Reinforcements (D9 - LM - Late arrivals)

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

Yuko approached the western gate of the city, a collection of ashigaru strung out behind her.

She called out as she approached, "Ohayo! I am Asahina Yuko here at the behest of Asahina Noa. I have come with reinforcements for the defense of Nikesake!"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

In the rain on the wall, a figure appeared, hat concealing features in the downpour.

"Asahina-san", a deep voice called. "The Lion would welcome you, but seem occupied. Will you take greetings from a Scorpion?"

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

Yuko pushed her own straw hat up to better see and called out in reply.

"This one is not in a position to deny any welcomes on the basis of mon, Scorpion-sama!"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

That seemed fair enough. Kitamaru asked the watch officer to allow the Crane entry.

Assuming that was done, the Scorpion went down to greet Yuko.

"Asahina-san, I am Shosuro Kitamaru. A guest like you, but being of aid to the Lion as an ally. I hope your swim, that is...your journey here was fortunate."

It was really raining. As usual. Really. A lot.

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

"It has been an interesting melody to travel to. Every storm is a song, Shoshuro-sama - every rain drop a note, every boom of thunder a drum beat. There is a beauty in it, if you can find it," she said, bowing, "some songs, of course, may go on a bit too long."

"Asahina Yuko."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Kitamaru didn't seem to react to the Asahina giving her name again.

"A pleasure. Are these your soldiers? The Lion can find a place for them, you should get out of the rain."

The Scorpion motioned toward a watch post on the inside of the wall where guards took refuge.

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

"They are capable men and women and will serve well,"she said as she accepted the offer to move inside.

Before following the Scorpion she turned to the ashigaru,"It has been a pleasure to travel with you. Treat the Lion as you would the Crane while you are here. Domo arigato minna sama."

She followed the Scorpion inside.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"There is bad tidings, Asahina-san", he told her as he pushed past a lion to find the tea pot. "An unfortunate matter of honor at the Crane embassy. I'll allow your kin to grant you details, but you should be prepared."

He poured her a cup. It was still hot.

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

She accepted it graciously.

"The Emperor is dead, Shoshuro-sama. All tidings will bear some hint of ill for the foreseeable future won't they?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"Perhaps that's true, but ill tidings are abound regardless."

A pour for himself as well, into a cup that rolled out of a silk sleeve.

"Your kin will have more to say. What news south of here? Has word of your champion's fate spread?"

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

Yuko sat the cup down slowly and regarded the Scorpion for a moment.

He's baiting you, Yuko-chan. Perhaps rise to the occasion? I could make quick work of him.

"I've received little word on the road, Shosuro-sama. You'll forgive me but you are hinting at many things and saying very little. Clarity would be a welcome companion after the symphony we've travelled through. If you could provide it, perhaps it will save my clan some work. I'm sure they have many more pressing matters at hand than getting me up to speed. Such as the defense of the city..." she said, trailing off.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Kitamaru pulled the red scarf he wore under his mask down enough to sip tea.

A long sip.

Suspiciously long enough for the Lion standing near them to move away.

Placing the cup down, Kitamaru nodded.

"There was a Kakita here, a diplomat who oversaw the embassy. She was unfortunately killed in a game of politics. The details are not in my possession, hence why I suggest speaking to your clan. It is a matter of regret for the Lion and your clan, and a magistrate of the Lion clan has offered their life in exchange to settle the matter, from what I'm told."

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

Yuko sighed.

"Forgive me, Shosuro-sama. It has been a long trip and I expect I am somewhat on edge. Sumimasen - I should not look to you for answers you do not have. Thank you for sharing what you do."

She picked her cup back up.

"It is not the first time politics has claimed a life between our clans and I doubt it will be the last. Hopefully we can at least focus on the enemy outside with the magistrate's sacrifice."

She sipped and then looked back up.

"But that is not the only matter you hinted at?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"Strangeness is afoot, spirits unsettled. Not simply for the edge war puts on us, but other things", the Scorpion confided. "Some suggest the realm of slaughter hounds us, some say this rain is a curse to show a fortune's displeasure. One cannot be certain, one must be cautious."

Kitamaru drank his tea.

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

"These things are known - but you spoke of Doji-dono?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"Rumor had it the Crane champion was wounded, but escaped the massacre at Morikage Toshi...word spread that Doji-dono lead a group of Crab in battle against the 16th's forces, but to my understanding they were never found by the refugees of Toshi no Omoidosu."

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

Yuko gasped.

"He is still out there then?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"It is unknown", Kitamaru replied. "It has been many days since the last report."

Asahina Yuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:12 pm **Posts:** 77

"If he is not here, then he is still out there," she said matter of factlly.

"You have heard no word about future rescue attempts?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

It would be a matter of regret, perhaps, for Kitamaru to shrug and say Sorry, not my champion...

So he merely shook his head.

"It would be the business of the Crane, perhaps they have spoken with the Lion since their past unfortunate business." The Shosuro didn't seem keen to keep the Asahina there. He knew what he would do were the situation reversed.

Reinforcements (D9 - LM - Late arrivals)

Who is online