For Jiro and Shinko:
Your wanderings in the quest for enlightment (an unachievable goal? Perhaps, but it is the journey we must be mindful of) have brought you to a small mura (village community) not far from the village of Tosa, and you have spent a spiritually beneficial two days here, helping the folk of the community with their work and leading small ceremonies for them. Although the sky this day is grey, you know this is a blessing for the farmers; kindly old Kura Okami, the god of rain may send some down to aid the crops and fill the wells.
It is to be hoped that fierce Susanoo will not send a storm to rend the walls of the godown (grain storehouse) and flood the fields. Jiro sits under a tree, talking to one of the the children of the mura, a little girl called Tomoyo. Shinko watches as some of the other children play with Tenko, the large hound's tongue lolling out in a big grin as the little ones run round him laughing.
For Daidoji Yorinaga, ooChai, and Mamoru
The sky is as a sheet of lead... a silver grey that promises a storm to add to your misfortunes. Lady Amaterasu will not deign to show her face this day, that much is certain; the Empress of the Sun is nowhere to be seen in the heavens.
You form a group that would be remarked upon for its odd nature; the scowling samurai, a cheerful-seeming bushi, and their rather distant looking companion, a man of uncertain profession and means. You enter the mura you saw up ahead as you walked along the road, a collection of huts and larger peasant houses with a dusty central square and sandy dirt tracks for 'streets'. It is the epitome of lower class Kozakura. Folk are here and there going about their business. You hear a dog bark from somewhere in the village along with the laughter of children.
For Ran-tan Kani:
Humankind are not so different to your own folk in many ways; they work, they play, they laugh, they fight... but they are not the same in others. No korobokuru would subjugate another to work for him in the way that human lords do; and thusly men lose their dignity and pride, a fate which no korobokuru has ever had fear.
You arrived in this community last night and if you have not been made welcome, then at least you have not been turned away. There is some courtesy in the realm of men, after all. The children (not so different to children of your own race in their excitement and hopes) have taken an especial interest in you. You hear some of them laughing in the distance, playing with the dog that belongs to the oddly eyed priest.
The sky spirits come from the mountains, bringing the tears of your people to you, a distant son.
Yorinaga whispers, "Remember that I am just a ronin. Tis best that our enemies remain ignorant of our presence."
"Mamoru-san, I have complete trust in your abilities...hang back and shadow me and ooChai-san. Note any interest that may be directed at us."
"ooChai-san, I am just a bodyguard that you hired...so I sleep outside your room."
"Remember your roles and we may be able to reach my uncle's estate alive and well. Now, let's see to our lodgings for the night before we get caught in the rain."
Yorinaga pauses and turns to Mamoru and ooChai: "AND NO BOWING IN MY DIRECTION."
Jiro finishes his tale about Hotei and the other Shichi Fukujin and how they travel around in there Takarabune giving children gifts on New Years. Then he turns to Shinko and says,"We should get the children inside before it starts raining." Jiro gets up and moves to gather the children togother to take them inside.
One of the girls playing with Tenko comes over to Jiro, and tugs on his sleeve, it is little Aiko (all of 6 years old), "Jiro, have you seen the little bushi I told you about yet? He's kind of scary, is he really a man, or is he a goblin?" she asks rapidly. She's referring to the korobokuru warrior who arrived in the mura yesterday, "He's even shorter than you! But he's taller than me." She adds for clarification.
One of the girls playing with Tenko comes over to Jiro, and tugs on his sleeve, it is little Aiko (all of 6 years old), "Jiro, have you seen the little bushi I told you about yet? He's kind of scary, is he really a man, or is he a goblin?" she asks rapidly. She's referring to the korobokuru warrior who arrived in the mura yesterday, "He's even shorter than you! But he's taller than me." She adds for clarification.
What does Jiro know about the korobokuru?
Sorry I meant korobokuru in general.
Yorinaga pauses and turns to Mamoru and ooChai: "AND NO BOWING IN MY DIRECTION."
With only a slight turn up of his mouth, Mamoru nods as in acknowledgment to an equal.
