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] Timeskip to Shiro Kitsuki.
[x] Timeskip to Shiro Kitsuki.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] Timeskip to Shiro Kitsuki.
3.36
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Timeskip to Shiro Kitsuki.
The sun hides behind the clouds as your caravan makes its way through the hills, the road smoothing away most of the issues involved with such terrain. Even still, it is slow going. Normally the paths would take you around such hilly country and stay with flatter lands, but since this is the only real way to enter Dragon territory there is no choice but for the highway to travel thus.
Shiro Kitsuki is not so far away now, however, merely a few days distant. It gives you time to properly take in the majesty of the hills, as well as the mountains looming before you. Whereas before they were distant giants, they are practically upon you now. The snow capped peaks stare down at you like gods, clad in green and white.
The wind that blows down from them is chill and biting, and you cannot help but feel awe whenever you look at them. Such natural beauty is a stark contrast with your own barren homeland, or even the lands you've travelled through. There is desolation amongst the mountains, true, but is of a natural sort. Far different from the wastelands wrought by Jigoku, to be sure.
Another benefit of taking so long is that it gives you a chance to confer with your Lord.
"Moto Shinichiro, you say?" he asks, brow furrowing. "I could have sworn all the copies of that one were hunted down and killed. The search was quite thorough after the war ended."
"So the histories say, Yasuki-sama," you respond. "However, Shinjo Wanli-san was quite insistent this was the case, and that she'd been sent by Moto Naleesh-sama herself to speak with the Dragon on this matter."
"To send but one woman…" Yasuki Goro mutters, rubbing his chin. "And the reactions you've described… There's a matter of honor here."
"I suspected something like that myself, Yasuki-sama."
"Very astute," he says distractedly, then drops his hand to his saddle. "Well, it's certainly related enough to our duties, in any event. We shall inform the Dragon some time in the negotiations, and hopefully they will bring Shinjo-san within their lands for further explanation."
"I hope they are amenable to that, my Lord," you say. "From what I've managed to gather, the Dragon and the Dragonfly are still quite angry for all the trouble the Unicorn caused them twenty years ago."
"Yes…" Yasuki Goro says softly. "It was a terrible time. First it was the Dragon-Unicorn war, and then Moto Shinichiro's insanity but a few years later. And all so soon after the great victory against the Shadow Dragon." He sighs. "That was not a good time for anyone, Sosuke-san. Those events made me quite grateful for the relative peace we have had."
"You fought in that war, Yasuki-sama?" you ask, blinking in surprise. You can't imagine your Lord, so adept with words and diplomacy, being involved in such matters.
"I fought against Moto Shinichiro's hordes, yes," your superior responds. "I was barely a few years out of my Gempukku at the time, but I remember. Our forces were so diminished after the war against the Shadow Dragon that Hida Tanaka-sama called forth all hands that could hold a weapon." He closes his eyes a moment and breathes deep before continuing. "Those were hectic weeks, Sosuke-san, against an enemy whom could always replenish its ranks. I hope the Empire never sees their like again."
You stay silent in response to that, for what is there to say? You can't help your unease seeing your lord so disturbed by your news. That even the implacable Yasuki Goro, normally so in control, could show such anxiety speaks of how grave this information could be.
Hopefully events will not come to such drastic degrees as they did that conflict twenty years ago. The Crab have enough to worry about without madmen riding down from the north causing havoc. Fighting two wars at once is the last thing you, or anyone, needs.
What catches your attention the most, however, is the castle itself. Rather, the castles. Shiro Kitsuki is three fortresses placed next to each other, all looming so high they seem to blend into the mountains they're set into. The roofs of the buildings are an emerald green, shining in the light of the afternoon sun. The same color as the trees that make up the forests atop the nearby peaks, almost making the Kitsuki palace appear like giant trees themselves.
An encircling wall, five times the height of a man, connects the castles. Between that and the narrow approach provided by the bridge, it is a well-defended stronghold. You look over the side of that pathway as your caravan crosses, peering into the depths below. It's not a huge drop, perhaps only about sixty feet. That's more than high enough to kill, however. You would not relish having to lead an assault on this castle.
