Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Gonna need a few more votes.
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Schwer-Muta
A Shy Arrogance
[X] Note the probably-tainted food to Talak'tet in case he wants any of it.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Note the probably-tainted food to Talak'tet in case he wants any of it.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[X] Note the probably-tainted food to Talak'tet in case he wants any of it.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
And one minor modification:
[X] If possible, try to minimize the degree to which the injured nezumi on our back is being jarred around, because broken ribs bouncing around in your chest is probably excruciatingly painful
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
And one minor modification:
[X] If possible, try to minimize the degree to which the injured nezumi on our back is being jarred around, because broken ribs bouncing around in your chest is probably excruciatingly painful
Sirrocco
Pedantic
@The Sandman Reasonable. I've edited my initial vote to include something similar.
1.25
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Note the probably-tainted food to Talak'tet in case he wants any of it.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
"Best not waste any more daylight," you say. You turn to where you emptied the Warmonger's pack, careful not to shift your shoulders too much. "Do you want any of the Goblin's rations? They're almost certainly Tainted, but that's not an issue for you."
Talak'tet sniffs the air in the direction of the rations and scowls. "Fah! Smells like troll meat. I'm not desperate enough yet for that."
"Fair enough," you say. "Then I guess we should head out."
You make your way out of the hills and back into the wastelands proper. The sky is still overcast, and the ground is still broken. The Shadowlands are still a dangerous, awful stain on the world. That hasn't changed in the least. But you'll admit there's a kind of comfort in traveling with other people as opposed to just yourself.
You keep your pace steady, but realize early into the march you can't walk as quickly as you could before. It's not a great decrease in speed, but it's certainly noticeable. Talak'tet, even with his injury, is keeping pace with you easily. You move as quickly as you can without risking further injury to Jarit'ya, but set your stride more for endurance than pure speed. You're going to do you best to cover as much distance you can before the day ends, not before the hour is up.
You and Talak'tet walk in silence for quite some time, the sun making its way beyond the cloud covering. After just a few days you barely even notice the horrible, muggy stench of this land. You suppose you can get used to just about anything if you're around it enough, though after giving that notion some thought you realize that might just be a mixed blessing where the Shadowlands are concerned. The Shadowlands were not overwhelming your senses with its mere presence like earlier, but at the same time getting too comfortable could make you complacent and sloppy.
Not taking the Shadowlands seriously has spelled the death of more than one Samurai in the past. It would be a shame to meet such a fate before you've had the chance to perform your duties for your Clan.
As the sun begins to go down, you hear a slight muttering by your ear. You look over your shoulder and see Jarit'ya talking to himself, his eyes closed. He's speaking rapidly, but not in words you can understand. It's chittering and squeaks, no doubt the native tongue of the Nezumi. Jarit'ya shudders faintly, and you notice there are tears in his eyes. It seems he's been weeping for some time.
"He's delusional," Talak'tet says, answering your unspoken question. "He's rambling about the Before Time, when the Nezumi were all united in the first One Tribe. He's crying over its loss."
You blink in confusion. "But why? What brought this on?"
"It is probably this place that does it." Talak'tet waves a hand around, taking in the Shadowlands. "The Shamans tell us all this was once the land of the Nezumi. We had an Empire then, a Great Home. We were mighty, and feared nothing." Talak'tet expression falls. "But then the Terrible Day happened. A gaping hole was torn in the world, and out from it poured demons and terrors that hate the Nezumi. They killed us in the tens of thousands, and our Great Home was destroyed."
Is he talking about the Festering Pit? you wonder, curious despite yourself. You'll be the first to admit you're not the most studious Samurai, and aside from battles you've never had much interest in history. Even still, you have to admit this knowledge of your allies' history is pretty interesting.
"Thus began our race against Tomorrow," Talak'tet continues, shuddering. "Tomorrow is an evil, terrible thing that hates the Nezumi. It chases us, brings pain and suffering. We must always run from Tomorrow, even though we know it will eventually take us. The Nezumi have fought Tomorrow many times, and beaten it back, but we know it won't last." The Nezumi's shoulders slump a little, and he smiles sadly. "Eventually will come the After Time, and the Nezumi will be no more."
