Intelligence/Lore (Heraldry): 3k2=26; Awareness/Investigation (Notice), TN 15: 3k3=19 well I'm rolling well today.

Upon entering the young Crane's face brightens a little. The atmosphere of the inn seemed friendly enough but it was the offer of the Phoenix that made her smile.

She looked over to her Matsu companion briefly, saying. "Perhaps we should wait on the tea a moment, it seems we have been invited already. I can give you an introduction." The Crane waited a moment to hear the Lion's response but then quietly headed over to join the two Asako shugenja.

"Asako Kato and Asako Ryoko might I introduce Matsu Ume. She and I were part of the Topaz Championship last year. Matsu-san performed quite well all three days of the tournament and placed second." The words come out politely but there is a note of pride on the last syllable.

Intelligence/Lore: Heraldry roll, TN 10: 2d10=10
Awareness/Investigation (Notice), TN 15: 2d10=14

Nagatsuna's figure darken the entranceway as he pauses momentarily to take in the room. A fleeting look of surprise at the quickness in which Megumi and Ume managed to get here before him. Perhaps he shouldn't have taken that detour through the Jade Tiger's garden. Approaching the group he waits for them to acknowledge his presence without interrupting their conversation. While he waits he takes note of the Dragon shugenja and studies him for a moment recognizing the rainbow pattern on his kimono.

Nagatsuna:

Lore1/Lore23d10=19, 3d10=13oops rolled an extra die for the awareness roll, didn't make it anyway...

3d10.takeHighest(3)=11 - Intelligence/Lore (Untrained)

4d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=25 - Awareness/Investigation

Daichi silently watches the other Dragon enter the inn as he sits down at a table. He had plans to appoarch the group of young samurai that came with the Lion Clan Champion as they had discussed that they were also proceeding towards Dragon Guard City but he had not gotten the chance yet. The shugenja within the group would probably be more to his liking and open to discuss afterall he seemed pious enough in the shrine. His thoughts on the other samurai had him watching their interaction with the Phoenix and he glanced back to the Dragon that had entered absentmindly when he saw the Phoenix's reaction.

Daichi can read Nagatsuna's spoiler above as well.

"Ah, Katika-san forgets to mention we never actually competed against each other during the tournament" the young Matsu replied, forcing a joke despite her stomach twisting slightly. She was still ambitious, and the loss, even in a contest so obviously favoring Katika's students, galled her.

Intelligence / Lore: Heraldry: 2d10 - 5, 3 - 8
Investigation / Awareness: 3d10 - 9, 4, 1 - 14

The distraction blinded her to any announces of her surroundings she might otherwise have picked up.

When faced with the two visitors, she bowed deeply. "Beyond anything a year ago, I am very honored to make your acquaintance here and now."

Yukari enters the inn a few moments after the others, having taking a little time to see to Arashi and make sure that he was comfortably stabled first.

The Unicorn pauses just after she makes her way through the door, taking a moment to get a measure of the room and its occupants. It would seem that all of her companions were already here, along with the Dragon and Crane they had seen at the shrine, and many others.

Intelligence (unskilled) (2d10 = 10)

Awareness/Investigation (4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=16)

The dragon shugenja catches her attention for a brief moment, before she makes her way over towards Nagatsuna, Megumi and Ume.

Just a quick post before bed - I'll try to make a better post tomorrow.

When faced with the two visitors, she bowed deeply. "Beyond anything a year ago, I am very honored to make your acquaintance here and now."

As Heihachi, Nagatsuna, and Yukari enter, they too are greeted warmly and with respect by Kato. Ryoko does her best to be courteous as well, but you can all tell something in this arrangement is galling to her.

As Heihachi, Nagatsuna, and Yukari enter, they too are greeted warmly and with respect by Kato. Ryoko does her best to be courteous as well, but you can all tell something in this arrangement is galling to her.

