This is the gameplay thread. I'll have the first actual post up later tonight.
Lady Taishi's agents are separately led into a room by a soft-spoken servant. She bows and serves everyone steaming cups of tea before withdrawing. Scrolls depicting golden swallows on the wing line the walls. The faint warm aroma of incense hangs in the air, mixing with the smoke from lanterns hanging from the ceilings.
After a few moments, the doors open, again, and confident woman in a fashionable kimono calmly strides into the room. She sits at a chair at the far end and regards the assembled agents with a calculating eye. Lady Taishi is a formidable woman.
"Good morning." She smiles, and takes another sip of her tea. " Each of you have professed a love for Po Li. And, it is Po Li that I called you hear for. "
Xiang Lun enters the room following the servant, hanbo tapping the floor as he walks, dressed in fine robes of brown and green. He thanks the servant for the tea and stands to the side, watching as the others enter the room - there was the entertainer, Persipacious GAO, and a couple others he didn’t recognize. There was a young human how bore a resemblance to Yunjiang Wei, a merchant he had done business with. Could that be his son, Zhang? If so, I wonder what that criminal and rapscalion is doing here.
Upon Lady Taishi’s entrance, Xiang offers a bow of respect, and takes a seat when she indicates he should do so. He sips his tea and responds, ”I am always pleased to take action in the name of Po Li. Our country is great, and upon the Eternal Emperor’s return, shall be greater still.”
Ah, the opening pleasantries of negotiation. He felt himself settling in to his element, preparing to bandy words back and forth until both parties reached resolution.
Ayoshi wasn’t someone of many words. Reserved, he humbly accepted the tea and let his eyes cross the room with curiosity. Although he felt still young, his third decade quickly approached. He smiled when Taishi spoke and waited in silence for a follow up.
Mamoru wasn't sure why he was here. Well, he was, if he was being completely honest with himself. It was because he was frustrated. He'd been taught patience, the art of waiting for the right moment, for his entire life. Nothing had happened.
He was tired of waiting. Something had to change. Something had to be done. The endless political posturing and gridlock was causing stagnation. Rot was creeping into everything.
It was one thing to wait for the right time to sidestep death. It was another to let it creep up on you until there was nowhere to move.
He could only hope that this was the right direction to move. That was what he wasn't sure of. He knew why he was here. He just wasn't sure if here was the right place to be.
He sat at the table, saying nothing among these strangers until their patron spoke. He was mostly here to listen, and to decide.
Yun finds himself in the room with some other people he doesn't know. When the Lady comes in and speaks, he stays silent. Many times before his tongue has done a bad job for him, now it's time to let his ears try to do it better.
Yun is wearing humble, simple clothes. His armor is at his sleeping place, an inn in a not good, not bad part of the city, and his bow has been unstrung and put in a respectful position away from him. His hair, usually wore loose and wild, is today tied in a ponytail.
During the small pause, Yun looks around out the corner of his eye to see who's with him, and recognises a face, though he doesn't realise yet who is he. The man looks like a monk, shaved head, though it really could be anyone. "I'd have to ask later, I really don't want bad blood, if there's any, to hurt our future relations."
Perspicacious Gao is not too physically assuming, not taller than 5'6". Dressed in a simple sky-blue tunic with bright red lines around the hem and the end of the wide sleeves, indicating he isn't quite an undyed commoner. His neatly shaven head and serene expression with a calm smile suggests that he isn't a man too obsessed with material wealth.
Offering a polite, deferential bow to Xiang as the nobleman entered the room and glanced at him, Gao's eyes glance around the others. His attention is caught by the man with the rougher ponytail, as his eyes lock with him for a moment longer than it would be polite, and his lip curl upwards for a brief second. It seems like there are a lot more crossed roads for me in Po Li than I thought. I wonder if mine would be the lower or the higher this time, he thinks to himself as he takes his cup of tea, drinking with with quiet satisfaction.
