Star Wars Bound By Honor

Bound By Honor​

The hum of lightsabers filled the air. Their vibrant luminescence bathing the large courtyard in a myriad of colors, creating a majestic picturesque setting. The trees blew in the gentle breeze surrounding it, petals and leaves drifting peacefully in the wind as the blades danced and hummed through their own self-made currents. The leaves dipped and soared over and around them, carried by the air flow they made with their passage.

There were at least a hundred different wielders of the fabled weapon, if not more, squared off into pairs all throughout the large area and seemingly practicing strikes, blocks, and counters. They wore various gi or casual kimonos. They never once struck each other, yet they dared to come within inches of touching their partners. It seemed the creation of the movements was intentional with the flying debris of nature as well.

Flute like instruments and a gentle tapping of drums accompanied them to create a serene atmosphere that was difficult to match.

Beat. Beat. Beat. The drums went on. Step. Step. Pivot. Paralleled the footwork silently across the stone ground, not even a mote of dust was kicked up despite their exercise. Hum. Swish. Hum. And so the lightsabers continued their peaceful, mesmerizing flourish; twirling, blocking, a soft jab and immediate retraction. All the while, they moved their full bodies along with the actions of the weapon.

It was not easy to mix the unarmed martial arts with that of the arts of the blade, it took years upon years of extreme discipline and continued practice. But these wielders had perfected it to an art form. One could tell at a simple glance from the footwork, the saber movements, the stances they fluidly flowed into and out of, and the indomitable harmony of the aura of the Force around them.

The flutes quieted, but did not stop completely, and the drums began to take over now. The beat harder, faster, more urgent. Every so often, a gong rang out. Aggressive. The wielders answered in kind.

Their movements remained the same, just as graceful and unerringly accurate, yet they were faster. The weapons' proximity to the partner on the other end did not stray, but there was still no contact. The hum intensified. And with each ring of the gong, the sabers finally connected with the tiniest shower of sparks all throughout the space. At the same time, in pure unadulterated synchronicity. They were not strong strikes, just soft taps. Quick. Purposeful. Their movements never once were interrupted by it.

The petals and leaves move faster now, ebbing and flowing with the quickened air currents. And none were cut even then.

The flutes ceased. The drums had complete control as the level of frantic beats vibrated into the very marrow of those 'dancing'. For it certainly seemed like they were dancing. Their tempo matched the instruments. Tapping strikes of the lightsabers remained just as they were, nothing at all changed except the pace. There was no hesitation, no tiring, just the eternal dance of the blade. And complete harmony of the Force around and through them.

When this seemingly unending session seemed just that, it all came to a sudden end. Drum! [Clash!] Drum! [Clash!] Drum! [Clash!]

The final bang of the gong and drums sounded; they all spun in unified rhythm, their blades striking stronger than ever before, the sound of the weapons against each other carrying with the fading music. Just as soon as the music was fully dissipated in those seconds, all sabers were disengaged at the same moment and partners clasped hands. The practiced precision continued to impress till the very end.

With a final bow to each other and then a bow between those with the instruments and those with the weapons, everyone began to file out of the courtyard. There was sweat, but there was satisfaction.

All were One with the Force.


*****
Welcome to Xinsuke-ye! A world in the Wild Space region of the galaxy that has the flair of old world East Asia. The majority of the populace are force sensitive and have access to the knowledge of the lightsaber as demonstrated. So its mysteries are as alluring as its visible charm. There are samurai. There are rival 'schools' of both the martial arts and blade-work, oft both being intertwined.

There is no war. But that doesn't mean everything is as picture perfect as the Dance of Blades above as you'll soon witness.

The stories here are the opening of the planet to the outside galaxy. They are ready to send rival champions to an unexpecting galaxy that takes place a hundred and fifty years after the events of The Force Awakens. And yes, they believe in dragons. The Dragons of Xinsuke-ye are known to come to those in a meditative trance at crucial moments in history or in one's personal progress. Or in physical manifestation in truly great historical events. Each adherent of the blade and the Force follow a chosen Dragon, for each preaches something a little different. They also 'appear' in differing colors, potentially mimicking the hues of the sabers themselves. Through this they come to view the Force as a myriad rainbow of colors. The Spectrum of the Force.

