The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[X] Seek out your friends.
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- United States
[X] Timeskip to dinner.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] Seek out your friends.
4.45
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
After much anxiety over recent events getting in the way of my creative drive, it's time to continue this Quest. Thank you all so much for your patience.
[X] Timeskip to dinner.
Your planned dinner is in a few hours, but there's never any harm in preparing beforehand. Taking a damp cloth to your skin to wipe away the rigors of the day should be sufficient to make yourself presentable, along with a fresh kimono. After all, it is not as if you require anything so extensive as another bath. This is merely building off the one you already took this morning.
Inside you see your comrades sitting at one of the tables, enjoying a late lunch. Hanabi and Himawari are talking animatedly, which immediately sets you to worry. The two women have never been entirely at ease with each other, the Dragon Samurai more than the Lion, which has come perilously close to violence before. You walk over to intervene with the conflict that is no doubt ensuing…
And are pleasantly surprised when your actions unnecessary.
"And that was when four more goats appeared, drawn from the frightened bleating of the one Tokichiro-san and I had just rescued," Hanabi says, doing her best to restrain her giggling. "I will never admit to fear, of course, but I must say the sight of four angry rams was not a welcome one with us so close to the cliff side and one of their fellows still covered with dirt from the hole we'd pulled him out of."
"I can only imagine so!" Himawari says, doing her best to stifle her own laughter. "Did they attack you, even after you'd gone through all the trouble to get up there and rescue that little goat?"
"They didn't, Fortunes be praised," Hanabi replies. She pauses to take a bite of her food before continuing. "While Tokichiro-san is not exactly the most clever of souls, he knew how to handle animals. He let the young one go and muttered soft, soothing things as it ran back to its fellows."
"I'm assuming this worked out for the best," Shirou said from where he was enjoying his noodles. "Considering you weren't knocked off the mountain."
"It did, for the most part," Hanabi replied. "One of them chased after us for a little while… Well, not chased but followed vigorously, I suppose. Looking back the whole situation is hilarious, but at the time I found it utterly confusing how events turned out that way."
"I'm glad you can look back on it in good humor," Himawari says, still smiling. "And I'm equally glad you agreed to share the story. It made for fine entertainment to go along with our meal."
"It was my pleasure, Kitsu-san," Hanabi says back. She notices you, and her already pleasant expression brightens tenfold. "Oh, Sosuke-san! You're back from court!"
"Indeed I am," you say, finishing your approach to the table. "I trust you all have been well?"
"We have had a pleasant afternoon, Sosuke-san," Himawari answers. "Mirumoto-san was regaling us with amusing stories of her time among the mountains of her Clan."
"I believe we may have been fortunate in many respects during our time there, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says as he sets down his bowl, his noodles finished. "Goats, while delectable in small doses, are apparently quite vicious."
"I see," you respond, repressing a shudder at the thought of eating the meat of such creatures. "In any event, Shirou-san, I have been invited to dinner with Mataru-san this evening. Would you be willing to join us?"
"I would be happy to," the monk replies. "It would be good to see him again."
"Very good," you say. "In the meantime, I believe I shall clean up and take my ease before tonight."
Bowing to your friends, you walk up the stairs and into your rooms. You request fresh water be delivered, and within moments you are supplied with a basin of water and a cloth. Soon enough you are stripped down to your waist, rubbing down your arms and chest with the dripping fabric.
You can't help but notice the tone and shape of your body as you clean yourself of what little sweat you have gathered. Even more, you notice greater mass. You've gained muscle during this journey, enough that you now better resemble most of your fellows from the Dojo. You were always their equal in height, but had a lankier build. But now you look like a true adherent of the Hida Bushi School, built as solid as the Great Carpenter Wall itself.
Hopefully you will return there soon. The current assault may have been held off, but you know with certainty that the enemy will try again and again to break through the armies of the Crab. This Kyosuke will never give up, not until he is dead and his body burned to ash.
If the man is patient, you will be perfectly willing to oblige him that fate. The thought brings a smile to your lips, tempering the undercurrent of anxiety you've had ever since you learned the war had begun. You'll be home soon enough.
You merely just have to be patient as well.
"Mataru-san was right about the sakura trees," you say, voice soft. "Though he understated how many there would be. They practically surround the hill."
"All to better ensure a more private dining setting, I imagine," Shirou says at your side. "It certainly seems fitting with what we've seen so far."
