[Rokugan] Blood and Cherry Blossoms

valeren · Jan 3, 2005

Shosuro Reiko

After finding a small room in the marketplace area, Reiko did not waste any time in preparing for his mission once he got to Kyuden Bayushi. Reiko spent the first few days discreetly checking the members of Yogo Aiko’s entourage. He did know that it was near to impossible to immediately present himself to the Yogo, so he planned to work himself nearer to his target. Using the fact that he has a bad reputation, he tried passing himself off as a swordsman for hire. Through charm and some koku, Reiko planned to set-up a situation wherein he could be taken in as one of the Yogo’s advisor - providing service as to however the latter might wish.

Li Shenron · Jan 4, 2005

Ai

After settling down a bit in the guest quarters, Ai will look forward to take a bath as soon as possible, and after that she'll likely take a relaxing walk in the gardens before it is time to meet the hosts.

Dark Nemesis · Jan 5, 2005

Itarabi

Apparently, Itarabi was not the only person who though to bathe before the feast began. There were four other male samurai who were relaxing in the warm waters of the bath room. After scrubbing himself clean in the basin set aside for washing, he lowered himself into the baths, allowing the hot water to work on weary muscles.

Renshi

Meditation proved difficult amid the flurry of activity, but he was soon able to reach a place of peace and tranquility. He sat in silence for a few hours, and when he was finished with his meditations, felt refreshed mentally.

Reiko

Getting close to Yogo Aiko’s entourage proved to be surprisingly difficult. They, like any other samurai who were here for the festival, were staying at the castle proper. Though members of the entourage might tour the city later, for the moment everyone was preparing for the feast that would take place later in the evening.

Ai

The women’s bath was quiet, occupied only by a Crane woman who sat near the bath, quietly washing her hair. She greeted Ai, before returning to her bathing. After bathing and dressing, Ai made her way to the gardens, where the cool evening air was touched with the scent of autumn flowers.

Hyota

Though the trip was long, Hyota was able to make it to Kyuden Bayushi with his companions. He was given a few odd looks by the guards, and grudgingly admitted to the castle. Once there, he was able to rest, and prepare for the feast.

All

At last, the hour of Bayushi arrived, and it was time to attend the feast. It was to be held in the throne room, a large stone room that seemed to be in the center of a maze of hallways. The room was well lit, tastefully decorated with carefully arranged flowers. Long tables lined the hall, and at each place setting stood a small origami figure, each one representing one of they symbols for each of the eight great clans. In the corner, a trio of scorpion courtiers played shamisens, singing a tune from long ago.

Scotley · Jan 5, 2005

Itarabi Human Rogue/Courtier

Itarabi, in his element and playing his role to the hilt, eats little as he is focused on the others in the room. His eyes missing nothing and his ears are sharp for any gossip. He pays particular attention to Tsuruchi Mitsumi, deligently pursuing his mission to find out what she might be up to.

Guest 11456 · Jan 11, 2005

Hyota : Male Human Shugenja 8

The young shugenja enters and peers about the room looking for where to sit. Upon seeing the small origami figure of the fox, he knows where to go. He finds a place at the table and stands there awaiting what will come next.

Ankh-Morpork Guard · Jan 11, 2005

Renshi stepped into the room and, upon seeing everything, tried his best not to look as overwhelmed as he felt. Subconsciously, he dusted off the robe and looked around. Taking a deep breath, Renshi calmed himself and found his way to the Phoenix shaped origami figure, admiring the small bird figure. After that, he turned to have a look over the others in the room, finding that curiosity was taking over.

Dark Nemesis · Jan 14, 2005

Itarabi
Gossip is something that Itarabi can easily find at the banquet. The courtiers were talking excitedly about the events planned for the coming festival, particularly the shugenja and dueling competitions. There were a number of favorites to win each competition, but the real gossip was about the prizes that would go to the winners. No one knew what the reward would be, but a few hints had been dropped that a great honor would be bestowed upon the competition champions.

Pursuing Tsurushi Mitsumi was not difficult either. She, accompanied by two other Mantis courtiers, made their way through the room, conversing and collecting gossip. However, Mitsumi’s course demeanor and crude sense of humor drove other courtiers away quickly.

At last, she noticed Itarabi, and approached. “Some party,” she said disdainfully. “Our hosts have not even shown up yet.”

Hyota

As he sat quietly and watched, courtiers circulated the room, talking quietly amongst themselves. Looking around, there were many representatives from the great clans, but he appeared to be the only member of the Fox clan present.

At last, a slender woman clad in a scarlet kimono approached. A black silk mask obscured part of her face, but the flawless skin and delicate features that were visible indicated that she was quite beautiful. “It is rare that a member of the distinguished Fox clan joins us for these festivals. We are honored by your presence.”

Renshi

The banquet hall was a flurry of activity, as those gathered waited for their hosts to arrive. Nearby, a small group of Cranes talked quietly amongst themselves. A Mantis woman who had been very loud before now crossed the room to speak with a Lion samurai. At the next table, two Dragon samurai sat quietly, observing the events.

Beside him, Boten-sensei paused, taking in the scene as well. “Ah, I had forgotten the flurry of activity that is associated with the evening before a festival.”

Li Shenron · Jan 14, 2005

Ai

Ai was very pleased by the bath and the relaxing walk in the gardens. After the long trip from home, those were the best things to do to put herself in a good shape of mind and disposition for the dinner, as she would have felt more cheerful and spontaneous with the other guests.

After the walk, she retires in her room for a short meditation before joining the dinner with her parents. At the table, Ai is pleased to meet new people and will be glad to engage any conversation with the guests nearby, but she's also taking a look around for familiar faces at the feast. Perhaps someone from the last shugenja competition is here as well?

Of course Ai also remembers the other Crane woman she briefly crossed at the baths, and wants to see where she's sitting at the table. Probably the woman has noticed that Ai is of the Crane too, and Ai would like to introduce herself.

valeren · Jan 14, 2005

Shosuro Reiko

Failing to find an angle by which to infiltrate Yogo Aiko’s entourage, Reiko spent the remaining hour preparing for the feast. Bathe and dressed in a fine kimono (which is cut to be both proper and decadent at the same time), Reiko joined the growing crowd in the throne room. He did not participate in long discussions though, and to those who did come up to him he kept his conversations short. He likewise kept himself away from the main part of the room where most of the courtiers were located. He proceeded to make his way around the room to look for the Yogo, stopping only once to listen to trio as they sang their song.

Scotley · Jan 14, 2005

Itarabi Lion Rogue/Courtier

Dark Nemesis said:
At last, she noticed Itarabi, and approached. “Some party,” she said disdainfully. “Our hosts have not even shown up yet.”

With a fomal greeting Itarabi adds, "Judge them not harshly. On seeing your beauty they felt a need to return to their chambers and work harder at applying their finery and make-up lest they be over-shadowed by your presence lady Mantis."