"Of course "Kobi-San"" He replies quietly, using an imaginary name they had made up when younger, and playing at adventure. "I am but a humble hired servant, who is sorry that he slows you down with his injured knee,..."In a single step, Mamoru favors his leg. Within a dozen steps, he is almost a dozen paces behind the others. He is obviously with the group, but has a reason to be behind them.
Shinko eyes the gathering clouds and then pauses, listening.
"The spirits do not choose to tell me when the rain will begin today, so I think perhaps you are right."
He stands, calls to Tenko, and then claps his hands, the sound loud and yet dull in the heavy, pre-storm air.
"Children!," he calls, "time to go inside. The kami need it to rain soon, and they don't want you to get wet!"
He laughs, and starts, with his friend, to herd the children toward their homes.
I hoark a phlegmy green ball onto the street, barely missing me 'servant's'. The spittle hisses and sizzles unnaturaly, as though some small fleck of fire essence had suffused it.
"Rain comes, Lies tell, a room a meal. Go we now."
Kani watches the children play with the dog for a moment then goes back over to pluck some long grasses from the ground and pick up a short lenght of stick. He walks back to the group and, after setting down his burden basket and his axe, makes eye contact and nods at one of the children who is playing nicely with the animal. He waves the child over to him.
"Look" he croaks in his scratchy little voice, extra hesitant with the tongue of the tall ones. Pulling some brightly colored feathers out of his belt pouch, the Korobokuru ties them together with the grasses and then ties the grasses onto the stick. Holding the makeshift toy up, Kani shows the child how the feathers bounce and dance at the end. He motions for the child to go to the dog with him.
Bouncing and jittering the feathers in front of the dog then raising the feathers out of his reach when the dog snaps for them. After a moment he hands the toy to the child and smiles at him.
Kani looks skyward at the sound of the thunder and smiles "The sweet drink of the sky coming. You should head home soon."
Bowing to ooChai, "Hai, dono."
I then take up a bodyguard position slightly behind of ooChai, my right hand near the hilt of my katana.
Addressing young Aiko Jiro says with a smile,"No my dear he is not a goblin. He is korobokuru, his people live in the mountains. They are good and honorable people and were here long before we came to these fine lands. Now lets go see what he has made for Tenko to play with." With Aiko in hand Jiro walks over to Tenko and the korobokuru and bows,"Greetings kind sir. Aiko here is interested in what you have made for Tenko and I think she ould like to hear more about your people."
Aiko's eyes grow huge as Jiro herds her over to where the little man is sitting, hidden by a tree. She didn't know he was just there! Maybe he is some sort of wood-spirit!
"Ummmm..... h..h..hello..." she says to Kani tentatively.
Kani is surprised to hear the human talking to him with such deference... usually they just wanted to laugh at him or poke him, but this one was polite. He smiles happily at the man and mugs a funny face at the little girl, crossing his eyes and wrinkling his nose. He bows to the pair with a silly smile coloring his gruff little voice.
"I am Ran-Tan Kani," he begins , "My people come from high up the mountain, but we were driven from our home by a nasty oni. We tried to fight, but the evil is too strong and we had to flee down the mountain to be your neighbors. We dream of returning to our home, but cannot yet. We miss it. Mist on the high lake. Cranes calling from the willows. Fish leaping and breaking the water in the dawn chill. We be patient and learn to fight better, stronger. And we come take back home from oni!"
Bowing to ooChai, "Hai, dono."
I then take up a bodyguard position slightly behind of ooChai, my right hand near the hilt of my katana.
As Yori takes up a position proper for his assumed role, Mamoru contiues to play the (slightly) lamed servant. (That's 'Personal Assistant' to you!)
He scans the area as they enter the village, paying particularly close attention to who is paying how much attention to the new arrivals, and looking for how many exits are in the street they enter thru.
Aiko laughs nervously and smiles a little at Kani's funny face. Upon hearing his tale, the little girl's eyes, that were like saucers, are now like dinner plates, "That's so sad; I hope you can go home soon." she says.