What are each School's aims? What are they looking for? Why do they compete? What is going on in the galaxy outside of Xinsuke-ye? What is happening on Xinsuke-ye? And where will it all lead?

Well, if you ever wanted to play a true samurai or wandering ronin in Star Wars, jump in and discover your path of the blade. It'll lead you to your inevitable answer.

There are many things to keep in mind here, so do not hesitate to ask me questions. Ever. I both anticipate and highly encourage questions. This world may be influenced by various cultures of East Asia, but its heaviest influence that you will very quickly notice is that of Edo Period Japan. If you have knowledge of the time period of the Tokugawa Shogunate, prepare accordingly then. If you do not, feel free to research. It is quite fascinating!

Xinsuke-ye Beliefs/Samurai and the Force

Since the arrival of the first outsiders, a group of Duros, over a thousand years ago; the natives known as the orokujin have been in possession of a map of the galaxy. All specific information had been lost, but they at least saw the galaxy in truth and their relative position within it. The Duros going on to describe as much as they could from memory to add detail. Though the Dragons forbid any on the planet from investing into space technology and leaving for a little over a millennia at a precise date, they did allow the map to remain. And with it began a more invigorated belief tied to one that had been slowly fading till that moment.

Many orokujin believe that they receive good blessings and increased power (or at the very least, awareness) in the Force from a specific star in their night sky. With the map, the belief returned and went on to also include the various planets, most of which whose name they didn't know. Still, upon looking at the fascinating map of the outside galaxy they could only dream of, many felt a connection to a specific little dot. A place that called to them and helped influence their lives in their opinion. It is anticipated that many orokujin will search out their personal stars and planets when the time comes to finally traverse the stars. And that time rapidly approaches.

Another foundation in orokujin beliefs is that of the Force itself and how they view it. As instructed by the Dragons, creatures of potent Force phenomena in and of themselves, the Force is to be viewed not as a light and dark side, but in a full spectrum of colors with subtle meanings and connotations. Some proscribe to light and dark views or even the universal 'The Force is One', but the vast majority believe it is a One life/creation energy source that is also split into the rainbow of colors. To them, life is not a dull gray nor a black or white viewpoint. So how can the Force be such? They believe in the Force Colors Spectrum with intensity and the Dragons they worship come in the various colors, thereby enhancing their faith further.

The samurai's views on the Force are rather different than that of the Jedi or Sith in another way as well. They do not believe in overt displays of power, that would disrupt nature in a dishonorable way so the predominant belief goes. No Force Pushes or Pulls (except to recall weapons or items when necessary), no lightning or chokes. Indeed, the very technique of Force Lightning is unknown to them! If you must prevail, do so by the blade. It is all about harnessing the Force within oneself instead. Enhance and expand. Your senses, perceptions, and physical augmentation. That is what it means to have honor and to show that the Force favors you.

Culture Specifics

Like the cultures it takes from, family names are supplied first and are usually the names people use unless they are close with one another typically. Original Honorifics are also in play here, but their use is completely optional. It adds a layer of authenticity and feeling like your character is truly there, but it is not necessary if you don't wish to. I will introduce a list of them later or you may ask for them.

When you are ready to begin work on a character sheet, PM before you're even ready to submit one. I will supply you important information, most crucial being that of the list of Saber Schools that your character can choose from! Trust me, there are….plenty to whet your appetite.

Over the years a few other galactic species did manage to crash land at separate intervals on Xinsuke-ye, though were not able to leave again and thus integrated into society over the course of generations.

Here is the official list of playable races.

Xinsuke-ye Species

Orokujin (The native race that is thus the dominant one. I am ready to help answer questions if you choose to go this route, I believe they will be as much fun as the canon ones!)
Human
Wookiee
Duro
Miraluka
Nagai
Zabrak
Arkanian
Feeorin
Twi'lek
Selonian

Honor System

Not in an in game sense, for there your honor is apparent in how you conduct yourself. No, this is a system I shall be deploying on behalf of the players themselves. After each page has been concluded and we move to the next, everyone can send me a PM and vote for one other person aside from themselves to receive an honor point by virtue of whom they feel best deserved it after that page. Best Character, overall post, or specific scene; that is up to the individual.