There's no city surrounding it, though. That strikes you as odd, though you suppose with the valley there's a distinct lack of space. The mountains provide an excellent defensive position, as well as solitude, but this comes with some obvious drawbacks. The lack of room is only one of such, with the other being the frigid weather. Your breath comes out as mist as you rub your arms, trying to stay warm against the wind.
The gates are already open as you approach, and there is a tall man in a dark green kimono trimmed with blue, with the Mon of a dragon clinging to a lightning bolt upon his chest. His hair is gray at the temples, and he has a long mustache that reaches down to his chest. Despite his obvious age, his step is spry as he comes close.
"You must be the honorable Yasuki Goro-san," he says, bowing low. "I am Kitsuki Umizo, and I have the honor of being the steward for my lord Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama."
"I am indeed Yasuki Goro," your lord replies, dismounting and bowing back. "Here to speak on behalf of the Crab Clan on a diplomatic mission with your superiors."
"So we have been informed," Umizo responds, rising. "We have been awaiting your arrival eagerly these last few weeks. We have been following your travels as best we can." He smiles. "There is much to discuss."
"Indeed there is," Yasuki Goro says. "In truth, I have been looking forward to our arrival. I've yet to experience the hospitality of the Dragon." He waves a hand, taking in the surroundings. "Your lands are quite beautiful, and your brisk climate refreshing in these summer months."
"We do take a measure of pride in the majesty of the forests and the peaks," Umizo says. "It has taken some time for the forest to recover fully from the troubles of the past, but it is with joy in our hearts that we can say that the true wonder of our lands is shown fully once again."
"I would say that is undeniable, Kitsuki-san," your superior replies. "One would have to be blind to not see the grandeur on display."
"Truly you flatter us, Yasuki-san," Umiko says, bowing again. "Please, come inside! Your quarters have been prepared, and refreshment has been made available." He smiles widely. "No doubt you are tired after your long journey. We would be poor hosts indeed not to see to your needs while you stay within our lands."
"We shall take your offer gladly," Yasuki Goro responds, waving a hand for the caravan to advance. Servants come out from inside to handle your horses and luggage. "And, if I might be so bold, when would Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama be available to begin negotiations?"
"Knowing that you would be weary after so many days on the road, my Lord wished to begin speaking of such things no earlier than after you have had one full night of rest, Yasuki-san."
"Kitsuki-sama is quite generous," your Lord says back. "To grant us time to refresh before speaking on such important matters."
"We do our best to be hospitable," Umizo replies as he leads you all inside the castle proper. The air warms up immediately once you are out of the wind, something you are grateful for. "It is always best to go into these matters with a clear mind, after all. When one is well rested, it is easier to achieve clarity of thought."
"Wise words indeed," Yasuki Goro says. "As expected from the Dragon. I look forward to our time together."
[] Request food.
[] Request a bath.
[] Timeskip to the next day.
[] Write in.
The sun hides behind the clouds as your caravan makes its way through the hills, the road smoothing away most of the issues involved with such terrain. Even still, it is slow going. Normally the paths would take you around such hilly country and stay with flatter lands, but since this is the only real way to enter Dragon territory there is no choice but for the highway to travel thus.
Shiro Kitsuki is not so far away now, however, merely a few days distant. It gives you time to properly take in the majesty of the hills, as well as the mountains looming before you. Whereas before they were distant giants, they are practically upon you now. The snow capped peaks stare down at you like gods, clad in green and white.
The wind that blows down from them is chill and biting, and you cannot help but feel awe whenever you look at them. Such natural beauty is a stark contrast with your own barren homeland, or even the lands you've travelled through. There is desolation amongst the mountains, true, but is of a natural sort. Far different from the wastelands wrought by Jigoku, to be sure.
Another benefit of taking so long is that it gives you a chance to confer with your Lord.
"Moto Shinichiro, you say?" he asks, brow furrowing. "I could have sworn all the copies of that one were hunted down and killed. The search was quite thorough after the war ended."
"So the histories say, Yasuki-sama," you respond. "However, Shinjo Wanli-san was quite insistent this was the case, and that she'd been sent by Moto Naleesh-sama herself to speak with the Dragon on this matter."
"To send but one woman…" Yasuki Goro mutters, rubbing his chin. "And the reactions you've described… There's a matter of honor here."
"I suspected something like that myself, Yasuki-sama."
