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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Black Omega" data-source="post: 61584" data-attributes="member: 79">The 25th Day of the DogThe next morning over breakfast the group was greeted by Shinjo O-Hisa, still dusty from riding.  Grinning, she let Toshiro and the others know she was part of a unit of 20 samurai sent first to distract the Scorpions from Toshiro's, then to follow and officially claim the temple in the name of the Unicorn.O-Hisa, still clad in her riding outfit of leathers, fringes of fur and horsehair plume, her usual barbarian chic, discussed the ride that brought her and the others to Shiro Ide.  A couple Scorpion ambushes along the way, but nothing they could not handle.  As O-Hisa joked "how do you handle a Scorpion?  Hard for them to lie with their heads smashed down between their shoulder blades."That drew a sorrowful look from Toshiro as he flashed back to when the ogre smashed Sho.  Contrite, O-Hisa tugged Toshiro off to the side to apologize as Mindra was asked away by a Unicorn for a meeting.  Left alone, O-Hisa murmured, "Hey, I have a gift for you.  Brandy from the West.  It's expensive but great, nice burn on the way down."  Still somewhat saddened, Toshiro just nodded for a moment before finally speaking "Thanks.  Do me a favor, please.  There was a Goblin back at the Temple.  He was wearing Crab armor.  He escaped from the battle where Sho...died.  We killed all the others but not him.  When you ride on to the Temple, make sure to find to.  To kill him.  I need to know that creature is dead."He held O-Hisa's hands as he looked to her and the young woman nodded quickly "I'll do my best, Toshiro-san.  We'll find the creature and I'll bring you it's head.  I promise."  A tiny little grin "I was looking forward to a chance to smash Goblins."The two stared into each other's eyes before the moment was broken by Ide Masaaki, there to take O-Hisa off to a meeting with Ide Tadaji, Daimyo of the Ide.  Regretfully she made her farewell and promised to talk to Toshiro again before she left Shiro Ide.A note was brought to Mir by a servant, an invitation to lunch with Doji Shiima, the Crane samurai who had taught her Go not so many days previously.  The invitation also hinted her had other news she might find interesting.  Mir sent back her acceptance with the servant.Verick did a little exploring, drawn to the Lion diplomatic section to ask more news of the Lions and the Akodo.  Attentively, the Lion Cub listened in closely, already plotting his next move.  Gathering information for his eventual return to the Lion Clan.Back in the wing of the castle the group was staying in, Volar was out exploring a little when a hulking Crab Samurai accosted him.   Tall and muscular, the Crab marched over "Hey, you!  The one with the pointed ears!  Hey, you are an elf, aren't you?"Taken a little off guard, but amused, Volar nodded and the Crab went right on "I'm Hida Toshiaki, I'm here looking for Hiruma Toshiro."  The brash Crab revealed he was distantly related to Toshiro, while asking Volar all sorts of questions about his homeland, in particular "so, what are the women like there?"It wasn't long before the muscular Crab Samurai and the delicate elf were chatting away in a friendly fashion, the Crab asking finally "You are a guy, right?  Ah, thought so.  Elves are life Cranes though, so hard to tell.  You sit there thinking "He?  She?"Amused, Volar just chuckled then started talking about Toshiro.  About how honorable he was.  And Polite.  How he spent all of his time training with Unicorn's and never went out drinking or gambling.  As he listened, Hida Toshiaki scowled a little, then growled "what kind of Crab is he??  Sounds like he's already spent just a little too much time in Unicorn lands.  He needs a lesson on what being a Crab is!"Toshiro had stayed back to keep an eye on the box containing the Obi, Shiko there as well, dutifully making sure as well.  Guard duty was interrupted as Ide Masaaki returned, looking for Toshiro this time.  Ever so polite as he mentioned the Lord of the Ide wished to speak to him, no doubt to hear about his heroism.  Perhaps even to hand over the letter he was to return to Lord Shinjo Jyaku.  Unsuspecting, Toshiro followed.After leaving his sword with the guard outside ("After all, only the bodyguards of the Lord are allowed in his presence armed", Masaaki explained.), Toshiro was shown in to see Ide Tadaji, an older Rokugani, totally bald, his eyes bright and alert.  