Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Gman391
Wonder what the ogre wants to tell us.
Wonder what the ogre wants to tell us.
3.5
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Complete your task
-[x] Gman prayer.
You nod slowly, taking in the ogre's words. He wanted to talk to you? What in all the Heavens could this hulking creature wish to speak with you about? Frankly, you're still surprised he's lingering within the village. It's just so damned strange.
It's also not an issue for right now. As… troubling, as it is to have an ogre in a populated area, Muharanok is obviously not a typical example of his kind. The fact that he could talk and had something resembling a sense of humor, if a poor one, was the biggest indication. He could think and reason, and apparently had no desire to cause trouble save intimidating people into giving him food.
Which is a concern, true, but not an immediate one so long as nothing came to violence.
"I will return later," you say. "I will be expecting no reports of issues."
"I've already given my word," Muharanok responds, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing more need be said on the matter."
You nod again, considering the ogre for a few more seconds. Then you turn around and walk down the street.
This village is not large enough for a dedicated temple. Monks would likely wander in and out, providing what services they may for the populace, but this village was far enough out of the way that it likely didn't happen often. But still, spiritual needs had to be met.
This was likely accomplished by most of the peasantry with small shrines within their homes. It was a very personal way to honor the Fortunes and one's ancestors. However, you saw something else along the road as you went about the village just a few days before. You did not think much of it then, but you require it now.
You see it on the street to the blacksmith's shop. There, off to the side, is a small shrine set beneath a slanted wooden roof supported by three walls. It was shaped like a temple, the woodwork remarkably well done for a community this size. In front were little statues of the Seven Fortunes, all arrayed before the temple's gates.
Shirou is there, sitting with his legs crossed and his fists pressed together in his lap. The monk has removed his robe's top, revealing a chest covered in bandages. Two sticks of incense were lit within a holder set on the ground before the shrine, halfway burned down.
You kneel down and set down your offerings and set two sticks of your own incense within the holder from the unlit ones set off to the side. Then you place the rice before the shrine, and put a cup of sake to go along with it. After that you close your eyes.
"Shasa-san..." you whisper, your voice barely audible even to your own ears. "I… I thank you. Thank you for being my battle companion, for being my friend, for saving myself and everyone." The memory of her sacrifice, of her smile, twists your guts into knots. "I know that whatever you thought of yourself in life, you are a true Samurai now and always will be. So watch me if you can, Shasa-san, and know that you are honored and remembered by this one, for all that is worth."
You open your eyes and light the incense, clapping twice and keeping your hands pressed together. Your eyes close again, your brow furrowed by the intensity of your thoughts. Wherever Shasa's soul is now, you wish your feelings to reach her. You speak but a few more words before falling silent.
"May the next life grant you the joy you missed in this one."
[] Write in.
-[x] Gman prayer.
You nod slowly, taking in the ogre's words. He wanted to talk to you? What in all the Heavens could this hulking creature wish to speak with you about? Frankly, you're still surprised he's lingering within the village. It's just so damned strange.
It's also not an issue for right now. As… troubling, as it is to have an ogre in a populated area, Muharanok is obviously not a typical example of his kind. The fact that he could talk and had something resembling a sense of humor, if a poor one, was the biggest indication. He could think and reason, and apparently had no desire to cause trouble save intimidating people into giving him food.
Which is a concern, true, but not an immediate one so long as nothing came to violence.
"I will return later," you say. "I will be expecting no reports of issues."
"I've already given my word," Muharanok responds, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing more need be said on the matter."
You nod again, considering the ogre for a few more seconds. Then you turn around and walk down the street.
This village is not large enough for a dedicated temple. Monks would likely wander in and out, providing what services they may for the populace, but this village was far enough out of the way that it likely didn't happen often. But still, spiritual needs had to be met.
This was likely accomplished by most of the peasantry with small shrines within their homes. It was a very personal way to honor the Fortunes and one's ancestors. However, you saw something else along the road as you went about the village just a few days before. You did not think much of it then, but you require it now.
You see it on the street to the blacksmith's shop. There, off to the side, is a small shrine set beneath a slanted wooden roof supported by three walls. It was shaped like a temple, the woodwork remarkably well done for a community this size. In front were little statues of the Seven Fortunes, all arrayed before the temple's gates.
Shirou is there, sitting with his legs crossed and his fists pressed together in his lap. The monk has removed his robe's top, revealing a chest covered in bandages. Two sticks of incense were lit within a holder set on the ground before the shrine, halfway burned down.
You kneel down and set down your offerings and set two sticks of your own incense within the holder from the unlit ones set off to the side. Then you place the rice before the shrine, and put a cup of sake to go along with it. After that you close your eyes.
"Shasa-san..." you whisper, your voice barely audible even to your own ears. "I… I thank you. Thank you for being my battle companion, for being my friend, for saving myself and everyone." The memory of her sacrifice, of her smile, twists your guts into knots. "I know that whatever you thought of yourself in life, you are a true Samurai now and always will be. So watch me if you can, Shasa-san, and know that you are honored and remembered by this one, for all that is worth."
You open your eyes and light the incense, clapping twice and keeping your hands pressed together. Your eyes close again, your brow furrowed by the intensity of your thoughts. Wherever Shasa's soul is now, you wish your feelings to reach her. You speak but a few more words before falling silent.
