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Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)

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3.7
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    • [x] Gman


    You look at the hand for a moment. Shirou's arm is strong, and quite a bit more toned than your own for all that you loom over the man when you're standing. But that just seems so typical of the monk. He is stocky and sturdy, a rock that holds against storm and fury without flinching.

    For all your difference in status, you know you have made a lifelong friend in this man. You've endured much together, experienced so many things. And through it all he has been by your side, aiding you in your endeavors. Shirou was not here at the beginning of your journey, but he has been so intrinsic to your travels that you cannot imagine having walked your path without him being there.

    In truth, you wonder a little whether you have taken advantage of his good nature. Shirou has always been so accommodating, always willing to tackle whatever might happen. But what of his own desires? Did he have his own dreams before you came along and peaked his interest? What was his life like before he met you?

    All questions you have barely touched upon, so caught up as you are with the present and the future. But your friend doesn't seem to begrudge you that. Shirou hardly seems to begrudge anyone anything. He is always calm, always smiling. It is ironic that a man so peaceful is a member of one of the most militant orders of the Brotherhood of Shinsei.

    "Thank you Shirou-san," you respond, taking a moment to breathe. "I… I think I'll always miss her, but she died a hero, and that's all any of us can ask in the end." You smile wryly, looking up toward the heavens. "I doubt this was what you signed up for when we left your temple was it?"

    "No one ever expects what life eventually throws their way," Shirou answers. "Even the wisest of us can only see but a few paths that make up the Kharmic Wheel. It is a sign of strength that when one road becomes impassible that you can find another to lead you where you need to go."

    "Heh. I suppose so," you say, taking his hand. The monk hauls you up easily. "You have sage words, as always."

    "I am but a man who tries his best with what the world has provided," Shirou says. "If I am able to aid others as they make their own way, then I would consider it good."

    You shake your head and chuckle, something that makes your friend eyes widen in confusion. He's still smiling, though. You're not certain much of anything save combat would make Shirou lose his smile.

    "You're a good man, my friend," you say, clapping Shirou on the shoulder.

    "As I said, I am but one who tries," the monk responds. "But I am happy you think so."

    "I do," you say as you both begin to walk back to the inn. "I do indeed."

    [] Write in.
     
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    • [x] Go see what Muharanok wants to talk about.
    ​
     
    3.8
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    • I would like to apologize for the lack of steady updates this week. My workplace is off for three days thanks to Easter weekend, and that meant there was a big crunch to get everything done in time. Add some bad sleep to the mix and I've just been in a daze all week. I'd like to do a double update today to make up for it, so if there are enough votes come this evening I'll do my best to accommodate.


    [x] Go see what Muharanok wants to talk about.


    You walk side by side with Shirou as you return. What few people are on the road give both of you a wide berth, but you do not mind. While it is your duty to defend the peasantry and rule them, becoming too familiar with the lower classes is unseemly. Some distance is required in order to maintain proper decorum.

    Although… In many ways this could also apply to Shirou. He is a monk, after all. That makes him of the Heimin, though in truth monks have always held an odd place within the social order. They are of it, and yet also outside of it thanks to the ambiguity of the life they held before.

    You glance at the man out of the corner of your eye. He has a faint smile on his lips, as per usual. The monk always seems at ease with his situation, no matter what it might be. Your own mouth begins to quirk up as you observe him. Wherever Shirou stands on the social hierarchy, you know one thing for certain. He is your friend.

    That surety is comforting, and you feel a faint warmth in your chest at the thought. It helps alleviate some of the lingering turmoil within your mind. This last week… You cannot deny it has been hard. You still do not know what to feel about Shasa. You enjoyed her company dearly, held affection for her. In the back of your mind, you wonder if perhaps you even loved her.

    But that is a question you cannot know the answer to. You are still young, and you knew Shasa for barely two months. What do you know of love? You've hardly thought about it at all, and in truth have nothing but nebulous feelings to base your observations upon. Inexperienced as you are, you still realize that is not enough to come to any firm conclusions.

    Even still, there is a soul deep ache within you at Shasa's passing. You've heard before that the passage of time heals wounds, but you are unsure if this one will ever truly vanish.

    Muharanok is still sitting there as you come back to the inn. You approach him warily, though Shirou seems more relaxed. Then again, your friend has also had three days to get used to the ogre's presence. You, on the other hand, are full of fresh memories of the giant tearing great chunks out of a demon's carapace with his oversized sword.

    These things have a way of coloring one's reactions.

    "You wished to speak with me?" you ask.

    "Yes," Muharanok responds, uncrossing his arms to rest them on his knees. "The monk, too, though I wished to wait till you were both ready." The ogre took a deep breath and frowned. "This isn't something I wish to have to repeat."

    "Then let's not dither," you say. "Circling around the point is a waste of time."

    "You cut to the point. That is good," the ogre says back, chuckling. "You two have impressed me with your strength and bravery. I wish to tell you the history of the Mikata."

    You blink. You're not sure what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. The ogre wanted to give you a history lesson? Even more, he wanted to do so because you and Shirou had impressed him? You blink again, and your brow furrows as you are unable to hide your surprise.

    "I am happy to hear your words, should you desire to share them," Shirou says. "Though I find myself curious as to why you would speak of this now."

    "As I said, because you both have impressed me," Muharanok answered. "This is not a tale to be shared with weaklings. I wished to give you a measure of my esteem."

    "There must be more to this," you say. "You took a great risk staying in this village for as long as you have. Would you really have done that simply to show your respect?"

    "You are rather sharp…" Muharanok mutters, rubbing his chin in thought. "Yes, there is more to this than just showing you honor."

    "Then what is it?" you ask. "No games, just straight answers."

    Muharanok sighed. "Because in all of Rokugan there are only a few hundred of the Mikata that retain their minds." His expression shifted, his lips curling downward into something that was not quite a frown, and he looked as if he was gazing upon something far away. "Most of my people are nothing but beasts. As much as I hate the thought, it is clear that we cannot stand alone. To continue as we are will lead to nothing but the death of the Mikata."

    "Are you proposing an alliance?" you ask. "I recall something like this was tried before, and it didn't work."

    "Kayobun was a fool," Muharanok growls. "He made his proposal after warring with your Clan for months. I cannot fathom why he expected anything but the response your Champion Hida Kuon gave him. Our interactions have been more favorable, but do not insult me by believing I am so foolish as thinking we can forge a true accord from just this."

    "Then what is all this for?" you ask. "Why do you want to tell us your people's history in the same breath as your concerns over their destruction?"

    "Because I want you to understand us, even in some small way," Muharanok answers. "The Mikata can live forever, if they are not killed by battle or illness. We have some time yet before my fears might come to pass. In that time, I believe it better to enlighten those amongst your people most worthy of the knowledge." He shrugged. "Perhaps something will come of it, or perhaps not. Regardless, it is better than stewing in bitterness and awaiting our final destruction."

    [] Agree to listen.
    [] Refuse to listen.
    [] Write in.
     
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    • Would this be forbidden or unseemly knowledge? And would it be too bad to acquire knowledge from an ogre if you don't get friendly or familiar with it?
     
    [x] Agree to listen.

    While this forbidden lore in all likelihood, the Crab know a lot of things they shouldn't already, this is sort of like learning about the Shadow Lands.
     
    [x] Agree to listen.

    Putting arrogance aside (because the ogre is saying we're strong enough to learn), I think this will make for an educational experience.
     
    Maybe something like "I'll listen, but don't expect me not to use this knowledge to combat those of your kind that pose a threat to Rokugan." or similar?
     
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