Migari begins to answer, but the woman does instead. "They were guilty of being young, and stupid. An unfortunate affliction that we all suffer at some point in our lives, and that we eventually survive, if we are lucky. Some of us aren't." The woman says, causing Migari to give an amused snort.
Migari does answer the other half. "Lord Mirochi's interest is in being a faithful servant to the Emperor and carrying out his stated desires. There is nothing wrong with such an approach to life..."
Migari's attitude seems to contradict that statement, not that he thinks serving the Emperor is wrong, but perhaps it's serving the Emperor's best wishes or Emperor's unspoken desires that's more important, it's hard to tell.
Kimiko seems a bit clueless as to Migari's intent when he speaks. Sounds like he thinks the Emperor's stated desires and actual desires might not be the same thing, since he doesn't fault Lord Mirochi. Why don't people just say what they mean, instead of making people guess?
She speaks softly, mostly to her companion ex-guards, but just loud enough for Migari and the woman to hear as well."If the Emperor's stated desires are different from his intended desires, why wouldn't he be more precise in what he says, to avoid misunderstandings?"
"It is not always so easy. He is the Emperor after all, He needs to maintain a certain appearance at all times. Where He to have outright spared those two his opponents could claim He has grown soft to foreign incursion. Considering the girl was noble-blood I'd say this was quite the fortunate turn of events, especially since the conflict falls between the two Lords now rather than at the feet of the Emperor Himself."
Kasani nods at Dunja's explanation, agreeing with her assessment. She then turns to Migari and his companion and offers a slight bow, "I am Kasani, by the way. As it seems you have just done a good and noble thing for those two young fools," she grins at the woman at this, "is there someway which we might now help you in turn?"
"Normally I would say no. And, normally, would not have volunteered as much as I did. However, unfortunately, your group has interfered, and has no doubt drawn the attention of Lord Mirochi, however much or little that is deserved." Migari responds, and then breaks off as a hunched over woman who looks to be a few centuries old hobbles out of the back of the shop. The Samurai bows deeply, dropping to one knee in respect, and only stands after the old woman makes shooing motions at him in an annoyed manner and mutters something foul under her breath about young impertinent idiots. The Samurai's mouth twitches, and his companion again puts her hand over her mouth. "Elder, I find myself in need of a new suit of armor, the set I currently wear is... problematic. My companion as well." The old woman eyes the Samurai, and his companion, and then nods and hobbles back into the back room.
Turning back to Kasani, Migari picks up where he left off. "If you and your companions wish, I will see what I can do to offer what little protection I can from Mirochi. I would suggest not entering Riku'Hi for a very long time, at the very least. At the moment, I have only 3 options. The first, is to salvage my honor with my own blood. I don't think I'll take that option though. The second, is to return to the Emperor, where Lord Mirochi can salvage his honor by taking my head. I am not exactly thrilled with that option either. My third option is to go Ronin. That is not exactly an honorable option, although I believe I could survive the disgrace of being a mercenary captain. So, as a Captain, I'll be looking for mercenaries. If you and your companions are competent, I would consider hiring you on."
The companion suddenly smiles. "What an excellent idea. You should test them in combat when we can find a place to do so."
The Samurai raises an eyebrow. "And after we find training weapons..."
The companion covers her mouth again. "Oh, of course..."
Well.
That's certainly one way to do things.
Excitement boils within Lingfeng. She liked the cut of Migari's gib- his willingness to sacrifice his own honor and station to preserve the lives of two young lovers meant that his own definition of right and wrong fell in line with Lingfeng's own. But... being forbidden to return to Riku'Hi? That was her homeland. What of her mother and father? What if, for some reason, they had need of her...? Ordinarily, she would come running back to the family inn from three kingdoms over even if the extent of the emergency was that Father's knees were sore and he needed someone to go catch a pig...
No, they would be fine without her for a while. Adventure was calling. Migari was a man of honor from what she had just witnessed, and spending a time in his service might do wonders for Lingfeng.
She was already thinking of little inside jokes to poke fun at Migari's floating companion and her now-characteristic mouth-covering gesture.
"Lord Migari, if it should please you, this humble sorceress would be more than willing to apply herself to your company. I await your tests and challenges eagerly, of course!" She smiles eagerly as she bows to Migari and his companion. "Wait... does this mean I won't be able to wear red anymore...?"
Kimiko looks down at her own simple green and brown clothing for a moment, wondering if they all need new clothes now... No, it's probably just him because he's wearing special colors indicating his allegiance and rank
"Joining you in your new life, if I understand you correctly, would be acceptable to me and my little Yujin here," she says softly, hefting her little skunk up onto her shoulder, "but I'm afraid I'm no warrior to prove myself with a test of weapons. I'd be happy to be tested and challenged in some other way if you see fit. I am a healer if you need such... and a student with many interests."
