Star Wars Bound By Honor

IC: Akiva Roku
9:25 p.m.
~Jeongbayar Estate, Zhenao~

Looking around as she entered the exceedingly familiar compound, Akiva took instant note of the abnormal number of guards patrolling the compound. Why are there so many guards? Has there been some new emergency that I don't know about? That's not like Kruff-laosan to keep me out of the loop. Already the measure of peace she had managed to claim through her exercise was being leached out by the atmosphere of the Jeongbayar estate and Akiva didn't like it one bit. Frowning she progressed up the cobblestone path as it wound up towards the main buildings entrance. Absently she noted how trampled the usually well kept grass was. Things really aren't going well. I hope that they aren't as overwhelmed as it seems. If they are I don't know what I'm really going to be able to do to help. Hesitantly she looked off to the left, the direction she knew the family graves were. That was where she truly wanted to go, but with a sigh she continued upward and onward.

A human woman came hustling out of the thoroughly carved double doors, and a slight smile made it's way onto Akiva's face. Nakamoto Anii quickly made up the ground between them despite her ample girth, and bowed to the feeorin woman saying how it was a pleasure to see her again and to please follow before instantly turning around and heading inside. "It's a pleasure to see you again as well Anii-xiaocha."

As they continued onward, Akiva being lead through a building that she probably knew better than her guide, she smiled slightly to know that Kanada-xiaocha was looking forward to her being around again. However, she was less pleased to find that the constant stress was present here as well, though that was the only thing that made sense out of the atmosphere the Jeongbayar estate found itself under bombardment from. And then Anii started to call the Khan a poor girl before catching herself. Everything really is different. "Given your time here, it's understandable to feel that way about Khan Jeongbayar. She is still incredibly young." Far too young to be in her current position. That lack of age and experience was one of the main things that had Akiva on edge. Especially as it concerned her actual role within the family.

Finally the two women arrived at the few flagstone stairs before the massive doors, carved with fantastical creatures and scenes out of myth, most of them involving the dragons. Akiva's favorite was concerning the creation of this world, even though she knew that it couldn't be true, the story was fascinating. But this wasn't the time for such distractions, and instead of looking at any of the carvings as she usually preferred to do she hurried through the doors. It was seldom that she was forced into rushing this much, as once anyone reached her age they were typically given however much time they required or wished to arrive anywhere. But even at her age, Akiva knew when to hurry. Not that her guide actually gave her much of a choice in the matter.

Anii spoke again as they passed through the doors, apparently both Kanada and Zhenao had standing and strict orders that Akiva was to be shown up immediately. She was unsurprised to learn that they were on the top floor, given the lateness of the hour Akiva would have been shocked had they been anywhere else. I wonder if there's any food I could get ahold of... It was the grumbling of her stomach that raised the question, as she suddenly realized that she hadn't had anything to eat since that morning. This lack of time to eat is getting highly annoying. It was no wonder that she had lost weight over the past few months. At this rate she was going to end up underweight.

Rapidly they began ascending the five sets of stairs to the Khan's private chambers, now Kanada's through right of inheritance. There had been many meetings there involving herself and Zhenao in the past concerning all manner of things, including simply relaxing in each others company. Though that last was notably without Zhenao, as the wookiee seemed to never allow himself downtime. At least not with others. She knew that Zhenao had quite the book collection in his rooms, so she suspected that was mainly what his spare time was devoted to. She was one of the very few that had ever been invited in to share an occasional drink. It probably had something to do with their respective ages relative to everyone else around them, as there simply wasn't anyone as long lived as either of them around and in similar positions of authority and respect. It was the sort of thing that could very easily put a damper on the prospect of relationships she had found. She had also chosen to ignore it as much as she could, even though those she would number actual friends was decidedly small. The number she loved... well, that was minuscule now, down to two.

It was unnerving how many people were still hustling around, carrying papers, trays of varied sundries, and more things than she could actually keep track of. The number of people that she didn't know by name was also something she wasn't thrilled about. Surely things haven't changed that much. Have they called in literally everyone? That was the only thing she could think of that would result in so many faces she had either never seen or seen maybe once. And then they found themselves pinned in a small alcove with a window looking out over the wall with a view of the forest and the stars. A passel of cooks were lugging varied dishes, trays and all of the other things necessary for a fairly large meal. So much for getting something to eat. Oh well, there's always later. She refused to go to bed hungry. Again.

Looking out the window, she noticed the Hunter's Eye, the star that had always seemed to call to her from the myriad other twinkling lights in the sky. What is it about that particular star that calls to me so? To a degree it made some sense, she was a hunter... depending on ones perspective, though not of beasts. But even before she had truly found herself on this path that star had held a certain fascination for her, the faintly yellow light drawing her spirit and granting her a sense of solidarity. It was never peace, but it always grounded her to some degree. While she looked out the window Anii informed her that meals this late were the new norm, and that the Khan always ate with her advisers and high level samurai so that the running of things could be discussed even over the evening meal. Hotaru-kazi would have hated that. She refused to let everything steal her time with her family. A sigh escaped Akiva, another change in a long line of them.

A light cough came from Anii, and Akiva realized that she had been staring out the window for nearly five minutes, long past when the cooks had finished passing by them. "My apologies Anii-xiaocha, please lead the way." Am I really that tired? I'm not that old yet. It took an effort of will, but she managed to keep from muttering at herself. Even though she wasn't that old, three solid months of missed meals and little sleep would wear on anyone.

Finally they arrived on the fifth floor, and Anii made a beeline for the Khan's private meeting chamber. Akiva followed for three steps before drawing up, stunned. By Jagan-balar! Is that Kanada-xiaocha? That she was swearing by the Red Dragon, also known as the Flaming One startled her, but then the sheer amount of stress pouring off of the two beings in the room did so as well. It was an unnatural amount of tension, the lack of peace almost absolute. She still hasn't gotten over the loss of her parents, and everything else isn't letting her. Oh Kanada-xiaocha... It made everything she had been planning, the bowing and behaving properly, almost be thrown out the window. She knew that Kanada needed a hug, desperately, and that there was almost no one that she could actually get one from given her station and the demands of etiquette with everyone else. Akiva understood the necessity for it, but with Hotaru and Ichisae it had become almost a non-factor. At that moment Akiva understood that the young woman needed family first, the only question was whether Zhenao would allow anything of that nature or if he would be all business as usual. Akiva decided that she might force the issue... depending on the way Kanada greeted her.

As she had moved forwards towards the door she needed to pass through it felt almost as though she were swimming against a tide of chaos and pressure. It buffeted her spirit, but it almost felt palpable. Even a non-Force sensitive would have been able to tell that this was an unpleasant place to be. I wonder how bad it is in my quarters. They aren't far enough away to dull much of this. Anii stopped at the door, almost as though she didn't want to be involved in whatever was going on on the other side and Akiva could hardly blame her. "I can go in myself Anii-xiaocha, I'm sure you have other things that you need to do."

The other woman smiled gratefully and said, "There's always more to do Roku-sayé. Peace be with you." And then she bustled her way off to whatever chore or activity she had been in the middle of before Akiva had dragged her away from it with her arrival, not even giving Akiva a chance to say goodbye.

Shaking her head to clear it, Akiva reached for the door and found herself hesitating. After this moment everything was going to be changed, one way or another. This could be the last moment that she had what amounted to a niece or sister. That had always been how Akiva had viewed her relationship with Kanada, as an older sister because Hotaru and Ichisae had always been like the mother and father that she had never had. Surely that wasn't going to change. Surely. Closing her eyes, and finding the hand on the door to be trembling slightly, Akiva took a deep breath to settle herself again... and opened the door.

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Seri'na Rubellite
12:15 p.m.
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

At her agreement to carry the gift back to her Khan, Khan Hine had only offered a small smile and nod in acknowledgment to Seri'na Rubellite's answer.

"You have my thanks and I look forward to the future relationships between our provinces," he intoned.

With that the box was held out for her to take, and she took it with a brief nod of her head in acknowledgement and receipt of the duty it represented not only to Khan Hine, but to her own Khan as well. She found that the box was actually rather light, especially seeing its dimensions were about one foot all the way around, or 30.5 centimeters. The craftsmanship was superb and of a blend of dark and light woods seamlessly crafted together, both the Hine and Jeongbayar Family's crests were emblazoned on the top. Judging from the weight, most of it had to come from the wood itself, so whatever was inside was clearly lightweight. Curiously so. Still she did her best to hide her curiosity of it, adopting the same face she most often wore for her customers that were never satisfied, mild patience.

After this the Khan officially stood from his seat and offered a small bow as a respectful dismissal and she was peacefully seen from the room and back to her compatriots. A male wookiee, dark brown fur and the grace of a rock but a heart of gold, named Yatchin Arroworro was the first one she spied waiting for her in the stuffy antechamber from before. The other was a feeorin man named Hurrei Zyn who had dark blue skin and muscles that gleaned with a slight amount of sweat from the room. Both were samurai one wouldn't want to contend with. But neither was she one to be crossed either. And that was the simple truth of what had been sent here to the Human Khan, a show of strength and ability in a diverse form, unlike the Khan's largely human centric surroundings.

Within a couple of minutes they were finally free of the estate completely and heading toward the small home of a relative of Arroworro's that had agreed to host them while they were in town. At least until they had further orders where she could alternatively use as a means to also give the Hine's gift. Although she halfway was wondering about doing something a little different. After all the box did feel unusual.

"Huh. What do you think it is, Seri'na-xiaocha?" mused Zyn whose eyes were taking in the ornate wooden box she now carried. Apparently she wasn't the only one thinking along those lines.

"A dagger, maybe?" the wookiee offered in his native tongue, translated through the Force as most of his kin were taught to do when becoming samurai. Alright. That cinched it.

"No. Hurrei-Laosan, Yatchin-Laosan. It is too light." Hefting it slightly as they walked, she felt the weight again, testing to see if it would shift. "A scroll, or something far too dangerous. If I were to guess." It was a confounding puzzle, as it one that was not meant to be opened to them. Still the idea was tempting to some degree, perhaps. "We should ensure the package is safe and secure for safe transit, once back in our private lodging." she simply stated.

After all. The Khan Hine's humans inept's had taken turns pawing through her gift before delivering it to him. Returning the favor even more gently seemed only proper.

Tag: Darth_Elu

 

6:42 p.m. Tolin ~Provincial Road, Bareu-Gû Province~

Callie spared them no room to catch their breathes, as she moved to take out the male that had orered her to face
them. They were on the defensive. Within seconds he falls, as as he does the selonian moves around. Callie's eyes
are also noticing the Twi'lek woman, who seems to hold back, not attacking, but merely piviting on her heels.
Callie must be careful now. The Twi'lek is the least tired of the three, but she seems to be holding back. While
the Selonian, her power lays within her arms, but she moves slowly.

Callie changes her target, seeking to kept them from flanking her. She moves to attack the Twi'lek, the least
tired of the group still standing. callie's lightsaber is a blur of motion, as this twi'lek is armed with a pair of katana. That meant the woman had to be swift as well. If Callie is fast enough, she can seek to get the slower moving Selonian to accidently swing at her partner, or at the very least, keeping the woman constantly moving to
try to get a swing in at her. And she would find out if indeed, the other woman wishes to engage her or not. Or
at least, not allow her to further regain her strength and breath. Either way, all would be decided soon enough.
She only hoped that the Dragons would be kind, and she would prevail, and quickly, so she could get her message
delivered. She could not fail the Kahn.


Tag: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Sato Izanami
Edokura, Chisinqi Province
10:30AM

Izanami gazed longingly towards Edokura as she moved along, craving the moment she would be free of the wall. Finally beginning to feel the full chill of the winds once again, she folded her arms across her chest and tucked her hands underneath for some small semblance of warmth.

Warmth…Tenderness.

Passion.

A slight flush in her cheeks made a repeat appearance and she had to stifle the rush of something she’d rather not call attention to. Emotions had begun warring with themselves and the more she considered what had occurred, fear without excitement took over. While she had decided not to tell anyone, it felt as if she had to share somehow, to make sense of things. Perhaps she should write this all down. Yes, she should log the whole experience if only just to be sure she remembered.

Kojin, if only you were here, Izanami thought with sudden sadness. He would have known what to do or say and would have let her know which of her feelings on the matter were proper. And which were not. But that didn’t matter now because he was gone. A shake of her head and he vanished from her mind.

Patrolling in a daze, it lessened as the hours passed by and her mental sharpness returned; the inner turmoil eventually subsiding into background noise. The Arkanian felt a sort of loss at this, but she should’ve expected the thrill to end at some point. They always did. Izanami reached for her saberstaff and gripped it tightly for comfort and reassurance. Holding the weapon that was basically an extension of her own body had always calmed her in times of stress. Or in times of need.

“Sato Izanami-laosan?”

Rattling her out of her boredom, she turned sharply at the call of her name. Before her stood a human male she recognized easily. Great.

“Futaru Nikalas-kunseng,” she responded evenly as her chin rose slightly. Not intentionally meaning to come off as if he interrupted her patrol, she knew her body language might be interpreted as such. His particular intrusion was not entirely welcome, besides. He always seemed to carry an attitude that rubbed her the wrong way.

Waving her forward, he turned and began walking away. Izanami raised a brow at this but followed all the same. “Come on. You’ve got a visitor. Looks like official business,” he said as if he were speaking to a subordinate. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes. While she was nowhere near a high enough station to speak out on the affront, it still managed to get under her skin when these damn City Guard saw her as one of their own. She could be friendly, true. But the reality of things was she was Samurai, they were not. They were not gifted with the Force nor were they guided by the great Dragons.

She looked skyward into the grey clouds, sensing her annoyance getting the best of her. Izanami’s star was not visible, but she always felt its watchful glow. “Chisana aoidesu, help me,” she muttered under her breath. Taking but a moment to steady herself, she returned her gaze forward. All-white eyes focused on Nikalas’ back and she remained at his heels in silence for a few minutes more.

Reaching the guard station closest to the Gate of Commons, Izanami stepped over the threshold and was immediately deserted by Nikalas who retreated back outside. Not thinking twice about his departure, she looked to the few guards nearby that were taking some leisure time within the small space. Then her focus locked on the only thing that was obviously out of place here. An Orokujin female sat apart from the others, her formal attire screaming that she was above conversing with the lowly City Guard. Also, it announced to her that this meeting was no light affair.

The colors and sigil upon the woman’s samurai garb said only one thing to Izanami: the Shogun. Simultaneously sensing anxiety and apprehension creeping in over her calm, she remained collected in all outward appearances. She was well-practiced in hiding her true feelings and would not come off as anything less than absolutely professional to this woman, whomever she may be.

Standing, the Orokujin addressed her directly. “Sato Izanami-laosan, I presume. You have been summoned.”

A wave of nausea hit as her stomach sank and her mouth ran dry. Dragons only knew why she would be asked for. And now, after so much time…

Bowing swiftly to be respectful, Izanami kept her gaze lowered as she responded. “As is requested of me, I am ready.”

