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Blood and Secrets (Legend of the Five Rings)

"It's settled then," Chiaki says and takes a sip of her tea to hide the satisfied note to her little smile; when she lowers her cup again, it is bland and pleasantly neutral once more. "But let us at least enjoy the tea first."

Twenty minutes later sees them all back on their horses, the village of Tenraku rapidly fading into the distance behind them as they ride.
 
As the Samurai travelled, so too did the sun in the sky. That burning eye went along its celestial course, journeying toward its end as the evening approached. The road they companions urged their horses across was a good one. Though it was not the main highway cutting through the middle of the province, it was one of the major roadways for this region. Indeed, it connected to the highway itself, making it worn down by many feet while still being well maintained.

So it was that they came upon the village of Jouzousho but a few hours later, the sun just beginning its descent toward the horizon. The shadows had grown long, almost as if they were preparing for the night to come. Already many were bringing out lanterns in anticipation of the oncoming darkness, but there was still enough light left to make out the community.

It was a large village, more sizable than Tenraku by a fair margin. Its buildings were more numerous, as well more lived in. There were no abandoned dwellings here, no fearful peasants hiding in their huts. This place had a feel of prosperity to it, something exemplified by the four prominent buildings that stood out amongst the other houses.

One was obviously an inn, almost twice the size of the one in Tenraku. People were coming in and out regularly, and even in the distance sounds of laughter and good cheer could be heard. Nearby was a smaller building with a red lantern hanging out front, signifying it to be a Geisha house. Both were dwarfed by the building at the center of town, however. Barrels were set in the field outside, people carrying them out from within the depths of the structure. Considering the number of barrels and the size of the building, it was readily apparent this was a brewery.

Perhaps most interesting was the fourth building of note located on the far edge of Jouzousho. It was obviously not a business, but instead an impressive two story house. Unlike the huts of the village, this dwelling had a properly shingled roof with an impressive slant. What stood out most, however, was that the front gate had a Mon set on its arch. It was difficult to make out in the distance, but the circling snakes eating each other's tails in an arrangement almost like a flower could just barely be seen.

It was the Mon of the Otomo Imperial Family.
 
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Chiaki slows her horse to a halt as they reach the village, her blue eyes oddly brittle as she stares at the distant house and its Mon. A second later she flicks her gaze to her sister, and whatever thought she was lost in vanishes as quickly as it came, lips quirking in her customary little smile.

"Forgive me," she says and bows in her saddle, managing to be elegant even on horseback. "It slipped my mind entirely that there are Samurai residing in this village." Prompting her steed to move forward again as she turns onto the road leading towards the manor, she continues to speak over her shoulder. "We should introduce ourselves and inform them of our presence. Perhaps they will be amenable to answering some questions, as well."
 
"Well it's not like I'm going to argue," Shizuka quips turning her own steed to the path. "It would be entirely too rude of us not to do so." Though I am curious as to why here.
 
Saburou halts his horse the moment Chiaki does so, and gets the answer before even the question gets formulated inside his head. Taking a look at the distance, he let's out a noisy 'hmmm' while considering the newly obtained information. The presence of another of the imperial families in Naishou is an interesting fact to consider. There's news of samurai from the great clans residing throughout the province, but nothing compared to this.

"Indeed. Let's," he speaks, managing to not be left behind as they ride to Jouzousho.
 
"Well, look on the bright side," Kimiko says with a winning smile. "Now we won't be forced to make do with the company of peasants. I mean, I've got nothing against spending time around then for the sake of our duty, but they do tend to be a bit..." Kimiko pauses as she wracks her brain for an appropriate word. "...dull. Yes, dull."
 
"Dull is indeed an applicable word, Matsu-san," Chizuru murmurs in agreement. Her lips purse at the sight of the far off embossed Mon. The presence of an Imperial samurai... does not, in fact, complicate things, all things considered. Shooting her sister another quick glance, she shifts upon her horse, armor softly rustling.

Interesting, it seems, is not desirable in this case, Chizuru reflects. She shakes her head once. "Shall we?"
 
Unlike Tenraku, the streets of Jouzousho bustled with people. The day was approaching its end, and farmers return from their fields in order to enjoy duly earned relaxation. This usually came in the form of drinking and games, both of which could be enjoyed at the town's inn. Indeed, the sounds of mirth and delight could be heard all around the village as patrons enjoyed themselves.

Those still on the streets moved out of the way as the five Samurai walked, showing proper deference. Several even bowed, though this was not strictly necessary since the companions had not addressed the peasants directly. So it was that the group had little trouble made their way to the Otomo's estate, and were soon standing at the gate.

A servant in a green kimono stood there, bowing deeply to the assembled Samurai. He was an older man, with gray in his hair. His eyes tightened at the sight of their armor, but besides that he made no indication he believed anything out of place.

"Greetings, honored Samurai, and welcome to the residence of my lord Otomo Zusan-sama," he said. "I am afraid he is not home right now, though if you desire an audience I will inform his wife, my lady Otomo Sakura-sama, of your request."
 
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Chiaki smoothly dismounts her horse and nods in polite greeting to the servant, lips curled in that pleasant, ever-present smile as she regards the old man. "Ah, I see. Yes, we wish for an audience with the honorable Otomo Sakura-sama; but first," she pauses to let her gaze sweep over the others, lingering on Shizuka in wordless request, "we require a moment so that my companions may divest themselves of their armor before we enter."
 
