"We have been treated with the utmost hospitality, Yumi-sama," Heizo says with a bow, "and although your gratitude is sincerely appreciated, it is a matter of duty to assist a loyal member of the Imperial Family whenever possible. How may we be of further service?"
The Imperial Herald smiles at Suana and Heizo's responses. For a moment, beneath her maturity and injuries, you can tell that Yumi is young, no older than any of you. "That is precisely what I wanted to hear."
"The murder of our beloved Empress has weakened the foundation of the Empire. Fearful men and women spread rumors that Toturi has lost the Mandate of Heaven, as Kaede's death could surely be a sign of disfavor." She frowns. "Such things are said quietly, spoken in hushed whispers in dark tea house corners, but we must be more cautious than ever. Capable samurai are needed. I believe you to be such. I would ask that you serve me, until the Empire no longer needs you."
-Honorable Yumi-sama,- Suana explains humbly -I am, as my title states, but a servant of the will of the Heavens. They have put me in the service of my Daymio - who am I to question that? I believe myself a loyal servant, not willing to betray my Lord. What would the Celestial Order have to say if I switched my assignments just like that?- Suana bows deeply and goes on. -On the other hand, I want to serve the Empire and make it a better place to anyone. It is something beyond the scope of my actual assignment, not a task my Lord could give to me right now. But I'm sure there's a way we can reach an agreement which satisfies everyone involved and pleases the Kami who watch over us.
Kitqao bows to "I find myself in agreement with Yoritomo Heizo-san, it is our duty to assist a member of the imperial family when possible"
You do us a great honour in inviting us to serve you Yumi-sama
Miyuki bows deeply.
She turns slightly to Suana
Whilst I dare not speak for the Lion daimyo himself, I cannot imagine a world in which he would not be honored that one of his samurai has been chosen to serve the Imperial family
Her gaze glides over Heizo and Kitao.
I hope I do not speak out of turn my lady, but I would like to express my own gratitude to you, your kind request to serve you pleases me, as I have learned much from these brave samurai whilst I traveled with them.
Her fan is barely raised and completely fails to conceal her smile and she stares at the floor.
I can think of nothing I want more than to continue to serve the Empire alongside them.
Suana ignores Miyuki's unpoliteness.
Yumi nods. "I expected that a son of Akodo would be the first to emphasize Chugo. You needn't worry. While you were the guests of the Academy, I took it upon myself to write your Daimyo. Each have temporarily released your service to me, provided you accept."
Suana nods, then bows.
"I humbly accept such great honor" Kitao bows and raises to look at the others around him.
Takeya bows deeply.
"I am honored by your words. With the combined efforts of such a group, almost anything should be possible should you ask of it."
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Heizo bows low as well.
"Though I may be hardly worthy of such a position, I also accept. I would say it is a pleasant turn of events, were not the Empire in such a dire state of affairs as to render it necessary."
"There is no other path possible, but to accept!"
Yumi nods. "Excellent. Your first task will be to meet one of my finest samurai at Pale Oak Castle in the Phoenix lands. His name is Miya Gokinju and he awaits your arrival at the House of Eight Leaves Inn. You should leave today if you wish to be on time. Do you have any questions?"
Kitao bows to Yumi "A description of Miya Gokinju might be helpful Yumi-dono. Other than that, this humble servant has no more questions"
Heizo gives another bow.
"Beyond what Kitao-san has requested, I find that the information you have given is sufficient, Yumi-sama."
Yumi considers the question for a moment. "I suspect he will be the only Miya at the House of Eight Leaves, but if he is not, he will be the one which reminds you most of a monk." A faint smile crosses her face. "I expect you to act within your conscience and to work for the good of the Empire as a whole. I cannot yet make you official arbiters or shikken, but I know from my own experiences that a few samurai acting with good intent can make all the difference. Good fortunes, my friends. When you complete your task, I will send you more information on your next assignment."
With that, you are ushered away from the daimyo. You have some time to say your goodbyes, particularly to your young students. With the Topaz Championship interrupted, they must return to their dojos to fulfill their gempukku. They are all bright and talented, and you suspect that their role in this story is not yet done, but for now, you must turn your attentions north: to the territory of the Phoenix.
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Aojiroi Oku Shiro, or Pale Oak Castle, and the city that surrounds it are two of the few locations in the lands of the Phoenix that see a large number of visitors from other Clans. The pale oak from which the castle takes its name is one of the holiest relics in the Empire, and thousands of pilgrims journey to the city every year in hopes of receiving the healing blessing that the oak is rumored to be able to provide. Pale Oak Castle itself has hosted events as prestigious as the Emperor’s own Winter Court before, and thus accommodations in the nearby city of range from the most basic, aimed at the hordes of peasant pilgrims that visit the city each year, to upscale inns and tea houses that would not look out of place in a Crane city.