"Very astute," he says distractedly, then drops his hand to his saddle. "Well, it's certainly related enough to our duties, in any event. We shall inform the Dragon some time in the negotiations, and hopefully they will bring Shinjo-san within their lands for further explanation."
"I hope they are amenable to that, my Lord," you say. "From what I've managed to gather, the Dragon and the Dragonfly are still quite angry for all the trouble the Unicorn caused them twenty years ago."
"Yes…" Yasuki Goro says softly. "It was a terrible time. First it was the Dragon-Unicorn war, and then Moto Shinichiro's insanity but a few years later. And all so soon after the great victory against the Shadow Dragon." He sighs. "That was not a good time for anyone, Sosuke-san. Those events made me quite grateful for the relative peace we have had."
"You fought in that war, Yasuki-sama?" you ask, blinking in surprise. You can't imagine your Lord, so adept with words and diplomacy, being involved in such matters.
"I fought against Moto Shinichiro's hordes, yes," your superior responds. "I was barely a few years out of my Gempukku at the time, but I remember. Our forces were so diminished after the war against the Shadow Dragon that Hida Tanaka-sama called forth all hands that could hold a weapon." He closes his eyes a moment and breathes deep before continuing. "Those were hectic weeks, Sosuke-san, against an enemy whom could always replenish its ranks. I hope the Empire never sees their like again."
You stay silent in response to that, for what is there to say? You can't help your unease seeing your lord so disturbed by your news. That even the implacable Yasuki Goro, normally so in control, could show such anxiety speaks of how grave this information could be.
Hopefully events will not come to such drastic degrees as they did that conflict twenty years ago. The Crab have enough to worry about without madmen riding down from the north causing havoc. Fighting two wars at once is the last thing you, or anyone, needs.
o\O/o
It is four days later when you arrive at the bridge leading to Shiro Kitsuki. The castle rests nestled among the mountains across a shallow valley, blocking what looks like the only clear way further into their lands. Any other way would require going into the Spine of the World Mountains proper, and as you observe those towering heights you can't imagine anyone being that foolish. This terrain would be terrible for any army to move across.
What catches your attention the most, however, is the castle itself. Rather, the castles. Shiro Kitsuki is three fortresses placed next to each other, all looming so high they seem to blend into the mountains they're set into. The roofs of the buildings are an emerald green, shining in the light of the afternoon sun. The same color as the trees that make up the forests atop the nearby peaks, almost making the Kitsuki palace appear like giant trees themselves.
An encircling wall, five times the height of a man, connects the castles. Between that and the narrow approach provided by the bridge, it is a well-defended stronghold. You look over the side of that pathway as your caravan crosses, peering into the depths below. It's not a huge drop, perhaps only about sixty feet. That's more than high enough to kill, however. You would not relish having to lead an assault on this castle.
There's no city surrounding it, though. That strikes you as odd, though you suppose with the valley there's a distinct lack of space. The mountains provide an excellent defensive position, as well as solitude, but this comes with some obvious drawbacks. The lack of room is only one of such, with the other being the frigid weather. Your breath comes out as mist as you rub your arms, trying to stay warm against the wind.
The gates are already open as you approach, and there is a tall man in a dark green kimono trimmed with blue, with the Mon of a dragon clinging to a lightning bolt upon his chest. His hair is gray at the temples, and he has a long mustache that reaches down to his chest. Despite his obvious age, his step is spry as he comes close.
"You must be the honorable Yasuki Goro-san," he says, bowing low. "I am Kitsuki Umizo, and I have the honor of being the steward for my lord Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama."
"I am indeed Yasuki Goro," your lord replies, dismounting and bowing back. "Here to speak on behalf of the Crab Clan on a diplomatic mission with your superiors."
"So we have been informed," Umizo responds, rising. "We have been awaiting your arrival eagerly these last few weeks. We have been following your travels as best we can." He smiles. "There is much to discuss."
"Indeed there is," Yasuki Goro says. "In truth, I have been looking forward to our arrival. I've yet to experience the hospitality of the Dragon." He waves a hand, taking in the surroundings. "Your lands are quite beautiful, and your brisk climate refreshing in these summer months."
"We do take a measure of pride in the majesty of the forests and the peaks," Umizo says. "It has taken some time for the forest to recover fully from the troubles of the past, but it is with joy in our hearts that we can say that the true wonder of our lands is shown fully once again."