"To have peace in your soul, you must first gain peace within your heart.", the ancient Quain saying is the first thing that leaves Gao's mouth as he finally speaks to fill the silence. "I've always thought it applies as much to Tian Xia as it would to any of its residents.", he adds.
Silence wore simple, unremarkable clothing and did little more than stand patiently during the wait. His feathers were clean but unadorned, his curved blades of simple make. He bowed when the lady appeared.
"Heaven mandates as it wills," he said.
Lady Taishi sips her tea, coldly regarding those assembled before her. "Leaping off the edge/
birds fall freely from they sky/
Fearless wings in flight."
She takes another sip and sets her cup down on a lacquered table beside her. "You enjoy poetry" She doesn't wait for a reply. And, it clearly isn't a question.
"I am pleased that we were able to finally meet, especially under such auspicious circumstance. It is so rare to find lovers of poetry from such far off places. Even rarer to find those who will share their love, even if they have studied at the feet of the masters."
She intones another poem, tracing a finger over a delicate screen of a frog leaping among lotus blossoms.
"Autumn moonlight shines/
as a worm digs silently/
into the chestnut."
She motions with the same lacquered finger, and a servant scurries from behind the screen to place a scroll in everyone's hands. "Please, take these small gifts to heart, and treasure their wisdom. We have much to learn from the words of the masters."
"Toward those short trees
We saw a hawk descending
On a day in spring"
She nods to those assembled, and then leaves.
"You all have connections to each other, this will serve you well. No one will think it suspicious if you meet. Although, they may guard their words more cautiously if they know you are to meet."
"there are spies and corruption everywhere in Po Li. So, be careful."
"Each of you will have a mission. Learn what you can, to help me save Po Li from its enemies."
Each scroll is written on rice paper, and contain a single poem, unique to the barer.
Fear not! You will not be killing anyone. But, this powder will render any liquid completely on drinkable. Shifu Zheng He is donating a very rare and fine bottle of sake for the festival. Find the bottle in the kitchen and foul it with the powder. Drinking it during dinner will bring shame to the oracle as he praises a poor or fake sake! His words will carry less weight when the Council meets.
We must undermine Shifu Gao Lishi. He's a powerful oracle, but has recently suffered a series of embarrassments. Any further shame will greatly reduce his influence over the Council. During the festival, he will be revealing some ancient artifacts of Lung Wa from his personal collection which he is donating to the Palace. If one of those items were to disappear, he would be branded a braggart and a liar, and his word be as empty as the boxes he wished to give. You may do whatever you wish with the item.
Fear not! You will not be killing anyone. But, this powder will render any liquid completely on drinkable. Shifu Zheng He is donating a very rare and fine bottle of sake for the festival. Find the bottle in the kitchen and foul it with the powder. Drinking it during dinner will bring shame to the oracle as he praises a poor or fake sake! His words will carry less weight when the Council meets.
We must undermine Shifu Gao Lishi. He's a powerful oracle, but has recently suffered a series of embarrassments. Any further shame will greatly reduce his influence over the Council. During the festival, he will be revealing some ancient artifacts of Lung Wa from his personal collection which he is donating to the Palace. If one of those items were to disappear, he would be branded a braggart and a liar, and his word be as empty as the boxes he wished to give. You may do whatever you wish with the item.
We don't just need spies, I need someone who can serve as aide for an allied oracle: Shifu Tong Guan. You will run communications between him and or other allies.
I am confident we have enough support in the Council for the cause. But, the Oracular Council is a pit of vipers. Uncover the true dedications of two oracles: Shifu Li Fuguo and Shifu Liu Jin. Neither have made known their support, but I want you to find out their true leanings in advance and their reasons.
Xiang Lun sips his tea, a small smile on his face. The intrigues of the court were as alive and well as ever. He wondered if the others would understand her meaning as well as he. "A most gracious hostess, and gifted in her understanding of poetry. I shall long treasure her words."