"I can't say you're wrong," you reply, walking toward the entrance. "Though I must admit I'm a little disturbed by how completely this place divides itself from the city."
"The Crane seek elegance and art in all things, or so it is said," Shirou replies. "Why not with how they arrange where they have their meals?"
You've no answer for that, and it isn't as if your friend is expecting one. So you remain silent, and continue your approach.
Aside from the building's location, and the abundance of fragrant cherry blossoms, the most prominent feature you can see are the two impressive balconies jutting out from the front. From what you recall of Mataru's description they should both be able to hold rather large parties, as well as provide some privacy should voices be kept low. This, combined with the relative isolation of this place, is likely why the Scorpion Samurai chose it for your meeting.
You restrain a snort of amusement as you come to the door. There are always several meanings to everything the Scorpion do. Yasuki Goro was certainly right in reminding you of this fact, and it is one you would do well to remember.
"Greetings, Samurai-sama!" a smiling peasant says as you come close, bowing low. A man and a woman stand near by, wearing no Mon but carrying katana. They are obviously Ronin, though very well dressed. "Have you come to enjoy the hospitality and refreshment of The Thousand Folded Cranes?"
"Indeed we have," you answer. "We are meeting with a comrade of ours, Bayushi Mataru-san. Would he already be present?"
"Indeed he is!" the peasant replies. "He awaits you on the left balcony."
"Then I shall not keep him waiting."
"Of course, Samurai-sama," the peasant says, still smiling. "Might we polish your sword while you eat? We've no wish for it to get in your way while you dine this evening, and will ensure it is returned to you in the finest condition."
The offer you pause, mostly because it really isn't so much an offer as a politely worded demand. This establishment no doubt has a Samurai patron, and likely a rather influential one considering its size. This peasant would be acting on said Samurai's authority in requesting you remove your katana for the time you have your meal.
Your skin crawls at the idea of leaving yourself so unguarded, especially with the destruction of your tetsubo. You would not be completely disarmed, for no one would dare ask you to relinquish your wakizashi for anything less than meeting with a Daimyo, but it is far less steel on your person than you would care for. Even still, you do not wish to give offense…
"I don't believe there's any need for that," Daidoji Hosaru says from behind you, walking up with his spear settled on his shoulder. The weapon is in stark contrast to the rather beautiful kimono he wears, detailing cranes flying across crashing waves. "After all, it is a poor Samurai to not already take good care of his weapon."
"Ah… But Daidoji-sama, the honored master insists on providing all due courtesies," the peasant replies, brow furrowing in concern. The two Ronin step closer, but otherwise make no other move. "It would be quite uncouth if we did not provide the absolute height of service."
"I'm certain your master will forgive this brief indiscretion, don't you think?" the Crane Samurai says, grinning. "After all, what is the harm?"
"No doubt you are correct, Daidoji-sama," the peasant says, looking distinctly uncomfortable. He glances at you, then your sword, and blanches. "I'm sure the honored master will understand."
[] Give up your katana.
[] Keep your katana.
[] Write in.
[X] Timeskip to dinner.
Your planned dinner is in a few hours, but there's never any harm in preparing beforehand. Taking a damp cloth to your skin to wipe away the rigors of the day should be sufficient to make yourself presentable, along with a fresh kimono. After all, it is not as if you require anything so extensive as another bath. This is merely building off the one you already took this morning.
Inside you see your comrades sitting at one of the tables, enjoying a late lunch. Hanabi and Himawari are talking animatedly, which immediately sets you to worry. The two women have never been entirely at ease with each other, the Dragon Samurai more than the Lion, which has come perilously close to violence before. You walk over to intervene with the conflict that is no doubt ensuing…
And are pleasantly surprised when your actions unnecessary.
"And that was when four more goats appeared, drawn from the frightened bleating of the one Tokichiro-san and I had just rescued," Hanabi says, doing her best to restrain her giggling. "I will never admit to fear, of course, but I must say the sight of four angry rams was not a welcome one with us so close to the cliff side and one of their fellows still covered with dirt from the hole we'd pulled him out of."
"I can only imagine so!" Himawari says, doing her best to stifle her own laughter. "Did they attack you, even after you'd gone through all the trouble to get up there and rescue that little goat?"
"They didn't, Fortunes be praised," Hanabi replies. She pauses to take a bite of her food before continuing. "While Tokichiro-san is not exactly the most clever of souls, he knew how to handle animals. He let the young one go and muttered soft, soothing things as it ran back to its fellows."