Dunja sighs heavily and lets her arms fall to the side. "You sound like you've already resigned yourself to your fate, Lord. You can still serve the Emperor, calling yourself 'Ronin' is only a matter of semantics."
"As for the rest of us...well, I take full responsibility for my own involvement but my actions were mine and mine alone." she turns to the rest of the ex-guards "There's no reason for any of you to throw your lives in just because I did something reckless. I doubt that anyone fot a good look at your faces in all the confusion and even if they did it'll take them some time to sort out exactly what happened. Even then, they'd have no reason to assume we were anything more than passing acquaintances."
"You know full well the weight assumption can carry, Dunja. Presumption and stigma are troublesome stains not easily washed away."
Yanyeeku, despite being in human form cannot help but twitch his nose slightly, an all too common habit of the kitsune, Ohh mercenaries. Sometime so scandalous but there is always the hope for some group of noble hearted types who work for those who ask and bring strength to those without the advantages of noble followers. Romantic!
Lost in his own musings for a moment the skald nods after Kasani, No doubt. That we were there would at best lead us to be vigorously question. That we are armed, former guards and known associates of someone who might be identified as interfering, well...I certainly am all for not staying and leaving the mystery of our fates to the speculation of stories... Yanyeeku thumps the butt of his naginata on the floor for emphasis.
The old woman shuffles back out of the back room, her cane tapping a younger man, in his early teens, in the back of the calves. The boy strains under the weight of a set of plain gray armor. Migari takes the armor as if it were light as paper from the boy, puts it on a wooden frame, and thumps it repeatedly with a mailed fist. He then nods, and steps into a room with the old woman and the old man. There are mumblings and some chanting in an old woman's voice.
The woman accompanying him turns to the group. "I am sure there will be time to test your ability to heal, during the testing of those with weapon skills. Even training often ends with cuts, bruises, broken bones..." She covers her mouth again, for a moment, and then continues. "As to many ways to serve the Emperor... there are as many ways to serve the Emperor as there are stars in the sky. The Emperor, however, has limits on the methods of help he can be seen accepting. Many people assume those in power can do whatever they want, but the opposite is true. The one with the least power has the greatest freedom. If any of you wish to go, go now. The longer you stay here, the more likely you are to become of interest to Lord Mirochi. If you wish to stay, stay. Be like the toad. A toad on the right side of the road is safe. A toad on the left side of the road is safe. A toad in the middle, sooner or later, makes a wagon wheel bounce."
Kasani nods at the metaphor and glances at the others before looking back to Migari and his companion. With a shrug she takes a half step forward, "As it happens, my recent employment just concluded and I am in need of work. I will come with you and take your tests."
Sasayaku frowns at the samurai's explanations. If everyone was following the emperor's orders, why were they at odds?
"Oh," she says, as Dunja offers an explanation. "Of course." Things were simpler with the Tsume, but of course the emperor's court would be a far more layered and complex tapestry. She would have to listen closely if she were to fully appreciate it.
"For myself, I came here as a mercenary, with these as my company. I would be glad of employment in your service."
Dunja seems both relieved and grateful that her companions weren't overly concerned by the weight of the situation. "If that's what you all want to do then so be it."
The Samurai returns, this time wearing the gray armor. He takes the sword from Dunja now, and slides it into a gray sheath that the boy is carrying, one of three he's carrying actually. He seems satisfied with the draw from the first sheath however, and nods. "Excellent..." He tells the boy, who beams and takes the other sheath's away. The Samurai's armor is bundled up into a crate, and his current sword placed next to the crate.
The woman steps into the back with the old woman, and the curtains draw closed. Mutters are heard from the back area.
"I overheard, I provisionally accept you then, into my corp. I will determine what positions, and permanent placement, after testing." The Samurai attaches the new sword to his belt, just as a man in gray clothing with blue, red, green, yellow, brown, black, white, and gold trims enters the shop.
The man is a member of the Messenger's Guild, as such, he's neutral, but, allowed to pass through all kingdoms, even the Yomi lands, to deliver messages.
The Samurai waves at the crate. "This crate must be returned to the Emperor's Court." He fishes a scroll out of his new armor, and hands it over to the messenger. "Your fees will be paid by Lord Miragi Noda."
The man opens the scroll, reads it, and nods. "Hai, as you say, Sir Samurai. I will arrange for the necessary people and a wagon." He turns and vanishes out the front door.