Hiehachi listens to Nagatsuna and the Asako very intently, as always watching and choosing his words wisely

in other words I've been lurking but you know how antisocial Heihachi is...

Nagatsuna bows in return to both and his rumbling voice rolls over the gathered group, "It is an honor Asako-san. I have been told that our path follows very closely that to be taken by Asako Ryoko. For that much of the journey I welcome your company. Will you be requiring an escort all the way to Pale Oak Castle? You mentioned before that you do not feel that it would be safe for her to travel alone, Asako-san, but these lands seem serene. She looks to be a very capable samurai-ko, has there been danger in the area or someone wishing to stop the reports from reaching the destination?"

Kato blinks in slight surprise at the question. "Why, it would simply be inappropriate for a samurai maiden to travel unescorted, Hida-san." He pauses for a moment (Ryoko stifles another glare at him), then continues, "What you say, though, may have some merit. It is true that there are constant dangers from those I seek against myself and those who work alongside me. Cultists are madmen, of course, and willing to stop at nothing to hide their depravities. And we have, indeed, recently found a great deal of suspicious activity... It may be that Ryoko will face attacks along the way. You would be wise to remain on your guard - though, of course, I need not remind a Crab warrior of such things."

At Kato's remark about it being inappropriate for a samurai-ko to travel alone, Yukari involuntarily frowns before unsuccessfully trying to neutralise her expression. She had never been very good at such things.

She had no qualms about travelling unescorted - indeed, she had travelled by herself halfway across Rokugan to reach the Topaz Championship a year previously. She couldn't imagine any of the battle sisters requiring an escort as a matter of ettiquette, although travelling in groups because of danger from bandits, or 'cultists' as Kato had mentioned was simple common sense.

Perhaps it was yet something else that the other clans did differently to the Unicorn (although she couldn't imagine Ume being happy about an escort for the sake of appropriateness either). She had to admit, she couldn't blame the Phoenix samurai-ko for the glare..

Kato blinks in slight surprise at the question. "Why, it would simply be inappropriate for a samurai maiden to travel unescorted, Hida-san." He pauses for a moment (Ryoko stifles another glare at him), then continues, "What you say, though, may have some merit. It is true that there are constant dangers from those I seek against myself and those who work alongside me. Cultists are madmen, of course, and willing to stop at nothing to hide their depravities. And we have, indeed, recently found a great deal of suspicious activity... It may be that Ryoko will face attacks along the way. You would be wise to remain on your guard - though, of course, I need not remind a Crab warrior of such things."

"If cultists might be involved, we should definitely escort her Nagatsuna-san."

Megumi politely listens to everybody involved waiting for a quiet moment. When it comes she is smiling and her cheerful voice fills the air.

"Then we are agreed? Good! Now perhaps we should arrange for tea? I requested Matsu-san to introduce me to Lion tea. I am certain it wouldn't be a problem to broaden that request to include everybody."

Edited to respond better to Nagatsuna and Heihachi's posts.

"If cultists might be involved, we should definitely escort her Nagatsuna-san."

With the revelations from Asako-Kato, Nagatsuna steps closer to the two Asako's pushing the limits of appropriateness and lowers his voice even further, "It seems a certain Tonbo has taken a great interest in and is watching you very closely Asako-san. Shall I directly ask him his interest?"

"Absolutely not. IF anything, I am sure the tea house will be glad to have more visitors" Ume replied, and tried her best to not mind the Crab. He was as... irritating as she remembered him, for certain.

Gods, had it really been a whole year? She hadn't really clicked well with him then, when she was just a child, and now, after a year of service, felt just the same.

"Suspicious activity? Here, in our homeland?" She spoke up, in alarm, and her attention snapped back to the visitors in an instant. "Have you spoken with my Lords about this already?" She sucked in her lips, and bit them from the insides. Quite the embarassing situation, no matter what - she might be able to bring things back onto the proper track soon.

and tried her best to not mind the Lion. He was as... irritating as she remembered him, for certain.