"May the next life grant you the joy you missed in this one."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Hey everyone. I'm sorry to bother, but I could definitely use some more votes.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[x] Just breathe and wait.
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[x] Just breathe and wait.
[x] Just breathe and wait.
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] Just breathe and wait.
[x] If nothing comes up, go see what Muharanok has to say.
[x] If nothing comes up, go see what Muharanok has to say.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] Just breathe and wait.
[x] If nothing comes up, go see what Muharanok has to say.
[x] If nothing comes up, go see what Muharanok has to say.
3.6
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Just breathe and wait.
You sit in silence, just breathing in and out as the smoke from the incense begins to fill the air. You focus on nothing save your breath, on the steady rhythm of your heart. It thunders in your ears, and then quiets as the beats slow down to a calming tempo. All noise, all feelings, are but things to lead you astray. You will have none of that.
Your anxiety begins to fade away in your concentration. Lingering doubts, errant thoughts… All are meaningless in the face of this meditation. You brook no distractions, allow for nothing to disturb the innermost core of yourself.
For a few, brief moments you feel as if you are one with everything and nothing. You sit within the Void, connected to all things while at the same time separate. Your consciousness is but a single aspect of the wider world, and yet it is also the world itself. All that exists is bound together, creating a transcendent harmony.
The experience lasts but a few seconds. This is not something that can be held on to. To even try would defeat the entire purpose. Meditation and prayer are in many ways the same thing, and sometimes one could touch upon something beyond the base flesh. But this has to be sought carefully, and you are no monk or Shugenja seeking enlightenment. You're just happy to have a few moments of true peace.
You open your eyes, exhaling deeply. The concerns you have are still there. Remorse for Shasa's death, guilt over your part in creating the situation, your confusion over Shasa's final words… All these and more you will have to come to grips with in the future. To run from it would be cowardice, and that it not something you could brook. It would not just be shameful to you, but also to Shasa's memory. That will not stand.
But they don't need to be handled at this moment. Right now, you are honoring a comrade who has paid the ultimate price to fulfill her duty. Heroes deserve recognition, and whatever Shasa may or may not have been, you cannot doubt that fact that when she met her end she was a hero.
"It is always difficult," Shirou says from beside you, his pose unchanged. His eyes have opened however. "When friends and family pass."
"Yes," you respond. "It is."
The monk nods slowly, looking over to you. "We as a people hold ourselves to such high standards, don't we Sosuke-sama? To maintain face, to not bring shame to ourselves and our lords… It can be so hard."
"A responsibility to be borne," you say evenly, turning your head to match his gaze. "Just like many others. Such is the way of Samurai."
"Yes," Shirou says. "Something none know better than the Crab. But Sosuke-sama, you need not bear this burden alone." Shirou sets his hands on the ground and stands, then offers you his hand and smiles. "I will be here for you, my friend. Whatever aid I can give you, it is yours."
[] Write in.
You sit in silence, just breathing in and out as the smoke from the incense begins to fill the air. You focus on nothing save your breath, on the steady rhythm of your heart. It thunders in your ears, and then quiets as the beats slow down to a calming tempo. All noise, all feelings, are but things to lead you astray. You will have none of that.
Your anxiety begins to fade away in your concentration. Lingering doubts, errant thoughts… All are meaningless in the face of this meditation. You brook no distractions, allow for nothing to disturb the innermost core of yourself.
For a few, brief moments you feel as if you are one with everything and nothing. You sit within the Void, connected to all things while at the same time separate. Your consciousness is but a single aspect of the wider world, and yet it is also the world itself. All that exists is bound together, creating a transcendent harmony.
The experience lasts but a few seconds. This is not something that can be held on to. To even try would defeat the entire purpose. Meditation and prayer are in many ways the same thing, and sometimes one could touch upon something beyond the base flesh. But this has to be sought carefully, and you are no monk or Shugenja seeking enlightenment. You're just happy to have a few moments of true peace.
You open your eyes, exhaling deeply. The concerns you have are still there. Remorse for Shasa's death, guilt over your part in creating the situation, your confusion over Shasa's final words… All these and more you will have to come to grips with in the future. To run from it would be cowardice, and that it not something you could brook. It would not just be shameful to you, but also to Shasa's memory. That will not stand.
But they don't need to be handled at this moment. Right now, you are honoring a comrade who has paid the ultimate price to fulfill her duty. Heroes deserve recognition, and whatever Shasa may or may not have been, you cannot doubt that fact that when she met her end she was a hero.
"It is always difficult," Shirou says from beside you, his pose unchanged. His eyes have opened however. "When friends and family pass."
"Yes," you respond. "It is."
The monk nods slowly, looking over to you. "We as a people hold ourselves to such high standards, don't we Sosuke-sama? To maintain face, to not bring shame to ourselves and our lords… It can be so hard."
"A responsibility to be borne," you say evenly, turning your head to match his gaze. "Just like many others. Such is the way of Samurai."
"Yes," Shirou says. "Something none know better than the Crab. But Sosuke-sama, you need not bear this burden alone." Shirou sets his hands on the ground and stands, then offers you his hand and smiles. "I will be here for you, my friend. Whatever aid I can give you, it is yours."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
Seconded.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
gah, missed an update >_<
[x] Gman391
[x] Gman391
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] "Thanks dog, you the real MVP." But more eloquent.
- Location
- Canada
[X]gman391