You really don't know what to say to that. The Crab are a dour people in general, and you are no exception. It's hard to appreciate the finer things in life when you're in a war that has no end. But this fatalism you're hearing from Talak'tet… It's honestly a little disturbing. How can anyone, much less an entire people, continue on when you believe that the future itself wishes you dead?
"There," Talak'tet says as he points, pulling you out of your thoughts and directing your gaze to a large grouping of boulders set together. "We have another scout burrow under there." The Nezumi looks up to the sky. The sun is beginning to dip low by the horizon, and by your figuring it will be night in an hour or so. "We should probably set up now, while we still have some daylight."
[] Write in.
[X] Start heading south.
[X] Try to move efficiently. Pick a pace that will let you cover the most ground per day, rather than the most ground per hour.
"Best not waste any more daylight," you say. You turn to where you emptied the Warmonger's pack, careful not to shift your shoulders too much. "Do you want any of the Goblin's rations? They're almost certainly Tainted, but that's not an issue for you."
Talak'tet sniffs the air in the direction of the rations and scowls. "Fah! Smells like troll meat. I'm not desperate enough yet for that."
"Fair enough," you say. "Then I guess we should head out."
You make your way out of the hills and back into the wastelands proper. The sky is still overcast, and the ground is still broken. The Shadowlands are still a dangerous, awful stain on the world. That hasn't changed in the least. But you'll admit there's a kind of comfort in traveling with other people as opposed to just yourself.
You keep your pace steady, but realize early into the march you can't walk as quickly as you could before. It's not a great decrease in speed, but it's certainly noticeable. Talak'tet, even with his injury, is keeping pace with you easily. You move as quickly as you can without risking further injury to Jarit'ya, but set your stride more for endurance than pure speed. You're going to do you best to cover as much distance you can before the day ends, not before the hour is up.
You and Talak'tet walk in silence for quite some time, the sun making its way beyond the cloud covering. After just a few days you barely even notice the horrible, muggy stench of this land. You suppose you can get used to just about anything if you're around it enough, though after giving that notion some thought you realize that might just be a mixed blessing where the Shadowlands are concerned. The Shadowlands were not overwhelming your senses with its mere presence like earlier, but at the same time getting too comfortable could make you complacent and sloppy.
Not taking the Shadowlands seriously has spelled the death of more than one Samurai in the past. It would be a shame to meet such a fate before you've had the chance to perform your duties for your Clan.
As the sun begins to go down, you hear a slight muttering by your ear. You look over your shoulder and see Jarit'ya talking to himself, his eyes closed. He's speaking rapidly, but not in words you can understand. It's chittering and squeaks, no doubt the native tongue of the Nezumi. Jarit'ya shudders faintly, and you notice there are tears in his eyes. It seems he's been weeping for some time.
"He's delusional," Talak'tet says, answering your unspoken question. "He's rambling about the Before Time, when the Nezumi were all united in the first One Tribe. He's crying over its loss."
You blink in confusion. "But why? What brought this on?"
"It is probably this place that does it." Talak'tet waves a hand around, taking in the Shadowlands. "The Shamans tell us all this was once the land of the Nezumi. We had an Empire then, a Great Home. We were mighty, and feared nothing." Talak'tet expression falls. "But then the Terrible Day happened. A gaping hole was torn in the world, and out from it poured demons and terrors that hate the Nezumi. They killed us in the tens of thousands, and our Great Home was destroyed."
Is he talking about the Festering Pit? you wonder, curious despite yourself. You'll be the first to admit you're not the most studious Samurai, and aside from battles you've never had much interest in history. Even still, you have to admit this knowledge of your allies' history is pretty interesting.
