Sitting in the Hidden Tiger in the early morning following the selection of Junk Crew, Guava is already indulging in drink. His mind racing, he is sure of only one thing, those who drew the green tiles, will fail. Even if they complete their mission, it will likely result in failure. So much to do... So much to be responsible for.
An idea came to him...
But... Is it even real? He thought to himself...
No harm in finding out... He mutters after downing a drink
Guard, bring me that healer that thought he could dodge his fate, and the other miscreants that pulled blue tiles...
Tien soldiers, dressed like the other members of the Tiger Brigade approach you, Let's go citizen, Guava... The Empire... Need you now! Gather what you need, and lets go.
Meilin bowed deeply. "I am honored to serve."
Asura was found on the outside of town and he said nothing, looking to the soldiers. He let out a low huff, rising from a meditative position and following after them. He needed nothing for he carried very little.
As you are all brought before Guava, he paces dramatically in front of the Hidden Tiger a couple of times to get your attention, and create a false sense of anticipation.
Fate, it appears has bigger plans for you than a meager 'junk crew.' You will bring the Empire ultimate glory. You will find entrance to the Ten Thousand Summer Palace. With this jewel in the Grandmother's crown, her reign and her power will be infinite.
The town of Touse is the nearest settlement to the Palace. I suggest you begin there.
He waves a hand to dismiss you and re-enters the Hidden Tiger, unwilling to answer your questions or provide you with any more information.
I shall see her again" Fate has seen to it that I must remain on my journey.
"Then to Touse it is". "Whistling a merry tune".
Meilin bows and keeps her eyes downcast as the man leaves. When he is gone, she looks up and smiles happily to the people assembled. "I am called Meilin. This," she waves at a fox hiding behind her legs, "is Minko. We are honored to make your acquaintance each and every one. May the spirits guide our path and keep us safe."
Stumbling slightly over his words, and glancing at the fox...which he was sure recognized him by scent, Chan-Gho introduced himself. "I am called Chan-Gho". "I look forward to telling my grandchildren of our adventures together".
The monk stroked his chin thoughtfully, bandaged fingers a strong contrast against his dark flesh. He licked his lips, his eyes burning beneath his hood as he watched the man speak of glory. He only set a knot in his stomach but his expression would not betray his disgust. He balled his fist into his opposing hand, looking meditative as he bowed his head. He fell silent for a long pause. Finally, he raised his head and spoke.
"Asura," he introduced himself.
How would you all like to travel? Horses, carriage, wait for/ make a caravan, walk?
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," the monks murmurs.
"I am unaccustomed to such travel, save by foot. I will walk, if it suits the others."
Jin had crawled out of the hidden tiger shortly before Guava had re entered. He did not care much for the glory of some old lady, but treasure and adventure. Now that was worth dying for, " Oh, Hey how are you doing. My name is Ruyi Jingu Bang, but you can call me Jin. and this here are Tail and Fish stick." Jin smiled with as much energy as a young boy playing kick ball would have. His Tail swaying back and forth and his rod fish stick in his hand. "It is very nice to meet you all."
It will take quite a few days travel to get to Touse. There are frequently used paths to get there, and following those would likely greatly reduce your risk of danger on the road.
There is a shorter path across some open country, but it is likely to be more dangerous.
Which way would you like to take?
"This moment has waited for me all my life". "I would take the safer path, and make sure i arrive, instead of the more dangerous shortcut". "Though the difficult path makes for better fables"..."Still I keep in mind the fable of the race between the Antelope and the Sloth"..."I say take the safer path".
Sure. The bird has seen nothing recently, but knows that the road sometimes endures a bandit or two, and that the open country is full of animals both friendly and predatory.
"The animals speak of the way ahead. They say that the road sometimes holds bandits, and the open country is full of animals. We may encounter a predator. I would much rather speak with the animals than worry about the low demeanor of bandits. I vote for the open country."
"Man cannot grow without struggle and sacrifice. Take the road that is harder to walk, you'll learn to walk better."
"Adventure!" Jin spontaniously perks up and listens in on the conversation. "I've never been too far from the city, so I dont really know which way is better.'
Yeah. Let's move forward.
The trip across open country started out great. It seemed like you had made the best possible decision, the first day came and went, then the second did the same. On the third day, the rain started. It wasn't just a sprinkle, it wasn't just a downpour, it was a soak-you-to-the-bone-and- blow-wind-in-your-wet-face kind of rain, the solid earth below your feet quickly turned to mud, sloshing and treading along very slowly now, you faintly make out the silhouette of a small farm house off to East. Through the rain it is hard to tell if it is close or deceptively far away.