Dunja rubs her chin thoughtfully as the Samurai conducts his business. Given that the other guards had made their decision it became imperative now to look to the future. Arranging suppliers, some manner of a base, contracts, and likely some means by which to leave this city for more fertile grounds. Fortunately, Migari had taken the position of leadership meaning that all of those concerns became his responsibility by default.
However there was still something yet unresolved, something of the utmost importance:
"What is to be our name, Lord?" she asks finally.
Yaneeku nods at the turn of events, the kitsune rubbing his chin as he talk to no one in particular, What a fascinating ritual of sorts to cede one's service, I will have to remember these details for a song or story...
Kasani shrugs at the exchange and at the messenger's arrival, waiting patiently with her arms crossed for everyone to be ready to depart. Seeing as how Dunja still has questions as their new employer's companion has disappeared into the back as well, the nagaji woman excuses herself with a bow.
"If we mean to depart soon, perhaps I will put this time waiting to some use and fetch Zefā. I shall return shortly."
A short time later, she returns to the shop astride a strong destrier with a white and gray coat. The tufts of fur around his hooves and mane swirl and dance as if caught up in a gentle breeze. She pats the stallion affectionately on the neck and looks toward the shop and others expectantly.
The woman perks up at Dunja's question. "We shall be Migari's Petals!" She says as she comes out of the back area, wearing a simple silk robe with something jingly underneath.
Migari raises an eyebrow. "We will not be Migari's Petals." He says firmly.
The woman raises a hand to her mouth. "As you insist, My Lord. Migari's Blossoms then it shall be."
The Samurai carefully ignores the woman, keeping her in line of sight though, as she stands there, a hand over her mouth.
Then he turns to Dunja. "I will make that decision before attempting to find work. If you have a suggestion, one that doesn't have to do with flowers, feel free to make it."
"What's so bad about flowers?" mutters Dunja.
Shaking the thought away she continues to speak to herself: "It would have to be something worthy of regalia. Imperious, yet with perhaps a hint of rebellion. Or perhaps nobility? Then again, he is a Ronin - not the most respected occupation by far. And what of the rest of us?" her voice lowers to the point of being inaudible as she continues to muse on the subject. Having only known her a short time this is probably the most absorbed any of you have seen her get over a subject.
The kitsune (still in human form) lets out an almost melodramatic moan, Like "The Unmarked Circle" because we are a ring of soldiers that do no flaunt ourselves or something more evocative like "The Lordless" or perhaps something more overt in our allegiance "Migari's Covenant" or something meant to be more hostile "The Steel Dragons"! Enh?! Yanyeeku is clearly quite excited by the exercise gesturing wildly as he speaks.
"Or perhaps the 'We Can Decide on Such Things Laters'?" Kasani offers off-handedly from he perch astride Zefā. She glances back over her shoulder, obviously concerned for the ease of their departure as more time passes.
Migari nods. "Later will suffice."
He looks at Kasani's horse as they exit the armor shop. "Everyone have weapons, armor, animals?" He and the woman begin walking down the street. "We're unlikely to encounter anyone here, it'll be at least two weeks before Mirochi can report in and get permission to have me removed from office. Until then, he can't do more than challenge me to direct combat, and we've already proven that is not a successful tactic. Therefore, those who may be feeling rushed, you should relax for now. If the Emperor takes exception to how I handled things, then he'll send his elite after me. In which case, you will not be worth their time. If he doesn't take exception, then Mirochi will only be able to use his own resources to deal with me, and he's much more likely to bother with those who contributed to his loss of face. We will likely head toward the city of Yi'Shu. He has little influence there, and there are resources for a mercenary company to be had."
Yi'Shu is the Capital of Riku'Ki.
Yanyeeku lets out a huff at the "doing it later" sentiment that has suddenly found traction but nods agreeably at the plan, Well wherever we go I hope it has food, I am quite hungry! On to the capital for the glory of our new band!
Kimiko seems not to fully understand the machinations of the Empire but her eyes sparkle and she smiles at the mention of Yi'shu. "home...perhaps I will find master po again." she says softly, not even realizing she spoke aloud.
"I have no animals other than my dear friend here," she holds up her little skunk. "if you mean having a horse, i've never ridden before and don't have one. but i'm willing to learn."
With the wind taken out of her sails Dunja shuffles alongside the rest of the group. "I have all of my possessions on my person." she says "No horse or the like. Truth be told they make me kind of uncomfortable so I avoid riding where I can."
The woman shakes her head. "That's a shame, we'll be sorry to see you struggling in the dust behind as we gallop off to adventure..." She holds a hand to her mouth as she talks.