"Thus began our race against Tomorrow," Talak'tet continues, shuddering. "Tomorrow is an evil, terrible thing that hates the Nezumi. It chases us, brings pain and suffering. We must always run from Tomorrow, even though we know it will eventually take us. The Nezumi have fought Tomorrow many times, and beaten it back, but we know it won't last." The Nezumi's shoulders slump a little, and he smiles sadly. "Eventually will come the After Time, and the Nezumi will be no more."
You really don't know what to say to that. The Crab are a dour people in general, and you are no exception. It's hard to appreciate the finer things in life when you're in a war that has no end. But this fatalism you're hearing from Talak'tet… It's honestly a little disturbing. How can anyone, much less an entire people, continue on when you believe that the future itself wishes you dead?
"There," Talak'tet says as he points, pulling you out of your thoughts and directing your gaze to a large grouping of boulders set together. "We have another scout burrow under there." The Nezumi looks up to the sky. The sun is beginning to dip low by the horizon, and by your figuring it will be night in an hour or so. "We should probably set up now, while we still have some daylight."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
[x] It would be foolish to have the advice of subject matter experts like the Nezumi and then ignore it. We stop here.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] It would be foolish to have the advice of subject matter experts like the Nezumi and then ignore it. We stop here.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
- Location
- Canada
[x] It would be foolish to have the advice of subject matter experts like the Nezumi and then ignore it. We stop here.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
1.26
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] It would be foolish to have the advice of subject matter experts like the Nezumi and then ignore it. We stop here.
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
"I agree," you say. In truth, you'd like if you could walk a bit more, but your legs are starting to ache a bit and your shoulders are getting sore. There's a time and a place to press on despite adversity, and you figure this isn't it. "Best check it out in case some creature has infested it, though."
"I was just thinking that," Talak'tet says. He rushes over to the secret door and pulls it aside, sniffing down the hole. He frowns for a little bit, and then draws a knife. He throws it down the hole, and you hear a faint squealing sound. He throws two more knives down, and the squealing dies.
Talak'tet enters and comes out with a weakly writhing plant with a bulbed tip and a stalk that looks like bone. He throws it away and into the mass of boulders before wiping his paw on the ground.
"Takesasu," Talak'tet says. "Little patch of it was growing a ways into the burrow in a small cleft. Got rid of the stalks, but we'll have to burn that spot just to ensure the roots are gone."
You nod your head in agreement. Takesasu are nasty plants. Their flowers contain barbed tips that hold a paralytic toxin. Any poor fool so felled by the plant would then be injected with more fluids that would digest the victim while still alive so that the Takesasu could properly devour its prey. It is a slow, painful death by any measure.
You and Talak'tet wander into the tunnel, keeping an eye out for any more invasive Shadowlands flora. You don't spot anything in the room save accumulated piles of shiny junk, and after gently setting down the still muttering Jarit'ya you and Talak'tet go back up to deal with what's left of the Takesasu. You use your shovel to dig up the ground it rests on before taking out your flint and tinder. It takes a few minutes, but soon enough every piece of the plant is burned away. It leaves a foul stench, but you figure that's better than giving the damned thing a chance to regrow.
That finished, you sit down in the burrow and work out the kinks in your shoulders. You're a tad stiff, but overall it isn't too bad. Still, you didn't make as much time as you would have liked this day. You figure if you hadn't been carrying Jarit'ya you might have been able to make it a few more miles before you needed to stop.
Talak'tet sits down on the other side of the room, looking over his bandages. He winces a little bit as he peels them off, but the wound doesn't appear to be bleeding any more. He pulls out some more bandages from his pack and wraps himself up quickly and efficiently.
Your day is finished, and it will be dark soon. Jarit'ya is settled in as comfortably as he's going to get, and Talak'tet looks like he has a firm grasp on his own injuries. There's really no matters left that require your immediate attention.
[] Talk with Talak'tet. (Write in.)
[] Go to sleep. (Roll Will for dreamless rest.)
[x] Be careful entering the burrow, just in case some native creature has infested it.