"I'm assuming this worked out for the best," Shirou said from where he was enjoying his noodles. "Considering you weren't knocked off the mountain."
"It did, for the most part," Hanabi replied. "One of them chased after us for a little while… Well, not chased but followed vigorously, I suppose. Looking back the whole situation is hilarious, but at the time I found it utterly confusing how events turned out that way."
"I'm glad you can look back on it in good humor," Himawari says, still smiling. "And I'm equally glad you agreed to share the story. It made for fine entertainment to go along with our meal."
"It was my pleasure, Kitsu-san," Hanabi says back. She notices you, and her already pleasant expression brightens tenfold. "Oh, Sosuke-san! You're back from court!"
"Indeed I am," you say, finishing your approach to the table. "I trust you all have been well?"
"We have had a pleasant afternoon, Sosuke-san," Himawari answers. "Mirumoto-san was regaling us with amusing stories of her time among the mountains of her Clan."
"I believe we may have been fortunate in many respects during our time there, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says as he sets down his bowl, his noodles finished. "Goats, while delectable in small doses, are apparently quite vicious."
"I see," you respond, repressing a shudder at the thought of eating the meat of such creatures. "In any event, Shirou-san, I have been invited to dinner with Mataru-san this evening. Would you be willing to join us?"
"I would be happy to," the monk replies. "It would be good to see him again."
"Very good," you say. "In the meantime, I believe I shall clean up and take my ease before tonight."
Bowing to your friends, you walk up the stairs and into your rooms. You request fresh water be delivered, and within moments you are supplied with a basin of water and a cloth. Soon enough you are stripped down to your waist, rubbing down your arms and chest with the dripping fabric.
You can't help but notice the tone and shape of your body as you clean yourself of what little sweat you have gathered. Even more, you notice greater mass. You've gained muscle during this journey, enough that you now better resemble most of your fellows from the Dojo. You were always their equal in height, but had a lankier build. But now you look like a true adherent of the Hida Bushi School, built as solid as the Great Carpenter Wall itself.
Hopefully you will return there soon. The current assault may have been held off, but you know with certainty that the enemy will try again and again to break through the armies of the Crab. This Kyosuke will never give up, not until he is dead and his body burned to ash.
If the man is patient, you will be perfectly willing to oblige him that fate. The thought brings a smile to your lips, tempering the undercurrent of anxiety you've had ever since you learned the war had begun. You'll be home soon enough.
You merely just have to be patient as well.
o\O/o
The daylight is just beginning to fade when you approach The Thousand Folded Cranes. It is a sizable establishment, located atop a small hill and thus partially separated from the rest of the street. From up there you can see the harbor in the distance, the water already shadowed with the sun's passage toward the other side of the world.
"Mataru-san was right about the sakura trees," you say, voice soft. "Though he understated how many there would be. They practically surround the hill."
"All to better ensure a more private dining setting, I imagine," Shirou says at your side. "It certainly seems fitting with what we've seen so far."
"I can't say you're wrong," you reply, walking toward the entrance. "Though I must admit I'm a little disturbed by how completely this place divides itself from the city."
"The Crane seek elegance and art in all things, or so it is said," Shirou replies. "Why not with how they arrange where they have their meals?"
You've no answer for that, and it isn't as if your friend is expecting one. So you remain silent, and continue your approach.
Aside from the building's location, and the abundance of fragrant cherry blossoms, the most prominent feature you can see are the two impressive balconies jutting out from the front. From what you recall of Mataru's description they should both be able to hold rather large parties, as well as provide some privacy should voices be kept low. This, combined with the relative isolation of this place, is likely why the Scorpion Samurai chose it for your meeting.
You restrain a snort of amusement as you come to the door. There are always several meanings to everything the Scorpion do. Yasuki Goro was certainly right in reminding you of this fact, and it is one you would do well to remember.
"Greetings, Samurai-sama!" a smiling peasant says as you come close, bowing low. A man and a woman stand near by, wearing no Mon but carrying katana. They are obviously Ronin, though very well dressed. "Have you come to enjoy the hospitality and refreshment of The Thousand Folded Cranes?"
"Indeed we have," you answer. "We are meeting with a comrade of ours, Bayushi Mataru-san. Would he already be present?"
"Indeed he is!" the peasant replies. "He awaits you on the left balcony."
"Then I shall not keep him waiting."