"I would say that is undeniable, Kitsuki-san," your superior replies. "One would have to be blind to not see the grandeur on display."
"Truly you flatter us, Yasuki-san," Umiko says, bowing again. "Please, come inside! Your quarters have been prepared, and refreshment has been made available." He smiles widely. "No doubt you are tired after your long journey. We would be poor hosts indeed not to see to your needs while you stay within our lands."
"We shall take your offer gladly," Yasuki Goro responds, waving a hand for the caravan to advance. Servants come out from inside to handle your horses and luggage. "And, if I might be so bold, when would Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama be available to begin negotiations?"
"Knowing that you would be weary after so many days on the road, my Lord wished to begin speaking of such things no earlier than after you have had one full night of rest, Yasuki-san."
"Kitsuki-sama is quite generous," your Lord says back. "To grant us time to refresh before speaking on such important matters."
"We do our best to be hospitable," Umizo replies as he leads you all inside the castle proper. The air warms up immediately once you are out of the wind, something you are grateful for. "It is always best to go into these matters with a clear mind, after all. When one is well rested, it is easier to achieve clarity of thought."
"Wise words indeed," Yasuki Goro says. "As expected from the Dragon. I look forward to our time together."
[] Request food.
[] Request a bath.
[] Timeskip to the next day.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
- Location
- Austrlia
[x] Request a bath.
I'll go for 2 to 1. I've got 50 Internet's against. Any takers?
I'll go for 2 to 1. I've got 50 Internet's against. Any takers?
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] Request a bath.
Requesting a bath after we have been specifically offered the opportunity of a bath? Nothing wrong with that. Also, there's a bit of subtle back-and-forth in that intro scene. I honestly can't tell how much of it is actually *there*.
...as is right and proper.
So... looks like this is the place we've come to have our negotiations. Not surprising, as the Kitsuki are the courtiers of the Dragon. Might I ask what other clans are likely to have representatives here? If this is the primary diplomatic court of the Dragon, it seems like there would be at least a few.
Requesting a bath after we have been specifically offered the opportunity of a bath? Nothing wrong with that. Also, there's a bit of subtle back-and-forth in that intro scene. I honestly can't tell how much of it is actually *there*.
...as is right and proper.
So... looks like this is the place we've come to have our negotiations. Not surprising, as the Kitsuki are the courtiers of the Dragon. Might I ask what other clans are likely to have representatives here? If this is the primary diplomatic court of the Dragon, it seems like there would be at least a few.
Off hand you're likely to see some from the Phoenix, the Lion and the Scorpion. As well as possibly the Crane.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] Request a bath.
3.37
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Request a bath.
"I think I'll wash up," you say as you all approach some stairs. "A bath sounds heavenly after all the traveling we've done."
"Very good, Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro replies. "For myself, I'm going to get something to eat. I'm quite finished with trail food for the time being. And you, Shirou-san?"
"I'll visit the shrine," the monk answers, smiling. "There do not seem to be any storms on the horizon, so I will worship as best I can with what I have."
"Ah, yes. An adherent to Osano-wo," Umizo says, nodding. "I will have a servant direct you to the shrine, good monk. And another to lead you to the bathes, Hiruma-san."
A few minutes later you are following a demure servant down the hallways deeper into Shiro Kitsuki. You're still on the ground floor, but you get the feeling you're not really in the castle proper any more. The walls seem carved rather than constructed, with different veins of rock tracing down the hallway. It seems you are going a ways into the mountains themselves.
The servant leaves after showing you to the undressing room filled with small cabinets for your clothes. Two doors at the end of the room mark the entrances to the men and women's baths, something you can't help but smile at. On the Wall, room is even more scarce than here amongst the Dragon. Every square foot is filled with fortifications and traps, so the idea of separate bathing areas is ludicrous.
Mostly, the warriors of the Crab just get themselves cleaned as quickly as possible and go about their business. Attacks can come at any time, and everyone has to be ready. That means what few bathing areas there are will always be packed with men and women wiping away the grime of the day.
You undress quickly, putting your clothes in a small cubby and settling your weapons on a rack. Towels are, of course, provided and you wrap one around yourself. With this, you are ready to begin your bath.
