JR NPC - Ameiko Amatatsu's page

Ameiko stares at Tunuaq, remaining silent and regal, despite the miserable decor. With a nod, she indicates she prefers you conduct the interview for now.

"Let's go and ask him then!" says Ameiko with determination.

What do you do just before you see Tunuaq? Any preparation?

"Great! I wish to know more about this name he wrote on the wall: Katyiana Amatatsu. Can it be that I have a relative? My father sometimes would sing songs to me and my brother Tsuto. One of them was On the way. On the waaay. Of Aganheeeei!" she sings a few notes, her eyes drifting to stare at a distant past.

"Now I know that Aganhei is one of my ancestor. The first to find a passage across the Boreal Expanse and open trade between Tian Xia and Avistan. The song tells of a forbidden love. The song ends with the men walking into a storm, torn by an impossible love..."

She turns to you: "Maybe there is some truth to the song?"

Seila for her part looks more skeptical.

"I have long since desired to visit the homelands of my gods but..." Seila looks on. "You speak with a great deal of passion and I believe your intentions are true. But people are not so simple as you have surely seen here. Do you expect to ride on the backs of foreign horses in foreign caravans carrying foreign weapons and a foreign newborn and retake the empire after decades if not centuries of rule under another without monumental bloodshed? I don't believe you do. But, I'm not so sure you understand the magnitude of not only what you wish to accomplish, but of the suffering you will unintentionally cause. Tell me, what will you do with all the widows, orphans, and maimed believers your triumphant return creates?"

Seila looks genuinely concerned but her voice still passive.

"Then what of those who did no evil, but were only mistaken to see you as a foreign invader riding upon the name of a long lost family? Will you show mercy adn risk a lifetime of assassination or bind yourself to grim necessity and harden your heart for the executioners blade?"

There is a moment of silence after Seila's words, as Ameiko takes in their full measure. She beams at Seila: "Wise-Seila, you can see as well as I, how much I need your counsel, for it brings light where darkness reigns."

"If I am to be as wise as I am powerful. If destiny calls upon me beyond my imperial lineage to turn a victory into anything but a bloodbath and a nasty civil war. If I am to be not only the legitimate ruler of Minkai, but the wise one, who will bring peace and prosperity in my wake, then I need you... Will you be my counsel, Wise-Seila? Will you help me find answers to all those essential questions you have laid at my feet? I offer you that honor..."

Akulayok listens Ameiko's words, a grim expression upon his solemn face. He says, "This regent sounds worthy of a hunt. He is like an evil wolf leading a pack killing other packs and all the beasts he finds, leaving nothing for others to eat. He is gorged and powerful. To kill such a beast...that will test my bow like the dragon. I will come. I will hunt this regent until he is dead or I am."

"My dear Akulayok, it is indeed a hunt of sorts, but we're also the hunted. I am confident that with you at my side, we'll turn the tables on the Jade Regent!"

Theoden looks to Ameiko with a gleam in his eye. "You mean to tell me we are to remove an evil regent from the throne and put a stop to his murderous ways? To put an end to a tyrant who holds a country within his vile grasp? Fantastic! How could I say no to that! What a grand scale of heroism that could turn out to be! Ooooo! I can already see the play written out in its entirety as we speak. 'Twould make for grand theatre! Oh yes, Madam Ameiko, I am in for this one." He looks to them a moment, a wry smile forming. "Plus, I have NO desire to remain here or walk all the way back to Kalsgard by myself. That's far too boring." He winks.

"Ahahah! Very well Theoden. I promise it won't be boring!"

Sorry, my mom arrived in town and I've been busy with that. Getting something quick up.

After a few hours searching through his books, Daeron looks up at the rapping at his wagon's door. Standing, he makes his way over to the entrance and nods his greeting to Sandru. Following the man to Ameiko's wagon, Daeron can't help but begin to grow excited by the revelations to come. Who is this mysterious Amatatsu that Tunuaq knows of? Entering the wagon, he takes his seat at the given time and listens with rapt attention to Ameiko's speech. He nods along idly as Ameiko builds to the central point, the praise rolling from his as water from a duck.

As Ameiko explains her quest, Daeron nods excitedly as many things begin to grow clear. Yes, this explains a great deal. I was aware she was royalty, but now our great purpose and flight in the middle of winter grows significantly clearer. With a seated bow (as best as he can manage), Daeron replies, "I for one would be honored to pledge myself to your cause, though I have done so already, I believe. You have proven to be an honorable woman in the months I've known you and I will happily devote myself to your cause. To Minkai and wherever our efforts may take us, I am pleased to be your friend and devoted ally."