"I agree," you say. In truth, you'd like if you could walk a bit more, but your legs are starting to ache a bit and your shoulders are getting sore. There's a time and a place to press on despite adversity, and you figure this isn't it. "Best check it out in case some creature has infested it, though."
"I was just thinking that," Talak'tet says. He rushes over to the secret door and pulls it aside, sniffing down the hole. He frowns for a little bit, and then draws a knife. He throws it down the hole, and you hear a faint squealing sound. He throws two more knives down, and the squealing dies.
Talak'tet enters and comes out with a weakly writhing plant with a bulbed tip and a stalk that looks like bone. He throws it away and into the mass of boulders before wiping his paw on the ground.
"Takesasu," Talak'tet says. "Little patch of it was growing a ways into the burrow in a small cleft. Got rid of the stalks, but we'll have to burn that spot just to ensure the roots are gone."
You nod your head in agreement. Takesasu are nasty plants. Their flowers contain barbed tips that hold a paralytic toxin. Any poor fool so felled by the plant would then be injected with more fluids that would digest the victim while still alive so that the Takesasu could properly devour its prey. It is a slow, painful death by any measure.
You and Talak'tet wander into the tunnel, keeping an eye out for any more invasive Shadowlands flora. You don't spot anything in the room save accumulated piles of shiny junk, and after gently setting down the still muttering Jarit'ya you and Talak'tet go back up to deal with what's left of the Takesasu. You use your shovel to dig up the ground it rests on before taking out your flint and tinder. It takes a few minutes, but soon enough every piece of the plant is burned away. It leaves a foul stench, but you figure that's better than giving the damned thing a chance to regrow.
That finished, you sit down in the burrow and work out the kinks in your shoulders. You're a tad stiff, but overall it isn't too bad. Still, you didn't make as much time as you would have liked this day. You figure if you hadn't been carrying Jarit'ya you might have been able to make it a few more miles before you needed to stop.
Talak'tet sits down on the other side of the room, looking over his bandages. He winces a little bit as he peels them off, but the wound doesn't appear to be bleeding any more. He pulls out some more bandages from his pack and wraps himself up quickly and efficiently.
Your day is finished, and it will be dark soon. Jarit'ya is settled in as comfortably as he's going to get, and Talak'tet looks like he has a firm grasp on his own injuries. There's really no matters left that require your immediate attention.
[] Talk with Talak'tet. (Write in.)
[] Go to sleep. (Roll Will for dreamless rest.)
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Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Talk with Talak'tet. (get into a VS. fight about favorite foods.)
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[X] Talk with Talak'tet.
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] Talk about girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] Talk about girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
Last edited:
Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
[X] Talk with Talak'tet.
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] About: girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
Man this is gonna backfire so much when talking about wominz...so hilariously.
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] About: girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
Man this is gonna backfire so much when talking about wominz...so hilariously.
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The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[X] Talk with Talak'tet
- [X] About: girls.
Teenage guy facing the prospect of death in combat shortly and the guarantee of a betrothal later? Rokugan may be quite different from our world, but some things are the same wherever you have humans.
- [X] About: girls.
Teenage guy facing the prospect of death in combat shortly and the guarantee of a betrothal later? Rokugan may be quite different from our world, but some things are the same wherever you have humans.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
I'm convinced. Vote edited.
1.27
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Talk with Talak'tet.
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] Talk about girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
You lean against a portion of the wall relatively clear of junk and set your weapons near by. Sitting down as you are you can't really keep them settling on you comfortably. Even still, you want them in easy reach should you need them.
But for now, you don't think of combat. You have a moment to rest and catch your breath, and perhaps better get to know your new comrade. After all, you've both fought together side by side. You've shed blood for each other, and that means something. It would be a good idea to build off that and perhaps towards a true friendship if you can manage it.
"How long have you been out here?" you ask Talak'tet. "The Nezumi live in the Great Home of the Shinomen Forest, yes? I know some still scout for the Crab, but from what you told me earlier you must have been out here a long time."