Heat washes over you when you open the doors, and you instinctively flinch back as a rush of steam hits your face. When you can see again, you gape. The room is almost entirely unhewn rock, the slick walls reflecting the light of lanterns. In the middle is a large pool, cut in half by a wooden partition, and you can detect the faint smell of sulfur in the air.
"A true hot spring," you say, a smile cutting your face in two. "How lucky for me!"
There's no one else in the room, no doubt because it is still a few hours from evening. That means you have this glorious bath all to yourself. You grab some soap and scrub down quickly, washing away the dirt and sweat so you won't pollute the spring. A quick dunk with a bucket full of water takes soap away and leaves your body clean.
A sigh escapes your lips as you slip into the water, the heat soaking into your muscles. You can practically feel your bruises fade beneath that rejuvenating warmth. It's no surprise, considering hot springs are supposed to be medicinal. As you relax, you find yourself believing those stories.
You close your eyes in contentment and simply allow yourself to soak. It has been a long journey to reach these lands, and ending your travels with such a refreshing bath is wondrous indeed. Truly, the hospitality of the dragon is a grand thing if they can provide such treatment for their guests. Drowsiness takes you slowly, and as you slouch deeper into the water you feel nothing could take away this pleasant experience.
"Is someone there?" calls a light, feminine voice from across the partition. "I can hear you on the other side of the room."
[] Write in.
"I think I'll wash up," you say as you all approach some stairs. "A bath sounds heavenly after all the traveling we've done."
"Very good, Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro replies. "For myself, I'm going to get something to eat. I'm quite finished with trail food for the time being. And you, Shirou-san?"
"I'll visit the shrine," the monk answers, smiling. "There do not seem to be any storms on the horizon, so I will worship as best I can with what I have."
"Ah, yes. An adherent to Osano-wo," Umizo says, nodding. "I will have a servant direct you to the shrine, good monk. And another to lead you to the bathes, Hiruma-san."
A few minutes later you are following a demure servant down the hallways deeper into Shiro Kitsuki. You're still on the ground floor, but you get the feeling you're not really in the castle proper any more. The walls seem carved rather than constructed, with different veins of rock tracing down the hallway. It seems you are going a ways into the mountains themselves.
The servant leaves after showing you to the undressing room filled with small cabinets for your clothes. Two doors at the end of the room mark the entrances to the men and women's baths, something you can't help but smile at. On the Wall, room is even more scarce than here amongst the Dragon. Every square foot is filled with fortifications and traps, so the idea of separate bathing areas is ludicrous.
Mostly, the warriors of the Crab just get themselves cleaned as quickly as possible and go about their business. Attacks can come at any time, and everyone has to be ready. That means what few bathing areas there are will always be packed with men and women wiping away the grime of the day.
You undress quickly, putting your clothes in a small cubby and settling your weapons on a rack. Towels are, of course, provided and you wrap one around yourself. With this, you are ready to begin your bath.
Heat washes over you when you open the doors, and you instinctively flinch back as a rush of steam hits your face. When you can see again, you gape. The room is almost entirely unhewn rock, the slick walls reflecting the light of lanterns. In the middle is a large pool, cut in half by a wooden partition, and you can detect the faint smell of sulfur in the air.
"A true hot spring," you say, a smile cutting your face in two. "How lucky for me!"
There's no one else in the room, no doubt because it is still a few hours from evening. That means you have this glorious bath all to yourself. You grab some soap and scrub down quickly, washing away the dirt and sweat so you won't pollute the spring. A quick dunk with a bucket full of water takes soap away and leaves your body clean.
A sigh escapes your lips as you slip into the water, the heat soaking into your muscles. You can practically feel your bruises fade beneath that rejuvenating warmth. It's no surprise, considering hot springs are supposed to be medicinal. As you relax, you find yourself believing those stories.
You close your eyes in contentment and simply allow yourself to soak. It has been a long journey to reach these lands, and ending your travels with such a refreshing bath is wondrous indeed. Truly, the hospitality of the dragon is a grand thing if they can provide such treatment for their guests. Drowsiness takes you slowly, and as you slouch deeper into the water you feel nothing could take away this pleasant experience.
"Is someone there?" calls a light, feminine voice from across the partition. "I can hear you on the other side of the room."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
Well someone certainly called it.