No One Left Behind [Day 1, Late Morning] - OPEN

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Frostbitten, battered and stained with the blood of the Heavens across her body, the young Miharu finally lays eye on Toshi no Omodaisu's walls. The Seppun straightens her ragged court furisode and adjusts the daisho –– the only few items she managed to escape with.

A few steps ahead, a Lion samurai patrol walk their path back to the city. They accepted her coming last, but kept their pace to watch over the Imperial. Horonigai made it clear to them she would see every other refugee that fled the Morikage Toshi with her reaching Toshi no Omodaisu before she would.

Even through the cold, for some reason, there was still fire burning within her. She remembers changing arguments with Asako Kashiwashi along the way -– even though how it started is now unclear –– and exhales a cold puff of air from her nostrils.

From within the tight eri around her neck and chest, a small furry head pops out. Kuchihide's looks up, saying, "Meow!"

Horonigai looks to her pet, nodding. Hai, Kuchihide-kun. I think we have arrived.

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:35 pm

That should be the last of them...Kami what is she doing out here still?

Homura had returned to the gates to help with the last stragglers, and was faced with an interesting dilemma; a frozen princess as a straggler. Something about that did not make sense, and yet here it was.

Not a lot makes sense today.

She moved quickly, collecting a blanket on the way, and bowed deeply.

"Seppun-sama, I had not realized you were still out here. Here, a blanket" she offered, holding it out.

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Horonigai nods to the Ikoma and slouches her shoulders in reflex. Yet, she suddenly breathes in and shakes her head, arguing, "Ikoma-san. The city is just ahead! A blanket now won't make a difference."

She takes a couple more steps, lowers her head, and completes her rushed up words with her true intent. "Doumo, arigatou gozaimashita."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:06 pm

Having quickly heard word that there were refugees from what sounded like Morikage Toshi coming in, Tsukimi had headed out past the gates to see... not that she was sure what she was looking for. Maybe stragglers? Or pursuers? Maybe even a glimpse of what was to come?

It seemed that was the last of them though, as she couldn't see anyone else after the young Imperial girl. "Minna-sama," the Dragon nodded to Homura and Horonigai as she approached. "Are either of you in need of medical attention?" she offered, giving a small tug to the satchel of medical supplies slung across her shoulder.

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:37 pm

Seppun Horonigai wrote:

Horonigai nods to the Ikoma and slouches her shoulders in reflex. Yet, she suddenly breathes in and shakes her head, arguing, "Ikoma-san. The city is just ahead! A blanket now won't make a difference."

She takes a couple more steps, lowers her head, and completes her rushed up words with her true intent. "Doumo, arigatou gozaimashita."

"A few moments to clear off the snow and ice will also allow you to warm up ready for the final journey" Homura said with a shake of the head and a smile. Then suddenly, Dragon! Homura turned, and bowed to the woman.

Isn't she cold?

"Thank you for your offer, I am well though. I arrived a few hours ago with the main bulk, and have been coming back and forth, so my wounds are fine and my legs are warming the rest of me" there was a chuckle "forgive me, I'm not sure I recognize you. I am Ikoma Homura, and this" she motioned to the woman with her "is the honourable Seppun Horonigai-sama."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Kōgyoku was approaching the straggling Imperial, having been alerted by the said patrol she had sent of the situation. Like Mogami had said, there was no telling whether the Steel Chrysanthemum's pursuit was near or far, and either someone was taking the Lion protection, or they weren't. Especially that the Imperial seemed to be attracting more people going in the wrong direction.

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 11:08 pm

"I have been here in Toshi no Omoidoso for the winter, so it's no surprise my face is not familiar to you, Ikoma-sama, Seppun-sama," she acknowledged the two women with a quick bow. "Togashi Tsukimi of the Ise Zumi Order. I'm here to help."

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"A few moments to clear off the snow and ice will also allow you to warm up ready for the final journey" Homura said with a shake of the head and a smile. Then suddenly, Dragon! Homura turned, and bowed to the woman.

Horonigai inhales again, as her teeth start to chatter lightly. But she shakes her head, and stubbornly replies. "Iie. I've come here as I am. I have to continue."