Straightening, the Arkanian could not help a reflexive tapping of her fingers over her saber hilt. It seemed this morning still had more to offer her in the way of surprises.


TAG: Darth_Elu

 

Byunaatse Kaifen IC:
~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

Kaifen paused in thought while he kept his body in motion alongside the palanquin, his father happy enough to have switched places with him earlier. To what devious ends, who knew.

And now he was stuck preparing to tell a story of history to the young Lady of House Yirojo. Where to begin?

"Samurai-laosan?"

He smiled and inclined his head in apology. "Sorry, my lady. I am merely thinking of where to start."

His mind raced another ten seconds or so before deciding to just launch into it with a small shrug to himself.

"Well, you see, the Scorched Road earned its name roughly seven hundred and fifty years ago," he started slowly, "and it was a time of unrest. Many distrusted each other and there were high political tensions."

"Oh! Is this the start of the last Great War?" interrupted Yirojo Ayagerel enthusiastically.

Chuckling, the orokujin samurai shook his head. "No, this was a while before that."

While the girl sighed and seemed to resign herself to a 'boring' non-war tale, Kaifen pressed on anyway. She had asked after all, so she was going to get her answer.

"As I was saying, it was a time of political unrest. And while there was no war to be had between Likarahim and Kurai Hei'duun, it does play into the conflict of the two great countries of Xinsuke-ye."

The girl seemed to pick up a little more interest, her mother briefly smiled next to her though it was uncertain whether or not she was listening. Who knew, the older Yirojo woman may know the tale already.

"It was no war, but at one point Kurai sent an advance guard mostly consisting of assassins and quick strike soldiers…"

"Quick strike?"

"Hit and run specialists."

The girl nodded slowly and kept listening.

Kaifen looked to his father, or tried to as the older man was off somewhere possibly conversing with other samurai for a moment. He'd be back before long, but for the time being the story continued.

"The assassins were quickly found out however and they were forced to band together with the quick strikers for their survival who had secretly infiltrated as well to test us. They managed to penetrate as far as Kuniga Province."

"Here," interjected the girl.

Nodding, the samurai went on, "However, knowing they were in a bad situation and with orders not to return unless certain objectives were met, they needed a way to have a chance to win out as the might of our Shogun came down to bear on them. Right before they came to this province, they managed to get disloyal and truly despicable ronin to rally around their banner as well as any other disgrace they could lure in and arm. They formed a makeshift army that became surprisingly formidable, especially since some of the ronin were particularly skilled in the Force, even if they were tainted with dishonor.

Eventually they managed to fight their way to this land, the other provinces and military garrisons being taken by surprise by this army. They made it harder on us by forsaking the main road and blazing their own trail through Kuniga. Literally. Among them was the most dangerous ronin of her time; it was said she could actually bend the laws of nature to her will. Specifically, fire. She did not teach anyone else her skill or how she learned it, but used her ability to form and wield fire through the Force alongside her skill as a warrior, helping to lead the army north…"

The girl's eyes widened. "Vera the Trailblazer!"

He blinked. "Oh. You know of the story then?"

Sheepishly she shook her head, "No…I just know the name, that she was a ronin, and that she could wield fire! Never knew her story. Sad she was helping Kurai."

"I'm not," muttered Kaifen, "Wielding fire disrupts the natural laws. The dragons were furious!"

"They were?"

"Well, keep listening. Vera the Ronin (he opted not to make her sound any cooler than she was due to his own standing of not being a fan of hers) led them along, setting fire and blade to all before them. House Kangyuen was still in charge then and did their best to bring them to an end, but unfortunately…they were simply too strong. All attempts to defeat the Kurai and Ronin army were met with failure, while some of the enemy was felled, too many good samurai and soldiers fell for each one. Despite it all occurring mainly within this province, it already began to seem hopeless the way it was happening.

"Yet General Zhaoichi Yoh, cousin of the Shogun at the time, led a massive army south to meet them as he did not want to take any chances with underestimating them especially due to reports of their prowess. Just as Vera, Kurai, and the other ronin reached the northern border to leave Kuniga behind, the General's Army finally reached them and engaged in a devastating battle! The ronin's skill was indeed unusually impressive and the Shogun's cousin won praise later for his foresight to bring a force larger than most told him was necessary."

"So, the General defeated them right at the border."

"Not completely, but yes, that basically ended their attempt to fighting further. As they were fighting at the northern border, Khan Kangyuen regrouped his own smaller forces and personally led them to avenge their fallen comrades, coming upon the Kurai advance guard and ronin from the rear. It was easy to find them after all with the blackened earth trailing behind the enemy. It was said that General Zhaoichi personally slew the leader of the Kurai advance guard in the fighting. At last the enemy broke and ran! They followed their own torched path back to the south so they could disperse among the forest and sneak out that way, with the Likarahim Army and Kangyuen Samurai harrying them the whole way."

"Wait! What about Vera the Trailblazer? I heard she was undefeated. Well, by herself I mean. She lost the battle obviously."

Kaifen sighed at the interruption again, but he did his best to hide it. "That is what they say, she was one of those running so she could fight again another day I assume. That brings us to the very end of the story that makes it even stronger in our memories. The remnants of the enemy army managed to finally outdistance their pursuers against all odds and it looked like they would escape so they could plot again another day.

"But right before hope of catching them, along with Vera, was lost…the dragons themselves showed up," he plowed ahead while the girl gasped, "to be more accurate the White Dragon was the one to appear according to legend. It breathed a Force Fire so hot and powerful, it was said that its heat could be felt on the other side of Likarahim. It followed along the trail the ronin kept to, but was much faster being a dragon. It caught up to them and put an end to any last plans they had. Even Vera couldn't stop the flames of one of the great dragons, her fire was like a candle to a raging wildfire and so she was consumed by the element she most cherished. It was the fire of the White Dragon that charred the ground to the point that it has always retained this blacker appearance rather than recovering back into grass as it should. The old main road of Kuniga was soon forgotten as those wishing to relive the history and legend of the event kept revisiting the scar striking across the province and soon enough this became the main road."

"The Scorched Road," whispered the young girl, eyes wide again.

"The Scorched Road," Kaifen agreed.

Tag: None

 

Late addition to the cast approved by Darth_Elu

Name: Ao-Hinan Ochitsukanai (Ochi-xiaocha to most people)

Species: Orokujin

Gender: Female

Age: 18

Hair Color: Orange-Red

Eye Color: Milky Blue

Height & Build: Average height (5’7”) average build

Personality: Curious, Energetic, Restless at times

3 Likes:Exploring, Learning, Sunny and clear days

3 Dislikes: Sitting still, boring lectures, Rain

Force Sensitivity: Yes

Family & Province:Ao-Hinan Shrine, Ryonchaek Ni Province

Occupation/Class: Shrine Maiden

Weapons: Double Bladed Light Naginata with blue blades.

School Dojo: Nèizài Diyu Diildeshgüi-ryu

Personal Star: Tatoo (Doesn’t know it’s a Binary Star System)

Bio: Ochitsukanai was found at the front gate of the Ao-Hinan Shrine in a basket with a note attached stating only her given name. The maidens that found her didn’t see who left her, and there were no clues as to her parents’ identity. They took the child in and cared for her, it was apparent that whoever left her, for one reason or another, couldn’t or didn’t want to keep her. She was raised as a Shrine Maiden to the Blue Dragon and took to it well. She loved learning but, could become very bored of long winded lectures given by Senyō Kanna, the head maiden and Taka Riku, the priest of the shrine.

What she did enjoy was exploring the surrounding countryside of the rural, mountain top shrine. She enjoyed wandering around in the woods and grasslands looking at bugs, watching animals, and just playing as any child would. On the rare occasions she wasn’t outside, she was training in Nèizài Diyu Diildeshgüi-ryu, the traditional fighting style of shrine maidens, or doing her chores around the shrine. She also grew to dislike rainy days since they severely limited the time she could spend outside.

The Ao-Hinan Shrine was placed upon a mountain overlooking the Wall that now separates Likarahim and Kurai Hei'duun. In times of war it was used as a sanctuary for the women and children of the villages, watched over by the maidens that would defend their charges fiercely if attacked. They have also at times acted as a hospital, treating the wounded from both sides. The Priest and Maidens took pride in their history and endeavored to teach it to Ochi-xiaocha, a difficult task.

As she grew up she became aware of her force sensitivity, something Senyō-sayé and Taka-sayé already knew, but now she realized it. As she explored, she began to realize that she could recognize places of imbalance, where the energies were unstable. She could also sense it in others, she couldn’t tell what they would do but, she knew they were in trouble, or heading for it. When she sensed this she did her best to set things right, talk with the person, or find what was harming the land. She wasn’t always successful but, the maidens, her sisters, had taught her to always try.

While she was dutiful in her chores and, thought nothing of joining the ranks of the maidens, she would often find herself looking up into the stars. Now she felt an imbalance in herself, a conflict between her duty to the people that raised her, and her own heart calling her elsewhere. She wants to serve both wants, to care for her shrine and explore the world, and beyond. She doesn’t know if she can do this but, she so desperately wants to.

While she hasn’t thought about it in a long time there is still the question of her real family. Who were they and why did they abandon her?

 

OOC: Just to note, for any npc who is henceforth bolded in red cannot be controlled by the player. If they are not in red, you are free to use them a bit in your post as well. By the way, Ktala, in your post you have the freedom of describing how Onni goes about her task with total liberty. As always, ask any questions you wish in 'Lotus' or in PM.

10:27 a.m.
~Otaren Residence, Kuniga Province~

Upon being asked her name, the woman nodded and apologized for not remembering such a basic courtesy. She quickly stated that her name was Otaren Ugara and then waited for Onni to return restlessly.

Ogura Naosa nodded his understanding of her situation and bade her well with a smile. "You'll work more wonders today, I see."

As the zabrak samurai checked the bag of currency to verify its contents, she saw the gold coins winking up at her, confirming at least that part of her story while Ton'da moved next to her.

"Lead the way."

"Of course! Follow me, master samurai!"

With that they moved briskly out of the town of Shaohorin and down the road she had raced up desperately. The healer's questions forced some level of calm into her as it forced her to think instead of merely spiraling through the chaos of worry.

"He wasn't hurt before, no…and I don't believe he went out anywhere other than the small orchard we have behind the house. He's never gotten sick before from there, not like this."

There was another pause as they moved swiftly down the road and she thought about her husband's condition.

"He..he sweats profusely, burns up from head to toe, his face is turning a bad shade of green…that was what finally made me search for help!" she sighed, holding back tears again, "He sleeps most of the day and complains of intense pain throughout his body that I could only do so much to ease…Barely eats."

Ugara shook her head, unable to say more as they went on. But before long they had arrived at the small house on the side of the road, just as she had said and inside…

The other part of her story was also confirmed. This was no trick.

A teenage zabrak moved hurriedly over, but Ugara who was obviously his mother, moved off to the side so Onni could head in and toward where her husband lay. The front door opened out right into the living room where he had been allowed to lay on a low futon with a lot of space around him. He was just as she described and was currently conscious when they came in.

"I-I got help, honey!" Ugara stammered while kneeling on his other side across from the samurai, their son hovering a little further back.

"…G…Gooood," he managed to get out, his eyes hazy and disoriented looking over at the healer and her animal companion with only a little bit of recognition.

"He, uh, looked like he got worse while you were away, mother…" said the son quietly, almost as if speaking too loud might make things worse.

Just by looking at him and listening to his symptoms, Onni would be afraid of what she was bearing witness to.

Demon's Whisper. Also known as Spirit Decay Disease.

It was rare, though had become a bit more numerous the last few years, and while treatable and not contagious it had a high fatality rate and was extremely difficult to cure. And his case was advanced, if she didn't act and immediately, there was no question he'd be dead within a matter of hours. This was also the first case she had seen in two or more years.

The worst thing about Demon's Whisper was the fact that no one had, as of yet, figured out exactly where it came from or how it spread. But it wasn't just the body, it was a person infected within their very life force in the Force. Some wondered if such a thing was possible just because of their high level of Force Sensitives, but none knew concretely.

Treatment was mostly done with the Force and would require 'recycling the spirit' in and out with purifying healing energy a number of times among other things, Fu'ral Onni had her work cut out for her.

Time was ticking and it was not her ally.

Tag: Ktala

11:05 a.m.
~Edokura Castle, Edokura~

She might have expected to be taken to the Main Zhaoichi Estate, but it would seem that was not to be as Sato Izanami was taken directly to Edokura Castle, the central place of power within all of Likarahim.

It took a twenty minute speeder drive from the moment she and her orokujin escort, who never spoke any further words, left the Gate of Commons to the castle and then another fitenn minutes of walking within the veritable fortress itself. Formidable and ornate, beautiful and intimidating all in one.

As usually was the case inside, there were many people heading about. Some high ranking (she even passed by a few Khans and their retinues) and many servants and other samurai or guards to Shogun Zhaoichi. Everyone had their place, everyone had their own duties to attend to.

Efficient and professional to the last.

It was likely that Tigre Namichi, the human woman denoted as the head of Edokura Zhaoichi Samurai, just below the Chamberlain in power, was the one actually doing the summoning due to Izanami's own station. But where it was ordered from was unmistakable. Of course, there was a chance the orokujin Chamberlain himself, Junglon Kunlai, could be talking to her however remote that likely was. Would make the situation even more important and frightening. Most samurai in the country knew his name due to being the Shogun's Chamberlain!

They twisted and turned down a few corridors, heading amid all those inside and giving a chance to look at the various art spread throughout. And all the warriors stationed everywhere, a constant reminder of power.

By the end, she hadn't thought much of it, but it seemed like they came to one of the central chambers when they arrived thereby nullifying some of the reasoning behind even going down some of the hallways they did at all! Unless of course, her escort was buying time due to other meetings.

Dragons help her, that meant the Chamberlain.

They paused in front of the shut double doors briefly and the woman turned to her. "I am sure I need not remind you, Sato-laosan, but make sure you are well presented and showcasing the utmost honor and respect when coming before the Shogun. This'll reflect on your family as much as you."

Well, that was natural of …. what?

And like that, one of the doors opened and Sato Izanami found herself ushered into the presence of the most powerful man in Likarahim, if not all of Xinsuke-ye.



Tag: QueenSabe7

12:35 p.m.
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Hurrei Zyn snorted in annoyance at the thought put forward by Seri'na Rubellite. "I hope its not a scroll, that'd be boring. Something more interesting please."

Yatchin Arroworro shook his head at the feeorin's statement, though offered no further comment.

Mischief or payback aside, it was a mere twenty minute walk to the uncle of the wookiee samurai's, though he appeared out for the time being. Arroworro had the keys to the lock on the door however and they were soon inside the modest home, thereby safely in private.

They arranged themselves however they chose, Arroworro telling them to make themselves at home. Zyn did just that as he plopped down by the low table in the living room, stretching out his legs while the wookiee turned on a fan to get some more cool air going.

