tsukiko.

"Please forgive my bluntness" Sakura said, "but I'm afraid I do not have the luxury of politeness."

A quick bow and Sakura began to move again.

"Of course, Ryu-sama.  Thank you for allowing us to take up some of your valuable time.  I hope that this matter can be resolved peacefully and with minimum distress.  I am, as ever, at your disposal should you require my skills."  With another graceful and respectful bow, Daidoji Tsukiko turned to follow Sakura who was only slightly ahread of her.  Kick steps brought her to the shugenja's side to hear the words which were spoken by the younger woman.

Tsukiko paused for a moment, time enough for perhaps two blinks of the eye, after Sakura spoke but then surged forward to walk at a level with the other Daidoji.

"Sakura-san, if it is to the Scorpion you are to speak, then I shall accompany you.  You may be skilled at identifying Harriers and strange shadow creatures, but the Scorpion are another manner of deadly enemy that I doubt you will have adequate training to deal with," Tsukiko replied in equally hushed tones; some of the fluidity gone from her voice to be replaced by a hint of urgency.  "I would be derelict in my duty to our Family if I allowed you to go on alone.  No, I think I shall only be satisfied if I accompany you and help to fathom any undercurrent of deceit in the words of the Scorpion.  They are not so honourable as we of the Crane."

Sakura looked at Tsukiko, an odd glimmer in her eye. Did she just call me honorable? I hope she was just being polite ...

"Very well" Sakura said aloud, "But I will need to find Kedo-Kun first then. Kenji-San would also be a useful addition, if we can find him ..."

"So, then, if you can point me to your forges that is most likely where we shall find Kedo-Kun."

Tsukiko's sigh was only slightly audible.  What strange companions this young Crane kept.  It would do her aspirations to rise high in the esteem of the Crane no good if she continued to consort with such people.

"We shall find your bushi, then, although I fear if he went to the forges he would have been sent on his way.  The forges of the Crane would not welcome a ronin with open arms."

[Private to GM: If Kedo is on the battlements I'd like to make a roll to see if I notice him by chance.]

They had reached the door once more and Tsukiko slipped the outdoor shoes off before stepping into the indoor slippers.  The courtier's eyes narrowed as she considered where Kedo might have been sent.  "Perhaps he might have been sent to the guest quarters to cleanse himself of the dust from the road.  We shall ask the housekeeper if he is not to be found loitering around the forges."

The door slid open and the two young women entered the building once more.  "As for your Scorpion friend, Tsukiko's lips twitched with the effort not to sneer, "he would likely have gone to the Scorpion compound within the city.  Word can be sent ahead for his presence; it should give him the time to prepare for our arrival.  Does this sound acceptable?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Sun 03 Feb 2008.

OOC:  the Scorpion political representative in Toshi Ranbo is Bayushi Tenma and his top aide is Shosuro Shinobu (since that's where you seem to be going), Kedo is not on the battlements (he wouldn't be let up on the Inner City wall without Daidoji Sakura for security reasons), as for Kenji, a quick check with the gate guards would reveal his location (he is a Crane hostage after all ^_^)

A brief investigation of the Crane compound as the two women made their way to the forges provided no clue of Kedo's whereabouts.  Tsukiko seemed none-to-pleased as she led Sakura to the craftsmen's area; the dirt the place emitted would likely cake her kimono, and washing the elegant garment would result in it being out of use for quite some time.  Still, once her word was given, it would not be taken back.

Two ashigaru stood guard at the entrance of the Crane compound; both bowed low as the samurai approached.

"Has a ronin dressed in grey passed by?" she asked, pausing for a moment before adding, "And a Scorpion guest of the Crane, Bayushi Kenji, do you have word of his whereabouts?"

Sakura smiled once again. Things were strange here, that much was certain, but not quite as strange as some might believe.

Or perhaps they were even stranger?

"I would not call Bayushi-San 'Friend'" she replied with a chuckle, "however, since Lord Kuwanan assigned him to this mission it seems ... prudent to include him. Kedo-Kun is more of a friend than the guest of the Crane ..."

Sakura followed Tsukiko.

"But the Child of Bayushi is important to this mission. I trust Kuwanan-Sama's judgement on him."

"By the way" Sakura continued, "something to consider while we walk. I have been authorized to negotiate a treaty with the Scorpion. Naturally, as I am not a Courtier, I will be relying on you to watch after the interests of the Crane ..."