The girl straightens her back as others approach, and mentions the Dragon with her chin. "Clearly Dragon-san could use the blanket more than me."

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

It seemed that was the last of them though, as she couldn't see anyone else after the young Imperial girl. "Minna-sama," the Dragon nodded to Homura and Horonigai as she approached. "Are either of you in need of medical attention?" she offered, giving a small tug to the satchel of medical supplies slung across her shoulder.

The same negative shake of her head continues, as the bloodied Imperial replies to the Dragon, "I am unhurt. I appreciate your help, but it is not necessary." She provides a nod, and after some heartbeats, she completes, "domou arigatou gozaimashita."

Matsu Kōgyoku wrote:

Kōgyoku was approaching the straggling Imperial

As the Matsu approaches –– in a sudden movement –– Horonagai steps back with a light yelp and widens her eyes.

From within her, a clawing Kuchihige sprouts from her chest onto the ground from. The small black cat looks to the entourage and purrs.

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

"Togashi Tsukimi of the Ise Zumi Order. I'm here to help."

The young Miharu pushes her furisode back in place while glaring at the cat for a moment and then provides another shallow bow to the Dragon, "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:07 am

Did..did she smuggle a cat under her furisode?

There was a look at the cat, then back at Horonagai, then at the cat, before the Ikoma chuckled.

"I cannot say I expected that to happen! Were you carrying a cat this whole time? Come, let's get you both inside before everyone freezes."

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

"I have been here in Toshi no Omoidoso for the winter, so it's no surprise my face is not familiar to you, Ikoma-sama, Seppun-sama," she acknowledged the two women with a quick bow. "Togashi Tsukimi of the Ise Zumi Order. I'm here to help."

"It is an honour to meet you Togashi-san. I hope my kins court has been a welcoming one."

She noticed her superiors approach and bowed to her.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"I am Matsu Kōgyoku." The sashimono on her back explained her position clearly for anyone with a grasp of heraldry. The sudden chest-burst of felinity was noticed but not reacted to. What the magistrate reacted to was the presence of others, and the reaction was bowing. "Seppun-sama, Ikoma-san, Togashi-san, it is advisable that all travellers from Morikage Toshi move into the perimeter of city walls as soon as possible."

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"I cannot say I expected that to happen! Were you carrying a cat this whole time? Come, let's get you both inside before everyone freezes."

Horonigai quirks an eyebrow and tries reply, "I-" Yet, she doesn't finish, as the approaching Matsu presents herself along the instructions.

Matsu Kōgyoku wrote:

"I am Matsu Kōgyoku." The sashimono on her back explained her position clearly for anyone with a grasp of heraldry. The sudden chest-burst of felinity was noticed but not reacted to. What the magistrate reacted to was the present of others, and the reaction was bowing. "Seppun-sama, Ikoma-san, Togashi-san, it is advisable that all travellers from Morikage Toshi move into the perimeter of city walls as soon as possible."

"Seppun Horonigai-desu. Hajime mashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." She bows... again, but soon returns. "Let's follow this advice Matsu-san brings us, then," Horonigai mentions forward with her eyes and waits for the group to start moving.

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:40 am

"Hai. I'll assist your friend Seppun-sama."

Homura knelt down, petting the cat gently with one hand while opening the blanket with the other.

"Forgive me, honourable Neko-dono, however the snow may not be the best terrain to travel in." She carefully wrapped the blanket around the cat and picked it up, holding it close.

"Shall we?" She gave each of the women a warm smile.

D1 LM animal handling: 4d10 26

(Ikoma Shadow 1 activated, targeting Horo/Kōgyoku/Tsukimi.)

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

"Homura-chan, are you out here?" Ore and Kamu are now a bit drier, and are prowling behind Erina, ears twitching. Erina stops hard as she sees the group, including an elder magistrate and someone in...rather regal clothes.

Erina offers a hasty bow. "I am sorry, I did not suspect there would be more than Ikoma-san." Kamu idles up to the swathed bundle in Homura's arms, giving it a sniff, and then a happy chuff as she rubs her cheek against the small cat.