"Glad I sent this to him a while back now."

Yet as they may have been more relaxed, the mystery of the ornate wooden box still beckoned. Did they go through with it? Well, that was up to the Dragons and the Force.

Or three highly curious (see mischievous) samurai. Either or.

Tag: Mitth_Fisto

1:35 p.m.
~Seashore, Umi-cé Province~

The girl turned her head with a small, timid smile toward the orokujin monk as he greeted her. She continued to remain quiet as he began to speak of the Battle of Minara-no-Gamkai that had occurred six hundred years ago.

As he did so, she slowly cast her gaze back out toward the sea, taking it all in and listening to the waves as he did. She sensed his smile at the end rather than saw at first, due to her continual gaze.

The girl remained silent a few heartbeats longer before quietly replying, "Thank you for that, monk-laosan. My father likes to speak of the Battle of Minara-no-Gamkai fairly often as he is passionate about history, but I never thought of it quite in that way."

She turned and smiled at Kyōkan in return then, offering the subtlest of shrugs. "Perhaps you can see into my heart? I suppose the Force is truly so great as it is a gift of the Dragons. Perhaps the Black Dragon gave you his insight."

Walking slowly, her feet feeling the sand as she did so, she came closer to face him, "I confess to wishing to ask of you some advice when I saw you, but whether knowing or not, you have already done so. May I ask of you your name?"

Once done, she smiled and bowed low to him. "May the dragons continue to bless you with their wisdom, Kyōkan-laosan. I am Taru Horime. I hope we may both remember and cling to it in the coming days, but I'm afraid I must leave back for home. I have been gone for too long, lost in my thoughts as it is. I pray we may meet again in the future."

With that she quietly traversed along the beach in the direction of the nearby local town, thus answering one question if not more.

As usual, he was now free to spend his time as he saw fit, not yet knowing that something was waiting for him at Myodo-ji Temple, though he would eventually feel a pull toward it.

Tag: bad_feeling_haver

2:00 p.m.
~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

After the tale of the Scorched Road had ended and Byunaatse Lao mysteriously seemed to reappear as his son had expected, there was a relative silence again for a time while both the samurai and young girl digested the story.

"What about…" Yirojo Ayagerel began again, only to be cut off by her mother.

"That is enough for now, Ayagerel. This fine samurai is not here to tell you stories the rest of the way."

Kaifen couldn't help but swell a little at the 'fine samurai' part, but shook his head reassuringly. "I do not mind if it would help ease the travel for her, my lady. I am not the best storyteller, but I can continue."

Yirojo Duri looked thoughtful for a moment. "If you are certain."

However, that was where it stopped as the whole procession slowly came to a halt and Byunaatse Kaifen looked about puzzled.

"One moment, my ladies."

Noticing his father already having moved ahead, he did so as well to discover what was going on. After pressing through the guards and other samurai, he came to the front of their large group.

One of the higher ranking Yirojo Samurai, his father, and an ordinary soldier who was the highest ranking of the Kangyuen Soldiers were standing together and conversing while others watched.

He couldn't make out what it was just yet, but beyond them and down the road a ways, something was heading their way. Whatever it was, it was evident it was the reason for their discussion.

Tag: Darth_Elu

5:00 p.m.
~Grave Site for Yama Tetsu & Yama Ishi, Kuniga Province~

As Yama Hinoki spoke, her outrage quietly clear in her words, one of the two samurai straightened immediately as if surprised. His hand flew to his hilt, though it was stopped by the other, who shook their head. It was an act of being caught off guard, nothing more, yet still interesting.

That one was a blue twi'lek, male, and young. Late teens perhaps by his look and his head bowed low in apology. "W-We're sorry--" he began but was cut off by a raised hand by his companion.

That one was also male, but a dark gray furred orokujin, and much older. More than even Hinoki herself and was clearly more experienced due to it, having not been caught by surprise or at least not showing it had she managed it.

"We are sorry," he took over and motioned for his younger counterpart to move away, "It is best you did as she asked. We were insensitive."

"Yes, Darru-laosan." And the twi'lek was gone with those words, his eyes briefly darting between the two orokujin.

A sigh emitted from the older man now as he folded his arms and gazed at the angry woman before him. "Once more, I apologize for our discourtesy, Yama-laosan. However, I am hoping an old friend is allowed to visit? Tetsu-sayé was a dear friend of mine, so long ago…It took quite a bit for me to convince Yukimura to tell me where he was now."

A pause as he watched the woman carefully. Had she relaxed in any way, he would drop his hands casually and remain where he was. Should her guard remain up and anger still be her dominant expression, his arms would stay folded yet he would move further away from the graves.

"I am not sure if your husband ever told you of me, my name is Darru Xhan. We grew up together and were both retainers of the Shogun, though I was sent on a secret mission to Kurai Hei'duun twenty years ago. I returned a month ago only to hear what befell him and recently transferred my services to the Kangyuen Family for various reasons. One of which being closer to you, the last remnant of one I considered a brother."

He wasn't sure if she would know his name or not, but he dared to hope. If not, then things would be instantly complicated due to his lack of judgment and he was going to have to wonder at how to proceed.

Tag: galactic-vagabond422

6:43 p.m.
~Provincial Road, Barēu-Gû Province~

Tolin Callie was quickly proving to be far more formidable than the three ronin had hoped. The zabrak was already down and out of the fight and the unusually brutish selonian did indeed swing as the samurai had provoked her to do so.

The attack missed her, but was also evaded by the twi'lek just barely while she was keeping up with Callie's attacks. But only just. And after that large swing, the samurai would immediately sense a glaring opening on the selonian's side behind her.

The twi'lek woman would say nothing, just keeping up with the blur that was trying to cut her down and then jumping backwards to gain some space just as Callie sensed the selonian's opening. This potentially gave her the time to act on it should she choose to and swing back to face the dual wielder.

The (last?) ronin panted for breath while she charged back in after any actions her human opponent took, swinging her blades to make a crossing 'x' strike for her first move. Depending on how Callie responded, it could also be the ronin's last.

Tag: HunterPrime

9:30 p.m.
~Jeongbayar Estate, Zhenao~

As Roku Akiva entered the room, the heart of the chaos enveloped her as she might have expected due to the feelings radiating from the room in the Force.

And there, on the opposite side of a large table covered in letters, maps, items, and dragons knew what else…was Khan Jeongbayar Kanada. The young orokujin woman was of middle height, more slender in build with lean muscle, and possessing tan brown fur.

The Chamberlain of the Jeongbayar Family, Zhenao Huurrakruff was on the side that Akiva now found herself walking toward, his arms folded and wearing the traditional kamishimo outfit. Wookiees never did prefer clothing, but many wookiee samurai took their duties and honor serious enough to wear some to denote their station alongside their katanas often. He was one such.

Dark eyes serious and grave as usual, his dark brown fur with just as much white in it now. Was it just her imagination that he seemed even more white than before? Hard to say.

Huurrakruff dropped his folded arms as soon as the feeorin woman entered at last, turning part way to face her with a small nod of the head.

The Khan herself raised her head up from the table to take in the woman's approach silently for about three seconds before she nodded herself.

"Akiva, it's good to see you have arrived." Just her first name to show their closeness. And while she clearly intended to act professional in her new role upon their first meeting since the incident…she couldn't help but crack a little at the end. Her voice faltered, however slightly, at the last few words and a small smile finally leaked out despite her wishes to the contrary.

"It's really good to see you again," she said less formally, unable to hide it.

Using the Force to translate his words from his native tongue as wookiee samurai are taught to do, 'Kruff' agreed with her as well. "It'll be good to have you back around, Akiva. As you can imagine, there is much to talk about."

"Yes, well, I am sure that isn't news to anyone any more, Huurrakruff-sayé," Khan Jeongbayar sighed with a small rubbing of the side of her head.

The young Khan didn't explicitly open herself up to any informal hugging or such, yet she did move around to the side of the table and closer to her old friend that was nigh like an Aunt or older sister to her. It was a halfway gesture, a warring within herself.

Akiva was not the only one uncertain on what grounds they stood on. Actions spoke louder than words.

After their initial meeting was concluded, no matter in what form it took from the feeorin's actions, whether professional or more familiar; Kanada would nod over the woman's shoulder to a spot on the table, off to the side.

"Let me guess, you haven't eaten much lately." It was a statement, not a question. Her parents may have been the closest ones to the wanderer of the Jeongbayar Samurai, but Kanada knew her just as well in some ways.

Where she nodded to, was a dish of her favorite food.

The wookiee huffed, "She made sure that a plate was set aside for your arrival. Shouldn't be too cold. Feel free to eat as we talk, we all need to be at our best."

"Now more than ever," the Khan agreed soberly.

Tag: A Blind Prophet

 

IC: Yama Hinoki
5:00 p.m.
Graves of the her beloved, Kuniga Province

As the twi’lek’s hand reached for his blade, Yama brought her left foot forward, her other hand moving to her weapon. The disturbing of her holy place had put her on edge, the sudden movement hadn’t spooked her but, she would not allow herself to be taken by surprise. Her preparations for combat were cut short by the older, and much more experienced of the pair, shaking his head.

She returned her arm to her side but kept her feet planted as the boy mumbled out, "W-We're sorry--" before being silenced by his Sentai.

The older orokujin, now that Hinoki could take a good look at him seemed old, not just older than his partner but, older than herself, noticeably so, possibly as old as…

"We are sorry," the man’s words stop her thoughts, "It is best you did as she asked." he continued, gesturing with his hand to order the boy away from the graves. “We were insensitive." While the twi’lek moved, the other remained, feet planted as firmly as Hinoki’s.

"Yes, Darru-laosan." The young man said hurrying away. Yama-senfu’s eyebrow rose, a sign of recognition, possibly.

"Once more, I apologize for our discourtesy, Yama-laosan." Darru continued, arms still crossed feet unmoved, "However, I am hoping an old friend is allowed to visit? Tetsu-sayé was a dear friend of mine, so long ago…It took quite a bit for me to convince Yukimura to tell me where he was now."

At the mention of Yukimura, the woman relaxed just a little, planting her weapon into the ground with a thud. Yukimura-laosan wouldn’t give up this location unless he trusted the man, and she was thankful to hear that it took some doing on Darru’s part. She was still uncomfortable with his presence, but her body and face would show that she had come down from her initial shock.

"I am not sure if your husband ever told you of me, my name is Darru Xhan." She nodded her head cautiously, there was more than some realization that came with the reveal. "We grew up together and were both retainers of the Shogun, though I was sent on a secret mission to Kurai Hei'duun twenty years ago. I returned a month ago only to hear what befell him and recently transferred my services to the Kangyuen Family for various reasons." She tilted her head just a little. Tetsu-laosan retired from the Shogun's service around twenty years ago. He'd always told her that he left because he was too old to keep training samurai, to continue serving. This new information cast a little doubt on this explanation, though in her experience, asking about such 'secret' missions led to very few answers. Her husband would just smile and say she didn't want to know. "One of which being closer to you, the last remnant of one I considered a brother."

She closed her eyes for a moment taking a long breath. "Yes I have heard of you Darru-laosan," Hinoki started, not smiling but, not staring daggers either, "You were the only man that defeated Tetsu-laosan, though he claims you cheated." A slight smirk pulled at her lips, more at the memory of how her husband told the story than anything else.

They were much younger men back then, barely even that. Before Tetsu-laosan's shoulders pained him with every move, before his knees ached when the rain came, before Hinoki was even born. They were close and driven by the shared desire to be the best swordsmen. Through all this, they never faced each other in single combat, until they were well into their training at school.

Tetsu-laosan was considered the best student in the dojo, though there were murmurs the Darru-laosan was better. Both were prideful and were proud of their prowess with their blades. Their egos came to a head during a training session, Tetsu-laosan said that Darru-laosan tripped him as they went through their katas. He wasn’t going to let that stand, and challenged Darru-laosan to a duel, to finally settle who was better, to finally see who, after all those years, had learned more.

The way Tetsu-laosan described it, it was a duel to be remembered. Each slash carried the souls of the combatants, their auras clashing over and over again. Like two dragons fighting they continued for hours, or so her husband claimed, until Darru-laosan brought a strike down that cracked Tetsu-laosan's collar bone, somehow slipping past his practice katana. In that moment her husband both hated and respected Darru-laosan, hated him, not for bringing him harm, but for busing his ego, and respected him for finally giving him his first failure.

Her husband said that he replayed the fight over and over again in his mind while he recovered. He couldn't understand how Darru-laosan had gotten through his defenses. The only conclusion he could come to was that his opponent had used the Force to subtly move his blade a hair's breadth to the left, leaving him open for the finishing blow. This realization irked the young samurai, drove him to recover quickly.

Unfortunately he never got the chance to fight Darru-laosan again. By the time he was ready to face his rival again, they were in the service of the Shogun, and their lord wouldn't dare risk losing one of his most promising samurai for the sake of their own pride. After a few years, they had both put the incident behind them, and had become brothers again, serving faithfully for many, many years.

Hinoki stepped forward, walking out of the memory of sitting with her husband, listening to the stories of his glory days and, moving into the present, heading towards her son's grave. "If you would like, you can help me clean their headstones while you explain yourself." She stated as she began lovingly brushing the few fallen leaves off the top of the stone, leaving Tetsu-laosan's for Darru-laosan, fitting for the two men that were brothers born of combat.

Every now and then she would spare a glance over to the boy now at the outer edge of the clearing, making sure he kept his distance. His sentai was allowed with in this sacred space, he was not, if he made any move to approach, Hinoki would advise him against it, forcefully and, with the voice she reserved for only the most unruly of students. Not a scream, or a yell, just cold, hard tone that had frozen many a rowdy pupil in their place.

She continued cleaning the headstone, her weapon laying on the ground nearby, listening to Darru-laosan's reply.

TAG: Darth_Elu

OOC: The story of Tetsu and Darru's duel was approved by the GM.

 

6:43 p.m. Tolin ~Provincial Road, Bareu-Gû Province~

Callie managed to provoke the selonian into an attack, swinging at her and the Tei'lek, as carried moved
to keep the twi'lek busy. And as the Selonian did swing at her, Callie was able to sense an opening on
the side of the slower being. The wi'lek barely missed getting hit, as she was keeping an eye on both
her partner and Callie's attacks. But barely. Callie had but a brief moment to give thought to her
possibilities. She could move, and attack the slower Selonian with that opening. But then she would
leave herself possibly open for the faster Twi'lek to come in and attack with her weapons. And with her
being so fast, that could possibly spell disaster.