"Four months, give or take. Time is difficult to tell in the Shadowlands," Talak'tet responds. "We're one of five scout troops all working together, actually. We make a few deep runs toward the West, but we can't stay out there too long. The closer you get to the Pit, the more trouble you find. But most of those larger groups have been staying out to the West and away from the Wall, making this area relatively safe. Until now, anyway."
"Interesting," you say. "So you haven't been able to keep up with the latest news, then?"
"No," Talak'tet says, frowning. "Has something happened?"
"Only the usual when the Shadowlands are quiet for a few years," you say. You can't help but scowl. "Some of the other Clans are wondering if the Crab really need all the resources we're asking for. The Crane especially." You spit off to the side. "Ungrateful bastards."
"Truly?" Talak'tet asks, his expression incredulous. "How can they not realize just how many horrors lie beyond the Wall, waiting to attack?"
"It's considered 'impolite' to talk about the Shadowlands in conversation," you mutter, not bothering to hide the scorn from your voice. "So it's not brought up much. Never mind that the only reason the other Clans rest safe is because of the sacrifices of both our peoples."
Talak'tet shakes his head. "That's too strange for me to grasp, Hiruma Sosuke. The Nezumi will often run from danger. We'll be the first to admit that we don't see any shame in retreat. But to ignore threats altogether? It just seems too ridiculous."
"Can't say I understand it much either," you say, shrugging your shoulders. "Still, one good thing from this assault is that it might remind the other Clans just who keeps the monsters away."
Talak'tet laughs. "Yes, I can appreciate that! Find the good in every situation, Hiruma Sosuke. Life is too short to waste away precious moments."
The Nezumi's words strike you as a little odd, considering the rather fatalist conversation you had with him outside. Then again, you're not sure if Talak'tet's view on life is standard amongst all Nezumi or simply unique to him. You know the Nezumi are allies, but in truth you've really not interacted with them all that much.
Though, now that you've got more time to truly look at your companion, you can appreciate just how old he must actually be amongst his people. Nezumi don't often live much past forty unless they're Shamans or Remembers. If Talak'tet has gray hair then he's lived quite some time where his kind is concerned, and likely crammed a lot of living in that time period.
Maybe he can help you with a question you've been having the last few years as you've approached adulthood?
"So I was wondering…" you begin, unsure of how to proceed. You frown and look down, trying to find the proper words. Sadly, eloquence is not your strong suit. You are trained in bludgeoning things to death, not speeches.
Talak'tet notices your unease, and leans forward with both paws on his legs. "Yes, Hiruma Sosuke? Come now, do not be embarrassed. We are allies! You don't need to hide anything from me."
Your face goes a little red at the accusation of embarrassment, and if Talak'tet had been human you would have lashed out. But he's not human. Talak'tet is a Nezumi. He does not follow Bushido. You don't have to concern yourself about keeping face in front of him, at least not completely. You can afford to let your worries out a little bit.
You take a deep breath and continue. "You know I'm young, but approaching adulthood, right?"
"I'm aware of the Gempukku tradition, yes," Talak'tet responds.
"Well, pretty soon after it's complete I'm going to get set up for betrothal. Marriage, you know?" Your face begins to turn a little red again. "And I… uh… I really don't know what to do with girls."
Talak'tet blinks at you and tilts his head. "What?"
"I just don't!" you say as your face reddens further. "I mean, the only real experience I've had with girls is training and fighting! But some girls are really pretty, and I don't really know what I'm supposed to do. I don't really know how to handle the… gentle stuff? You know, courting and all that."
Talak'tet's head tilts a little further, and he blinks again. "Are you asking me for advice?"
You swear your face could not get any redder. It feels like all the blood in your body is trying to burst out of your ears. You turn your head to the side and mumble, "I guess so, yeah."
"Well," Talak'tet says, straightening. "There are likely some difference between Nezumi and Human courtships, so I'm not sure just how useful my words will be. But if I was to recommend anything, first I would say to get a big stick."