The House of Eight Leaves is somewhere in the middle, respectable but not ostentatious, with a mix of low-ranking samurai and well-to-do merchants mingling in its common room over tea and spiced noodles, while a young woman plays a quiet samisen in one corner. The peaceful aura that seems to permeate the Phoenix lands is strong here, and it is hard to imagine even a raised voice might ever disturb the murmur of conversation around the room.
When you enter the inn, a portly peasant approaches. His clothes are finely made, but modest in appearance, and he bows low in deference to your superior station. "Greetings, samurai-samas. I am Abun, the proprietor of this place. How may I serve you?" He is completely bald with a round face, giving you the impression of an overgrown infant, but his eyes are warm and kind.
"Sake for all, and some food!"
Not wanting to obscure his thoughts with alcohol, Suana asks gently for some tea instead.
Upon sitting down, Heizo stows his pipe and sets aside his straw hat, exposing his topknot to view.
"Sake will be fine. As for the food, what do you recommend today, Abun?"
Greetings Abun Miyuki nods at the innkeeper, handing him her parasol.
Miya Gokinju is expecting us, please arrange a message for him that we have arrived and await his company
She moves to be seated, and pours tea for herself and Suana, as Heizo and Tanawe serve themselves sake.
She sits back and sips the bitter green tea, glancing across at the girl as she plays her instrument, seemingly lost in the music for a few moments.
Abun nods to the samurai. "Yes, I will send for Miya-sama immediately. As for food, today we have a vegetable udon and bread fresh from the oven. I will send for some after everyone is situated." The innkeeper wanders off to complete his tasks.
Miya Gokinju finds you almost immediately. "Honored samurai," he begins, bowing courteously. "I am pleased that you have joined me at last. Might I join you for tea before we discuss the business at hand?"
Gokinju is slightly shorter than average, with a lithe build and well-tanned skin. He wears his hair in the traditional top knot, but has shaved most of the rest of his head, giving him a severe, almost monastic appearance. He wears the Imperial colors on his understated kimono and wears a daisho around his waist.
Heizo bows respectfully and gestures for Gokinju to join them.
"By all means," Heizo responds. "Important matters are always better discussed after one has eaten properly. Please join us."
Miyuki also bows as the Miya introduces himself.
Please Miya-sama, I will serve
Miyuki proceeds to pour a cup of tea for Gokinju
I trust the roads have been kind to you in your travels Miya-sama? asks Miyuki softly, inviting the Imperial to engage in conversation.
Kitaso enjoys the sake "Thank you Tanawe-san, maybe some day we can have a friendly duel so I can polish my skill" Kitao recognizing the natural skill of most Kakitas at iaijutsu, and hoping the man to be a more than capable to help him polish his stance and form.
Kitao bows to Gokinju "It would be an honor to have your company Miya-sama" Kitao smiles.
Gokinju nods and kneels at the table, accepting a cup of tea. "I have no complaints, Shosuro-san. I have only just arrived yesterday." The Miya sips the tea before continuing. "I'm afraid that the nature of my business keeps me away from the goings-on of the Empire at large. However, I understand that you all had some influence on the tragedy of the Emerald Championship?" He pauses, waiting for an answer.
Ah Miya-sama, we simply did as any samurai would do, attending to those in our charge and upholding the tenets of bushido
Miyuki sips her tea slowly.
The event itself was exactly as you have said, a terrible tragedy. We must all do out parts to assist the Empire in this dark time.
She waits politely for the Miya to continue his conversation, not wanting to appear impolite by directly enquiring.
"Indeed." the Miya agrees. The conversation continues for some time. Gokinju asks questions about your deeds and interests, listening politely and interrupting only to ask for clarification.
When the tea is finished and the discussion concluded, he nods sharply, taking on the attitude of pure business.
“Very well, samurai-sans, let us move to the discussion of our purpose. I have been commanded by the Emperor, Toturi I, to undertake a mapping expedition across the northern border of the Empire, between the Shrine of the Ki-Rin and Tetsu Kama Mura. The Lying Darkness destroyed most of the records relating to the area during its vicious assault on our libraries four years ago; it is my task to see that work undone, inasmuch as it relates to the villages, features and potential dangers of the Great Wall of the North."
