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Message: <blockquote data-quote="doghead" data-source="post: 1083734" data-attributes="member: 8243">22nd of the 8th month | Karatsu CastleAround the top of the stairs that lead down the hillside, there is a group of men standing and squatting. From the group there comes a low rumble of conversation and the smell of food. As you approach, you see that they are eating. Nagahama is amoung them, but this time wearing a light kimono. Sugimoto is there also, dressed in armour, as are a number of others. The rest are obviously attendants, although they seem to be doing as much eating as anyone else."There you are!" Nagahama exclaims, raising to his feet. A number of the other swordsmen do also, but he waves them back to their food. "You are just in time for breakfast. Their excellent timing bodes well for us, don't you think Sugimoto?"Sugimoto is also standing, having risen to his feet from his place in front of the small clay pots full of smoldering charcoal over which several small fish are cooking. He still holds the fan he was using to fan the embers, and glowers at you as if you are somehow responsible for his not noticing your arrival before his Lord."Let us hope so," is all he says in return.Lord Nagahama waves you over to the food that is spread out on the ground. Bowls of rice and clear soup, pickles and eventually, from Sugimoto himself, a freshly grilled fish, beautifully cooked.As everone eats, Nagahama talks. "I am glad we are able to see you off with good food in your belly. ... I see that the coats fit. Good. Do you have the banner? ... You probably will not have need to use it. But if the hill villages have had problems with bandits, it may help to clearly announce your allegience. Many of them will not recognise the crest, but riding under one will show you to be lawful men. ... The map is done, as are the letters to the Village headmen. And your own letter of authority. Here. See we have been busy! ... You will ride out of town with Takeda. He does not go south, but will travel with you as far as the first ford. Your horses are ready, and we took the liberty of grooming them for you. Can't have the men representing Lord Ari riding on scruffy mounts, now can we? But you will still need to walk them once you part ways with Takeda. They were run hard yesterday."If you are surprised that Nagahama would speak so freely before his retainers and attendants, none of the others seem to act as if it were anything unusual.The food is finished quickly and as the attendents collect the dishes, the rest of you  head back down the massive stone stairs. Somehow Nagahama manages it so that he, Sugimoto and yourself trail the others by a short distance. As you decend he hands each of you a small folded cloth package."Here is your first payment. Seven iron pieces each, for yesterday, today and the next five days. I do not customarily pay in advance, but your dilligence in getting here so fast is apprieciated. It took my wife six days to make the same journey. It will take you longer than six days to get back here, I expect. Two weeks perhaps. Yes, that should give you plenty of time. So, I will not begin to worry until Father is half way back again*. Good luck. May your ancestors watch over you."After that he says no more, Sugimoto doing all of the organising once you reach the base of the hill. Soon you are mounted and heading back through the town in the company of Takeda and his 3 men.* Father is the smaller of the two moons. Father has a 28 day orbit, and was full 5 days ago. So it will be a waxing half moon in about 18 days.OOC: OK. If there is anything you want to insert into the above, jump in.</blockquote>

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