He reads his scroll and considers, a thoughtful look on his face. He was not a thief, nor particularly skilled at doing so. He needed to learn more about how this item was stored and how it would be transported to the gathering.
The gardener bowed as she left. With curiosity, his hands hastily opened the scroll to let the eyes navigate the new poem. With his entire life based on hearing this type of art from his grandmother - and the very core of his Chi aligned with a prophecy - the words hit him with the clarity of water.
His expression for moments was emotionless, but finally it took the aspect of relief. He blinked calmly, and anyone paying attention could notice he was probably questioning himself about the truth on the scroll he read. Nevertheless, he closed it and saved its contents on his bag, before standing up and briefly speaking to the others.
It’s a pleasure to be around such aligned minds. I praise my fortune for being allowed in your presence. - he touched the bag where he stored the scroll and contents - As we were handed these separately, I assume for now we should handle them on our own. Please be assured I’ll perform my task to the best of my ability and meet you back once this is all finished.
Xiang Lun sips his tea, a small smile on his face. The intrigues of the court were as alive and well as ever. He wondered if the others would understand her meaning as well as he. "A most gracious hostess, and gifted in her understanding of poetry. I shall long treasure her words."
He reads his scroll and considers, a thoughtful look on his face. He was not a thief, nor particularly skilled at doing so. He needed to learn more about how this item was stored and how it would be transported to the gathering.
The gardener bowed as she left. With curiosity, his hands hastily opened the scroll to let the eyes navigate the new poem. With his entire life based on hearing this type of art from his grandmother - and the very core of his Chi aligned with a prophecy - the words hit him with the clarity of water.
His expression for moments was emotionless, but finally it took the aspect of relief. He blinked calmly, and anyone paying attention could notice he was probably questioning himself about the truth on the scroll he read. Nevertheless, he closed it and saved its contents on his bag, before standing up and briefly speaking to the others.
It’s a pleasure to be around such aligned minds. I praise my fortune for being allowed in your presence. - he touched the bag where he stored the scroll and contents - As we were handed these separately, I assume for now we should handle them on our own. Please be assured I’ll perform my task to the best of my ability and meet you back once this is all finished.
** spoiler omitted **
Gao, vastly more experienced with Quain koans than poetry, stares at the piece of paper with the curious face of a man facing a riddle. A minute later, he chuckles quietly. "A trained tongue can lift more than a thousand trained backs.", he notes, as he finishes the cup of tea and standing up from his pillow. Though, one wonders where couriers and messengers feature into the saying.
Xiang Lun nods in agreement with Gao's comment, and says, "The merchant who always presents his wares grows wealthy, but the one who offers much and presents nothing makes no profit." In this way, he communicated his mission to others, in case someone had the same as he.
Mamorou was no shinobi. He'd often wondered if those arts would be useful to his pursuits. He'd certainly had the time to learn them, but not the desire. His brows knitted in thought and he drank his tea in silence, pondering. After a time he rose and bowed to their hostess, and walked into the gardens to think further.
It did not occur to him to ask on the missions of the others. In these matters it seemed that plausible deniability was important.
It did not take him long to come to a decision. There was no honor in theft. Further, Shifu Gao Lishi was unknown to him, so it seemed wrong to embarrass him without cause.
He could at least find out who Gao Lishi was. If nothing else it would give him something to do.
He left quietly, off to spent a few hours in the hall of records and ask those he trusted if he knew of the man.
Yun bows respectfully and murmurs an excuse to dissapear. He has not much time before the party starts, and wants to check on his mission. He still has in mind talking to the monk, though...
"I've heard of your wisdom and really wanted to behold it myself. All my respect is yours."
He tries to drive the conversation through apparently unimportant subjects, but from where he can extract an idea of what are the Sifu's patterns of thinking. Talking about the city, he tries to get a more accurate impression of the old master.
"I'm rather new to Changdo. What would be your advise to a newcomer? There are certainly rumours at every doorstep, and I'm not certain as to which of those to discard and which not."