"I am certain that Kuwanan-sama has good reason for assigning Bayushi-san.  It is not my place to question the choice of those better informed."  There was something in her voice, perhaps the words sounded too sweet as they slipped from her lips, that gave the impression that she wished the opposite were true.

"Of course, I am at your disposal to ensure that the treaty is signed to the benefit of the Crane.  I would ask, however, that you tell me as much about the situation as possible and that you heed my advice in matters of diplomacy."



OOC: I'm assuming this little exchange takes place before they get to the guards at the gate

"The situation with the Scorpion is simple" Sakura replied, albeit quietly, "We are to forge an alliance with them. The Scorpion Courtiers will undoubtedly play their own courtly tricks, which is why I need you there."

"By the authority of the Lord of the Crane, we will offer our support in the Scorpion's full resumption of their place in Rokugan for certain ... assurances. Most important is to make sure that the Lion are too preoccupied with their southern border to worry about this little city, but there are other issues as well -- such as the infidel pirate* usurping the Crane's rightful place in the courts."

"They will remember, as do we, that while Kuwanan bears the name of Lady Doji he was not trained in the ... 'typical' Crane fashion."

"I cannot tell you the full extent of our mission" Sakura continued in a whisper, "but the fact that I am involved* means that we must succeed at any cost."

[1) Refers to the Mantis Lord, Yoritomo ...
        2) Sakura's Honor is a flat 0 (her Duty, however ..., is 5+), something that she does not take great pains to hide. It makes her job easier ...
]

OOC:  sorry about that, I totally missed your question to the NPCs ^_^;;;
it could happen before or after you pass the guards at the gate whichever you prefer

"Bayushi Kenji-san?" the ashigaru reply as you pass, "I believe he returned to his quarters in the Inner City.  At least, that was the direction he was headed when he passed through the gates."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:37, Fri 08 Feb 2008.

OOC: Yes it does.  Would it be possible, though, for you to clarify some of the main layout of Toshi Ranbo?  As Tsukiko's been there for a while, I'm assuming she'd know where are the main buildings and compounds are in relation to one another.  Thanks (sorry to see so much clarification).

Ah, so he has not left to seek out his kin.  That is all for the good as he should be easy to find.  It is best, I suppose, that he not join us as we search for this ronin bushi of Sakura-san's.

Tsukiko was satisfied with the answer she was given although Sakura's last words before they reached the gate had left a sick feeling in her stomach.  The courtier began to fret about Sakura's more indepth knowledge in less honourable matters, her concern mostly brought about by the worry that association with the shugenja might cause others to see Tsukiko as lacking in honour also.

"My thanks to you, vigilant ashigaru," she told the guards, just about managing to retain her mask of composure, "you have been most helpful."

With a polite nod of the head, Tsukiko passed through the gates of the Daidoji Complex and into the Courtier District.  Tsukiko led the other Daidoji through the streets of the courtier district, inclining her head now and again to other courtiers she recognised.  However, rather than heading straight towards the Tsume Palace, the rooftops of which could be seen towering above the buildings of the Courtier District, Tsukiko turned right at the main junction and headed towards the East Gate.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Tue 12 Feb 2008.

Sakura smiled. It was not a harsh smile, one that covered displeasure, nor was it a happy smile, one that took pleasure in the discomfort of another. This was a sad smile, one that showed the understanding of an unpleasant reality.

"You will make some Doji a fine wife, Tsukiko-San" Sakura eventually said. It was her way of acknowledging Tsukiko's choice, to be a "proper" -- meaning honorable -- Crane.

To Sakura, it was always sad to see a Daidoji "corrupted" in such a way -- led away from their family's mission -- by the honorable Doji. Courtier's, it seemed, were the most prone to it, though duelists and Shugenja were almost as often led into Honor. Sakura sometimes wondered how it was that she got along so well with her youngest brother. She fully understood, however, why it was that her now-departed Shugenja uncle never pushed her into the Asahina Shugenja school. Now, especially after the war, she understood: they would never have put up with her.

Sakura realized that this was yet another Crane that she would be duty-bound to protect. There were so few "true Daidoji" left in the Clan now, but at least she could be sure that the Crane Champion understood the need for more Daidoji.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Tue 12 Feb 2008.