So Callie opted not to take the opening given. But if the Selonian was close enough to take a kick, then
she would indeed deliver one. Callie called upon the Purple Dragon's skill and wisdom, as she moved
pressing her all out assault on the twi'lek, while keeping the Selonian running to keep up with them
both. She would not allow the Twi'lek to outflank her, Force willing. Callie would finish this battle
quickly. For every minute she spent here, meant less time she had to complete her task. This had to end
now. Callie charged forward, towards the Twi'lek. Callie saw that athe Twi'lek had jumped back, and then
began to charge towards her, swinging her blades to make a crossing 'x' strike. A powerful strike to be
sure. But defensively, it lacked certain areaqs. So Callie moved to close the gap quickly, so that the
Twi'lek would not be able to put forth the full advantage of the attack she was trying to make. Callie
twirled deftly to one side, and once again, came at the woman in a flurry of motion, seeking to end this
battle quickly.

Callie kept her mind sharply focused on the battle, looking for any openings the Dragons would show her.
Callie had not wanted this fight. But she was going to end it. She had not asked for it. But it was now
her job and duty. And she knew she had to keep her enemy off center, before they had a chance to come up
with another way to attck her. For she knew not all were bound by honor. The flow of the Force and the song of the Dragon's sang as she moved, and she listened carefully to their song.


Tag: Darth_Elu

 

Onni Fu'ral
10:27 a.m. ~Otaren Residence, Kuniga Province~


When Onni asked the woman her name, she nodded, and Onni listened to reply, Otaren Ugara. With that now
known, Onni moved to gather her things, as she told the residents what was happening. Ogura Naosa nodded his
understanding of her situation and bade her well with a smile. "You'll work more wonders today, I see." Onni
gave him a smile. "I hope so, Force willing, Ogura-sayé." as she then moved to swiftly gather her items.
Ton'da moved next to her, as Onni exited the building, and asked Otaren to lead the way.

"Of course! Follow me, master samurai!"

With that they moved briskly out of the town of Shaohorin and down the road she had come up. As they walked,
Onni asked her question, one to try and gather more information as they moved, and two, to force the woman
to think about something else. Onni carefully listened to the woman's reply.

"He wasn't hurt before, no…and I don't believe he went out anywhere other than the small orchard we have
behind the house. He's never gotten sick before from there, not like this."

"Not like this?" Onni echoed the woman statement. Had he gotten sick before, perhaps, just pains and aches
when he had worked in his orchard. So she asked Otaren. The woman's answer not helpful. "Sick before, but
not with these symptoms. More mild and different, typically colds and such. Minor issues." Onni mused over
that fact. Perhaps it was nothing. Or it was the beginning of things. Onni then asked the woman what it was
that they grew. The response seemed normal enough. They grew a fruit local to the area, known as Kaki. It
looked like an like an apple, but with a more citrus taste. Onni mused over that fact. Could he had put
something new on his trees perhaps? The woman could think of nothing.

As they continued to walk, the woman Otargen began to describe his symptons, and Onni felt a bit of dread
creeping into her, as she listened. "He..he sweats profusely, burns up from head to toe, his face is turning
a bad shade of green…that was what finally made me search for help!" she sighed, holding back tears again,

"He sleeps most of the day and complains of intense pain throughout his body that I could only do so much to
ease…Barely eats." Skin color change was never a good sign.

Ugara shook her head, unable to say any more. Onni gently spoke to the woman, "Dont worry Otaren-Xiaocha."
she stated gently, even as her mind was trying to come up with what possible ailments were within the local
area. "We shall be there soon, and hopefully, with the blessings of the Dragons, be allowed to cure what
ails him."

As soon as Onni stepped into the home, she knew that this was no trick. And it was extremely serious. A
teenage zabrak, most likely their son, moved hurriedly over, but Ugara quickly moved to the mans side. He lay on a low fulton, with plenty of space around him. That was good. A bright and airy room did help. With a gesture, Onni instructed Ton'da to follow and sit down next to her, as she quickly moved over towards the husband, her eyes scanning his entire body, even as she used the Force to scan him as well, to see what was causing this man's
infection. She laid her staff in front of her, as she checked his vitals, her hands stretched out to feel his face and side of his neck.

"I-I got help, honey!" Ugara stammered, while the teen sat back behind them. The husband, who happened to be
conscious at the time, managed to stammer, and in his state, Onni quickly noticed that his eyes were
disoriented, and he could barely comprehend what was in front of him. But he did managed to respond to the
wife. Their teenage son sitting behind them spoke softly. "He, uh, looked like he got worse while you were
away, mother…"

What Onni saw, made her mind reel back in shock, even as the Force confirmed what it was she was seeing. The
last time she had ever seen a case of it, was over two or more years back, if not more. It was a disease
that was spoken about in low whispers.

Demon's Whisper. Also known as Spirit Decay Disease.

Onni kept her face neutral, as she continued her examination. This was more than just some simple disease
she could treat with herbs and soup. It was still considered rare, but it seemed to be slowly growing more
within the population. Thank the dragons it was NOT contagious, but it did however, have a high fatality
rate. And the cure was not easy either. Mater of fact, it was one of the more difficult illnesses to deal
with, for you had to deal with both body AND spirit. And this man's case was advanced, the fact that his
skin had already changed color was evidence of that!

The worst thing about Demon's Whisper was the fact that no one had, as of yet, figured out exactly where it
came from or how it spread. But it wasn't just the body, it was a person infected within their very life
force in the Force. Some wondered if such a thing was possible just because of their high level of Force
Sensitives, but none knew for sure. Treatment was mostly done with the Force and would require 'recycling
the spirit' in and out with purifying healing energy a number of times among other things. Onni had her work
cut out for her.

Onni stood, and gestured for the wife to follow her. As soon as she stepped out of the main area, she looked
at the husband, and then the wife. "Your husband is very ill indeed. I know what illness have a grip on him,
and with it being so advanced, it will be difficult. But I will do all that I can, Otaren-Xiaocha." Onni spoke gently towards the woman, laying a hand on her shoulder for comfort. Onni then gestured towards her husband. "I will need you to bring me a hot pot of water, several towels, and some very strong tea." Onni then paused. "And most importantly, I need positive thoughts from both you and the boy. The illness that attacks him, attacks him in many ways. But your thoughts, your strength, would go very far in helping him fight the illness. We must act quickly now. Have your son help you. And Im not to be disturbed, once I start. This will most likely take quite awhile." Onni smiled. "Let us get started now."

With that, Onni turned, and walked back over towards her patient, and knelt down on close to him. She leaned
over, and unrolled a small mat she pulled from her bag, and then pulled out a small box. A small stone
glittered inside. Onni grasped the stone for a few moments as she closed her eyes for a moment, asking for
Dragons aid in this difficult endeavor. She then leaned forward, checking the man's condition, as she quietly
whispered in his ear... "Let's see about getting you well, shall we? We dont want you missing out on the
Festival of Lights, or your wife worrying about you." she told him, as she leaned over him, checking on the
amount of sweating he was doing. Onni wrapped a small band of cloth, to both pull her hair back out of the
way, and to tuck the stone within. Onni gently sniffed him, to detect any unusual smells, as she picked up
and held his hands, looking at his fingertips. The nails were yellowish and sickly, but nothing blindly standing out during her exam. She continued her scans.

Once Onni had her items placed around her, she laid a hand on Ton'da. "This is going to take a while. Be watchful." she whispered to him, as she then turned her attentions back to her patient. Once the wife brought in the hot water and towels, she gently wet a few of them, and with some special herbs wrapped inside of the towels, she placed them on several key spots on the husband's body, to draw out any impurities within him. As she laid them careful not to burn the man with the towels, Onni began to call the will of the Dragons, the Force, to her, muttering to herself, as she hoped to invoke their wisdom and guidance to help strengthen and heal her patient. She slowed down her own breathing, and went into a deep healing meditation, finding her anchor point within the Force. The sharp, pungent smell from the herbs that were in a bowl next to her, focused and infused her with energy. Onni knelt, leaning over the man, as she closed he eyes to mere slits, her hands slowly danced over his prone form, to find the the 'dark spots' within his Force aura.

Onni began the task of pouring her healing energies into the man's entire body, flooding it with healing energies, while removing or repairing any wounds within both his body and aura. She kept a careful check of his life force as well. Ton'da was well intuned to such things as well, and keep a careful watch as she concentrated on her healing. She started the first dose small. She paused, resting for a minute, and checking to make sure his vital energies were stable, before she would begin the next tround of treatmeant.

With each dosage, the amount of energy she poured into him grew. She concentrated on the joyful and happy
feelings she had, when she had been at the elder building. The joyful laughter of the people and children, infused with the energies of the Force. For she felt that positive and joyful mirth and love was just as powerful, and needed for total healing, than just the energies of the Force. Onni hoped that whispers of the Dragons would be enough.

Onni kept extending the lengths of time she poured her healing energies. When the husbands body stable
between each session, she would carefully extend the time and amount of energies. In between each
flushing, she would pour a hot cup of tea, and then carefully take a few sips, renewing herself as well. She
also made sure the herbal patches she placed around the man stayed warm, and changed them out as needed. She leaned down close to his face, checking his breath and coloring, her movements smooth and practiced, showing no outward signs of how things were going, except perhaps for bead of sweat coming from her own forehead.

Every so often, Ton'da would gently touch her with a paw while she worked. Onni would simply nod. In such a
serious healing, Onni had to be careful. It was easy for a healer to lose themselves within the process of
such a powerful transaction of healing energies. And sometimes, a healer came too close, almost loosing
themselves as they followed a ailing spirit, pouring their energies into it. If a soul was too far gone, it
could easily take the healer with it, if they tried to stay connected for too long. Onni was very aware of
this. But in this case, Onni had a few moments of rest between each session, which allowed her to recover
slightly, before the next stronger rounds of treatment followed. But Onni was determined to save her patient, even if it took all day, night, or however long the dragons deemed necessary. She would do all she would be allowed to do, to save her patient. Time no longer meant anything to Onni, as she continued to work on the husband, knowing that there were others who also sat, waiting and hoping.



Tag: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Pyrrak Dedreck
2:12 p.m.
~The Dancing Tiger, Qiang Lao~

Nary a word left Pyrrak's mouth as he listened, and quietly sipped his sake. He was a bit surprised that the Khan wanted to see him today, but there was a certain amount of relief that it was the Khan himself that had sent for him as he had little interest in being in a death squad or some covert operations group as the rumors concerning what Aikimi was doing. But that was just it, they were nothing but rumors. Despite that Pyrrak had a very distinctly bad feeling about the whole affair, even concerning going to this meeting. And then Aishin spoke for the first time.

It was surprising that the Khan thought highly of Pyrrak, regardless of the rumors. Wonder what he'd think if he knew the rumors were true. He strongly suspected that any meeting would require some form of recap of what had happened that day, and that was something that he had spent the last few years running from both literally and figuratively. Pyrrak strongly suspected that the time he had been allotted to actually do that was coming to a close, for better or worse.

Tossing off the rest of his drink, he noticed Redgrove watching him and waiting for some sort of response. It wasn't forthcoming as quickly as he might have hoped, as instead of even looking at the man Pyrrak instead stared off into the middle distance completely ignoring everything and everyone in the room he was in. This was not a decision to be made lightly, and it was one he had rebuffed many times over at this point, but the situation with Dzaojan had become intolerable.

Drawing on the Force, trying to pass it off as though he were simply seeking some form of peace, which in truth he was, Pyrrak began to pass his now empty glass back and forth between his paws. While he made the necessary motions to make it look like it was simply his physical body, in reality he was using the Force to move the glass. It was both dangerous and stupid of him to do it in front of two samurai, who would obviously sense something, but it was the sort of thing that they would have zero experience with and so he figured they would read into it something else entirely. At that moment he didn't particularly care, but at the same time he'd prefer not to deal with the fallout. Again.

Seconds turned into minutes as he considered exactly what he wanted to do, and were he completely honest with himself Pyrrak found himself wanting to simply walk out. Not just of this pathetic excuse for a bar, but out of Quiang Lao itself, and the entire province. What he wanted more than anything else was to be somewhere that no one knew who he was, what he had done, or who had been, but given his former status and the way stories tended to travel he strongly suspected there wasn't anywhere in the kingdom of Likarahim that would be possible. Maybe off in one of the border towns, but that would mean giving up on any chance of getting a decent drink.

Abruptly Pyrrak stood up and walked out of the building, completely ignoring the surprise that it caused his two companions and Zinai, who he heard trying to apologize on his behalf. "I'm sure that Master Dedreck has something very pressing on his mind to have been so rude..." and that's when it cut off. Pyrrak was pretty sure that Redgrove would very much know otherwise, given how many times he'd been rude to the man on most occasions. On the rare times that he actually thought about it, it amazed him what he'd been able to get away with. Though it was possible that this was a last straw of some sort, as it was pretty directly ignoring what Pyrrak suspected was an order from Khan Akachen. All things considered, there were actually worse things he could do than ignore an order from a khan, but there weren't many.

Sighing heavily, Pyrrak stopped just down the road from the bar. This was one instance where what he wanted was irrelevant, and so he waited for Redgrove, Aishin and Zinai to catch up to him as he knew that they would. Before giving any of them a chance to say anything, he said, //Let me stop by my house and pick up my naginata and katana. It wouldn't do to show up naked after all.// He wasn't actually wearing anything at that moment, having stopped carrying his katana years ago and basically refusing to wear any other kind of clothes, he was hot enough as it was.

Zinai translated for him, "Master Dedreck requests that he be allowed to retrieve his katana from his home. Hopefully it won't be too much trouble." Pyrrak gave the droid a half-hearted glare, but ignored it and started walking towards his house, not really caring what either of them were going to say. They wanted him, the Khan wanted him, and so they would have him. But on his own terms.

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Kyōkan/Doraku Kambei

1:35 p.m.~Seashore, Umi-cé Province~


The girl thanked Kyōkan. He was glad that he had judged her feelings correctly. Well, it was more accurate to say he had given her useful counsel. He still didn’t know what exactly had caused her to look so troubled, but he had found the spiritual teachings he had learned about the transitory nature of existence to be comforting, and he found they often helped his danka-laosan in difficult times. It was an idea which formed the basis of much of the philosophy of Kyōkan’s monastic order, one of the roots from which many other teachings grew. It could be a difficult intellectual hurdle for novices or laypersons, but once grasped it could truly change one’s outlook. That had been so in Kyōkan’s own case.

He had once thought of battles as the girl said her father did, as discrete bits of history, wins and losses, cunning strategies and casualties measured in numbers. When he was Doraku Kambei that had been his lot. He wondered if the girl’s father was a military man of some sort, maybe even a samurai as well, although for the Taru family to be so prominent it would be unusual that he had not heard the name before. Still, perhaps he had been able to put Harime-laosan on a more reflective path.

The girl turned to face him. "I confess to wishing to ask of you some advice when I saw you, but whether knowing or not, you have already done so. May I ask of you your name?"

“I am Kyōkan, a monk of Myōdo-ji Temple,” he replied.

"May the dragons continue to bless you with their wisdom, Kyōkan-laosan. I am Taru Horime. I hope we may both remember and cling to it in the coming days, but I'm afraid I must leave back for home. I have been gone for too long, lost in my thoughts as it is. I pray we may meet again in the future."