Silence understood what was to be done. He would have killed the man, if it came to that. He had little love of those who made themselves masters in the Eternal Emperor's place, even if he would not relish the death. Nor would it do to betray his mission by speaking of it with these assembled. They might let words slip by mistake, or tell him things that he might let fly from his beak before they could be stopped.
He discreetly slipped the substance into a pocket and started off at once.
Silence made his way to the home of Shifu Zheng He, losing himself in a crowd so he could pass it by without being marked to take note of any entrances he might try and marking especially any entrances for servants.
Noting one to the side, adjoining an alley, Silence casually glanced down the alley to see if any guards stood in plain sight there. It was no more than a swift look -it wouldn't do to stare- but it must be enough.
Ayoshi bowed to the others and, keeping again his initial silence, excused himself out of the house to gain the streets.
Ayoshi’s first worry was to find out where was the oracle’s house - assuming this would be where the sake would be. As a gardener and a bit of herbalist himself, he imagined the leaves would probably already be there or being transported fresh.
He assumed his own profession behavior and started to navigate the streets, stopping by times at the corners to admire the flowers and make small talk with the common folk. He didn’t really expect much to gather information, but rather to enrich his own local knowledge taught by his grandmother.
As the group dispersed, Xiang Lun offered his courtesies and left, as well. He had work to do.
Xiang Lun had met many people, and his understanding of the bureaucracy had given him insight into the ways Po Li worked. He went to his contacts, asking about the purchase of artifacts of Lung Wa that he was looking to purchase on behalf of a noble who wished to remain anonymous. It was this route that would lead him to Shifu Gao Li, the artifacts he was presenting tonight, and how he could acquire them.
Shifu Tong Guan is a capable administrator, although he has has not amassed a large amount of wealth--unlike so many of the other members of the Oracular Council. However, his mind has proven to be an iron trap, steely and razor-sharp, and few underestimate his political acumen. He favors competence and persistence, especially when overcoming limitations; cooperation, regardless of point of view or personal goals; and, oddly, navigation and the seas. He detests the complaining, political posturing, and using political power for personal gain.
He can be found in the archive room of the palace.
Both the shinobi and Isawa spot each other across the alley, although neither guard nor commoner has made them out. To everyone looking on, Isawa is but a humble herablist and Righteous Grieving Silence is a shadow against the wall.
As Isawa listens to the chatter and banter of the streets, he learns some interesting information about his employer. Lady Taishi comes from a wealthy family who have been strong supporters of the Oracular Council and the status quo for nearly a century. Her family proud tradition of arcane magic, adding to their wealth and prestige. Despite this history, Lady Taishi has no natural talent for commanding the five movements, making her the black sheep of the family. Moreover, her father's youngest child, born of his least favored concubine, and not his first wife. She has the lowest standing of all in her family. However, despite these setbacks, Lady Taishi commands great personal wealth and has extensive contacts, thanks to her sophisticated education, and sharp wits. Truly, she casts a wide and strong web.
The bottle of sake will be kept in the kitchens at Shifu Gao Lishi's personal estate within the Inner City. If someone is cautious enough, they can slip in to the kitchens undetected and then dose the sake with the powder without anyone the wiser.
Shifu Gao Li is a proud to a fault. He is quick to point out that he is descended from the lesser son of one of the Eternal Emperors. The son was not in standing to rule, as he was born of a concubine and was not named an heir or bearer of the family name, but the blood of an Emperor runs in his veins, all the same. He has used that position to browbeat others to his will.
He is aristocratic and elitist, believing that the mandate to rule has been placed in certain bloodlines by the Eternal Emperor himself. He is a staunch supporter of the status quo and that the belief in the hierarchy of caste and station granted by birth.
He loves discussions of family history or crushing political enemies. Anyone that seriously and fervently wishes to restore the Empire will find him a staunch and powerful ally. But, he fiercely opposes any talk of changing the political structure of Po Li.