With the revelations from Asako-Kato, Nagatsuna steps closer to the two Asako's pushing the limits of appropriateness and lowers his voice even further, "It seems a certain Tonbo has taken a great interest in and is watching you very closely Asako-san. Shall I directly ask him his interest?"

"Suspicious activity? Here, in our homeland?" She spoke up, in alarm, and her attention snapped back to the visitors in an instant. "Have you spoken with my Lords about this already?" She sucked in her lips, and bit them from the insides. Quite the embarassing situation, no matter what - she might be able to bring things back onto the proper track soon.

"In truth - and I mean no disrespect here, Matsu-san - the Lion lands have long been a rich source of such despicable behavior amongst the lower classes. Several years ago, I uncovered a cell - 9 members in all! - in a village only a day or so south of here. A magistrate had drowned in a river, but the sharp-eyed doshin who found him noticed strange cuts on his arms. I was called in to investigate, and some deft questioning and targeted searches quickly uncovered the culprits. I was richly rewarded for that success, I can assure you!"

Kato smiles proudly at the memory for a moment before adding, "The threat of the tsukai is everywhere: Lion lands, Dragon lands, Phoenix lands - everywhere. We are indeed blessed to have Asako Heishi-dono as our Jade Champion, for he truly understands the nature and scope of the threat."

Should really not post with a fever, serves me right ;)

Ume grimassed at the news, but took some solace in the ocurrance being treated with the proper gravity, and proper rewards. "Some peasants can't accept their lot in the celestial order of things, and while the Lion does its utmost to punish those who damn themselves... the darkness can be quite treacherous and deceitful."

She took a shallow breath, trying to find the right words. "All the more reason to accompany you. While I think you should not need an escort, if the enemy puts itself into plain view, all the better." She wasn't a politician, but she knew enough (or little enough) to think that any amount of covering up would just damage Lion honor and standing worse than exposing the vileness.

Hida Nagatsuna wrote:

With the revelations from Asako-Kato, Nagatsuna steps closer to the two Asako's pushing the limits of appropriateness and lowers his voice even further, "It seems a certain Tonbo has taken a great interest in and is watching you very closely Asako-san. Shall I directly ask him his interest?"

Ryoko all but snarls, "He is unworthy of your attention."

Surprised by her vehemence Nagatsuna raises an eyebrow, "Then as long as he poses no danger I will leave the matter in your hands."

"No brother, I have not sensed anything in the void, yet...but I shall keep my wits about me and look for omens."

"In truth - and I mean no disrespect here, Matsu-san - the Lion lands have long been a rich source of such despicable behavior amongst the lower classes. Several years ago, I uncovered a cell - 9 members in all! - in a village only a day or so south of here. A magistrate had drowned in a river, but the sharp-eyed doshin who found him noticed strange cuts on his arms. I was called in to investigate, and some deft questioning and targeted searches quickly uncovered the culprits. I was richly rewarded for that success, I can assure you!"

Kato smiles proudly at the memory for a moment before adding, "The threat of the tsukai is everywhere: Lion lands, Dragon lands, Phoenix lands - everywhere. We are indeed blessed to have Asako Heishi-dono as our Jade Champion, for he truly understands the nature and scope of the threat."

She took a shallow breath, trying to find the right words. "All the more reason to accompany you. While I think you should not need an escort, if the enemy puts itself into plain view, all the better." She wasn't a politician, but she knew enough (or little enough) to think that any amount of covering up would just damage Lion honor and standing worse than exposing the vileness.

Just to be sure, I was asking BOTH Kato and Ryoko at the same time about this. Does he react at all?

Surprised by her vehemence Nagatsuna raises an eyebrow, "Then as long as he poses no danger I will leave the matter in your hands."

"I had no idea there was such a grave threat in our midst, Asako-san," Yukari adds, frowning thoughtfully. With such a danger around, they would have to be sure to keep a watchful eye out as they travelled.