You look back at him, confused. "What?"
"Find a big stick," Talak'tet says. "And then carve all your deeds onto it. The whole stick must be covered in tales of your majesty. Go into great detail! Then, you must dance around the female clothed in nothing but what you were born with. Show off your physique! Let her know that you can protect her and the cubs she bears."
"What?" you ask again, growing more and more bewildered as the Nezumi goes on.
"And when other suitors come, presenting their own sticks, bash them over the head with yours! Show that you are the only one worthy of her affections, and that no one else could possibly best you in skill or strength."
You don't say anything. Your jaw drops, and you're imagining the utter horror on your parents' faces if you did such things with a potential spouse. It's ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! Your Daimyo might just demand you commit Seppuku to make up for the scene you cause! At the very least, your parents would probably disown you.
"After that you must dance with her around a raging fire for a full night, pursuing her while she runs from you. Eventually, if you have caught her interest, she will chase after you. You must run from her then, to see if she is truly dedicated to having you as a mate. Then, once you are both exhausted from your exertions, you must chuck your stick into the fire and embrace her. That will show that you are willing to cast aside all personal glory for your pups and the Tribe."
There is silence as you stare at Talak'tet, not sure of what to say. Talak'tet, for his part, just smiles at you innocently. At least, you think it's an innocent smile. You're not too good at reading expressions on his rat like face. But you're pretty certain he's grinning, at least.
What do you say to something like that?
[] Write in.
- [X] Pass on what you know about pertinent goings-on among the Crab, especially what might be going on in Shinsei's Last Rest, and get a heads-up on anything he might know about the rest of the ground you'll be traveling over.
- [X] Talk about girls. We have no idea what to do with them, and here's an older man we can talk with on the topic without any fear of loss of face. Sure, Nezumi are a little different about some things, but some information has got to be better than no information, right?
You lean against a portion of the wall relatively clear of junk and set your weapons near by. Sitting down as you are you can't really keep them settling on you comfortably. Even still, you want them in easy reach should you need them.
But for now, you don't think of combat. You have a moment to rest and catch your breath, and perhaps better get to know your new comrade. After all, you've both fought together side by side. You've shed blood for each other, and that means something. It would be a good idea to build off that and perhaps towards a true friendship if you can manage it.
"How long have you been out here?" you ask Talak'tet. "The Nezumi live in the Great Home of the Shinomen Forest, yes? I know some still scout for the Crab, but from what you told me earlier you must have been out here a long time."
"Four months, give or take. Time is difficult to tell in the Shadowlands," Talak'tet responds. "We're one of five scout troops all working together, actually. We make a few deep runs toward the West, but we can't stay out there too long. The closer you get to the Pit, the more trouble you find. But most of those larger groups have been staying out to the West and away from the Wall, making this area relatively safe. Until now, anyway."
"Interesting," you say. "So you haven't been able to keep up with the latest news, then?"
"No," Talak'tet says, frowning. "Has something happened?"
"Only the usual when the Shadowlands are quiet for a few years," you say. You can't help but scowl. "Some of the other Clans are wondering if the Crab really need all the resources we're asking for. The Crane especially." You spit off to the side. "Ungrateful bastards."
"Truly?" Talak'tet asks, his expression incredulous. "How can they not realize just how many horrors lie beyond the Wall, waiting to attack?"
"It's considered 'impolite' to talk about the Shadowlands in conversation," you mutter, not bothering to hide the scorn from your voice. "So it's not brought up much. Never mind that the only reason the other Clans rest safe is because of the sacrifices of both our peoples."
Talak'tet shakes his head. "That's too strange for me to grasp, Hiruma Sosuke. The Nezumi will often run from danger. We'll be the first to admit that we don't see any shame in retreat. But to ignore threats altogether? It just seems too ridiculous."
"Can't say I understand it much either," you say, shrugging your shoulders. "Still, one good thing from this assault is that it might remind the other Clans just who keeps the monsters away."