The artifacts he plans to unveil will be kept in a cabinet in his apartments at the Palace. All one has to do is slip past the guards, and palm the item.
Shifu Li Fuguo is a hunched man with a pleasant face, despite his deformity. Standing and walking are clearly painful for him, and so he walks with the help of a thick cane and two burly aides. One always stands at his side while the other opens doors. The aides are twins, and he never refers to them by name.
When Zhang approaches, Shifu Li smiles warmly. "You've heard of my wisdom! Hah! In the Palace? Amongst all the others? Hah!!" He doubles even further over in his laughter, much to the consternation of his aide. "You must have an interest in machinery and engineering, then?" He points to an odd contraption in a corner--a chair with... cart wheels attached to its bottom. "The others think me daft to try, but this wheeled chair will work! I know it! I just need to figure out the balance... Bah! Who has the time to ponder the universe or new inventions with administrative duties to weight them down?" He shakes his head wearily and motions for a cup. One of the aides brings him two cups pours tea for him and Zhao. [b]"Advice? My advice to you is to never get involved in politics. Leave Changdo and head back to wherever you came from. This city is old and rotting from the core. Best to cut it off and let new growth rise.
The gardener swiftly moved through the tightest corners of the inner city until he arrived to the oracle’s estate. He wasn’t too calm, in truth; rather, his heart was beating quickly as the agitated gongs of the festivals. As much as he wasn’t so young anymore, still he wasn’t a trained spy or the sorts, but someone with a family tradition and a prophecy to fulfill.
He entered through the back door, between other servants, and it didn’t take long to find the kitchen. With his shaky hands on the small vial, he started to look around the bottles trying to identify the right one, but stopping every minute or so to pretend he was simply swiping the dust off the floor and tables.
He almost coughed his heart out when he finally found the bottle he believed to be the right one. He didn’t want to fail his companions and had no idea if any of them were seeing him now - or maybe if they even had the same task. Yet, he swallowed his own fears and tried to slip the contents while no one was looking at him. His hand was still shaky and he couldn’t even measure if the right amount of the powder was making it to the inner parts of the bottle...
Yunjiang lets the man speak about his inventions, though sadly he doesn't know much about the matter to present a solid argumentation. He is, though, polite enough to say the occasional "Yes, yes" and "Marvellous!".
** spoiler omitted **
With what he knew of the target, Xiang Lun had a feeling he would be able to acquire an item. It was just a question of getting to the cabinet. He would rely on magic to get past the guards - perhaps they needed a little nap.
Xiang Lun left and made his way to the palace, where he would have to locate the cabinet Shifu Gao Li stored his artifacts in. Hopefully, it would not be too difficult.
Once he arrived, he looked about, trying to note the guards and make sure the Shifu was not in sight.
Perspicacious Gao makes his way through the glimmering markets and austentatious decorations of Po Li, drinking in the seemingly unending sights, until he finally arrives into the seat of bureaucracy itself, the Imperial Palace. While rather plain, the entertainer's clothes seem to at the very least not impose too much provinciality onto the onlookers, and his guileful and flairful movement seem to avoid the rustle and hustle of the moving bureaucrats. Eventually, he manages to make his way to Shifu Tong Guan's office, a wide smile on his face.
Bowing down deeply as he walks into the door, a piece of paper appears in his hand for a moment.
"As leaves on the spring,"
"words must go, traceless, quiet,"
"One sees the carrier."
The words leave his mouth in a hurry. The monk's face quietly betrays that many a moment was spent thinking of the words, but he's nevertheless content with the result. "A bowl is most useful when it is empty, Shifu Tong Guan.", he adds a moment later.
What cost to restore the empire? Shifu Gau Li was not a bad man. Merely stubborn and proud.
To Mamoru, it was an easy decision. Someone else might be willing to accept that stain upon their honor, but he was not. Like Shifu Gau, Mamoru was proud of his heritage and the blood that ran in his veins. It would not do to insult his ancestors by becoming a petty criminal, no matter how great the cause.