Horime bowed and Kyōkan returned the gesture. “Thank you, but if you think me wise it is only because someone else once took the time to teach me. You’re welcome to call at the temple any time you find yourself in need of guidance. It’s not just there to make the cliffside look pretty,” he smiled. Bad joke, Kyōkan thought, but shrugged inwardly. Eh, I’m getting old. I’m entitled to those.

Horime turned and headed back toward the village. Kyōkan watched her go for a bit, then turned back to the sea and lingered on the shore for a few moments. His conversation with the girl had gone well, but he had a lingering sense that he had not completely allayed her concern. It wasn’t as though one brief conversation would magically slough off a person’s emotional baggage of course, but the way the girl said “the coming days” seemed almost cryptic, as if she knew something was coming. The Festival of Lights would be soon—a big event, certainly, but hardly a cause for dread. It could be something personal to her, but it would have been presumptuous of Kyōkan to pry into that. He was sure she had shared as much as she cared to, and therefore he had helped her as much as he could.

In short order he decided he had taken a little too long getting back to the temple, considering his leisurely meditation as well as his talk with Horime. He still needed to record the emoluments received for all the houji memorial services performed by the temple that month, not to mention finish a few more pages of the sutra he was copying. He left the beach and headed up the sloping path toward home.

As he approached the front gate to the temple complex, he saw a red and black form dart out of a nearby tree. It was a deigi bird. Kyōkan paused to follow its bouncing flight path with his eyes. Placing a hand on the jamb of the gate, he exhaled and reached out to get an impression of the creature through the Force. He was almost certain it was the same one from earlier. It perched on a nearby shrub and seemed to regard him again, tilting its head. Kyōkan smiled, turned, and entered the temple complex.

Folding his arms into his sleeves, Kyōkan proceeded down the central walkway of the complex. A few of his brother monks were walking here or there. He passed a pair discussing something and politely inclined his head in acknowledgement. He passed the Ordination Hall and the East Garden, then made a right just in front of the Great Dragon Hall, until eventually he came to the area of the grounds that formed the living area for the monks. There were several single-story dormitory halls, a dining hall, and a small records office. Kyōkan headed for this last one, where the logbooks he needed for his afternoon’s task were stored.

He entered the office and exchanged some pleasantries with one of his fellows who was manning the records office that day, and retrieved that month’s log of funerary ceremonies performed, as well as the appropriate ledger in which he would record the income. They were traditional paper books bound with silk cord. There were almost no electronics at Myōdo-ji other than a few datapads and some comm equipment, which were only kept for emergencies or the rare instance where only electronic interface was possible. Kyōkan was not a bookkeeper by trade, but this task was so simple as to barely be worthy of the term. Clerical tasks like this were required of all monks at Myōdo-ji as part of the temple’s upkeep, just as all monks were responsible for keeping the temple clean. The entries Kyōkan was making would be necessary to prepare the budget and for certain government records.

The records office was equipped on each side with wooden tables that ran the length of the room, separated into carrels by wooden dividers. There were two other monks in the office just then, a Twi’lek and an Orokujin, hard at work on their own tasks. Against one wall was a small shrine with a dragon statue a few inches tall. It was actually one of the most modest artifacts in the whole complex, essentially the same as what you would find in your average grandmother’s house. Kyōkan sat at an empty carrel and thumbed through the two books until he found the entries for the first of the month.

Within a few hours he had recorded all the entries he needed and courteously returned the books. He took a short walk to his room in the dormitory to continue his work copying the Golden Resplendence Teaching Sutra. As opposed to the clerical work he had just completed, the copying of sutras wasn’t really done for practical purposes. It was a traditional devotional practice, a form of prayer and meditation, as well as a sacrifice of one’s time and energy to the dragons. The finished copy was not the point of the exercise, although the temple usually auctioned them to samurai or nobles to bring in additional funds. A one-of-a-kind handwritten copy of a sutra made for a nice collectible. Monks like Kyōkan had no particular desire to hold on to their work, despite the effort they put into it. The letting go of the fruits of one’s labor was part of the spiritual value of the task.

Entering his room, Kyōkan removed his shoes and shut the shoji behind him. He opened the doors on his small personal shrine, said a brief prayer, and cleared away the offering of rice and sake he had placed that morning. He lit a joss stick and placed it in the small hole to hold it in front of the dragon icon within the shrine. He inhaled the pleasant agarwood scent, and sat down at his small desk to begin his work.

 

Byunaatse Kaifen IC:
~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

He approached the three conversing, all of whom technically outranked him so Kaifen hoped he was not out of line.

"It is plausible that they will simply pass by."

"Possible and preferable, but we cannot be certain of that."

"Indeed and not with the Lady Yirojos in attendance. It is too much of a risk!"

His brow raised while he quietly maneuvered around them to get a better look before opening his mouth. 'Use your eyes before your mouth' his father used to say when he was little.

Down the road some ways was a small group of travelers approaching, on foot but nevertheless moving fairly quickly. Narrowing his eyes, he noticed that--

"Kaifen?"

Blinking, he turned his head to look to the one calling his name. His father naturally. His eyes were curious, but stern.

"You should have stayed beside the palanquin."

Gulping and then erecting a swift bow from where he stood. "My apologies, father. I had promised Lady Yirojo to discern the reasoning behind the halt." A small lie, but one he felt was fitting.

His father thought this over a moment then nodded, the older man's posture relaxing. Success! And now a wonderful mixture of minor pride and regret rolled into one was all his, how rewarding.

"What should I tell them, especially with the young lady in tow?"

"You do not need to worry about that, Byunaatse-laosan," replied the Yirojo Samurai, "I'll inform them. Thank you for assisting them."

"Very well," his father intoned, "Go ahead and state we will adopt the wait-and-see approach."

The other orokujin nodded and turned on his heel, moving with purpose back to those he answered to while Kaifen moved to join the two men he knew better.

"So are they who I think they are?"

"Ronin. Without a doubt," muttered the Kangyuen Captain.

"Indeed," Byunaatse Lao confirmed, "We will hold our position here and form a defensive posture, but relaxed around the palanquin. We do not wish to provoke them."

"They could easily fall upon us then!"

"It wouldn't be so easy and that is assuming they wish harm. They may be making haste for different reasons. If we are truly lucky, they may even say why."

Kaifen sighed and shook his head in disagreement, but said nothing. The decision had already been made. "Shall I head back to the palanquin as well or take up a position elsewhere?"

"You were doing well keeping the young lady company," the Captain spoke up, "Perhaps you should return to…"

"No."

Both the son and the soldier blinked in surprise at the sudden and firm response from the father and the leader of their company.

There was a small hesitation, but then resolve as the older man spoke. "No. Kaifen, take up this forward position with the Captain and two of his guards. Keep close watch on the ronin, should they seem to be preparing for anything; as samurai: I am trusting you will act swiftly and without pause on behalf of us all. What you do will determine the lives of all those involved. Do you understand?"

Kaifen could only stare at the man before him. Suddenly not his father, but merely Byunaatse Lao. Higher ranked samurai than he and stern commander. Also, willingly giving him an extremely important position for this. It may all turn out to be nothing, but if things were to unravel…

Father is also electing to put me straight in danger's path. Does he really trust me that much?

The young orokujin's chest swelled and he bowed low, "Of course, sir. I will keep a steady watch and act as necessary. And should the Captain make an astute observation before me and give orders, I will obey without question."

Nodding, his father smiled and put a hand on his shoulder before quietly moving back toward the palanquin as an honor guard.

"The Flash of Death gave up his spot on the front line, father or not. I hope you realize what that means."

Kaifen turned to watch the encroaching ronin with an even more serious expression than before.

"I do."

Tag: None

 

IC: Seri'na Rubellite
12:35 p.m.
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Hurrei Zyn snorted in annoyance at the thought put forward by Seri'na Rubellite. "I hope its not a scroll, that'd be boring. Something more interesting please."

Yatchin Arroworro shook his head at the feeorin's statement, though offered no further comment. Probably the higher road to choose. Following his example Seri'na merely shook her head. Some people craved excitement, personally she was happy in the forge or in the field of combat, either way there were challenges. Though most avoided the greatest challenges of all. Themselves.

It was a mere twenty minute walk to the home sponser who was the uncle ofYatchin Arroworro's, though he appeared out for the time being. Arroworro had the keys to the lock on the door however and they were soon inside the modest home, thereby safely in private. Safely away from prying eyes or listening ears, so long as her last sweep still held true to silence any possible ease droppers. Not that she did not trust the fellow Samurai's Uncle, merely that she did not trust the human Khan's aides to not do something stupid.

They arranged themselves however they chose, Arroworro telling them to make themselves at home. Zyn did just that as he plopped down by the low table in the living room, stretching out his legs while the wookiee turned on a fan to get some more cool air going. Seri'na took her time setting up her staff to stand by the low tables end before sitting back from it after putting the box gingerly ontop of the table.

"Glad I sent this to him a while back now." The Wookiee intoned. Seri'na merely cleared her nasal passages of dust and air with a forceful blow. Nothing truly against what the wookiee said, she could commiserate with another furred being, although as a worker of a forge the current soaring temperatures were merely an irritant. Nothing compared to the days of unending fiery furnaces when working on the piece for the Khan. Speaking of the piece for the Khan.

Yet as they may have been more relaxed, the mystery of the ornate wooden box still beckoned, and now ever stronger in her mind as she looked upon it and began feeling all sides for any of the hidden creases. Did they go through with it? Well, that was already decided in her mind.

"Are we doing this?" Arroworro asked as he approached the table. Zyn sat further forward in his seat his relaxed posture fading as interest took over. "We're doing it?" he chimed in with light playing in his eyes.

"By the Dragon's, we shall. For the honor and protection of our Khan, we can do no less then what they did to make sure it is safe for the journey and for our Khan." she simply stated with a straight face and a firm nod. Finishing her inspection of the box she smiled, full of sharp needle teeth. Caressing the twin symbols embossed before moving to slowly, gingerly open the box.

Tag: Darth_Elu

 

OOC: My apologies to Mitth_Fisto. I didn't manage to get you into this update, so I'll update you soon within the next couple of days!

10:30 a.m.

"To All People"

~Mountainside, Ryonchaek Ni Province~

Resplendent in the traditional white and blue garb of a Shrine Maiden, with blue being the color of the dragon whose Shrine she served: Ao-Hinan Ochitsukanai made a pretty picture as she stood on the mountain-side and was looking out over the forests and grasslands in the direction of the Wall of Xinsuke-ye.

Due to their particular elevation, they managed to be above the Wall though not by much due to the structure's immense size. Beyond it was Kurai Hei'duun. All she could see was dense forest on the other side. And off to the south at her right, was the Yorunai Hun Gulf, its waves crashing up against the mostly cliff-side shoreline with as much energy as she felt she had that day. Which was much as she was still very much in the vibrancy of her youth.

The wind rippled across her fur and clothing, fairly strong today, and bringing down the temperature of what would have otherwise been another hot day thanks to the recent heat wave they had been experiencing. Judging by the cloudless sky, the wind was a boon in this despite its annoyingly constant ability to force her to shield her eyes and lean against the wind when she had to move around.

She gazed out over the landscape for some time before finally pulling herself away to make use of that urge to explore she so commonly possessed.

Moving away from the vista, she looked about the woods here on the mountain that she was now moving back into and cast about for anything interesting to seize her interest on. There was plenty, though she had traversed this particular area many times already. It was mainly that view that made her come out this way so often, though the moderate number of small critters in the woods was also a draw she had to admit.

So that was one thing she could explore again. The surrounding area; scouring for the little animals to see what they were up to today. The trees weren't highly dense, but it was enough to give that sense of complete privacy as one waled or ran alone. especially due to its location. Just because she knew every tree, twist, and turn in this region didn't mean it couldn't have surprises sometimes!

There was also the stream a little further down the mountain that wound its way intravenously through the rocks, trees, and wrapped almost all the way around the whole mountain due to its natural, winding path. There were some pretty good-sized rocks in the middle of the flowing water nearby. Those were fun to jump on and trace the water for a ways! The fish were colorful and cute too in her opinion, always hopping out of the water and splashing back in at seemingly random times. She never quite understood their behavior, but they were entertaining to watch. They weren't sacred or anything, but they were still not meant to be eaten by statement of the Head Maiden Senyō Kanna. Ochitsukanai may or may not have tried a few despite the rules, because…why not? Could taste delicious!

Good times.

A possibility also showcased itself in if she wanted to go up the mountain more and head out of the woods entirely. The wind would get stronger, definitely, but the natural rock formations from erosion and constant wind exposure always revealed new images within. Plus she had never gone through the whole area yet, just most. The Guoshan sun lizards were fun to play with too. Tiny guys you wanted to avoid getting your clothes accidentally as they had a fascinating way of getting everywhere somehow.

The amount of playful, harmless pranks she had played on others of the shrine with them…More good times.

The creatures could help with the wind chill a bit too as they eternally warm to the touch due to some inner function of theirs or another. Not hot, just the perfect temperature of warmth. Add in the fact that they were content with being picked up, not minding in the least, and you could carry them around to fight any cold. So long as they didn't run all over you of course. The way they were unafraid of people going amidst them idly had her curious why birds hadn't simply picked them all off yet, its not like they were going to flee. Well, it seemed that way at any rate.

So, that was another option. Along with heading back to Ao-Hinan Shrine itself of course, though that was boring unless something exciting was going on. News flash!

Nothing exciting was going on. Sigh.

Last thing she could think of as being an option at the current point in time was heading back through the shrine and going out onto the main road, heading down the mountain. She wouldn't head all the way down as that was only if there was a reason to do so, but she could go a certain length. There were usually at least a few people coming or going, sometimes that was interesting. Only drawback to that was sometimes the people were annoying. Or worse. Dull. Perhaps not their fault, but if she was going to see them, she wanted to see something. Chances were usually in favor of the dull category sadly, but the idea was there at least. The view from the other side of the mountain was decent, nothing in comparison of the eastern view where the wall rose to challenge the Xinsuke-ye sky.

Oh! She could train with her double-bladed naginata too, which she was constantly reminded to hone her skills on daily. Could be a good excuse if she was caught running around again if she felt like it. It didn't decide where to go, but it was potentially something to do besides exploring if the suggestion tugged to her more strongly than originally imagined.

The Festival of Lights also propped into her mind for a moment too. The celebration coming in two months that was widely anticipated every year, but none more than this one. The prophesized year was at hand! Who knew what the Shrine would do for the occasion this year. They never went overboard, but even the priests were excited. Everyone was unusually excited this time around. If they ever were going to go all out for a holiday for a change, this was it. Wouldn't that be something. The whole of Ao-Hinan glowing so blue and bright, that people would think an azure sun had appeared on the mountain!

It was a pleasant image anyway. One that was likely going to be dashed by Senyō Kanna or Taka Riku, the head priest of Ao-Hinan Shrine, instead giving some kind of lecture that would make the others seem short by comparison. She could just see that occurring and it nearly made her want to groan aloud. Please anything but that!

