[D12, LM, Izumi's Meeting Room] Steps Toward a Rescue

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

As the hours passed beyond dawn, a familiar giant stalked the palace corridors, his companion the widower of the deadest of wives. Their shared mission: to avert a potential war by securing a Champion. Kakita Masahiko looked down at his ally and smiled before scratching authoritatively on the door of the Daimyo's chambers.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki gave his taller companion a solemn nod before turning his attention back to the door. His sharp features showed their usual amount of expressiveness: somewhere between a little and none. Still, at least he hadn't started grimacing yet; that was something.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

A servant allows the two men into the room. Inside, Kitsu Izumi is seated at a table, almost appearing ill. She looks up as they enter, then lowers her gaze back down to her tea, which had a strong herbal aroma.

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

Erina waits as well, doing her best to keep a stoic face as the Crane loomed over her. She wasn't used to being loomed over.

Still, it was necessary for her to be here, and there was the chance to avert war at the worst possible moment, so she would bear the company for now.

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

The giant bowed deeply to the seated daimyo of the Kitsu family, both before and after he entered the room. His expression remained warm in spite of the Kitsu's coolness, and excitement seemed to emanate from him in waves.

"Greetings, Kitsu-ue, this humble one is Kakita Masahiko of Nikesake. Thank you for receiving us."

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

Erina gives a similar set of bows.

"Thank you for seeing us Kitsu-diamyo-dono."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki likewise bowed. "Kitsu-dono." He said, his tone respectful, if bland.

He gave her a concerned look for a moment, his forehead creasing, but then he recovered his On.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi takes a moment before speaking. "Forgive my appearance," she says, hands curled around her tea cup. "The rescue attempt was... taxing."

Her eyes close as she takes a shuddering breath. "Speak."

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

Masahiko wasn't certain if it was entirely his place to speak first, but then they didn't call him a Paragon of Courage because he'd let that sort of thing hold him back in the past.

"Kitsu-ue, we're here because Matsu-san, here, has learned that Doji Etsuo is still alive and operating somewhere in the rear of the enemy. It is our intention to secure him and bring him to the safety of the city, where his people have need of him."

Masahiko paused. "We were hoping that you might be able to learn something more specific as to his location through the kami so that we can narrow the search, if it is not an imposition."

He bowed deeply to signal his respect and the gravity of the request for Masahiko and his people.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi considers the request in silence. "It is possible, but it may be beyond my capabilities at this time. You should be prepared for failure."

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

Well, the stereotype about arrogant shugenja has been well and truly shattered.

"If it comes, we will endure it and find him by another road. That is all we can do." He smiled warmly. "I think we can take some courage, knowing that failure at this step is not the end of our efforts."

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

"I don't know if it helps, but we know two places where he was supposed to have been. Oh! And he was supposed to have Crab with him, so they might have residual Shadowland about them"

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi glares at Erina. "You are not implying that the Crab delegation to Winter Court had the taint of Jigoku upon their souls. Are you trying to start another war?"

She coughs, waving for Erina to be silent as she recovers. "We will have to return to Morikage Toshi to speak with the kami there."

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

Masahiko's eyes widened slightly, less in surprise than in awakened curiosity.

"Ah...I have been studying the ways of shugenja for a little while, Kitsu-ue, and if it is not too impertinent, I wonder if you could explain why the kami of Morikage Toshi are more suitable than those here?"

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi frowns slightly. "It is much as with people, Kakita-san. If I were to ask you of something that happened yesterday in this city, while you were nearby, you might be able to tell me. If I were to ask you what happened in Morikage Toshi yesterday, you would not be able to give me a good answer."

She lifts her tea cup. "The water kami in this tea will not know where the Crane Champion can be found, any more than the people in this room. If we get close to where he was last seen, those kami will have a better understanding of the situation."

Izumi takes a slow sip of her tea and then returns it to the table. "There are certain prayers that enable one to see further, but I do not believe that they will produce much effect, and I do not have the strength to ask the kami for any great favors at this time."

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

Masahiko's eyes lit up.

"Fascinating!. Thank you, Kitsu-ue."

He bowed deeply. "It will be an honor to escort you there."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki bowed, acknowledging his willingness.

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

Erina opens her mouth to apologize but falls silent when bidden and she simply bows.

She sees the others volunteer, but remains quiet

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

"I will make preparations. We can leave tomorrow." She takes another sip of her tea. "If you will excuse me, I should rest. I do not wish to fail yet again."

Kakita Masahiko · **Joined:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:04 am **Posts:** 272

The giant bowed deeply. "I have no fear of that. When the right and left hands support each other, Kitsu-ue, there can be no failure."

His second bow signaled his sincerity and also his compliance with her request as he backed out of her presence.

[D12, LM, Izumi's Meeting Room] Steps Toward a Rescue

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