Yoringa, ooChai, Mamoru
You enter the central 'square' of the village. Mamoru notes that it is a typical peasant mura, the streets are wide and really just dirt tracks. It's barely even a village, more a collection of houses. He notes that all areas would be equally accessible, as would the tops of the 1 storey houses if one decided to climb onto them (as ninja are wont to do). There are one or two people around who look at you with unconcealed google-eyed interest, and perhaps a little fear.
A man of medium height, and slim build with a short beard rapidly approaches your band. He bows low and rapidly, first to Yorinaga,and then to ooChai; he gives a peremptory nod to Mamoru behind them.
"Good day to you honoured sirs! Have you eaten rice today?" he offers by way of traditional greeting, "I am Gobo, myusho of this humble mura" "I hope that I can be of service to such noble gentlemen as you?" he adds, mostly addressing Yorinaga, and barely acknowledging Mamoru.
Jiro looks saddened by Ran-Tan Kani's tale,"It is indeed a tragedy to be forced from one's home. My name is Jiro from the monastary not to far from here. Shinko and I were getting the children inside before the rain comes. Would you care to join us for some tea Ran-Tan san?"
Kani starts to nod, but then a slightly paniced look crosses his face.
"Ooh!ooh!" he grunts in an excited manner "your excuse for me, please." He runs over to where he laid his wicker basket and axe. Hoisting his axe up, his baggy sleeves slide down and wirey muscles rise along his arms to show that despite his size, he is endowed of considerable strength. "One day, I vow to return and strike down the evil oni and give my clan back the homeland they are denied. Let the gathering cloud spirits cry for our loss, but I do not! I will see our people home safely! This is my vow!"
He pauses running through his monologue in his mind making sure he has not forgotten any of what is obviously a sacred vow to him. He hooks his axe to his belt and slings his basket on his shoulder. He trundles forward and bows an awkward little bow to Jiro, his basket almost pulling him over sideways. "I would be very pleased to join you for tea, my friend."
Looking the man straight in the eye, "In behalf of the Honorable ooChai, good day to you, Gobo-san. The rains are coming and we need shelter. Show us."
Yorinaga maintains his grip on his sword to emphasize to Gobo-san his status as a samurai. This Gobo-san is obviously a peasant. No swords. Yorinaga turns to ooChai and Mamoru and makes a hand gesture towards his eye suggesting that they should keep their eyes open.
For the Celestial Dragon
Yorinaga:
Kani, Jiro, and Shinko (accompanied by the indefatigable Tenko) start to slowly herd the children of the mura back to the central square. As with any group of children, this is a complicated affair of those lagging behind, those racing ahead and those clutching onto the clothes of the adults.
Tomoyo walks along beside Kani, she turns her serious young eyes to him and says softly, "The younger children don't really understand but I think I know how you must feel."
"Gobo-san, the His Excellency ooChai is not ungenerous to those who extend to him any courtesy his way." Yorinaga casually jingle his money point to emphasize the point. "The shelter please before we are drenched."
Kani is almost staggered by the quiet sincerity of Tomoyo's words "Little Blossom, it hurts my hear to think that you might know some of the pain of such a tragic event! What have the evil spirits ripped from you? Oh, I would remove that pain from your eyes if I could."
Yorinaga
Gobo's face shifts through a variety of expressions, from confusion to suspicion, eventually settling on dawning comprehension. "No, no, your money is un-necessary, my lord. Apologies-" he turns from addressing Yorinaga and says "'My lord'" to ooChai, and then gives a knowing conspiritorial look to Yorinaga, "Whatever your reasons, know that I shall be the soul of discretion. You are all most welcome to stay in my minka," (he indicates the largest house in the village), "I, your humble servant, shall sleep in the stable."
Mamoru
You have noticed that there are several well-made grain storehouses in the mura, doubtless belonging to the wealthier peasants, such as this Gobo fellow These buildings have tiled roofs (rather than the thatch of the minkas), and stout plaster walls. Evidently this is quite a well-to-do village.