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 2:17 pm

"I'm not a traveller from Morikage Toshi, but I agree with your advice, Matsu-sama," the Togashi replied to the Magistrate, moving with the others to head inside the walls.

The appearance of two rather large cats was... surprising, and her eyes widened from the sight, albeit followed by an amused smile.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Kōgyoku nodded and greeted the new arrival of her kin and her leonine companions with a curt bow. She moved to the back, keen on ensuring that actually all of them would end up behind the gates. It looked like the Imperial acted as some magnet for insensible socialising.

She wrinkled her nose slightly on hearing the Lion youth being cute with each other. Even if they were childhood friends or something, there was decorum to be upheld before others, and the least they needed now was to look sloppy to those under their protection. On the other hand, the Imperial herself seemed either in shock or idiosyncratic, or... Mogami's account was recalled on the Seppun who had turned on the Emperor. This was an uncomfortable thought, but one Kōgyoku couldn't easily dismiss.

"Thank you for understanding. Let's move on."

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"Forgive me, honourable Neko-dono, however the snow may not be the best terrain to travel in." She carefully wrapped the blanket around the cat and picked it up, holding it close.

"Meow..." Awnsers Kuchihige as he's surrounded by a full pride of samurai-ko.

Matsu Erina wrote:

"Homura-chan, are you out here?" Ore and Kamu are now a bit drier, and are prowling behind Erina, ears twitching. Erina stops hard as she sees the group, including an elder magistrate and someone in...rather regal clothes.

The Imperial lifts her eyebrows just a tiny little but on the newcomer's treatment to the Ikoma. That takes half a heartbeat, though. The Miharu's eyes quickly notice the huge beasts lurking behind.

Matsu Erina wrote:

... Kamu idles up to the swathed bundle in Homura's arms, giving it a sniff, and then a happy chuff as she rubs her cheek against the small cat.

Instinctively, Horonigai's right hand slides slowly down to have a firm grip of the saya. Her right hand shows no further action, of course.

Matsu Kōgyoku wrote:

... She moved to the back, keen on ensuring that actually all of them would end up behind the gates... "Thank you for understanding. Let's move on."

Horonigai watches Kogyoku moving to the back and –– stubbornly –– doesn't move until Kyogoku herself is slightly ahead. She doesn't defy the high ranking Matsu's suggestion on moving, but wants to make sure she arrives last nonetheless.

"Matsu-san." She mentions Erina with her eyes, and politely interrogates, "Shitsurei shimasu. These beasts are under your control. Correct?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:41 pm

Matsu Erina wrote:

"Homura-chan, are you out here?" Ore and Kamu are now a bit drier, and are prowling behind Erina, ears twitching. Erina stops hard as she sees the group, including an elder magistrate and someone in...rather regal clothes.

Erina offers a hasty bow. "I am sorry, I did not suspect there would be more than Ikoma-san." Kamu idles up to the swathed bundle in Homura's arms, giving it a sniff, and then a happy chuff as she rubs her cheek against the small cat.

There was a tilt of the head as Erina approached, Homura giving the woman a bow.

"Ah, Matsu-san. Forgive me, I wandered a little further out when I noticed a few others arriving. Matsu-san, allow me to introduce Togashi Tsukimi-san, the Matsu Kōgyoku-sama and Seppun Horonigai-sama. Mina-sama, this is Matsu Erina-san, who has assisted in escorting those travelling here from Morikage Toshi."

She smiled at the two large cats, but kept the Seppuns beloved pet close to her so he would remain safe.

"Let us travel inside. Seppun-sama, what is the name of your adorable companion?"

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

"Kuchihige." Horonigai wrinkles her nose instinctively at the though of a mustache. "He complies to requests better when fed. Amusing that he liked you nonetheless, Ikoma-san."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

The magistrate wasn't ready to budge on this, and stood her ground as well.

LM1. Contested Etiquette/Willpower w/ Horonigai.: 4d10o10k3+3 24

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:28 pm

"Kuchihige-kun is adorable" Homura smiled at the cat, slyly watching the standoff.

The battle of the egos. Who will win, Matsu stick or Princess stick?

If there was someone she trusted to do so nearby she'd bet on it.

No One Left Behind [Day 1, Late Morning] - OPEN

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