Maybe she should head for the shrine after all just to pray to the Blue Dragon to shield her from that fate worse than death?

While she attempted to re-salvage her dream version of the Festival however, she still had a small decision to make. Where did she wish to head today?

Guess it was time to come up with that now.

Tag: galactic-vagabond422

12:30 p.m.
~Otaren Residence, Kuniga Province~

Otaren Ugara nodded shakily at Fu'ral Onni's instructions and immediately set about to what she was ordered to do, immediately making sure her son aided her. The boy in turn looked worried and uncertain, but did not question the women as he set about helping his mother.

In short order, the zabrak samurai had a hot pot of water, several towels, and the strongest tea they had to offer as requested. It wasn't quite as strong as she would hope, but it was strong enough and that's what mattered.

The patient himself meekly smiled at her promise of aid and the mention of the Festival of Lights, but said nothing and did not fight her ministrations. Nor could he do so had he wanted to by the look of it.

He was sweating profusely, the nails were yellowish as already noted, and while he smelled bad at the beginning of her scans it was no more than one would expect of someone not well.

Ton'da stayed by his master's side as she worked all the while, giving his own form of quiet encouragement.

Her trances in the healing powers of the Force as she 'recycled his spirit' were immensely demanding, but she persevered through sheer skill and willpower and while she felt the toll and would even involuntarily shiver from time to time with increased frequency as she went on, she did well.

This went on for two hours when the big moment came. She was not done, not quite yet but she was far in the process, farther than she might have thought she would have gotten by then.

That big moment was when the patient's spirit became as weary of the cycle as she, both feeling the strain within and the disease giving its strongest counter to keep its hold. It had been talked about among healers, that at a certain point it seemed to 'fight back' with great strength. If one could simply find the reserve to endure long enough to wear it down and get through that moment, the rest was downhill...

And it was striking back now. Hard. A groan escaped the man's lips and he stiffened despite having fallen asleep outwardly during the session. There was a sharp pain in her abdomen and shoulders and a sluggish fatigue trying to settle within her arms and legs, attempting to weaken her. Drain her. A seed of doubt trying to plant itself in her mind. Or so it all felt at least.

This was the disease's final attempt to defeat the healer after two hours of being slowly pushed out. All Onni had to do. Was. Hold. On.

Tag: Ktala

2:15 p.m.
~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

It wasn't long before two guards came up to join Byunaatse Kaifen and the human Captain of the Kangyuen soldiers. They stood by, hands on their weapons cautiously, and watched as the distant ronin slowly became not so distant.

They were definitely in a hurry, perhaps not as much of a desperate panic as it appeared at first, but they were progressing swiftly.

"Their weapons are still sheathed," the Captain mused uncertainly.

The orokujin samurai would only narrow his eyes and release a slow breath to push back the tension he was feeling within his body.

The other group, now clearly numbering somewhere in the forties to fifties, continued to press toward them unheeded. A racket was raised in between them, though it sounded like natural camaraderie.

Within just about five more minutes, they would be on them. It was time to make a choice. Were the ronin going to try an attack while appearing they wouldn't? Or were they really just passing like this for some strange reason?

Kaifen's hand tightened on the hilt of his lightsaber at his belt, as well as on his katana. As his father said. Everyone's lives possibly hung in the balance in making the correct observation.

No pressure.

Tag: Darth_Elu

2:27 p.m.
~Qiang Lao, Dakūxin Province~

Both of the samurai waited silently as Dedreck Pyrrak contemplated what he had been told at the bar. It wasn't much different than what had been said normally, just circumstances were altered a little. On both sides it would seem.

Redgrove Taros smiled, just a little, while he waited for the response. The ronin never considered any of his past requests this long before. If nothing else, he took that as a good sign that maybe. Just maybe. This time was different.

As the small being moved the glass back and forth between his paws, Aishin looked at him out of one eye, as if trying to confirm something. Whatever decision he came to, he said nothing and stared off again as well. Taros himself hadn't actually thought much of it, he already knew all about the rumors and the likely validity of them. But he was here to recruit him. That was his job. His mission from the Akachen Family. But, also, the favor he was asked to accomplish.

Had Pyrrak been with just about anyone else, there could have been dire consequences. In this moment in time? The dragons seemed to be with him.

And then he walked out. Just like that. Aishin blinked and looked over at his companion, while Taros absently scratched his chin in thought and ignored the droid's words for the most part. That had been sudden, and while Pyrrak was often abrupt so to speak, it was never in such a passive fashion. This was most curious.

"Come on," he said after a moment and the two placed payment on the counter before following after him.

Not long after they were outside again, the two of them and the droid had caught up to him. Apparently he had stopped and waited for them, sensing they would follow. Then came the response he had been waiting a long time to hear. Albeit through the droid.

Taros turned to look at Aishin, "Go and alert the estate to expect our arrival." He tapped the orokujin's shoulder right as he was turning away, "But tell them to keep it quiet. Dedreck-laosan wouldn't want a fuss made out of it."

"Of course," bowed Aishin before hurrying off in another direction.

With that, he followed after the midget wookiee…er, well whatever. He followed after the soon to be ex-ronin all the way to his home and calmly waited outside to gather his things. While he wanted to thank him and state how happy he was right then, he knew that'd make him more annoyed and viable to changing his mind rather than anything.

As he waited for Pyrrak to come back outside when he was ready, Taros quietly turned away and pulled out a rare comlink he kept hidden on his person. With a whisper that the ewok wouldn't hear, he talked into it excitedly.

"I believe the favor you asked of me has, at long last, been accomplished. I'll update you with details later, Gantao-sayé…"

Within seconds, the comlink vanished out of his hands and back into his robes without being seen.

Tag: A Blind Prophet

5:12 p.m.
~The Yama Graves, Kuniga Province~

Darru Xhan smiled faintly as Yama Hinoki lowered her guard just enough and acknowledged she had heard of him after all.

Oh, old friend. So you have not forgotten me.

At the comment of Tetsu's insistence that he had cheated in their great duel that cemented both their rivalry and friendship, his mouth too quirked in a smirk and after a pause; a short laugh emitting in a single 'Ha!'

"Still claiming that was he? Ah, Tetsu-sayé…" he shook his head sadly despite the warmth in his tone, "My claim, too, hasn't changed."

He left it at that for the time being and then moved back toward the graves when his friend's wife offered for him to help clean them off. Well, Tetsu's at any rate, which made the most sense.

"Yes, I would like that, thank you Yama-laosan," he intoned while kneeling down and brushing off leaves and any dirt on the stone.

As he did this in relative peace, if somber, the young twi'lek would glance over toward them every so often himself. However, he did not dare risk the orokujin woman's wrath nor any scolding from his much older senpai, thus staying where he was. While he clearly had no idea what he should be doing right then, he had at least enough sense to keep his distance now.

After a period of silence, Darru spoke again.

"After hearing about everything, and about you from Yukimura; I knew I had to do something to honor him. But, dragon fire! I was too late. Too late to save him or his son, too late to congratulate him on you both, too late…too late on too much…"

The man stopped, his gaze lifting to the sky for a moment as if steadying him before continuing. Haltingly, uncertain, not brooking interruption.

"Still. After some…thought. There was still something I could do. I suppose. One last bit of honoring I could give him and the wife who took up the blade in his name," his eyes turned on Hinoki then, "I talked with the Khan…We would like you to be a samurai in service to him, bringing the Yama name back in the glow of samurai honor once more. I have heard of what you have gone through since…the incident. You have more than proven yourself as having the samurai spirit, Yama-laosan."

He straightened while still kneeling, "Your husband passed it on to you, of that I have no doubt."

While he waited for a response from the most likely surprised woman, his smirk appeared slightly again. "By the way, though he always denied it, I claim Tetsu cheated in our duel."

The older orokujin again looked to the sky and watched a few gently falling leaves.

"He let me win so I would not make myself a fool in front of her…Ha. And it killed his ego that he allowed himself to do that, I bet. It's why he was so mad at me, the fool."

How could a look be so sad and so happy at once? Darru Xhan couldn't say for sure, but only knew it was an expression that existed all the same. For he wore it then.

Holding out a hand, he let one of the leaves glide softly onto his palm, before looking silently at the one next to him. Her response he awaited and all the weight it would forever carry.

Tag: galactic-vagabond422

5:20 p.m.
~Myōdo-Ji Temple, Umi-cé Province~

Eventually, with the advice giving and record keeping finally done in some hours, a different task came before him. One given to him by himself as part of his own traditional devotional practice. The copying of sutras.

And it went well, keeping his mind where he needed to keep it for a time. However, not long into it, he sensed a presence approach his room and pause outside it.

"Kyōkan-laosan? I am here to let you know that Abbot Kwairyō has asked to see you in the Great Dragon Hall."

Upon acknowledging the request, the monk on the other side bowed as was visible due to their silhouette through the shoji, and left.

It should prove to be quite interesting to see what the Abbot wished to speak about.

Tag: bad_feeling_haver

5:40 p.m.
~Yirojo Estate, Qiūzu Province~

The Khan's amber eyes continued to watch Orin perceptively while he ate, his hands deftly moving with the chopsticks to eat his food. He still remembered watching the human across from him attempting to learn them when he had first been brought to his residence all that time ago.

A good memory. And humorous! But that was besides the point, though his eye glinted with mischief for a second before it vanished in his own internal mirth.

Listening to his initially fumbling reply, though ending in more honesty, the orokujin nodded and took a few bites before replying again.

"Good food tonight, you're missing out," he stated absently with his gaze back on the hills of his province.

"But yes…a year. Has it truly been so long all ready?"

Setting his utensils down for a moment and folding his arms casually, his eyes still looking toward the horizon; he let a more somber expression fall on his face. The breeze stirring his dark gray fur.

"Never be embarrassed to show your enthusiasm nor your sorrow, Mattac-laosan. They are the two legs of a man. His foundation. We are built upon them and how they are toned through life."

His head turned to settle his eyes on him again. "I know well why you keep such a good record in your mind. It has been some time since we spoke of them, and you were uncomfortable then. I do not blame you. Were I you…I would have gone mad from longing by now." His eyes closed in thought.

"You are stronger than you know, my friend. And it leads to one of the two things I wish to discuss with you," his eyes reopened with a small smile following it, "The first is that very fact of the year gone by. As I'm sure you remember, it is nigh time we begin the process of looking for somewhere for you to strike out on your own at last though you have some time.

Of course, should you wish to continue coming here, you are always welcome! I could use good company more often than not. Especially with the women gone!"

Snorting at his own amusement, he let the light of lanterns being lit within the room and around the estate dance upon his face while he watched his year-long guest.

"Do you have any questions? Preferences I can help you with in finding a home?"

Tag: HanSolo29

6:44 p.m.
~Provincial Road, Barēu-Gû Province~

Being just in range, Tolin Callie opted for a kick to keep the selonian ronin off balance, which it did as it struck her in the leg. Letting the opening from earlier pass by out of caution from a strategic perspective, she continued to move away from her while pressing the attack against the twi'lek ronin.

She was right, the woman was fast. But not fast enough as she saw the perspiration running down her face as they continually moved in battle. Then came the cross strike, and the human samurai closed the gap quickly and twirled neatly to one side and then again to render it useless. The next flurry of attacks were brutal and efficient.

Hells. She's fast…

Callie's connection to the Force managed to briefly glean that thought from the enemy's mind and from that moment, she knew she had her. In a few seconds, the flurry wore her down and the dual wielder was falling to the ground quite dead.

Her senses would blare one more time as she felt the last remaining ronin was leaping out at her with her powerful legs in a desperate attack, her full body in mid air and flying in an arc downwards at her to strike.

Two down, one to go.

Tag: HunterPrime

 

IC: Ao-Hinan Ochitsukanai
10:30 a.m.
Mountainside, Ryonchaek Ni Province

A smile pulled at her lips as Ochitsukanai looked out over the country side from her perch on the mountain. There were almost infinite possibilities in front of her, almost as infinite as the energy she felt inside her. Unfortunately there were only so many hours in the day, if the sun could stay in the sky for another twelve hours more that would be perfect for the young woman. She still had a childish air about her, though she was still very much a child, at least to most eyes. She didn't care if they called her such, it just meant she was having more fun than others.

Looking out over the wall she saw the dense forests of Kurai Hei'duun, a land she'd always seen but, never visited. Given the tensions between Likarahim and Kurai Hei'duun, she'd probably never visit it. Though it had taken on a sort of mystique in her mind, a land blocked off by a towering wall. What secrets lay just on the other side, what new adventures awaited her? A strong gust of wind forced her to close her eyes and turn her head away. It seemed the Blue Dragon was telling her not to dwell on the land so close yet so far away.

She backed away from the overlook, taking one more look at the empty sky. Even without the aid of night, she knew where her star was, the twinkling light that guided her course. She enjoyed coming up here at night, far above the world, away from the lights that drown out the stars' radiance. They also seemed sharper, clearer up here. She has spent untold hours lying on her back just staring up at the little pinpoints of lights simmering in the ocean of black. She always wondered what was up there, what it was like to be orbiting another star.

Soon the sky was blocked by the trees Ochi-xiaocha found herself under. This mountain top forest was one she was intimately familiar with. It was one of the first places she ever explored outside of the Shrine, always under the close supervision of one of the older maidens, her sisters. There weren't many large animals in this area, but the bugs were fascinating, especially the small bitey ones. The Orokujin had a bit of a cruel streak in her when she was younger, sometimes letting a few of the tiny but, painful insects crawl up the legs of her minder. Then giggling with glee when they would jump.

Those days were long behind her now. She still liked playing the occasional joke but, none so painful as that. This forest had become something of a second home to her. She could name every tree if she so wanted to, knew the location of every rock, having turned most of them over more than once. There could be something new, hidden in a place she hadn't visited in a while, or just moved in from elsewhere.

There was also the river, Senyō-sayé had told her the name of it once but she forgot it soon after. The thing she liked most about it was the rocks. They were placed in the middle of its course, patches of stability surrounded ever flowing entropy. It was a game she used to play, see how far she could get, jumping from stone to stone, without touching the water. This honed her focus and body control, keeping balanced on some of the rocks can be a challenge, especially if one was moving swiftly. Which she often was, much to her superior's dismay.

There were also the fish, so cute, so curious, the way they jump in the air, just waiting to be caught. She recalls one day were she did catch one. As she brought it to her mouth to take a bite of its flesh, a voice rang out over the soft sounds of the flowing river.

"If you sink one fang into that poor creature," Senyō- sayé's words carried from the boulder she was stationed upon, her legs crossed, eyes closed, "I will sit you down and tell you the history of this river from the formation of Xinsuke-ye to today, in the most excruciating detail possible." The threat of a long winded lecture was enough to freeze the girl in her tracks. Carefully she set the fish back into the stream and watched it make its way further and further away from her. "Good, now come here Ochi-xiaocha."