"Of course, Samurai-sama," the peasant says, still smiling. "Might we polish your sword while you eat? We've no wish for it to get in your way while you dine this evening, and will ensure it is returned to you in the finest condition."
The offer you pause, mostly because it really isn't so much an offer as a politely worded demand. This establishment no doubt has a Samurai patron, and likely a rather influential one considering its size. This peasant would be acting on said Samurai's authority in requesting you remove your katana for the time you have your meal.
Your skin crawls at the idea of leaving yourself so unguarded, especially with the destruction of your tetsubo. You would not be completely disarmed, for no one would dare ask you to relinquish your wakizashi for anything less than meeting with a Daimyo, but it is far less steel on your person than you would care for. Even still, you do not wish to give offense…
"I don't believe there's any need for that," Daidoji Hosaru says from behind you, walking up with his spear settled on his shoulder. The weapon is in stark contrast to the rather beautiful kimono he wears, detailing cranes flying across crashing waves. "After all, it is a poor Samurai to not already take good care of his weapon."
"Ah… But Daidoji-sama, the honored master insists on providing all due courtesies," the peasant replies, brow furrowing in concern. The two Ronin step closer, but otherwise make no other move. "It would be quite uncouth if we did not provide the absolute height of service."
"I'm certain your master will forgive this brief indiscretion, don't you think?" the Crane Samurai says, grinning. "After all, what is the harm?"
"No doubt you are correct, Daidoji-sama," the peasant says, looking distinctly uncomfortable. He glances at you, then your sword, and blanches. "I'm sure the honored master will understand."
[] Give up your katana.
[] Keep your katana.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
Himawari was talking to Himawari for a minute here and it confused the hell out of me.
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
@Winged Knight
Welcome back, but I think you might want to reread this update.
@Winged Knight
Welcome back, but I think you might want to reread this update.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Thanks for pointing that out. It's fixed now.
- Location
- Leeds
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
Tainted attacking? I think you've read too much In the Thunders Echo. We haven't seen any evidence of anything other than Cranes not wanting to give cash to the Crab here.
Tainted attacking? I think you've read too much In the Thunders Echo. We haven't seen any evidence of anything other than Cranes not wanting to give cash to the Crab here.
- Location
- United States
we didnt see any evidence of the tainted in the Scorpion lands either, and look at what happened there.
[X] Keep your katana.
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
- Location
- Leeds
Theres no argument to this sort of paranoia.
Oh hang on maybe there is, we don't need to be afraid of the Tainted, they wouldn't be able to get past the street brawl between the servants of nothing and the Trolls.
Don't worry about them either, the Naga are already on the way to deal with that.
There is a trap here, but it's keeping the katana.
People who flaunt social norms are disrespected and pulled down. Given that we're A) Pretty famous, and B) Of a Clan infamous for disregarding social norms.
We keep the Katana and every Samurai who sees us coming in is going to write us off as another dumb Crab, which means our words have less influence than they otherwise would have. We've gained a lot of social capital out of not being a Crab Stereotype, let's not start throwing that away now.
When you get down to it, we're as effective punching people as we are at stabbing them thanks to Crab Hands. So we should be alright.
People who flaunt social norms are disrespected and pulled down. Given that we're A) Pretty famous, and B) Of a Clan infamous for disregarding social norms.
We keep the Katana and every Samurai who sees us coming in is going to write us off as another dumb Crab, which means our words have less influence than they otherwise would have. We've gained a lot of social capital out of not being a Crab Stereotype, let's not start throwing that away now.
When you get down to it, we're as effective punching people as we are at stabbing them thanks to Crab Hands. So we should be alright.
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/They
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
- Location
- Earth
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[x] Give up the katana but thank Daidoji-san for interfering on our behalf, explain that we do what we do out of compassion for the poor peasant server.
- [x] Keep the sheath. They don't need to polish that, and in a pinch we can still hit people with it.
- [x] Keep the sheath. They don't need to polish that, and in a pinch we can still hit people with it.
The Bird
tEM IS GUD...RITER!
- Location
- In that den of villains and scum, OKLAHOMA
@Winged Knight how big a social faux pas would it be if we didn't relinquish our katana?
- Location
- Leeds
As I understand it we've been given an out by someone who appears to be a direct subordinate of the Crane in charge here. Not that big of a faux pas really.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Even with Hosaru giving you an out you would look somewhat boorish, as this is supposed to be a place of relaxation and violence isn't expected to happen. You can certainly press on with your katana if you wish, but it will still be a minor faux pas as the very least.