Matsu Ume wrote:

She took a shallow breath, trying to find the right words. "All the more reason to accompany you. While I think you should not need an escort, if the enemy puts itself into plain view, all the better." She wasn't a politician, but she knew enough (or little enough) to think that any amount of covering up would just damage Lion honor and standing worse than exposing the vileness.

Yukari nodded in agreement with Ume and Nagatsuna before adding, "I would be honoured to accompany you also, and assist where I can." At Megumi's suggestion of tea, the battle maiden nods again. "That sounds like an excellent plan, Kakita-san."

Daichi, you can step in any time at this point.

It didn't look like he would have a better chance to speak with them before now. He stood from his place in the room and walked over to the group and presented himself with a bow to equals.

"Greetings. I wanted to inquire about a certain statement I had heard earlier in the shrine. I just wanted to know if you are all indeed travelling to Dragon Guard City?"

Hida Nagatsuna wrote:

Just to be sure, I was asking BOTH Kato and Ryoko at the same time about this. Does he react at all?

Surprised by her vehemence Nagatsuna raises an eyebrow, "Then as long as he poses no danger I will leave the matter in your hands."

Kato lets out a sigh. "That is Tonbo Ukiyo, a low-ranking shugenja of the Dragon Clan. He has sought my niece's hand in marriage." Ryoko looks chagrined at this public discussion of her affairs, but Kato continues on without noticing. "His appeal was unsuccessful. We do not feel a minor Dragon is a worthy match for Ryoko-chan."

Kato slapping his hand makes the otherwise serene Crane jump slightly. It seems as if she would add something to the conversation but the tea arriving interrupts her thoughts. Megumi pours enough for everybody then takes her cup in hand.

"Now we have some of the Lion's flavour." She says taking a sip. Almost immediately the Crane's face turns to a grimace, though it is quickly hidden again. Seeing the Dragon approach is a perfect way to prevent giving her thoughts on the tea so Megumi smiles to his question.

"We are indeed heading to Dragon's Guard City Mirumoto-san, why do you ask?"

"I have been travelling the Lion Lands to visit all the shrines of Virtue and now I am required in Dragon Guard City in fourteen days. The road has been lonely without companions to speak too and I was wondering if I may join you on the road to Dragon Guard City."

Ume took a sip of her own tea, and a contented smile spread acorss her face, just as Megumi found it not to her liking. "Ah, yes." She whispered, enjoying the bitter-sweet sensation of the brew on her tongue. "I hope you enjoy it as much as I do."

Heihachi waited patiently for his tea, he took a quick sip to get the flavor of the tea, letting the scent travel through his nose...

"Mmmm, this tea has a wonderful scent to it, very nice."

** spoiler omitted **

Kato seems slightly disconcerted by the shift in everyone's attentions, as the group begins to start enjoying the sharp-tasting tea, but Ryoko seems relieved to have the focus somewhere other than her apparent inability to walk unaccompanied down the street and her troubled love life.

"It is certainly better to travel with others, and since we are heading in the same direction you could join us. Of course that is given that you don't mind a short detour for Asako-san," The Crane motions to Ryoko, "And my companions agree to the added company. Why don't you join us for tea Mirumoto-san, you could discuss this further with the others."

Megumi nonchalantly motions to the Dragon to sit down and join in the discussion. She takes another tentative sip of the tea, some of the grimace returning and disappearing rapidly. Shortly after the Crane introduces herself and offers to introduce each of the other samurai at the table as well.

Looking skeptically at the tea Nagatsuna takes a drink and raises his eyebrow in concideration, "A tea with some strength to it! Good, not like those mild flowery ones that you can barely taste." Noticing the dragon approach and Megumi's introduction, "Hai, Mirumoto-san your company is welcome. I'll not spurn potential allies when enemies of Rokugan gather."

"HAHA! Yes brother, very strong like the lions themselves" (Can't Lie kicks in) "Unlike those flowery teas we had in the crane lands last year..."