He returned to the gardens to meditate and contemplate poetry. He was sure that someone would notice him at some point.
Separately, Isawa and Silence slip into the Shifu's stately palace. Nobody pays Isawa any mind, he's but a simple gardener dropping off vegetables from the farm. Nothing more. A laborer, common and dirty, of such low status that to even acknowledge invites shame upon those who seek higher station; and is beneath those at the top. Behind him, Silence slips in, a shadow in the walls, unnoticed and silent.
Isawa spies the sake, but he spills most of the powder on the floor as he undoes the the lid. Fortunately, Silence spies him doing so and tips his own powder into the bottle just after Isawa leaves the kitchens. No one is the wiser.
Mamoru sat on a flat stone beneath a large weeping willow. Cherry blossoms bloom about him and a shishi-odoshi toks behind him. As he contemplates poetry, a small group of three ladies enter the garden, strolling along a meandering path beneath the cherry blossoms.
"I heard that Lady Zeitan was seen dueling in the streets again." One of the women simpers.
"Scandalous!" Another woman laughs. "To think her parents allow her to bring such shame to her family!"
All three nod sagely. "It's one thing to be skilled. And, the martial disciplines are a truly honorable and distinguished form of discipline and meditation. I, myself, have demonstrated the kata, but it is quite another thing to do fight in the streets!" The other two nod as the third woman speaks. "To think she wants to convince the Council to test women! If they'll all be wild like her, what state will the nation be then!?"
Hu Xiang Lun easily spots two guards standing in front of Shifu Gao Li's rooms. They stand firm and tall, with swords at hip and staff in hand.
Zhang nods as Shifu Li Fuguo prattles on. If the shifu recognizes that Zhang doesn't understand what he's talking about, he doesn't let on. Indeed, the more Zhang comments (no matter how forced), the more the councilor prattles on. But, somewhere in the drone about gears and machinery, he mentions how much he wished that his parents had offered him for selection. But, his deformity prevented him. If, Lady Zeitan gets what she wants, then everyone will be offered for testing, not just healthiest male children.
Shifu Tong Guan smiles as Gao shares his wisdom. "Truer words were never spoken. You are the aide that Lady Taishi promised me? Marvelous!" He slips a small scroll from his robes. "Please deliver this to Shifu Wei. Her offices are on the second floor of the palace."
Standing a safe distance away, Xiang Lun speaks words of magic, filling the guards' minds with sleepy thoughts.
Gao nods, grasping the scroll in his arms, as he bows out of the door. He is ill-prepared for the towering crowds and unattentive dignitaries, however, and it is only due to a large degree of luck he manages to avoid a major incident. Like crows to the battle and like moths to the flame. But which is which, is hard to tell., he ponders as he manages to reach his destination safely.
"Forgive the intrusion, madam. I am wondering, do you seek an answer to your question, or was it simply rhetorical?" Mamoru replied from where he sat beneath the cherry blossoms.
Happy with the result of investigation, Yun tries the same with his nect target. He pays a homage visit to Sifu Liu Jin, bringing a small present and praising his wisdom.
After a light talk to measure the man's tastes, Yun dares an approach. "I'm very new here, and happy to find men of such sharpness as you, Sifu. This seems a socially perilous place. Do you have any advice for a beginner as me?"
Ayoshi wasn’t sure if he had success - especially spilling some of the powder - but there was no time for assurance. He left the room with haste to gain the streets. He let himself smile and dried the sweat on his forehead, before moving quickly back to find his companions.
Ayoshi easily slips into the milling throng of Forbidden City of Changdo, just another harmless servant working errands for his master. As he walks, he hears everyone speaking of the coming festivities: lantern lighting, a martial arts display, a parade, hawkers and games of chance. Then, the Council will announce their decision to the people. Some peasants (and nobles) have brought their infants this very night in hopes that the Oracles will select children this evening.