“Your task will be to assist me in this undertaking. The territory has been largely abandoned by the Phoenix since the Clan War a decade ago, and we have few reports as to the state of affairs within the lands we are about to cross. There may be any number of potential dangers, but with the blessings of the Fortunes and our own skill, we shall overcome them. I will not permit this task to fail. Making maps may well seem like a trite business, but we are to act as the Emperor’s own eyes, the guides to his hand, and the messengers of his voice. This is vital work, and I expect all of you to rise to the occasion as the honorable samurai I know you to be.” He seems to direct this point more towards Miyuki and Heizo, although he is careful not to overemphasize and risk offense.
“I have made arrangements for suitable equipment and supplies, including necessary clothing should we need to ascend the mountains and risk their weather. If you have questions, please ask them now; otherwise, I expect you all to be ready to depart with the dawn tomorrow. We have a long way to go.”
Gokinju's insinuation is not lost on the courtier, but true to protocol he does not let it show.
"I am prepared to follow wherever you deem it necessary to travel, as I am sure are my fellow samurai, Miya-sama. If I may ask, is there a projected date that we are required to complete this task by?"
Gokinju looks to Heizo. "I expect that our journey will take six days, although I have made preparations for eight."
Heizo nods in consideration.
"Quite prudent of you, Miya-sama. Fortunes willing, may our task be accomplished with speed and the utmost of care."
Miyuki bows her head, completely ignoring the emphasized point Gokinju was making
To act as the Emperor's eyes and voice is indeed a great honor, how fortunate that we will enjoy the pleasure of traveling the Empire whilst fulfilling our duties as well
She smiles without the barest hint of insincerity.
Whilst I am sure to have many questions as we travel Miya-sama, for the moment I am keen to prepare for the journey
Miyuki excuses herself and goes to her room, taking the time to write a letter before she retires.
The expedition starts out the following morning, just as Lord Sun first creeps over the horizon. In addition to you and Gokinju, a pair of peasant porters, Jin and Gorisho, and two pack mules are a part of the convoy; these latter additions are primarily responsible for carrying the map-making equipment Gokinju uses to make his charts, though the mules are also supporting thick panniers filled with food and supplies. Jin is a wiry-looking fellow with an exceptionally long set of mustaches, while Goshiro is a large but quiet figure. Together, the group makes its way out of the western gates of Pale Oak City in the still-chill morning air, the slowly brightening dawn casting long shadows ahead of them as they travel.
The first day’s journey is nothing to comment on; this portion of the Phoenix lands is both well-maintained and well-patrolled by Shiba and Asako guardsmen, who politely and efficiently check the group’s travel papers and send them on their way, with deep bows to acknowledge Gokinju’s Imperial status. Peasant workers traveling to or from small farming villages scramble off the road, prostrating themselves in the dust as the samurai pass by, while wealthy merchants step aside and bow deeply, yielding the road with slightly more dignity.
Shortly before sunset, the road reaches the sharp line of bluffs that mark the edge of the Phoenix highlands; almost a thousand feet below is the vastness of the Dragon Heart Plain, a broad valley stretching dozens of miles toward the Dragon Mountains on the far side. The view is simply breathtaking, as Lord Sun’s light catches the grasses of the plain and washes everything in a rich golden glow, as if the plain were instead an ocean made of sunlight.
A large village with a comfortable-looking inn can be found here, as the site is a frequent stopover for pilgrims visiting the nearby Shrine to Jurojin and the more-distant Shrine to the Ki-Rin, both of which are accessible only by clambering up poorly maintained trails through the surrounding rocky cliffs.
"We should stop here," Gokinju suggests. "It will be our last piece of civilized comfort for some time."
"As you say," Heizo replies, grateful for the opportunity to rest. "Let us savor it while we have the opportunity to do so."
Kitao enjoys the scenery of the Phoenix lands, and even with the semi constant distraction of the Shiba guardsmen. Yet Kitao can relate to them, after all he was a guardian of the Kitsune forest.
It's a beautiful image, Kitao had never thought that the mountains of the Dragon and Phoenix had such breathtaking landscape, and the vastness of the Dragon Plains seem to stretch as far as Kitao can see, but the Dragon Mountains rise on the horizon adding to the beauty. Kitao has no words to express, but only his breath that carries no words.
Kitao bows to Miya-sama "I will see to the proper lodgings Miya-sama if you allow me the honors, I also believe Miyuki-san could do a better job if we want to have a fair price I suppose"
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"It seems this is a good idea, Kitao-san, if you do it. But I think Miyuki-san is necessary. They will be gratious if they have the honor of such an important guest!"
Glancing first at Kitao, then Tanawe as they in turn make their comments, Miyuki opens her fan with a *crack*
I would not have presumed that the innkeep would charge an fair price Kitsune-san, however I will defer to your judgement where such things are concerned if you have more experience with such things...