Migari gives her a look, but doesn't say anything to her. "We will simply need to see if we can get you some... sedate... horses to ride. A lack of horses will be a problem if Lord Mirochi decides to send people after us as soon as he returns."
The two lead the group to a truly stupendously large building next to one of the main river channels leading through the city. Inside, there is a large ring with horses being trotted or walked around it, and what seems like levels and levels of stalls.
Someone that works there starts to order Migari out, until he recognizes his face. "Lord Migari??!" The woman bows deeply. "My apologies, I did not recognize... that would explain... Lord Mirochi took your mount, My Lord, when he and his men left not more than an hour ago. He said you had no more need for an Imperial Mount..." She trails off, looking over his gray armor. "I see, I suspect you need a new horse my lord? I am unsure if I have anything worthy of you, but I'll see." She looks at the other people curiously, in their still colored outfits. "Are these with you?"
Migari nods, and waves a hand. "For now, changes of attire await decisions on whether the attachment is permanent. Makota will need one as well. And..." He looks over his shoulder at the group. "...at least two... sedate... but dependable mounts for people who have little experience riding. Is that all?"
The woman bows to Migari's companion. "Oh, but Lady Nintao's... mount... is still here, milord." The woman gives an enigmatic smile. "Lord Mirochi nearly lost two retainers trying to retrieve it, and decided to leave it behind."
Nintao Makota, Migari's companion, puts a hand to her mouth, and shakes her head. "Oh dear, I had hoped to get rid of the foul tempered beast. I assume I am still paying off a karmic debt from a previous life."
There is some laughter from nearby, although identifying it's source would be difficult.
Nintao sighs. "I suppose I should go and get the beast, so no-one else is harmed. Maybe I'll be lucky and she'll eat me today."
Nintao heads off to get her mount.
Yanyeeku nods solemnly, Not much for riding but I seem to have a better aptitude than some...
"Then it sounds like we should look into procuring a wagon and horse. It would serve well in transporting our supplies along with those of us who are less...beastly inclined." she says the last part with a shutter as her mind conjures images of all the possible horrors that could be serving as Nintao's mount.
"That might be possible later, but I'm afraid wagons and swamps do not mix. So much so that if there is a wagon within the swamp, it is most certainly either sunk, or being used as a portion of a building." The samurai replies dryly.
All this talk of riding horses and the possibility of being chased by the Imperial elite should have frightened Lingfeng- after all, she had never ridden a horse in her life and certainly had never tangled with professional soldiers of such acclaim- but instead she finds all this terribly exciting, especially the notion of traveling to Yi'Shu.
"Normally, now, I would be happy to trust my own two feet to carry me onward to adventure," she says to anyone who will listen, "but in this case, I'll take Lord Migari's word for it and mount up. I do hope you have one around who is both swift and friendly..."
Thus far, she likes Lord Migari's style, and that of his companion, Nintao. She hopes that, once the journey begins, she might get a chance to chat with Nintao regarding the magic she commanded. There is something to be learned there.
It is a large group, and Lingfeng is still feeling out the personalities of those she would call "comrade" for the extent of her tour with Lord Migari. Having heard Kimiko's mention of a "Master Po," she slips back to inquire further. Kimiko is the first Mikobito that Lingfeng has met, but the sorceress has little desire to bombard her with questions regarding her species; perhaps learning more about this Master of hers would be a good opportunity to open up a line of communication.
"Hey, Kimiko," she whispers, careful not to interrupt Migari or Nintao, "want to tell me more about this 'master' of yours? You know, so I can keep an eye out for the fellow?" She winks at her skunk friend. If the Mikobito was good with animals, maybe she could help keep this horse from throwing her off.
The woman waits to find out the exact number of mounts needed, and the riding knowledge of those who need them, and then bows and leaves. Lord Migari excuses himself and steps out into the ring, to speak with someone he apparently recognizes. The two speak in quiet tones, occasionally gesturing.
Kimiko smiles shyly but warmly at Lingfeng as she approaches. "Oh Master Po is, well, he's small, and quite old, but simply wonderful. He knows just about everything about everything, and taught me so very much when I lived at the shrine with him. But I was not a good student. I know I could have learned much more if I'd applied myself more. I'm afraid that's why he left. I wasn't good enough for him. I would give anything for another chance." She bites her lip and blushes slightly, which makes her skin darken a slightly wooden color.
"I...I'm glad i'm not the only one who hasn't ridden a horse before. I too hope to get one who is friendly, but maybe not so fast.. I don't want to fall off. They seem so big close up."