Talak'tet laughs. "Yes, I can appreciate that! Find the good in every situation, Hiruma Sosuke. Life is too short to waste away precious moments."
The Nezumi's words strike you as a little odd, considering the rather fatalist conversation you had with him outside. Then again, you're not sure if Talak'tet's view on life is standard amongst all Nezumi or simply unique to him. You know the Nezumi are allies, but in truth you've really not interacted with them all that much.
Though, now that you've got more time to truly look at your companion, you can appreciate just how old he must actually be amongst his people. Nezumi don't often live much past forty unless they're Shamans or Remembers. If Talak'tet has gray hair then he's lived quite some time where his kind is concerned, and likely crammed a lot of living in that time period.
Maybe he can help you with a question you've been having the last few years as you've approached adulthood?
"So I was wondering…" you begin, unsure of how to proceed. You frown and look down, trying to find the proper words. Sadly, eloquence is not your strong suit. You are trained in bludgeoning things to death, not speeches.
Talak'tet notices your unease, and leans forward with both paws on his legs. "Yes, Hiruma Sosuke? Come now, do not be embarrassed. We are allies! You don't need to hide anything from me."
Your face goes a little red at the accusation of embarrassment, and if Talak'tet had been human you would have lashed out. But he's not human. Talak'tet is a Nezumi. He does not follow Bushido. You don't have to concern yourself about keeping face in front of him, at least not completely. You can afford to let your worries out a little bit.
You take a deep breath and continue. "You know I'm young, but approaching adulthood, right?"
"I'm aware of the Gempukku tradition, yes," Talak'tet responds.
"Well, pretty soon after it's complete I'm going to get set up for betrothal. Marriage, you know?" Your face begins to turn a little red again. "And I… uh… I really don't know what to do with girls."
Talak'tet blinks at you and tilts his head. "What?"
"I just don't!" you say as your face reddens further. "I mean, the only real experience I've had with girls is training and fighting! But some girls are really pretty, and I don't really know what I'm supposed to do. I don't really know how to handle the… gentle stuff? You know, courting and all that."
Talak'tet's head tilts a little further, and he blinks again. "Are you asking me for advice?"
You swear your face could not get any redder. It feels like all the blood in your body is trying to burst out of your ears. You turn your head to the side and mumble, "I guess so, yeah."
"Well," Talak'tet says, straightening. "There are likely some difference between Nezumi and Human courtships, so I'm not sure just how useful my words will be. But if I was to recommend anything, first I would say to get a big stick."
You look back at him, confused. "What?"
"Find a big stick," Talak'tet says. "And then carve all your deeds onto it. The whole stick must be covered in tales of your majesty. Go into great detail! Then, you must dance around the female clothed in nothing but what you were born with. Show off your physique! Let her know that you can protect her and the cubs she bears."
"What?" you ask again, growing more and more bewildered as the Nezumi goes on.
"And when other suitors come, presenting their own sticks, bash them over the head with yours! Show that you are the only one worthy of her affections, and that no one else could possibly best you in skill or strength."
You don't say anything. Your jaw drops, and you're imagining the utter horror on your parents' faces if you did such things with a potential spouse. It's ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! Your Daimyo might just demand you commit Seppuku to make up for the scene you cause! At the very least, your parents would probably disown you.
"After that you must dance with her around a raging fire for a full night, pursuing her while she runs from you. Eventually, if you have caught her interest, she will chase after you. You must run from her then, to see if she is truly dedicated to having you as a mate. Then, once you are both exhausted from your exertions, you must chuck your stick into the fire and embrace her. That will show that you are willing to cast aside all personal glory for your pups and the Tribe."
There is silence as you stare at Talak'tet, not sure of what to say. Talak'tet, for his part, just smiles at you innocently. At least, you think it's an innocent smile. You're not too good at reading expressions on his rat like face. But you're pretty certain he's grinning, at least.
What do you say to something like that?
[] Write in.
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