Kani
Tomoyo says to Kani quietly, "Bad men have been coming to the village, and demanding crops.. it is very frightening. They shout and carry spears."
Jiro and Shinko
You notice Tomoyo and Kani lagging behind, obviously in conversation. Tomoyo is a rather serious little girl and it may be that she is telling the exuberant dwarf about the troubles that the village is experiencing. You have heard a few mutters here and there as you have been staying with families in the village (paying a few fen each night) about 'the Black Temple' and its "unreasonable demands". You haven't pressed the issue with them, but there is undoubtedly a story to tell.
Jiro waits to make sure the children are heading home before heading to the tea house. He waits ouside for Shinko and Kani to enter before heading inside himself.
@ Kani "Is everything ok with the young miss Ran-Tan-san?"
"Gobo-san, discretion is what his lordship expects," though Yorinaga wants to smile to lighten the mood, unfortunately the damaged nerves of his face, the result of a childhood sickness, prevents him from doing so. Hence, his face remains a perpertual scowl.
"And there is no need for you to sleep in the stables...discretion will not be served by you sleeping there, if you take my meaning," Yorinaga looked at Gobo.
Listening closely, Mamoru's eyes lighten with the dawn of understanding.
He smiles softly as he moves closer to the Muri. But he does not attempt to lighten the mood or bandy words. His skills lie in other directions. In his keen mind for one.
And in his keener blades.
"You have a most lovely mura Gobo-San," Mamoru addresses the taller man softly, but directly. "Your grain-houses are among the best I have ever seen. Truly you must be proud of your work here. And do honor to your Daimyo."
Mamoru gets the impression that Gobo is genuine in his desire to house the group in comfort, and is trustworthy.
"Noble sirs," says Gobo, "I insist that you use my house as your own. As for the shugo-daiymo," he says to Mamoru, "I am sure that far away as he is in the capital, he can have no inkling of our labours here; he must be a very busy man! But the jito is more than pleased."
Any hopes you may have of being subtle are rather undermined by villagers looking at your richly accroutemented band with interest. A gaggle of children accompanied by an energetic dog, two priests or monks (one of average height, the other short), and an even shorter korobokuru have arrived in the square.
@Jiro, Shinko
As you enter the main square, you see wily old Gobo talking to three strangers; one appears to be a young bushi, another is obviously a high-ranking warrior (to judge from his armour and weapons, probably a noble), and the other man seems to be well-dressed.
Doubtless, Gobo is fawning all over them in stark contrast to his attitude towards yourselves. He is essentially a good man and respected as a leader but does have a tendancy to be obsequious to authority. When you arrived he gave you a modicum of respect but not much more.
@Kani
You accompany the human holy men back to the square to see two warriors and an odd human talking to Gobo, the leader of the village. He wasn't very friendly to you when you arrived, but his attitude is very different to these men!
"Gobo-san, you would do your house greater honor by telling his lordship of what you know of those people up ahead. His lordship is a curious man and I am sure that he would be more than happy to relay his lordship's appreciation to your jito."
Yorinaga turns and winks at ooChai conspiratorially.
Gobo turns to look at the approaching menagerie of adults, children, dog and dwarf, and then quickly turns back with a dismissive wave in their direction, "Oh, just some itinerate clergymen, noble sir, nothing to concern yourself over. And the dwarf will be lodged away from your group, so do not worry yourself if my lord finds his presence objectionable." he says with an eagerness to please.
Gobo turns to look at the approaching menagerie of adults, children, dog and dwarf, and then quickly turns back with a dismissive wave in their direction, "Oh, just some itinerate clergymen, noble sir, nothing to concern yourself over. And the dwarf will be lodged away from your group, so do not worry yourself if my lord finds his presence objectionable." he says with an eagerness to please.
Mamoru gives the approaching group a closer inspection as Gobo fawns over OoChai & Yorinaga.
