[D7, EM] Beggin' leave to report!

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

Airi sips at her tea as she listens. "I will take that into advisement. Typically, we have been keeping our distance, but I can see the logic in reaching out to help them in this trying time. If you could attempt to do this," she says, addressing all three of them, "I would be grateful."

At the mention of the Crane Champion, sadness overtakes her smile. "Yes, I have heard the rumors of Doji Etsuo's disappearance during the rout. Unfortunately, all I can do for the time being is offer my prayers to the Fortunes in the hopes that the will keep him safe."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi bowed his head in response to her words on the subject of Doji Etsuo, but in response to her enjoining them to address Lion liaison, he said quietly:

"Hai, Kakita-sama. I will be sure to do so."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Tetsuko nods at the request. She was just a minor samurai but would do her best.

As for the other matter: "From the report I received Doji-dono was last seen leading a group of brave Crab samurai. Perhaps they were able to stage a fighting retreat. For the moment prayer does seem to be the only available option."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

Their Champion was missing? Monkhbaatar wriggled in his seat, uncomfortable at the news. He was barely a Crane, but he was one, and devoted to his duty as he ever was to the Unicorn. "Are we sure there is nothing to be done?"

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi frowned.

"There is an army between his last known position and us. I personally lack the skill it would take to find him, cousin. There might be some, though, who have those skills, and for whom it would not be...an injudicious misapplication of our lord's resources. It would be a very difficult task."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

Nodding in understanding, he accepts the statement at face value. It didn't make him feel better about the situation though.

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

"It is unfortunate, but such are the times of war." She carefully refreshes everyone's tea. "Until we receive word of Lord Doji, we must do our part to ensure that Nikesake remains safe and a bulwark behind which the loyal forces of the Empire can gather."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"I've never been to Toshi no Omoidoso. How are those cities walls in comparison to Nikesake?" he asks, all of the samurai present more likely to have been there than him. Particularly the ones that came from there.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi tried gamely to answer, but was absolutely not a tactician.

"They were high, but Nikesake seems a much sturdier place on the whole."

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

"Toshi no Omoidoso has always been a holy place, and for much of the Empire's history, it was ignore by enemies that did not wish to profane it with bloodshed. When the city was attacked in the War of Burned Wings, the Phoenix fell back rather quickly, once it became clear the Lion intended to capture the city no matter what."

She sighs softly. "Nikesake, however, spent much of its life on the border of three Clans. These walls were designed to repel attacks from the Matsu family, and did so successfully for many years. Defensively, I believe we are in a better position than Toshi no Omoidoso."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"That is good. I imagine that being a city built for defense, it does not have a cavalry contingent. It certainly seemed to not have that in mind when I rode through to get here," he replies.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"From what we have seen of them so far the enemy forces do not possess any cavalry. We were able to out shoot and out fight them at the gates of Toshi no Omoidoso."

She considered what she had seen of the city of Nikesake and looked at her comrades.

"My knowledge of history is nothing compared to Doji-sama's, but the Steel Chrysanthemum was considered a cunning foe, yes? Having been defeated by the walls of the last City I suspect he will seek an alternative to simply rushing at those of Nikesake."

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

"During his... first lifetime..." She frowns slightly. "... he had Nikesake burned to the ground. I'm not familiar with details, but I believe it had something to do with the Phoenix working against him out of protest for some action he took against the Brotherhood."

"It is possible that he will see the city's return as an affront to his decree."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

The Iron Crane simply nodded at this news. "I see. Then we should be prepared for that eventuality. Perhaps we can stage a series of training drills for our own personnel, on the assumption of fire being utilised, and suggest that others do the same. Of course, we should also ready ourselves for a fighting retreat from the City."

They had yet to face enemy shugenja or siege weapons, but that did not negate their possibility. She looked back at the Kakita.

"Do the histories record exactly how it was done? Presumably the Phoenix mounted a defence of the city?"

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

"I do not know any further details. It is worth investigation, however." She thinks for a moment. "Perhaps the Phoenix would have an answer. They are likely more familiar with such history than myself."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"Hai, I will ask them and report back Kakita-san. Asako Kashiwagi-sama may be willing to provide us with such information." She nodded and looked to the others.

[D7, EM] Beggin' leave to report!

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