A piercing whistle echoes through the area, and a heavily muscled silver and gold creature comes stomping up, Nintao sitting delicately on it's back.
Four glowing red eyes look out balefully from the creature's head as it stares at the group, two long whiskers floating in the air around it, whipping around at any motion.
The creature is a kirin, or qilin, however, this one appears to have draconic blood in it's veins, as it looks anything but calm and peaceful. The silver scales and whiskers indicate a Lung dragon ancestor.
"I also will need a horse," the catfolk says. "I suppose I will need to become accustomed to riding."
"If we are bound for Yi'Shu, we may pass near what remains of the Tsume compound," she says, more making an observation than anything else. "In any case, it will be good to be under the trees again."
Kasani's eyes widen slightly as Nintao returns astride her bemoaned steed. "A dragon-blooded kirin? Such a comingling of blood must be exceedingly rare." She meets Nintao's gaze with her own unblinking eyes and adds, "Whether it be a curse or a blessing, you must surely be one of precious few who are born by such a creature." She nods admiringly at the kirin then glances down to her own steed. She pats his neck affectionately and leans forward to reassure him with a gentle laugh, "Ah. There, there, Zefā. I would never dream of replacing you."
[b]"Oooh a kirin with dragon ancestry...how rare and beautiful... what an amazing being. How did you ever convince her to bear you as your mount? That must have been some meeting!"[/dice]
"As a kirin, she recognizes a noble and beautiful creature and felt compelled to carry me through danger and..." Nintao breaks off as the creature attempts to throw her head back, and ram one of her horns through Nintao's left eye. The woman deftly dodges the horn, apparently from long practice. "...and her dragon blood means she recognizes nobility and..." Nintao has to duck as one of the creature's whiskers attempts to wrap around her throat. "...she could not resist throwing herself at me..." The tail swoops around as she ducks the whisker and slams into her back with a loud thump, nearly knocking her off. Nintao spends several long moments getting her breath back. "...an..and as you can...no doubt see... she is entirely enthralled to be my servant.." Nintao doesn't quite avoid the horn that comes back in an arc and slams into the crown of her head with a 'crack' sound.
The woman leans forward in her saddle. "Pardon me... I think.. I need to take a small nap..."
"Is that what all that looks like?" Kasani chuckles as she shakes her head. She adds with a grin and a glance at the fiesty kirin, "Aaaaaaah, I'm not so sure your noble steed agrees with you, my lady." Looking then to the kirin directly, she asks, "Have you a name, spirited one?"
Yanyeeku nods at the creature and gives it a wide berth, not particularly interested in being assaulted.
Yes I would need a horse, and I must say I AM a naturally helpful person on a march, do you remember? "The Ballad of Quan Shi's March to the Spirit Realm" a classic, and it just so happens that with a dash of some family magic we move a little faster and feel a little less tired. Hopefully I can still sing it while I am astride a horse... The shorter "human" pulls out his ruan and strums a few chords and then makes an action as though sitting aside an imaginary horse, shaking his head, Perhaps without the string accompaniment...
Four red eyes glare at Kasani with no noise made.
"Oh, dear, she's not very talkative I'm afraid..." Nintao says a bit befuddled sounding. "...don't take it personally... I'm not sure what her name is, honestly... I usually call her 'DAMN YOU YOU B*!#* BEAST!', or B!~@~ for short..."
Dunja chuckles nervously at the appearance of the Kirin. Not only did it look monstrous, it also spent most of the time attempting to maul its rider.
"What...what does it-she eat?" she manages to say though her eyes remain transfixed on the creature.
"Grooms... stall cleaners... curious children..." She puts her hand to her mouth as she speaks.
Before Lingfeng can say anything more to Kimiko, Nintao's marvelous creature arrives, and Lingfeng's breath catches in her throat. She is almost sure what it is, but the name doesn't quite roll off her tongue...
Luckily, Kasani clues her in almost immediately. She doesn't remember quite what a Kirin is, but if it does have dragon blood in it, then it's practically kin. It doesn't seem to like Nintao very much... at all... This was a feeling that Lingfeng does not necessarily share, but certainly understands.
What's with the hand over the mouth? Lingfeng wonders, and not for the first time. Is she afraid she'll lose her lunch?
Lingfeng dares to tread a little closer to the kirin in hopes of petting it. Perhaps it would smell the dragon blood in her and recognize her as a distant cousin. Maybe all that aggression toward Nintao was just its way of being chummy with her.
As Lingfeng inches closer to Nintao and her steed, Kasani cracks a wry grin and adds, "Perhaps curious adults as well? We may soon see."