Ume could hardly contain her amusement at Megumi's reaction, but knew better than to taunt too much - despite her previous grandstanding, she know a duel between the two of them really could only have one result.

Taking another sip, almost worshipful, she eyed their newest travelling companion. "This will be quite the sight - Any cultists will probably not need to think twice about deciding to not cause problems, judging from numbers alone."

The recent comments about Crane teas causes the young samurai-ko to frown. Her nose crinkles as she raises her cup and catches a whiff of the Lion drink.

"Our teas were good enough for the twin princes, this is barely fit for consumption." She comments somewhat bitterly under her own breath. In some haste she continues on just in case somebody overheard.

"Mirumoto-san, might I ask your business in Dragon's Guard City? Will you be going for the trade negotiations as well?"

Yukari nods in agreement with Megumi as the Crane replies to the Dragon. Rising to her feet, the Unicorn returns the bow to the Mirumoto. "I would certainly have no objections to more company on the road," the battle maiden says as she straightens up again. "Please allow me to introduce myself - I am Utaku Yukari."

As she seats herself again, the Unicorn take a sip of the tea that had been poured for her. The taste was much stronger and sharper than that of the Crane teas, but she rather liked it. It reminded her more of her own Clan's tea than the Crane flavour did.

"I am Mirumoto Daichi. I don't mind the detour as long as I can arrive in Dragon Guard City in time for the trade negotiations and that would be the answer to your question as well, Kakita-san." Mirumoto follows the proper protocol towards the offer to join the group for tea and gives Megumi a look of understanding in relation to the tea.

Smiling politely that at least somebody else seems to have no taste for the teas of the Lion causes the young Crane to relax a little. She looks around to the other samurai and grins.

"It seems you shall be joining us Mirumoto-san. A good thing if there are to be dangers along the road."

Where exactly is Dragon's Guard City? I checked a map and couldn't find it.

Where exactly is Dragon's Guard City? I checked a map and couldn't find it.

You spend the remainder of the evening in pleasant conversation, drinking tea (with varying levels of enjoyment) and talking amongst yourselves. Ryoko's rejected suitor undertakes no entry into the conversation, and in fact retires earlier than you do. At last, Kato announces that he needs to get some rest for his long journey tomorrow, and suggests that you do the same.

The next morning, Kato bids his niece farewell and distributes travel papers to each of you, authorizing you to travel to Pale Oak Castle through the villages of Oiku and Toi Koku. He then grips his walking staff firmly in his hand and sets off to the west, on the road to the City of the Rich Frog.

Ryoko, for her part, is as ready to depart, setting her feet with purpose on the road out of town to the east, on the Ever Vigilant Road toward Oiku Village. The trip to the village should take four days, and she is clearly ready to get moving.

Nagatsuna is quickly ready to leave also, wanting to see Ryoko safely to her destination quickly and before the forces that may seek her out have a chance to intercede. Having washed, eaten, and done his prayers he welcomes the cool morning air across his skin. He carefully scans the people as they also ready themselves for whatever activities await them in their near future, looking for Ryoko's suitor or anyone else acting unusual.

Bowing to Ryoko, "I agree with you, Ryoko-san. We should depart as quickly as possible."

The Crane bids farewell to Kato and eagerly takes to the road alongside the others. Most of her time is spent enjoying the scenery though she does occasionally ask about certain places or things not known to her, which turns out to be a great deal. When there is a quiet moment the Crane will approach Ryoko to chat amiably with the Phoenix keeping the discussion on polite, non-personal topics.

When there is a quiet moment the Crane will approach Ryoko to chat amiably with the Phoenix keeping the discussion on polite, non-personal topics.

"Ah, duty, the call of the samurai's soul..."

We're leaving in the morning then? Excellent I shall meditate before we go...

FYI, you will spend the first night out on the road, and the second night in the village - small town, really - of Rugashi. You might specify anything in particular you plan to do during those two days.