He returns to his room to find a note with a small badge of jade and gold that can be fastened with red cord. The note reads: A gift of thanks and celebration on this most festive eve. The butterfly, perfuming its wings, fans the orchids.
Zhang finds his next target in the halls of the palace behind the throne room. Sifu Liu Jin is a preening, proud man who barely maintains the austerity and humility of his station. His robes are finest silk, colored in the most expensive and rare of dyes. They have little adornments or embellishment, but those that Zhang Yunjiang finds are delicate and valuable enough to buy and sell a few homes. This is a man who has amassed vast wealth, and enough power to flaunt it without fear of reprisal.
After a light talk to measure the man's tastes, Yun dares an approach. "I'm very new here, and happy to find men of such sharpness as you, Sifu. This seems a socially perilous place. Do you have any advice for a beginner as me?"
Sifu Liu Jin favors Zhang with a condescending smile. "Yes, a wise man studies the flow of a river, before he places his craft upon the water. With every shift, and eddy, he must know where to steer his craft."
"Forgive the intrusion, madam. I am wondering, do you seek an answer to your question, or was it simply rhetorical?" Mamoru replies from where he sits beneath the cherry blossoms.
The three women feign shock as the samurai speaks. It is a mild breech of etiquette for Mamoru to speak to them uninvited. However, it is easy to assume that they were speaking to him, since he was in the garden, and visible to all. One of the three women smiles and sits upon a smooth stone bench across from Mamoru. The other two follow suit, sitting to either side of her. The four form a small circle beneath the trees. "Why, I seek an answer, noble warrior. You are a man who clearly has seen combat, and is a student of the martial traditions. What do you think of a noble woman, such as myself, for example, openly fighting in tournaments and, if the rumors are to be believed, in brawls int he streets? Is such a woman's wisdom to be considered?" Her smile is welcoming, and kind, but her eyes are calculating. "But first... introductions."
The woman to Mamoru's right bows her head. She wears a kimono of pale pink and blue with flowing cuffs and train, giving her a fluttering, ephemeral appearance. "I am Li Xianglan" She gestures across from her to the woman in red with pale peonies "Across from me is Wen Jiang." Wen bows her
head as deeply as Li. "Beside me is Lu Zhi." The woman across from Mamoru bows her head only slightly. She wears a kimono of dark green with golden cranes perched along its length. Brown stitching at the train of her robe given the illusion of reeds. It is a simple design, but finely rendered, its artistry speaking volumes of its cost. "We are all from the House of Wei"
Wen Jiang gestures, and a servant scurries forward with trays of tea and small cakes. She erects a small table and pours tea for all, Mamoru first, then Lu Zhi, followed by Wen and Li. Then, just as quickly, the servant scurries away.
The corridors of the palace are a mire of choked passages, and Goa barely avoids blundering into scurrying servants and guards several times. But, finally, after several near misses, Gao finds himself at his destination. Sifu Wei is a harried, bookish woman seemingly forever stained in ink. A pair of spectacles slips down to the edge of her nose as she looks up to see who approaches. "Oh!! Yes! Hello. You must be the courier from Sifu Tong Guan! Yes! Thank you!" She looks back down at her scroll, frantically scribbling.
Pollen floats on a breeze from Hu's extended palm. Barely more than motes of dust sparkling in the lantern-light, the pollen goes unnoticed before settling on the guards' eyelids. The guards yawn, eyes fluttering shut, and they slump backwards against the wall, sound asleep.
Quickly, Xiang Lun walks up to Shifu Gao Li's apartments, opening the door and slipping inside.
Ayoshi saved the badge and read the note, slowly, absorbing its words and admiring the calligraphy. The tiefling blinked in peace and let himself kneel down, immediately starting to meditate for lengthy moments.
Finally he stood up, checked his daisho, and assumed the Scarlet Einhander stance. Eyes open and focused, he breathed deeply, then organized his belongings. The gardener quickly adjusted his clothes and, seeing himself alone, left to go watch the festivities.