The Lord was not alone though.  Two armed guards knelt by the door.  Another two kneeling slightly behind Tadaji-sama.  And one is kneeling on either side of Toshiro.  All six looked mean, glaring at the young Crab.  Despite the bodyguards, Tadaji seemed delighted to see Toshiro. "I've been hearing so much about you." The Lord of the Ide confided "About your battles in the forest and the temple there.  The loss of your friend.  My sincerest condolences, Toshiro-san.  But he died bravely, as a samurai should."  Tadaji coughed lightly before continuing "Now, there is a small matter I hope you can help me with."Slightly puzzled, Toshiro agreed he would help if he could.  Satisfed, Tadaji-sama went on "I've been talking to the daughter of your Lord Jyaku as well as to your talking monkeycoh, what was his namec"  One of the bodyguards leaned over to whisper something and the Lord of the Ide nodded "Oh yes, Mindra, that's it.  I know all the facts now, I think.  There are just a few things I hope you can verify for me."Tadaji-sama fixed a sharp eye on Toshiro as he proceeded "You did know the temple was there when you went into the forest.  Didn't you, Toshiroc"  he murmured softly.Uncomfortable, Toshiro looked side to side to the two guards by him before stating firmly "We were just out hunting and stumbled onto it.  A fortunate accident, Tadaji-sama."Tadaji frowned a little "You went to a spot we've patrolled before yet somehow found a temple no one had seen in who knows how long.  It must have been hidden somehow.  Don't take me for an old fool, Toshiro.  I simply wish to verify what I already know.  That's why I'm speaking to the three of you separately, to compare stories."That feeling of unease growing fast, Toshiro swallowed then repeated "No, truly.  We were on a hunting trip.  Nothing more."  His gaze met Tadaji's stubbornly.After a moment Tadaji sighed "I see.  You serve a Unicorn, but you still are a Crab Samurai, right?"  at Toshiro's nod he continued "You might enjoy a history lesson then.  For a thousand years it has been an ironclad rule, no unicorn may attack or kill another.  We traveled long over dangerous paths in the Hordelands and this was done so we would not lose much needed samurai in duels.  Even now so many years later this rule holds.  No Unicorn will harm another."  Tadaji fixed the Crab with a piecing stare "Being a Crab I'm sure you can appreciate this lesson."Toshiro certainly got the message, sweat trickling down along his scalp as he nodded mutely, eyes casting to either side, weighing his chances against the six armed guards and not liking it a bit.  Smooth and calm, Tadaji just went on "Now, your monkey told me about what you took from the Temple, but I have a little trouble believing him.  Tell me, Toshiro, you didn't just go to the temple by chance, did you.  You went there to find somethingc"  the old man already nodding as he spoke to help encourage Toshiro.Determined, Toshiro just shook his head again.  And so it went.  Tadaji alternately offering threats veiled in many layers of silk with questions and offers.  "We're the chief diplomats of the Unicorn, we have great influence over relations with the Crab Clan."  "I'm simply trying to help you help your lord, he could be getting involved in something that would bring his ruin.  As a loyal Samurai you can't allow that, can you?" and so on.Steadfastly, Toshiro stuck to his original story, finally murmuring with grim determination "Tadaji-sama, I've said all there is to say.  If you require my life, simply give the order and let me have my sword and I will do what needs to be done.  But that is all I have to say.  It was a hunting trip."The Lord of the Ide fixed a steely glare on Toshiro but he refused to wilt and finally Tadaji nodded in respect "Very well.  I wish we could have worked together on this butc"  the old man shrugged "I should have the letter done for you in the morning to take back to Lord Jyaku.  Understand this, you are under my protection while you are here at Shiro Ide.  You are perfectly safe.  Once you leavecwellcit's a long and dangerous road.  I cannot speak for your safety then.  Farewell, Toshiro-san."[DM Note:  A fun scene.  About the time of the history lesson you could just about see the sweat beading on Toshiro's forehead.]Toshiro wasted no time in bowing and departing, meeting Mindra and Shinjo O-Hisa out in the waiting area as they were released from separate waiting rooms.  Quickly the three came together to compare notes.Meanwhile, it was noon and Doji Shiima met with Mir over tea and sushi.  