Ameiko gives a warm smile to Daeron: "Thank you Daeron. I am honored by your pledge and will do my utmost to prove worthy of your fealty and your friendship!"

Later that evening, Sandru comes to get you, accompanied by Seila. You make your way to Ameiko's wagon. The air is dark and your breath is short and turns to mist quickly as the dry cold snaps at it.

Inside, a small stove is going at provides an orange warmth. Ameiko stands in front of it, arms towards the stove for warmth, a green dress of thick fabric falling loosely on her pregnant belly.

With her are Shalelu, Koya and Garand. With a heavy smile, she beckons you to sit.

"Welcome! Welcome and please make yourselves at ease..."

Once everyone is settled, she looks at Koya for a moment, and the old woman gives her back a warm smile and a nod. Ameiko takes a deep breath and starts:

"My friends, and you Seila, friend as well... How far have we traveled, after a crazy dream, and a terrible purpose! How many friends have we lost... how many have we made! The places we've seen, the tragedies we've lived..."

"Our new friends do not know the true nature of our travel, and it is time I put my trust in them, for they have shown their true nature, and I am humbled by their pure quality!"

Another deep breath: "We've learned, back in Sandpoint, that I am in fact the one true heir to the throne of Minkai, a throne that is corrupted by a regent who seeks to annihilate the imperial families and squeeze Minkai under his iron grip! I have vowed to fulfill my destiny and reclaim my throne!"

She turns to Pavel, Garand, Shalelu, Sandru and Koya, smiling: "And my friends have opted to help me for this impossible task... Others were with us, but they have left... One way or another..."

She then turns to Daeron, Theoden, Akulayok and Seila: "Now you know almost as much as we do.... Friends, would you join my cause? Would you travel to distant Minkai and fight for me? I wanted you to know before we crossed the pole. You can always say no..."

Daeron prepares to answer Theoden's staccato questions, lips quirking into a smile, but cuts off when Ameiko joins the conversation. Listening to the expedition's leader, Daeron responds, "Though I doubt it needs saying, we should take Tunuaq's words with a grain of salt. He's proven himself an able liar. Do you have any further information about this other Amatatsu? Perhaps my research can reveal something over the next few hours."

"I will speak of this later tonight Daeron." says Ameiko as she leaves the room, her mind seemingly busied by other concerns.

Ameiko looks at Seila: "You handled this well. Will you speak with Nalvanaq?"

Ameiko turns to Seila and bows: "We thank you for your tactful handling of this explosive situation. You have shown great wisdom. May I ask that you intercede in our favour with Nalvanaq to interrogate Tunuaq further? We have proof that some of his actions were directed at my person. I'd like to know more about his earthly master..."

Others? What are your actions and reactions as things unfold?

Ameiko doesn't move at Pavel's words, keeping her eyes on Tunuaq, but she replies nevertheless: "No Pavel. First, we learn more about that other Amatatsu he seems so enthralled with. Garand saw the poem and showed it to me. I don't like this. I don't like what it could mean... The more I think about it, the more I believe the great blizzard started when we opened the Seal..."

You spy Ameiko and Garand looking at each other for a moment: a small nod from Garand and a tired look on Amieiko's face. With perfect timing, Ameiko rises slowly and bows deeply to the chieftain as she was about to rise. She waits a long moment, holding the gaze of the chieftain, but the tension drops somewhat and Nalvanaq extends a hand towards Ameiko, granting her the floor. She bows again deeply and speaks with a strong voice:

"Chieftain Nalvanaq, your tribe has welcomed us in our moment of need, shared the warmth of their hearth, mixed their food with ours and the roof above our heads. In return, we have helped you vanquish the Icy Scourge, and it now appears we have unveiled the source of what hails the Erutaki. I wish you wisdom in deciding the course ahead..."

"But before you make your decision, I would like to ask on behalf of my dear friend Garand, that you accept him in your tribe. Many of you have met Garand, and know that his heart is pure, and that his God brings safety, collaboration and peace. You have seen him help with the daily task. You know how much he's helped gather food and bring warmth to your homes, and to your hearts. Garand wishes to continue the work he's started."

She then turns to Tunuaq, and her voice turns sour: "Now tell me Tunuaq, tell me of your true mistress. Tell me of the name you scribed in your shrine. Tell me more of this Katiyana Amatatsu!"