"Take the road that is harder to walk, you'll learn to walk better," Asura repeated the mantra. Despite the rain and wind and cold, he continued on without complaint. Mud splattered his sandals and robes, his trappings clinging to his frame with hair plastered to his face. He shivered, looking ahead to point out the farmhouse.
"There."
Meilin frowns as she looks up, and Minko whines from his shelter between her legs, covered in mud and looking miserable. "I agree, honored comrades. Perhaps we might beg hospitality from those who work this land."
Not a bad idea, Chan replies miserable though warm in the rain. "Wouldn't be the first time I've had to perform for my supper".
It seems to take forever to tread through the rain to get to the house. As you approach, there is a dim light peeking out from the windows, indicating that someone is likely residing inside.
Knocking on the door, you hear a woman's voice; Lin? Is that you? Are you home darling?
Meilin answers, "No honored mother. We are but travelers crossing this land. We seek shelter and a dry place to sleep. May we use your barn or shelter?"
no. Go away.
Asura shivers but doesn't voice his complaints, knowing he can endure and persevere. He looks to his wet and ragged companions. "Let us sleep outside then, surely the dogs know where to keep dry," he speaks.
We don't have any dogs! Please! I will be in much trouble when Lin returns, you have to go!
As she says this the rain continues to pour down on you, mud starts to come up around your feet, the wind blows and howls in your ear. The light under the window is very very dim.
"Well who is this 'Lin' and why should he or she mind you giving shelter from the cold and rain, to innocent travelers.
Bluff
"Please honored mother, I am certain that Lin will not punish you for providing hospitality to travelers. The spirits will bless you for your charity, and we shall do our best to repay your kindness. Please, honored mother; we could explain our need when Lin returns?"
Diplomacy:
Lin is my husband, and has told me to never allow visitors, he says they will try to take advantage of me and steal our things. You sound nice, and I wish I could help you, but Lin takes care of me, he is the only one I can trust.
As she finishes speaking, a low rumbling emits from a hill not far behind the small house.
Meilin's face falls. "Then honored mother, can you tell us if there is a cave or shelter near by that we might use instead? Perhaps a dry place?"
It seems like forever standing in the rain, but slowly the door opens just a crack. Behind the door stands a tiny woman, she looks in your general direction and you can see that her eyes have no pupils. The slowness of her movements and her lack of looking directly at any of you, makes it clear that she is blind.
I'm sorry, as you can see... I know nothing what is in the area... Please, before Lin gets home... I wish I could help you...
Again the rumble from the small hill behind the hill.
Asura turns his burning gaze to the hill, sweeping his hood back for the first time before his companions. His flesh is dark, his eyes are a bright burning red, and horns protrude from beneath his matted mane of white hair. He narrowed his intense gaze, trying to see through the rain and wind what was making noise...
"If I knew this is what awaited me, for leaving the city I should have stayed pu-achoo!" Jin was not accustomed to being out and without a blanket or at least a plank of wood put over his head.
Not much out here, maybe a wet piece of firewood next to the house
"What is that strange rumbling?"
"The rain upsets the earth," Asura spoke, frowning as his gaze lingered on the distance. "Come, we need to evacuate. The earth will swallow us all if we don't make haste." He then turns to the door.
"You need to open the door, danger is imminent," he warned.
"A mudslide? Please honored Mother, you must allow us to escort you to safety. It is the will of the spirits that has brought us here, so that those in need may become the means of salvation. Your Lin would not wish you to perish."
Jin picks up the piece of firewood and studies it. "Well it may not be big enough but it should come in handy later on." Wrapping the piece of wood with his tail he looked off into the distance. "I see only rain, and that rumbling is my belly. Mr. tummy is hungry." as he promptly rubs his stomach.
Lin told me visitors would lie! I don't hear anything!
At that, she slams the door shut...
"You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink," he said with a sigh. He looked warily to the hill. "We must press on or risk our own lives."
Meilin seems conflicted. On the one hand, she wants to respect the woman's choice; on the other, she wants to save the poor woman.
She sighs loudly.
"Master Monk, would you please open this door for us? We must relocate Honored Mother to a safer place. The spirits have placed us here for a reason; I believe that this is it."