With her head hung low, she made her way over to the woman, a green skinned twi'lek with blue ribbons wrapping around her lekku. Though she wouldn't say it out loud the Orokujin would consider the head maiden the closest think she had to a mother at the shrine.

One eye popped open looking the girl's way, "Good, now hop up on the rock across from me." The junior maiden did as she was asked gracefully leaping on top of the large stone mentioned by the teacher. "Now close your eyes." Ochi-xiaocha again did as instructed. "Clear your mind, focus on the flowing of the river, the sounds of the fish leaping." The girl did so, listening to the somewhat calming sounds of the babbling water as it rushed over the rocks, the splashes the fish made as they leapt, and crashed back down. As a matter of course she focused on her breathing. Soon her legs became restless, her shoulders twitching with the pent up energy dwelling just under her skin. She heard a fish leave the safety of the stream below her, but she didn't hear a splash of it returning to the stream.

As she pondered this occurrence she felt something slide down the back of her kimono, something cold, wet and wiggly. Her eyes snapped open as her lungs took in a deep breath. She trashed back and forth trying to get…whatever it was out of her clothes, only succeeding in driving it further down her back. Her rocking back and forth caused her to tumble from her seat and into the frigid water below. Not knowing what to do she untied the cord that held her top closed letting it fall open finally releasing the thing from its confinement. She turned to see a fish with blueish scales plop into the water.

The older woman laughed from her place above the scene, watching with a smile at the half undressed and fully soaked being. "The Dragon's justice is swift…" she stifled another laugh, "…And very humorous." Ochitsukanai squished her face and retaliated by taking a handful of water and splashing Senyō- sayé with it. Whatever lesson the head maiden was trying to teach was soon lost in both trying to soak the other, and peals of laughter.

She turned her attention away from the past for a moment, gazing up the mountain, closer to the summit, the place where the Guoshan sun lizards reside. While it would be colder, and much more windy, the lizards were well worth it, and their warmth was more than enough to take the bite out of the chill winds that blew. She'd handled them enough times to know how to hold them so they wouldn't get into her clothing, where they could run amok all over her fur.

There were many times she'd place them on her sister maidens as they slept, the giggle while they flailed about trying to remove the offending reptile. One time she had the nerve to do it to Taka-sayé, the head priest. The next morning there was a note that she was to report to the main hall for 'instruction', she read that to mean, another lecture most likely on respect for others and their personal space. It was a cloudy night, and she wasn't tired what was she supposed to do, read, ugh…how horrifying.

As she put on her white and blue grab, she felt something different about them. She couldn't quite tell what but, they were different. She put the thought out of her mind and entered the main hall to find the head priest, in the clothes of his station standing with a severe look on his face, his long black hair bound up under his hat. Meekly she took her place on a cushion set right in front of him.

As expected the man she respected as a father launched into a long winded speech about boundaries, and why they existed. That one has freedom up until it prevents another's, it was the same things she'd heard a hundred times, and he wasn't making it any more riveting.

As Taka-sayé continued, Ochitsukanai squirmed, not because of her normal restlessness but, because of the burning and itching sensation spreading across her body. She did her best not to scratch, and interrupt the priest's lecture, lest he start all over again. It was a difficult task, her skin felt like it was on fire, as if a thousand of the little insects were crawling all over her, biting her as they went.

As much as she tried to hide it, it seemed the man talking at her noticed.

"Is something wrong Ochitsukanai?" he asked pausing his address.

"No sir." The girl replied,

"Are you sure, it seems you might have gotten into something." He turned away hiding the sly smile growing on his lips, "Maybe if you were more diligent in your studies you would know that some plants have oils that irritate the skin of most beings, and that these plants are common up and down this mountainside, particularly near where the Sun Lizards nest." The Orokujin's eyes widen, he wouldn't. The subtle shaking to his shoulders told her that he had. He had put this oil on her clothes, to teach her a lesion and to have a little fun while doing it. Needless to say that was the last time she ever used the little creatures to startle someone awake.

She gave thought to returning to the shrine, the place she grew up, maybe there was something going on there. She chuckled to herself, there was never anything going on there. Even with the Festival of Lights approaching, no one seemed interested in livening up the place. That's not to say they weren't excited, all of her brothers and sisters in the shrine were as fired up as her but, if it was up to Taka-sayé and Senyō-sayé, they would just give a speech. Most likely on the history of the Festival, and the importance of the Dragons, and their prophecies, it would be the lecture to end all lectures, and something that would drive the young woman mad.

Another firm shake of her head banished the vision. Coming back to what she should do with all the energy she felt she gave thought to going back through the shrine and to the western side of the mountain, along the main road. There would be some people milling about, they might have some stories to tell, interesting ones that kept her enraptured for a time though, they could be just as dull and dry as the worst oration by the head priest or the head maiden. She swiftly rejected this idea, today was not a day to risk with boring drawn out words.

Finally a good thought popped into her head, practice, that was it. She could practice with her weapon, a double bladed light naginata she called Seitō Kōken. The question was, where, in the forest where she had space and privacy, maybe not, there wasn't much challenge there, it would be the same rote maneuvers that she would do if she were in the training hall back in the Ao-Hinan Shrine. She could try further up the mountain, a smaller area, more constricting, would force her to move a little differently. Down side was if she were to make a mistake, a real possibility, she could fall an awfully long way. While the Blue Dragon watched this mountain and protected its residents, they would most likely not intervene to save a foolish girl from her own folly. Maybe she could split the difference. At the river, she could practice atop the rocks, achieving the difficulty she wanted but, in a much safer location than the top of a mountain.

She smiled broadly at her solution, proud of herself at making such a wise decision. She loved practicing alone, she could let her mind run wild. Imagining herself in various scenes, defending the those under her care, just like her sister maidens did in times of trouble. Or defending her shrine, her home, from those that would do it harm, just like Jimapei-sayé a legend among shrine maidens. A lone defender against a group of marauding ronin, she took up her weapon and single handedly beat them back.

Ochi-xiaocha looked up to the woman, even though she hadn't met her. She represented part of what she wanted to be. A noble and dedicated servant of her shrine and the Dragons, even when she was offered a place in the capital Jimapei-sayé would not leave her shrine. That was something the young woman admired, the unwavering devotion to her home, to the shrine she spilt blood to protect.

While she looked up to this aspect and saw it in herself, Ochitsukanai could also feel the need to explore, to see what was beyond her mountain home, what was beyond even the sky above her. She wondered if her exemplar ever wrestled with these feelings, ever had to try and reconcile conflicting wants in her heart.

Lost in thought she arrived at the clear stream that ran nearly all the way around crag. With a jump she stationed herself on one of the stones and activated the dual blades of her weapon. Its hum mingled with sound of the ever flowing water. She started slowly, moving carefully from rock to rock, cautious of the water just below her feet. In her mind she imagined fighting attackers form both sides as she danced along the path of stones. Her motions were fluid, mirroring the body of water she was committed to not even letting a toe touch.

It would make Senyō- sayé proud to see this, to see her student mastering the style that was passed down in the shrine from maiden to maiden. Soon the fear was gone and she was bouncing playfully from place to place, fending off her invisible aggressors, landing on smaller and smaller places some barely wide enough to accommodate a single dainty foot.

All was peaceful, and calm as her blue blade whirled about her and, she had not a care in the world.

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

10:45 a.m.
~Guoshan's Trail Creek, Ryonchaek Ni Province~

And so Ao-Hinan Ochitsukanai came upon the mountain stream whose name she so often forgot and with some clever thinking, decided to practice her blade work there among the rocks. Should another of the Shrine come upon her, it was now unlikely she would be scolded.

Her peaceful time with blue blades whirling around her from her kata was uninterrupted and progressively relaxing in its own way. Nothing disturbed her for the time being, save for her imaginary foes.

There!

An orokujin ronin leaping out of the trees, lightsaber curiously in hand, attempting to bring a bounding overhand strike down upon her head while he just managed to land on another smaller rock.

A human, lightsaber ready to kill, was rapidly wading through the water and coming straight for her from the front as well.

And lets not forget the devious selonian twins, one with with a single bladed lightsaber and the other with a staff, jumping down from above as if to impale her as well. Those two plagued her in mortal combat all the time, their rivalry a legend known throughout Xinsuke-ye!

…Naturally, this was all imaginary. And ronin rarely wielded light weapons of any kind, but this made it more interesting and exciting in her mind!

It was time to continue her fun…erm, training…and save the Ao-Hinan Shrine once again!

To battle young Shrine Maiden!

Tag: galactic-vagabond422

12:37 p.m.
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Scans of the modest home of Arroworro's Uncle showed nothing to be concerned with regarding eavesdropping, nor did anything feel off around the trio of samurai. A good sign.

At Rubellite's comment, Hurrei Zyn grinned in amusement. "Sounds like Seri'na-xiaocha wants some revenge. But yeah, making sure it's safe for Khan Jeongbayar is a good idea."

Arroworro himself, trying to appear neutral, ended up being the one leaning in the furthest as after a tiny bit of feeling around, the selonian samurai discovered the proper grooves to the box and was able to lift up the lid to the wooden box and set it off to the side.

As the three craned to get a good look, they at first discovered laters of silk clearly covering something. So, they slowly unwrapped the item inside until it was revealed for them to see.

Within a minute, it was done. And inside was…

Something.

"What is it?" Zyn asked confused.

"I have no idea."

None of them did. It seemed to be a flawless crystal ball that could fit nicely into one's palm, yet was amazingly light. Its texture seemed to suggest crystal as well which was interesting.

"Did Khan Hine send a paperweight?" growled the wookiee.

"I doubt it, but it doesn't look like much. Probably just some kind of provincial decoration or something," shrugged the feeorin with a sigh.

That was a let down.

Still, as they mused over it, they heard the unmistakable sound of a speeder coming to a stop not far outside the home. Arroworro stood up and calmly went over to peek outside, before turning back and waving at Rubellite.

"Put it away! Dravis Jaren-laosan is here!"

Dravis Jaren. Another samurai that served the Jeongbayar Family, but a human who made around 70 Shiku and thus higher on the internal samurai prestige rankings. He must have been sent to check on them, knowing of the gift delivery. It was possible he may understand and agree with their decision to open the box prematurely, but neither of them knew him well enough to know if that was true. There was a chance he could be infuriated they opened something meant for the Khan.

Whether they confessed or not was up to them, though it would be curious to see if the man had any further orders from the Khan.

Tag: Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: Yama Hinoki
5:12
Graves of her beloved, Kuniga Province

"Still claiming that was he? Ah, Tetsu-sayé…" Yama Hinoki bowed her head just a little, though his words were light hearted, she could see the weight in his shoulders. This place and the memory of his old friend were causing him pain. "My claim, too, hasn't changed." She was maybe still remembering the story of Darru-laosan's duel with Tetsu-laosan to make a reply to the curious remark.

"Yes, I would like that, thank you Yama-laosan," the older orokujin said keeling down to brush off the dirt that had accumulated on the stone since Hinoki's last visit.

They were quiet for a moment, Hinoki was in rather deep reflection. She still felt this longing, this want to be somewhere else, to go in a different direction than her life was leading her. She had hoped an evening alone with her dearly departed would have helped. However it seemed that wouldn't happen. Not that the appearance of one of Tetsu-laosan's comrade in arms was unwelcome, it was just that she would have wanted to be alone, to discuss this feeling openly.


"After hearing about everything," Darru-laosan spoke breaking the silence that had settled in, "and about you from Yukimura; I knew I had to do something to honor him. But, dragon fire! I was too late. Too late to save him or his son, too late to congratulate him on you both, too late…too late on too much…" She ran her hand down the name carved into the stone, she could feel the pain in his words, the pain of loss. She knew the feeling well, she had her whole family ripped away from her in a single day.

However in her case she couldn't have done anything to save her son, save her husband. Not back then, she had some training with a weapon but, Tetsu-laosan, ever the samurai said he'd die before he'd let any harm would come to her. Like a fool she trusted that he was just being hyperbolic, that they would never be in a situation where he'd have to lay down his life to save her. If only she had a knife, or a katana of her own things could have been different. She took a deep breath, that was the past, she couldn't change it, all she could do was move on.

"Still. After some…thought." The old samurai continued drawing the teacher out of her 'What If' moment. "There was still something I could do. I suppose. One last bit of honoring I could give him and the wife who took up the blade in his name," his eyes fell upon her and she stared right back, unflinching under his gaze. "I talked with the Khan…We would like you to be a samurai in service to him, bringing the Yama name back in the glow of samurai honor once more. I have heard of what you have gone through since…the incident. You have more than proven yourself as having the samurai spirit, Yama-laosan. Your husband passed it on to you, of that I have no doubt."

His statement had stunned her. Her jaw hung open and her eyes widened. He couldn't be serious, a humble Senfu, a widow, a samurai? Surely not her, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was a mistake, that it just couldn't be possible.

Her, a descendant of Tsukoki Mitsuhide the Traitor of Shinrinshu, the man that slew his master on the battlefield then fled from his crime. That died in the most dishonorable of ways, shot in the back as he attempted to escape, endeavoring to defer the Dragon's justice. His one act stripped his family of land, name, and all honor. She had lived with this black mark since she was born, as had generations of her family. That dishonorable act was supposedly blotted out by her own father's sacrifice, giving his life for the Khan of Kuniga, not the current head of the Kangyuen family but, such semantics meant little, her father was still dead.

A sober reality set in. It would not be her family's name that was being honored, it was the Yama name, a name that died with her husband, and her son. Now it would die with her, the legacy of the Yama clan would last for another century, if the Dragons be kind. It wasn't a bad thing, the name would end with a samurai, not a widow. The tragedy of what happened in this forest would be just another story, a tale in the long history of the family, not the end.

Tears started to sting at the corner of her eyes, she was going to be a samurai she would carry on the Yama name, and maybe, finally, redeem the Tsukoki blood that flowed through her veins. These dual responsibilities now rested with her. She could not fail, she would not, she would not fail her husband, and she would not tarnish her father's sacrifice.

She took a few deep breaths letting the initial shock of the news pass over her. Darru-laosan wouldn't lie, not about something like this. No friend of Yama Tetsu, would toy with a widow's heart like this, especially his widow. She resolved that his words could not be falsehoods as a tear fell from her eye on to the ground that concealed her son's bones.

"By the way," Darru-laosan spoke again breaking Hinoki out of her thoughts, "though he always denied it, I claim Tetsu cheated in our duel." Her head tilted slightly, if Tetsu had cheated, wouldn't he have won. Why would one risk dishonor if it wasn't to succeed. She also didn't believe that Tetsu-laosan, her Tetsu-laosan would lie to her. "He let me win so I would not make myself a fool in front of her…Ha. And it killed his ego that he allowed himself to do that, I bet. It's why he was so mad at me, the fool."