The Artisan and Shugenja district is filled with signs of the strong personalities that inhabit it.  Mismatched murals cover the walls, half finished sculptures fill the streets, and impromptu poetry can be heard from every window.  Only the smithy area is free of the artistic clutter, the smoke and noise being uncondusive towards other creative pursuits.  One would think that a gray clad Ronin bearing two swords would be simple enough to spot, however there appears to be no sign of Daidoji Sakura's ersatz yojimbo.

"I seek perfection in all things, Sakura-san, even in my conduct as a wife and daughter.  Whether my family decide I am to be wed to a Doji or a Shosuro, I shall strive to uphold their honour and mine in my conduct."  Tsukiko told her companion, although it was evident that marriage to a Scorpion was not the courtier's idea of an ideal match.

"It seems your bushi is not where you had expected him to be," Tsukiko remarked, relieved that this was the case.  She had not looked forward to resolving any conflict that may have arisen from the presence of a ronin at the forges.  The Crane artisans were notoriously secretive when it came to the techniques with which they created their katana and if they felt a non-Crane was attempting to steal their secrets then there would likely have been trouble.

"Perhaps he has returned to his rooms.  Had you been assigned quarters before we were introduced to one another?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Fri 15 Feb 2008.

[Errr, not that I recall ... ]
Sakura looked around for a moment, the sights and sounds bringing back memories.

"No, I'm afraid not" she replied in a slightly distracted manner, "Knowing Kedo-Kun, it's quite likely that he went to secure our lodgings first ... but he could just as easily be in one of the temples."

Sakura started to hum a song, one that seemed to keep the rythm of the work around her. It was clear from her voice that not all of her training was of the less-than-honorable kind ...

[Errr ... I need to check something as well.]

Sakura turned in a direction, toward the bushi district near the artisan quarters.

"He's that way" she said with a measure of certainty.

[Private to Daidoji Tsukiko: Sakura can lead them "more or less" directly to Kedo, but it will be "he's that way" sort of things ... Heart of Mortality in case you're interested.]

OOC:  due to some OOC discrepancies between everyone's understanding, how Daidoji Sakura locates Kedo is under discussion.  However, actually finding him can go foreward ^_^  Please post in the main Toshi Ranbo thread to continue ^_^

The statement earned Sakura a sharp look from the other Daidoji, but Tsukiko did not question how the young woman knew where her bushi could be found.

Shugenja..., she thought to herself.

"Very well, Sakura-san.  If you tell me when the kami guide you in a certain direction then I shall ensure that we navigate the streets safely and quickly," Tsukiko responded, gesturing for Sakura to proceed her.  The courtier very rarely had any reason to enter this quarter of the city but she knew the main streets well enough through careful study of Toshi Ranbo's streets to know which way to turn.

OOC: yeah, well I'll do my best to cover ... m_O_m

"It's not the Kami" Sakura said with a lilt in her voice, "It's the sound of clashing steel." Something had changed in Sakura ... perhaps it was the proximity to the artisan district.

"Swords are my wandering Sohei's* first love" she continued, "so if he can't study how they are made he is most likely practicing their use."

As they approached a guard, Sakura slowed to address him (or her?). "Pardon me" she said with appropriate politeness, "I'm looking for a Ronin, dressed in gray with a Daisho that might appear far too nice for a Ronin to weild. Have you seen him?"

[This does not refer to the rules variant, it's just a "cute title" ...]

"Oh, that one," the Crane samurai sneers, "he went off with 'Kakita' Tsutomu," he gestures vaguely northwestward, "at least your ronin keeps company equal to his station."

"Ah, that is because he has the good grace to know where his place in Rokugan is; an unexpected and, perhaps, admirable quality in a ronin.  Perhaps the grace of the Crane has begun to infiltrate his unmannered nature.  I thank you for informing us of his whereabouts and bid you good day, samurai-san."

With a respectful bow, Tsukiko swept past the guard and into the bushi quarter.

Ancestors grant me the speed to reach him before he does anything disgraceful

"Which way, Sakura-san?" she asked when they were out of earshot of the guard.  "We must make haste to his side before an... incident happens.  Bushi of yours or no, if a true samurai finds cause to be affronted by his conduct then there will be trouble.

[OOC:  Please may I have a little information on 'Kakita' Tsutomu?]

PM[Private to Daidoji Tsukiko: Kakita Tsutomu is an older samurai recently accepted into the service of Kakita Asakura, prior to which he was a ronin.  He has acquired some notariety as a sensei because of his lowly origins, his unusual two sword style, and his apparent talent as a sensei]