[Day 2, Early Morning] Probing the Defenses

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

Sunrise sees Bayushi Sukekage trudging through the snow on a path around the city walls. His eyes dart back and forth as he walks, looking at both the stability of the walls and the surrounding terrain, searching for anything that might be used to the advantage of the city's defenders.

"I bet the spirits don't even feel the cold," he grumbles to himself as he stops to dislodge snow from his sandals. "No real flesh to freeze. By the Fortunes, the next would-be conqueror had better, at least, choose milder climate for the beginning of his campaign..."

Goose · **Joined:** Wed Apr 08, 2020 3:27 am **Posts:** 9

As Sukekage moves through the snow, he eventually comes across a hole in the ground. It wasn't very deep - maybe two feet or so - and only a little wider across.

Standing in front of the hole was a goose. There was a wide-brimmed hat in its beak, and as he watches, it tosses the hat into the shallow pit, then turns to look back at him.

>HONK!<

The goose then waddles into a nearby bush to hide.

Ikoma Sugimoto · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 1:05 am **Posts:** 132

Goose wrote:

As Sukekage moves through the snow, he eventually comes across a hole in the ground. It wasn't very deep - maybe two feet or so - and only a little wider across.

Standing in front of the hole was a goose. There was a wide-brimmed hat in its beak, and as he watches, it tosses the hat into the shallow pit, then turns to look back at him.

>HONK!<

The goose then waddles into a nearby bush to hide.

On the distant wall, a hatless samurai stares down at the goose and vows revenge.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

Sufficiently intrigued, Sukekage approaches the hole, kneels, and retrieves the hat from the pit. He looks from it to the hiding goose, then back as he puzzles over the odd scene.

"Not many things can surprise me anymore, goose," Sukekage says, "but you have managed it. Congratulations are due, I suppose."

Goose · **Joined:** Wed Apr 08, 2020 3:27 am **Posts:** 9

The goose steps out of the bush, circles around Sukekage to put him between goose and shallow hole, and honks at him loudly.

>HONK!<.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"I do hope you don't plan to test me, bird," replies the Scorpion, "as it's too cold out here for me to consider much in the way of mercy..."

Goose · **Joined:** Wed Apr 08, 2020 3:27 am **Posts:** 9

The goose honks once more - >HONK!< and then turns and waddles away, leaving little goose-prints in the snow.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"A wise decision," Sukekage says with a nod.

He sets off back on his path, pausing only to don the hat.

"At least now my head will be warm," continues his grumbling, "and my hair free of further snow. The Fortunes move in mysterious ways..."

Matsu Misaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:40 pm **Posts:** 40

Two samurai arrive together at the city gates.

"Finally. Shouldn't be getting snows so late in the season. Cold as hell out here, too."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"I am as happy to be here as you are, and even happier to part ways."

They walk toward the gates, ignoring the trail of refugees.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"Yet more new arrivals?" asks Sukekage as he watches the two women approach the gates. "I would get in and settled quickly, were I you - the people outside the gates are starting to look more than a little restless. I am Bayushi Sukekage, currently assisting in preparation for the coming siege."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Hello Bayushi-san. I am Bayushi Kiku, and my companion here is... Matsu something." There is no warmth to her words.

The Lion glowers for a moment before looking back toward the wall, apparently restless.

"We are certainly looking to get settled quickly, or at least out of this unseasonal snow. It is so kind of you to offer to show us inside."

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"Indeed, indeed," Sukekage replies. "My survey here is mostly complete, with little more interesting to report than a fashionable and irritable goose. We shall see if any lodging remains in the keep, unless you have other arrangements..."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"No. I'm looking to be as close to the other visiting samurai as possible."

She glances at him.

"It is a courtier's place. Thank you for your assistance."

She looks away at nothing.

Matsu Misaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:40 pm **Posts:** 40

"Appreciate the help."

What a friendly Lion.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"No trouble at all," replies Sukekage as he leads the two toward the gate. "Oh, Bayushi-san, I might suggest checking in with either Bayushi Yukinaga-dono or Shosuro Uruwashii-ue - although I imagine she's quite busy at the moment - as soon as is convenient. With so many crammed into the city, we want to make sure everyone can be accounted for. It wouldn't do for anyone to become lost in the crowds..."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

She nods.

"It is so easy for someone to disappear at a time like this. Thank you for the reminder."

She walks gracefully next to him.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

(/exiting into the city and an off-camera checking in at the keep, I suppose?)

[Day 2, Early Morning] Probing the Defenses

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