He began by recalling the enjoyable time they had with the game of Go.  The friendly chat meandered, Shiima asking Mir to come along to a festival that evening, an event featuring storytelling and poetry.  After Mir agreed to accompany him, he finally got more serious.  The patrol had returned from watchtower, he revealed, but nothing further had been mentioned about what the patrol found.  "They'll probably pass it off as a bandit attack if anyone asksc" he speculated in a languid tone "Interesting thoughcI know a certain high ranking scorpion who was gone that entire day from the castle without any explanation.  Funny, but this same Scorpion sent messages out to the south not long before you arrived.  And somehow bands of Goblins found their way past Scorpion patrols in time to find this temple.  I know Toshiro would never accept any help from me, but I'd appreciate if you passed this information along to him."  Mir agreed, though with more reluctance that he had hoped for.Back in the upper halls of Shiro Ide, Mindra, Toshiro and O-Hisa found a spot to talk.  Mindra quietly implied he had not given anything away and Toshiro accepted that at face value.  O-Hisa had been more defiant, phrasing her refusal to cooperate in not to polite terms and admitting her own willingness, even eagerness, to match her hammer against the katana of whomever Tadaji might choose if he had insisted on a duel.  Content no one had given away anything they should have, Toshiro and Mindra headed back to their rooms while O-Hisa took off to join the Unicorns getting ready to liberate the temple.Toshiro and Mindra arrived about the same time as Verick returned from his Lion watching, the three a little surprised to see Volar chatting with a hulking Crab Samurai.  The moment Toshiaki spotted Toshiro he bowed then roared out "Toshiro-san, I've been looking for you!  Volar here has just been telling me how much of a Unicorn you've become!"Toshiro was a little taken back by this greeting, though Mindra and Verick, who had just arrived as well, seemed more amused.  "Yes."  Toshiaki continued "Volar's told me you fight honorably, haven't shown your friends any of the good sake houses.  Come on, you are a crab!  Fight dirty!  Drink!  Gamble!  Honor your duty, then enjoy life the rest of the time!"Toshiro simply replied, "It's not honorable to cheat in fighting.  My life is devoted to duty and honor, as a Crab's should.  I fight, but the right way.  My training takes precedence over carousing."  The younger Crab very serious, even somber."Damn, you wouldn't last a day on the Wall."  Toshiaki teased, more good natured now "Besides, I've heard you are getting close with one of the Unicorn girlsclet's hear details!"  The quiet Hiruma parried the macho Hida's questions though, some things he just wasn't going to talk about.By the time Mir arrived, Verick and Volar had already made a point of telling Toshiaki about the lovely young Aasimar traveling with them.  The Hida Samurai was suitably delighted to meet her, though she was not as annoyed by the attention as Verick may have wished.Finally Hida Toshiaki gave a slight bow to the group "Well, duty calls.  There is a festival tonight so a lot of the bodyguards have some time off.  Since Toshiro's forgotten to show you the more interesting side of the Emerald Empire, I'd be happy to show you all around.  There's a sake house in the licensed quarter that's pretty friendly toward barbarians.  Any of you who want to come along, just meet me here at sundown."  [DM Note:  Hiruma Toshiro is hardly your typical Crab so it was fun to contrast him with a more stereotypical one.  Easier and easier to see why Toshiro was the one sent to Unicorn Lands.]Though Toshiro bowed out, claiming pressing duty to his lord that took precedence, the others agreed to meet him for the tour.  Even Mir said that while she'd be at the festival for a time, she'd find the group at the sake house.  Toshiaki offered to make sure whoever Mir was meeting for the festival wasn't in any shape to attend, but Mir wouldn't tell him who.  She promised to meet them later though.Toshiro related to the group details of his and Mindra's meetings with Lord Ide Tadaji and stated matter-of-factly, "He said we're safe in the castle under his protection.  So until we leave as a group tomorrow, I'm not setting foot outside the castle.  I'll guard the 'item' tonight with Shiko."That evening Mir went off on her 'date' while Toshiro and Shiko stayed behind to guard the Obi.  