She stifled a laugh, if there was one fault to her husband it was his pride. Even in his old age he could not forget the slights made against him and would not let a cross word be said about him. His ire was particularly raised by those younger than he, calling him old. He was not old, just experienced, experienced enough teach whatever young fool dared to speak ill of him proper respect.

While he could be blustery, bordering on buffoonish at times, he was still a committed samurai, a loving husband and a kind father, and the only man that had made a place for himself in her heart.

The tears returned recalling Tetsu-laosan's last act in this life, giving his life so that she could live. Taking another breath she locked the memory away. The past was the past, she should leave it there.

"I accept." She said after a moment's hesitation, she did not say these words lightly, she knew full well the weigh it would put on her shoulders, but she owed it to her husband that gave his life for her, and she owed it to her father, that showed her what it meant to lay down your life for another. "I accept the Khan's offer to become a samurai in his service." She had now started on a path she could not and would not turn back from, it was the path of honor that her family had strived so hard to return to. Now it was her feet that would blaze the trail, that would leave a mark for all those that had been cast away by the sins of their forbearers.

"Tell me," she started after taking a moment, letting her words sink in, "Who was this woman that you were so afraid of looking a fool in front of. Tetsu-laosan made no mention of her, at least to my recollection."

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

6:44 p.m. Tolin ~Provincial Road, Bareu-Gû Province~

Callie's kick did the trick to keeping the Selonian off of her, as Callie continued her attack on the Twi'lek ronin in front of her. The woman was fast, but Callie now could see that she was sweating now, as they moved. After all the work to finally catch up with Callie, this battle was wearing on the Twi'lek. Callie managed to avoid the cross strike, and came up with a counter of her on. Then, she heard a voice gently brush against her mind. 'Hells. She's fast…' the thought echoed.

That thought was not from Callie. It came from the Twi'lek. Dragon's Luck, seemed to be with Callie, and Callie knew that she had the woman now. She could tell from the drip of sweat that seemed to dress the woman's brow now, as she moved to keep up with Callie. So she pressed her attack of the Dragon, moving with a flury of motion and determination. And the Dragon's Luck was indeed with her, as she moved within the Force. Within not so many moments, the flurry wore her attacker down and not much later, dual wielder was falling to the ground, not to rise again. But Callie had no time to dwell on its meaning now. A warning within the Force told her that her battle was not yet over. The Selonian, now desperate, leaped out at her from above, her full body in mid air, and coming at her in a arc downwards at her, preparing to strike. And callie knew that desperation caused beings to act irratically, making their actions possibly even more dangerious than normal. But the Selonian made a mistake, and was positioned with her full body in mid air. It was difficult to change positions in mid air, once you had commited to such an attack. And Callie was going to take full advantage of it, for she sorely needed to get back to delivering her message. With the roar of the Dragons infusing her movements, she reached deep into the Force. She then moved, darting out of the way of the attack as she grabbed one of the twi'leks katanas, and then threw it at her attacker. She followed up her attack, with her lightsaber blade, moving to strike and end the battle quickly. Callie knew the woman's power lay in her powerful forearms, so she needed to keep her busy. She was powerful, but slow, and such an attack was not for someone like her. Callie knew the woman would have to deal with the katana. Either be hit by it, or move to avaide or deflect it. Either way, she would be open to the second attack. This battle had gone on for far too long already, and Callie would have to make up the time.


Tag: Darth_Elu

 

Onni Fu'ral
12:30 p.m. ~Otaren Residence, Kuniga Province~

Time became meaningless for Onni, as she worked on her patient. So far, the family had been quite helpful, giving
her everything she had requested. And she had been able to quickly get to work. Ton'da softly nuzzled against her,
at times when she felt tired. She would reach for the tea, and exchange the strong smelling herbs she had placed
around herself and the patient, between the recycling.

Onni did not know how much times had passed, but she felt herself shiver from time to time. Ton'da, tried to
snuggle up, and 'warm her up', and Onni could only smile at his attempts to keep his mistress warm while she
worked. The recycling of one's spirit were the most immensely demanding skills that any healer might perform. Not
only did it wear on the patients spirit, but that of the healer as well. So it was quite easy to loose track of the time. But Onni pressed on, knowing that a life depended on her. No, that was not quite right. THREE lives. So she pressed her lips tightly together, and continued her healing, pressing even more to help the man.

Then it happened. The moment.

It was something that had been spoken about among the healers who had ever dealt with the disease. That big moment was when the patient's spirit became as weary of the cycle as she, both feeling the strain within and the disease giving its strongest counter to keep its hold. It had been talked about among healers, that at a certain point it seemed to 'fight back' with great strength. If one could simply find the reserve to endure long enough to wear it
down and get through that moment, the rest was downhill. As they said.

And right now, it was striking back with a vengeance. A groan escaped the man's lips and he stiffened. Onni's head
snapped up, as she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and shoulders. Onni suddenly felt as if something had reached up, and was attempting to smother her, while draining her of all energies. She felt like she had been running for the past week, her arms and legs no longer her own. They felt like weights. Onni took in a sharp intake of air.

No! She could not fail them. She could not fail her patient. The disease was desperate, and was now attacking them both, when they were at their weakest. But Onni was not giving in. Nor was she alone. With eyes half open, Onni spoke thru gritted teeth.

"Talk..talk to him! Remind him why he needs to live. He.. he...needs your positive thoughts, now!"

Onni leaned her head back, letting the Force flow around her, letting the pain flow through, and not concentrating
on it, as best as she could. One hand immediately reached out, and gently touched Ton'da....

And then Onni started to sing.

It was soft at first, just barely a hum, as she sang the song known as the 'Call to the Dragon's Dance.' It was
one of many songs that was popular, especially during the Festival of Lights. It was a song of joyous song, and
she used it, singing it within the Force around her. She would not let the sickness win. She felt another shudder
go through her, but she kept singing, her voice growing a bit stronger. A wave of nausea swept through he, but
Onni continued on. One hand still laid upon her patient as well, and she continued in her task, even as she sang.

She would take his pain, and tiredness. And so Onni continued to sing, pushing through. And if need be, she would
move to another song. As long as it was needed. Or until she could sing no more.



Tag: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Seri'na Rubellite
12:37 p.m.
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Scans of the modest home of Arroworro's Uncle showed nothing to be concerned with regarding eavesdropping, nor did anything feel off around the trio of samurai. A good sign. Perhaps it was the will of the Dragons to do as they were about to. Well, even if it wasn't, it was her will and that was the depth and width of the thing.

At Rubellite's comment, Hurrei Zyn grinned in amusement. "Sounds like Seri'na-xiaocha wants some revenge. But yeah, making sure it's safe for Khan Jeongbayar is a good idea." Did she really? Yes. You better believe she did, but that was not the end of it and that was what truly mattered.

Arroworro himself, trying to appear neutral, ended up being the one leaning in the furthest as after a tiny bit of feeling around, the Selonian samurai discovered the proper grooves to the box and was able to lift up the lid to the wooden box and set it off to the side gently.

As the three craned to get a good look, they at first discovered layers of silk clearly covering something. The folding and layers were precise, no rush nor hurried job. Although as she looked at it for a moment, she wondered what it could be. So many fantastical possibilities, although she would not admit it she was partly happy that it was not a scroll. Not that she would tell Hurrei Zyn-xiaocha that. So, they slowly unwrapped the item inside until it was revealed for them all to see, and she did her best to memorize as they went, how everything was, how it all appeared.

Within a minute, it was done. And inside was…

Something she had not expected to see.

"What is it?" Zyn asked confused.

"I have no idea." Arroworro replied.

Neither did she. None of them did. It seemed to be a flawless crystal ball that could fit nicely into one's palm, yet was amazingly light. Its texture seemed to suggest crystal as well which was interesting. She knew of a few things, tales of higher technology from the star-lands and the capital that might be able to create something like this, but at the moment she could not remember a why or the how.

"Did Khan Hine send a paperweight?" growled the wookiee. She merely sneered slightly at the thing, showing her teeth in disapproval at the notion.

"I doubt it, but it doesn't look like much. Probably just some kind of provincial decoration or something," shrugged the feeorin with a sigh. No. That did not feel right.

Still, as they mused over it, they heard the unmistakable sound of a speeder coming to a stop not far outside the home. Arroworro stood up and calmly went over to peek outside, before turning back and waving at Rubellite.

"Put it away! Dravis Jaren-laosan is here!"

Dravis Jaren. Another samurai that served the Jeongbayar Family, but a human who made around 70 Shiku and thus higher on the internal samurai prestige rankings. He must have been sent to check on them, knowing of the gift delivery. It was possible he may understand and agree with their decision to open the box prematurely, but neither of them knew him well enough to know if that was true. There was a chance he could be infuriated they opened something meant for the Khan.

She gently laid it back in the box, but made no move beyond gently lift the lid and holding it firmly in her grasp. To hide it, she felt would be to lie about what they had done. They could either tell him or show him. Words were not her specialty and she had already said to many. "Show him in. Perhaps he will know what this is." she simply stated with a nod of her head as she stared down into the open box. Knowing there was only one more test she could perform. To feel it like she would a blade upon the forge, to know it inside and out as she intimately did her staff with the Force.

Tag: Darth_Elu

 

OOC: Just a small post this time.

Byunaatse Kaifen IC:
~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

As the group of strange ronin moved ever closer, Byunaatse Kaifen's eyes remained on them. So did all of their group. The Captain of the Kangyuen Soldiers also was keeping a close eye on them.

"Thoughts Byunaatse-kunseng?" the Captain asked without moving his eyes off them.

"So far nothing, but we'll have to make up our minds soon."

He couldn't see the man nodding in response, but rather sensed it instinctively. Apparently his words were agreed with by his senior, whether samurai or not.

The orokujin tensed further, trying to resist the urge begin lowering into an attack stance, one hand on his katana firmly as if for support. The other hand remained fixated on his lightsaber hilt; that would be the one to strike if he were going to.

"Any orders?" he asked with his own question. Despite their place in the social order, this situation placed the other man a little higher after all.

"I will defer to you here, like your father. I trust your judgment."

His brow furrowed a bit, more out of surprise and a touch of confusion than anything. But if that was the way of things, Kaifen didn't have time to question it.

Closer.

Closer.

The time to make a decision was upon him!

Closer.

The eyes of the ronin warily met his own, as well as that of all the other soldiers and samurai, watching each other without flinching.

…And he did nothing.

And they passed by, dust trailing up after them, moving further down the road but without disrupting them any further nor falling back and doing any surprise attacks.

The danger was past just like that.

Relaxing at last, Kaifen let out a breath and shook his head. What had just happened though?

Tag: None

 

IC: Master Ash; Hanami, Boshi
Zhaoichi Estate

The early morning exercise had been indeed invigorating as expected. Master Ash , feeling refreshed and energized, strolled to a common area, where a number of samurai from House Zhaoichi enjoyed breakfast. As was his custom, he was early, so he could sit at his favorite table. Not that he really have a favorite table, but there was something pleasing about this particular one, for it faced towards the rising sun.

Master Ash respectfully greeted his attendants and took his place at the table of choice. The servers already knew what he would order, since it never changed. Yet, he was pleased that they still asked what he would have, just the same.

After placing his order, Master Ash simply waited patiently and contemplated what lay ahead in his day. He would need to send someone to wake up Kel, as the young nagai was fond of sleeping in and detested being woken up so early in the morning.

The miraluka caught himself in mid-chuckle as a memory of one of Kel’s legendary morning tantrums came to mind. Next time he might have the servants use two buckets of cold water instead of one. That such encourage him to wake up on time for a solid week, at least in order to avoid a three-bucket wake-up call.

A lone samurai passed by just then, stopping to bow respectfully to the blind master, who in turn nodded in answer.

Master Ash regarded him as he departed and noted how the young samurai’s auras were in balance. He wished the same for his new apprentice, but he knew that such was the result of arduous training and great discipline. The two did not always go in hand.

The miraluka sighed softly.

He had faced many challenges, but the greatest challenge of all was that of the darkness within oneself. But there was grace to be found in the force, for those who were honest enough to seek it.

It was then that his nose twitch. A delectable aroma caught his attention, and before he knew it, his breakfast was being served. Master Ash could not help the smile that came to his face.

“You have my thanks.” Master Ash intoned as he offered a respectful nod to the server. “Give my compliments to the chef. It smells delicious.”

With that, the miraluka availed himself of ivory chopsticks, then began to eat.

Tag: @Darth_Elu

---

IC: Kel Wynt’r
Edokura, Chisinqi Province

The abductors were distracted, if only for just a moment. That was all he needed.

Kel moved and sped forth in a flash, aided by the force as he kept low. He came at them diagonally, making sure to stay out of sight from the archer.

He let the force flow through him, like a great current. It lent him strength to perform the necessary physical feats, awareness of those around him and his situation, and direction as to where he needed to be and what he needed to do.

Spinning low, Kel performed a sneaky and powerful dragon tail sweep against the white skinned twi’lek, aimed to kick both his feet off the ground and slam him back down with a spinning heel kick to his diaphragm- tailor made to knock the sails out of him.

Should that prove successful, Kel would continue to move without as much as a pause. He’d rebound off the fallen twi’lek as if he were a trampoline and cartwheel, kicking the fallen thug’s axe away as he did so. While in mid-air, he’d swing at the green twi’lek’s neck with his still sheathed katana, looking to knock him out or daze him in the process, before landing in a crouch.

Force willing, that would take care of half-his troubles!


Tag: @Darth_Elu

 

OOC: I apologize for any errors, had to type this on my phone.

IC as Elaiess Ta'en

With the past behind her, Elaiess carried on with the day, pulling her coat about her tighter and standing taller. It was a hard thing to do, moving on to the future when the past hounded you so and refused to let go, but focusing on the task at hand usually helped. The market was just the thing to focus on.

At this time, it wouldn't be terribly busy, but definitely active. She reached into the coin purse hanging from her belt and confirmed the amount of currency while heading there. Tightening the strings, she noticed a wagon making its way through the town. She carefully stepped out of its way and watched the scaly creature draw the wagon onward, her eyes drifting to the passenger, a human, guiding the metallic Xishiro. It was more out of habit to watch travelers, not because she was a busybody, but it was more to keep an eye on everyone throughout town. What kind of a guard would she be if she didn't keep track of that?

Appearances checked out. Elaiess gave herself a faint nod and continued out into the street, her gaze focused back on the road to the market. Bread and milk.

Her legs felt heavy and before she knew it, she was stopped and standing in the middle of the road. An invisible string, an invisible Force, pulled her attention back. Giving into curiosity, she tilted her head and her eyes landed on that cart that passed. Everything seemed fine but this rippling tide in her chest said otherwise.

Elaiess didn't need another thought. She turned and moved after the wagon, her hand lightly and casually resting on the hilt of her katana. To show who she was, but at the same time that she was relaxed. At least, she appeared to be so. She reached the front of the wagon easily but slowed her walk to match that of the Xishiro.

"Dreary morning, isn't it? There may be rain on the way to Shinjei."

Tag: Darth_Elu