"Greetings, esteemed ladies of Wei." the warrior said, rising politely and bowing, before kneeling again as tea was laid out. "I am Mamoru of the house of Zhao."
"I can only speak of what I know, having once been a young and hot-spirited duelist myself." he sipped his tea gracefully and smiled at the quality of it. "I do not know if a woman dueling in public can be considered wise, but I think I understand where such a choice might come from."
"To explain myself, I will have to let you in on a small secret. I have been bested by women before," he said with a small smile. "I find no shame in admitting it. No gender is a prerequisite for skill at arms."
"Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for recognition of that skill. Men, no matter how clumsy with the blade, have the opportunity to be test their skill before the council. I myself was tested and recognized when I was nine years only. I was well trained, yes, but not so skilled to be considered a prodigy. I was a boy. A small one. I did not hit my growth spurt for another two years. It is likely that all of you are stronger and hardier now than I was then. Li Xianglan, I overheard you say that you have demonstrated the Kata. I would wager that your skills are at least as good as mine were when I demonstrated for the first time. Quite likely better. The difference is, that I was demonstrating before the Council in a tournament. It is only because I am male that my meager skill was considered enough to see me recognized." Mamoru's smile broadened. "I placed second to last in that tournament. Unsurprising, considering that I was a child competing against grown men. Still though, I was allowed to compete."
"I believe that rise of young women dueling in the streets is a cry for that same recognition and opportunity. Personally, I believe that if skilled and capable women such as yourself were allowed into tournaments, there would be no need for them to duel in the streets. They could keep their duels private, as is proper."
Li Xianglan favors Mamoru witha small, coy smile. "Well said. Ladies, don't you think?" The two other ladies both nod and sip their tea. "Zeitan has the right of things: everyone should be tested, seen for their worth and talents."
Hu Xiang Lun slips over the sleeping guards and into the sifu's rooms. Deep mahogany screens carved in intricate scrollwork and dragons divide the room into thirds. A luxurious bed sits in one corner, and a teak cupboard in another. Anything worth stealing would most likely be there.
The streets are thick witht he sound of festival. Trained monkeys dance, street performers play their tunes and tell their stories, and, everywhere, there are games of fate and luck. Lanterns light the road, and children play int he street. Everywhere merriment and excitmeent abound. And, something more: hope.
A Silence and Isawa both spot each other across the road. And, as Silence pulls out some coins to pay for a mooncake, he also pulls out a letter and a small badge of jade and gold that can be fastened with red cord. The note reads: A gift of thanks and celebration on this most festive eve. The butterfly, perfuming its wings, fans the orchids.
It's clearly a code of some sort
The Sifu titters as Zhang speaks with her. They discuss the intricacies of courtly etiquette, and philosophy. Her talk is elitist and boring, nothing but finery and wealth. But,. she never mentions whom she supports throughout the whole of their conversation. Rather, she always mentions metaphors about the importance of change, and guiding kites with switching winds, and knowing which way the tides and currents will turn. It leaves a definite impressions that her allegiance is only as long as it's advantageous to her.
Xiang Lun moves over to the teak cupboard, casting a quick spell to detect any magical protections that may be on it. If there are none, he will open it and remove a small, easily hidden item. Before closing everything up and leaving before the guards awaken.
Yun leaves the place with mixed feelings. This last Sifu was hard to pierce, though it the impressions he got were that she would join whichever faction helps her best to pursue her own agenda.
Back in the palace, he asks to meet Lady Taishi to inform her of his findings.
Mamoru inclined his head respectfully. "I appreciate the three of you giving me cause to think on this. I am due to meet with one of the members of the council soon. I will speak to him of this conversation."
As Ayoshi spots Silence, he moves towards the aasimar with haste. He smiles at other peasants (like him) on the way, until finally he stops by his companion's side.
Good evening, my friend. - he says in low tone, greeting the other - I hope things went well with you.