And Hida Toshiaki took Mindra, Volar and Verick to the Licensed Quarter out in town.  A section where their swords must be left with the guards by the gate, a tradition with much practical value in an area specializing in sake, gambling and women.  Toshiaki took them to the best Sake House in the area, ordering each of his friends a bottle of sake, just to start.  He then started showing them Crab Clan drinking games and songs [DM Note:  Think Shanghai Noon and you are on target.]  Moving on to gambling once they were on their second bottles of sake.  He also began pointing out certain ladies in the sake house, exchanging knowing winks with his friends.  After the tough battles in the forest it was just what the certain people needed, a chance to unwind and cut loose a little while seeing a side of Rokugan the outlanders had not encountered yet.The festival commemorated the founding of the Ide and was a sophisticated affair attended by courtiers from all the clans, though the crane and Scorpion were the best represented.  The entertainment was just as sophisticated, a bamboo flute solo by the Scorpion Ambassador.  Storytelling recounting great moments in Unicorn history.  And a poetry contest, featuring Haikus.  Doji Shiima was more than happy to chat with Mir, explaining the significance of each bit of the ceremony while listening politely and asking questions now and then when Mir wanted to talk about her own land and The Oak Father.  When his turn came around in the Haiku contest, Doji winked to Mir before beginning:Autumn flees the coldBeauty shines out of the westShall it warm my winter?[DM Note:  This is my own bad haiku, I might have been better off stealing something more classic but this was more fun.<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />]Mir froze for a moment then suddenly remembered. "I'm supposed to meet friends now, but thanks for taking me to the Festival, it was very interesting, sorry, have to go!"  And with that Mir beat a hasty retreat from the festival.By the time Mir joined up with the group they had been through several bottles of sake and plum brandy, the frail elf especially having fallen under the sway of the potent alcohol.  Mir's appearance was all the excuse Toshiaki needed to start showing Crab drinking songs all over again.The young silver haired Aasimar did her best to keep up and was rather quickly as 'happy' as the rest, the group getting their first practical education in the fine art of carousing, Rokugani style.  As the evening turned to early morning Toshiaki took a long drink from his bottle of Plum Brandy and grinned "I've been asking you guys about the women in your lands.  It's only fair I answer that question in return, if you are interestedc" he asks, glancing to Volar and then Verick.  The two nodded after a moment and Toshiaki summoned over two courtesans he'd spoken to earlier in the evening.  An arrangement was quickly reached, Toshiaki smiling to the four, a brief word of advice to the two "Take your time, have fun.  It's on me."As the four departed Toshiaki glanced to Mindra and offered a shrug "Hey, sorry fuzzy.  But there's nothing really I can arrange for you.  None of your kind around or I'd be happy to set you upc"Mindra sipped his sake and smiled "Oh, I can change a littlec"  a twinkle in his eye as he activated the amulet that had been taken from Malthorn and suddenly looked like a native Rokugani.Toshiaki was suitably impressed, grinning "Very impressive!  There's no end to your surprises, fuzzy.  Hmm, must get kinda frustrating out here away from your kind though, huh?  Lonely?"Mindra simply smiled "This is where I am meant to be, I am content."The big Crab Samurai took him at his word, nodding pleasantly.  Then he turned his gaze to Mir more softly, his hand held out "I suppose you've never seen the wing of the castle devoted to the Crab.  It would be an honor to show youc", Toshiaki giving a playful wink to the young woman."I would be delighted."  Mir answered softly, a gentle smile on her face as she laid her hand in his.  The two rose together, a brief question from Toshiaki to Mindra affirming that the magic monkey would be ok here by himself.  Then the Crab and the Aasimar departed for the castle, a tour that would somehow take all night.Meanwhile, Toshiro and Shiko remained with the artifact, taking turns keeping close watch over it that night while keeping an eye on the inordinate number of guards 'helpfully' watching their wing of the castle.</blockquote>

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