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Shizuka stiffens a little as Chiaki's gaze sweeps across her. Remove my armor? This...ugh. Fighting to keep a scowl off her face, Shizuka nods fractionally and dismounts her own pony. "So be it, Doji-san." She heaves out a sigh, This Otomo better have some information, she thinks to herself.

Drawing herself up to her full height, Shizuka puts her hands on her hips and waits.
 
Mimicing his companions, Saburou dismounts from his pony not before glancing over the road behind them. There's just too many people around. A big difference, compared with Tenraku.

"Yes, indeed," the Lion samurai says, standing next to Shizuka and nodding to the servant. His armor is many times lighter than the Crab bushi or Kimiko's, but still some formalities has to be met.
 
Kimiko looks around as she dismounts herself, before she looks at the servant. "Servant-san, could you please show us to a place where we can leave our armor?"
 
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"Of course." Chizuru dismounts last, eyes narrowing imperceptibly narrowing at the servant before her. She lands lightly. Otomo. Splendid.

"We wouldn't want to dally on your lord's time," she says softly as she bores a hole into the servant with her red-eyed stare.
 
The servant flinched beneath Chizuru's gaze, but recovered his composure quickly. "Please, follow me."

He led the five of them inside the gate, but did not take them through the main entrance of the dwelling. Instead, he brought them to a small side entrance that led to a room with several pegs and hooks on the wall. Just outside were several stakes to tie the horses to.

"You may make yourselves presentable for my Lady Otomo-sama here, Honored Samurai," the servant said, bowing low from the doorway leading into the house proper. "I will be just outside, and will direct you to her when you are ready."
 
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"Much appreciated," Saburou says, nodding to the servant. Once they're left on their own devices, the Lion samurai attempts to remove his armor. It takes some time, even despite he being a bit hasty on doing so.

Is never wise to make someone wait longer than the strictly necessary.

"This place, is really different to Tenraku." He comments to none in particular, placing his armor and weapons where is appropiate, and patting his kimono a bit to remove any sign of dust acquired through their journey.
 
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Shizuka follows after the servant, mentally grumbling about having to take off her armor. Something foul is afoot and yet we have to remove that which would protect us.

As she begins to take off her armor, she notices the Lion has already removed his own, being much lighter than hers. Still, she will take the appropriate time to remove hers. It was no Kaiu armor but it was sturdy and had served her well.

She finishes, resting her formidable axe and daisho on the rack. "It is indeed, Akodo-san. A bit more lively than Tenraku, perhaps that is why Otomo-sama has a home here." She says, patting the dust off her own kimono, making sure that she has gotten the worst of it off.
 
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While she's not wearing her armor, Chiaki takes the time given to smooth down her kimono, brushing the road dust off the silky fabric. It's not her finest kimono - she wore that yesterday, for the audience with Miya-sama - but it's more than fine enough.

"Jouzousho is more centrally located, so it makes sense that it would be bigger," she says absently as she checks to make sure that her hair is still in order. It is. "And I'm sure that the presence of resident Samurai to protect them comforts the villagers in these dark times."
 
"I just hope there's nothing as horrible as that charnel house here..." Kimiko says, a sad look on her face as she finishes hanging up her weapons and armor.
 
"We may hope," Chizuru nods tersely, finishing replacing her equipment. She brushes her ponytail back behind her head, and stands, before inclining her head in the direction of the other rooms. "Come."
 
The servant led them from the room into the house proper. The dwelling was quite plain for the most part, with only the occasional sculpture or painting providing any real decoration. The five didn't have much time to appreciate any of these, however, for soon they left the short hallway and entered a small sitting room.

An older woman rose to her seat and gave the companions a shallow bow. She had high cheek bones, and a touch of gray in her hair. Despite this sign of age she might have been considered beautiful, save for the frown that seemed a permanent feature on her face.

"Welcome to my home, and to the village of Jouzousho, honorable Samurai," the woman said. "I am Otomo Sakura." When she rose, her scowl deepened. "I apologize that my esteemed husband is not available to greet you. He is no doubt out enjoying the... entertainments that our village has to offer, as he so often does at this hour."
 
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"Good evening, Otomo-sama, and our humble thanks for your hospitality," Chiaki says as she straightens from her deep, respectful bow. Noting the older woman's bitterness, she chooses not to mention the husband; it is, she feels, the better option here. "Especially on such short notice, and at this hour. I am Doji Chiaki."

Having introduced herself she falls silent to let the others follow suit, maintaining a polite smile as she waits to see if their hostess recognizes her name.
 
"Ah, yes," Otomo Sakura said, looking over Chiaki with a raised eyebrow. "I've heard about you. You were there during that incident at the newly made Kyuden Otomo..." She trailed off, lips quirking in the barest hint of a smile. "But I digress. Do forgive me." She turned to the other four. "And might I have the pleasure of knowing your names, as well?"
 
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"Yes, my lady." Saburou prompts to say, eyes filled with a hint of curiosity taken away from Chiaki in order to pay his respects to the woman with an appropiate bow. "My name is Akodo Saburou. My humble thanks for receiving us at this hour of today as well."

Straightening up, there's some deliberation about whether to ask about what happened in Kyuden Otomo... but it has nothing to do with the current investigations. Focus.
 
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"Of course, Otomo-sama." Shizuka says straightening up from her own deep bow. "Hida Shizuka, at your service. Thank you for allowing us into your home." The woman's familiarity with Chiaki piques Shizuka's interest but not enough for her to ask about it.
 
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