"Itinerate', he means peasants. And indicates they are below him somehow. 'Clergymen' my shuriken. They move like warriors. And unarmed warriors are no less dangerous. But thier association with children speaks much of thier character. And what is a Korubuku doing this far from his mountain home? A most curious group indeed. We must know more. If only so we know what to avoid.
"On the contrary most honorable Gobo-San." Mamoru speaks aloud, still softly. "My master OoChai is a man of letters, and learning. He considers nothing greater than the sharing of tales and knowledge. You would do him great honor with a simple introduction, for to hear the tales of a travelling Korubuku would be a most rare honor. And a princely gift." He adds at the last.
If he is wise enough to hear, let him learn. And he will come to understand that others may have more to offer than wealth and prestige. I must speak with Yorinago. We must procure some less ostentatious travelling clothes at first opportunity. Or else we shall all have chapped arses from all the kissing the 'Gobo-Sans' shall bestow upon us long before we reach his uncles' estate!
I nod curtly, affirming my desire for an introduction, though the motion sets off a belch I don't bother to stifle.
Gobo looks stunned at ooChai's crudeness, and regards the group with a more considered look of curiosity. Swiftly disguising his shock, he smoothly carries on talking, "Why should such as yourselves concern yourselves with such fellows, sir? They are travellers like yourselves, I would suppose, but not of such import. Please, follow me and shall show you your lodgings. If you still wish it, I shall call for the korobokuru in but a little while." He motions for you to follow after him into the house.
Shinko walks back to the village, appearing to be much engrossed in a conversation no-one else can hear. In truth, he listens intently to the conversation near at hand, while keeping his eye on the group with the headman.
"An odd place to find such a procession," he thinks to himself, trying to make sense of their presence here.
Kani pats the soulful eyed girl on the shoulder as he ushers her into her house. "I promise to try to help you village, dear one. You're eyes should not look so closely like mine."
As he returns to his new-found friend, he leans close to Jiro and says "The girl says there are bandits preying on the town like locust on the wing. Most of the town gave me a cold greeting, but I would not have her feel the same pains I have felt in the loss of a home. Maybe we should seek out a means to remedy this hurt and restore the youth to her face."
Yorinaga moves closer to Gobo and whispers, "Your people seem to be a timid lot. They're not used to strangers. How often does your daimyo send patrols to your village?"
Yorinaga and company
Gobo looks weary, "Sir," he says, "We are not used to visitors with good intent, but we are indeed used to less friendly strangers. I shall tell you more inside. Please follow me."
With that he walks towards his house and through the door.
Kani
You can't make out much that they are saying, as they are all talking quietly in that funny earnest way that some humans do. You do hear 'korobokuru' as you pass by with Tomoyo, but not much else. Gobo has now gone into his house and has motioned the other men to follow him. He is a strange fellow for a headman, rather too parsinomous with his own hospitality and wealth (very unlike a headman amongst your folk) but the villagers respect him and seem to be prosperous under his leadership.
Shinko
Jiro watches as Gobo-san and the strangers enter his house before speaking to Kani. "It is true that other people of the village have hinted at having troubles with a local Temple. Perhaps we should speak to Gobo-san and find out if he has mentioned these troublesome men to the estate-manager and if so why haven't his men looked into their 'unreasonable demands'." With that Jiro walks towards Gobo-sans house to speak with him on the matter.
Listening intently, while appearing NOT to listen, (like any good 'servant' would do,) Mamoru follows his 'master' and the 'bodygaurd' to Gobo's house.
As they pass close enough to the other group to 'notice' them, (according to the rules of polite society,) Mamoru bows politely in thier direction. His gaze lingers no longer than good manners allow, with only the faintest of upturns to the corners of his mouth to indicate his personal thoughts.
With that he turns and follows the others into Gobo-sans' house.
Shinko, unused as he is to the social interactions of samurai, notices nothing out of the ordinary. He does, however understand his place in the world, and puts a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Perhaps it would be better," he comments,"if we find out what we can from the common folk. I would not wish to force myself on the headman while he is entertaining one of high station. If the samurai is of the less-than-understanding variety... well... I prefer my head attached to my neck."