Turning to Tanawe she adds
I also did not know that the graciousness of a host was dependent on the importance of the guest, I must say I have learned much today from my Fox and Crane companions
She smiles sweetly
With every word carefully arranged in its place, she seems sincere and yet Kitao and Tanawe can't help but feel they are missing something.
She bows to Gokinju
My lord, if you are interested in visiting the shrines here I would be glad to accompany you after we have arranged lodgings
She disappears in to the inn to organise rooms for the group.
"As would I," Heizo adds with as much good cheer as he could muster. "No doubt that it would be an enjoyable diversion."
In truth his muscles ached and he had been looking forward to whatever relaxation the inn could provide, but political common sense he could not let the Scorpion courtier have the Miya's ear without himself being present to further the interests of the Mantis.
"I doubt we will have the time," Gokinju replies. "We should spend no more time here than we need to. I will join you inside the inn."
The inn is named The First Step and caters to a wide variety of patrons, from peasant pilgrims to traveling samurai to itinerant monks. Ryokou ni Joukai Mura’s proximity to two of the largest shrines in the Phoenix lands means that there are far more monks in the city than one would ordinarily expect, as well as a surprising number of smaller shrines to nearly every conceivable Fortune or kami. Most of these are little more than closet-sized structures surrounding a simple statue and offering platform, with a single monk to tend them, but the offerings that overflow around each one and the incense that curls up from the braziers at each statue’s feet speak to the sincerity of the devotions given by passersby.
Within The First Step, you find a common room full of peasants, monks, and samurai mingling together and speaking among themselves. Finding a table is not easy. One space, near the back, however, is occupied by a single figure, a richly-dressed samurai in brown and gold, wearing an Otomo mon and surrounded by the soft glow that marks a returned spirit. On seeing the group enter, the man rises and gestures for Gokinju’s party to join him. He is somewhat tall and moves with the practiced grace of a courtier, but his features are unremarkable, and were he not trying to draw attention to himself, it might be all too easy to overlook him.
“It is an honor to see you here, cousin,” the man says, bowing to Gokinju as to an equal. His voice is smooth and mellifluent, a sharp contrast to his forgettable features. “The duties of the Imperial Cartographers ever take you to unexpected locations, but I still had not thought to find you here, on the edge of the world, or so it seems.”
Gokinju bows in return, seating himself. “Nor I you, Mitsuhide-san. My work by its nature takes me to the far corners of the Emperor’s realm, but what has drawn you so far from Otosan Uchi?”
“Preparations, I fear, for Her Majesty’s funeral,” Mitsuhide answers, and his eyes turn toward you with a speculative expression. “I am searching for samurai to assist with the occasion, in hopes of bringing something positive from such a tragic loss, and of honoring her memory as she deserves.”
Suana is inside, since he entered to check if everything is in order.
Same as Kitsune!
Gokinju turns to Suana, Miyuki, and Heizo. "Forgive my rudeness, Mitsuhide-san. Allow me to introduce you to Akodo Suana, Yoritomo Heizo, and Shosuro Miyuki. They have been assigned to aid me in my mission. You may know their names from the unfortunate events at the Topaz Championship."
Mitsuhide regards you with an interested eye. "Indeed I have heard the names. You acquitted yourselves well, I understand."
Having no idea who is he facing, Suana decides discretion is the best weapon today, and remains silent while he bows.
Heizo tries, but he is unable to recall exactly whom this Otomo is (or, more accurately, "was"). Left with little recourse, he decided that deference is the most prudent course of action.
"You flatter us, Mitsuhide-sama," Heizo says graciously with a polite bow. "I am pleased to have merited your attention, although we merely performed to the best of our abilities in an unprecedented situation."
Miyuki smiles politely
An honor Mitsuhide-sama, we are only too pleased to be afforded the opportunity to assist Miya-sama with his important work!
She flutters her fan and her eyelashes
I will pray to the Fortunes that your own search for those who can assist you in your own task bears fruit
The conversation shifts, turning more towards news around the Empire. Tensions on the rise between the Phoenix and Dragon over the transfer of the Agasha family. Toturi I has plans to announce his late wife as the Fortune of Noble Sacrifice. Shiba ports along the southeastern coasts of the Phoenix provinces have begun turning Mantis trading vessels away, as the bad blood from the short-lived Mantis-Phoenix War from four years ago still remains. Increased bandit activity despite a few years of generally good harvests.
nothing more than a simple farmgirl, watching Gokinju with a certain amount of intensity. Even as the you sees her, though, she rises and slips out of the door, leaving you to wonder if she or she actually saw anything for certain.
Suana participates in the conversation, though he's more focused in noticing anything odd than following the subject.