He smiles, as if he's just heard a marvelous joke, and nods to an unseen person off to the side of their little group.
As Gobo walk to his home, Yorinaga takes a moment to observe the monks and the Korobokoru. He dismisses them as threats and then swaggers after Gobo while taking the bodyguard position besides ooChai.
Yorinaga, ooChai, and Mamoru
You enter the myoshu's minka and he motions for you to sit. Although the largest house in the village, it is of the same construction as the others. A roof of rice straw thatch sits atop walls of wood lattice work. The main area of the floor is bare earth with an open hearth. Gobo indicates wooden platforms for you to sit at. Once you have done so, he prepares tea for you all.
As he serves he tells the samurai's group the following with a mixture of concern and mild annoyance:
"Well, several weeks ago, some couriers arrived in the mura claiming to be from "The Black Temple". Very unsavoury characters they were; they demanded a portion of the coming harvest as rent to this Black Temple, if you can credit such a thing! I had never heard of this place, and so I refused them."
He sits himself and continues, "I already pay my rent to the proper shoen officials" "and I sent them packing. They left and threatened retribution. Initially I took them for blowhards but my concern grew. So I sent a message to the jito in Tosa nearby, but alas, nothing has been forthcoming from him. I understand that he must be a busy man with a whole estate to manage... but still..."
He shifts and sips his tea with a world weary sigh, "I am sorry to bore you gentlemen, but you can see why the people here are cautious."
Kani, Jiro and Shinko
After escorting all the children home, you have covened again in the square. A few villagers are milling around here and there. This is not a big place, with only around 80 people living here. From 3 to 8 people will live in the same house, from children to old folk... often next door to a barn for the family's animals, which can lend a distinctive aroma to a dwelling.
Looking at Jiro, the little Korobokuru smiles and nods "Lead on, my friend. I have little experience with the people of this village... the girl and other children have proven to be the kindest hosts available. If you think one of the farmers will take me on, I am a good hand at chopping wood. I have been sleeping in a farmers barn the past couple of nights, but must admit that the cattle made better companions than my slovenly 'host'."
Yorinaga assists ooChai on his seating. Then he turns to Gobo-san, "The Black Temple? This is the first time I have heard of this group. Have you reported this matter to your jito, Gobo-san?"
"Anyways, can you describe how they were armed? For that matter when is the next harvest? His excellency is curious."
Gobo looks a bit taken aback to have so many questions fired at him, "As I said, sir, I reported it to the jito but he has done nothing so far. As to the identity of the Black Temple, I am as much in the dark as you. Again, as I was saying, I have never heard of it." he sips his tea and then continues, "As to how they were armed... they were armed with spears. They were riders, you understand. The harvest sir? Well, we have recently harvested, so our barns are well stocked."
I see. These men of the Black Temple could be arriving here at anytime.
Yorinaga nods at Gobo's words.
Mamoru accepts the tea from Gobo, (after serving Oochai first, of course!)
He sips and listens patiently as Yorinago bluntly asks the questions that were forming in his own mind.
I'm no master of diplomacy. But I must speak with Yorinago about his,.. forthrightness in discussions.
"Perhaps you have the Jito's response.": Mamoru offers quietly, still looking humbly at his teacup. "Perhaps he has heard of and dismissed this 'Black Temple' as a threat. If so, then I would bow to his wisdom in such matters."
'OR, perhaps he has not recieved Gobo's entreaty for help. The roads are long and dangerous, and 'accidents' are easily arranged.'
Finishing his tea, Mamoru trusts his instincts about Gobo's sincere, if fawning, attempts to please his new guests. Also trusting in Yorinago's and OoChai's ability to defend themselves, he makes a descision. He gets up, bows to his host, and then to Oochai.
"With your permission master, it is time for my evening devotions. I will remain nearby." His back is to Gobo, which hides the fact that his eyes are looking at Yorinago, even though his face remains turned towards Oochai. "Please, call if you need me."
With that, he bows once more to Gobo-San, picks up his pack, and softly exits the dwelling.