Again, you cannot vote for yourself however and you can only vote once per page as they are completed. Furthermore, I am ineligible of honor points so don't bother voting for me. (I appreciate the thought though, thank you!)

Eventually, these accrued points that I shall tally up in secret may play a part in the story or gain a player special honors for a time in the future. One will just have to see.

Character Sheet

Name:
Species:
Gender:
Age:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
Height & Build:
Personality:
3 Likes:
3 Dislikes:
Force Sensitivity: Yes or No, if Samurai then automatic Yes (not necessarily if just born into a Samurai Family)
Family & Province: (This correlates to the Khan/Daimyo family you serve. Will discuss in PM)
Occupation/Class: (Samurai have another 'normal' duty typically in addition to being warriors, though some are simply guards. Up to you.)
Weapons: Katana is automatic if samurai & 1or 2 Others (lightsaber, dual lightsabers, staff, or spear)
School Dojo: (You will pick based upon a PMed list)
Personal Star: (Pick a Planet they believe to empower them through the cosmos, a common Xinsuke-ye Custom…they have no actual knowledge of the other planets aside from placement in the galaxy and a few of their names. Your character need not necessarily know their planet's actual name IC, instead referring to it in whatever fashion they choose. But please put down the actual world here so we know)
Bio:

Rules

1) The TOS is All-Powerful as always
2) Quality posts please. Paragraph or longer.
3) Respect the GM otherwise you tread on dangerous ground.
4) Absolutely no God-Moding, it will absolutely NOT be tolerated!
5) As previously stated, feel free to ask questions at any time. Either in PM or in the OOC thread when it arrives.
6) Respect each other.
7) IMPORTANT NOTE: I reserve the right to kill anyone at any time, though I will endeavor to PM you a forewarning before it occurs lest it is done as a punishment.
8) Have fun or Die! <.< … >.>


ALL CHARACTER SHEETS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA PM FOR APPROVAL FIRST AS WELL AS HAVE A FEW DETAILS DISCUSSED!

 

ELU APPROVED

Name: Dedreck, Pyrrak-Sayé
Species: Ewok
Gender: Male
Age: 47
Fur Color: Black with light brown stripes
Eye Color: Brown
Height & Build: Three and a half feet tall, like most ewoks, kind of a thin barrel with arms and legs.
Personality: A grumpy drunk, hates hero worship which is part of why he is how he is now, because he was once a hero. Can't stand people reminding him of his past and tends to become explosively angry if people persist in doing so. Cantankerous in general, though can still be surprisingly kind, especially to kids.
3 Likes: Liquor, Fighting, Bluntness, Machines
3 Dislikes: Being called a wookiee midget or how he's so cute, dealing with fans, not having something to do. Absolutely despises hypocrisy.
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Ronin
Occupation/Class: Samurai and mechanic
Weapons: Katana, Light Naginata with an orange blade and a Teileng Steel shaft.
School Dojo: Purple Dragon School: Léi Sheng Kyōshin-ryu
Personal Star: Hapes

Bio: Who can explain the beginning for the Last Ewok? His species has died out, with his mother being the last known other member of his species on the planet. She was the last person that he could talk to in his native tongue, since he is physically incapable of speaking to anyone else in the planetary tongue. Because of this he had to make a translation sphere, that he argues with regularly because it isn't particularly inclined to translate some of the less couth things that he tends to say.

Who can explain the path of the Last Ewok? He has walked as a samurai for much of his life, even reaching a status of great respect, saving many lives over the course of his life, fighting bandits and especially raiders of the Kurai Hei'duun. It is for this last that he is especially known, having gone to great lengths to save a number of villages, and fighting against a veritable army all on his own... and ultimately leading to his disgrace as well.

Who can explain the fall of the Last Ewok? While he saved many, many lives, it ultimately required him to call upon forbidden knowledge. The kind of knowledge that he shouldn't even know about, and proved that he had already fallen into the path of the Ronin long before it was discovered. Even though he saved a village from flooding, a nefarious plan by local bandits, he had to use the Force, that great bastion of honor, by moving things outside of himself. And so for his heroics he was exiled, and while he had considered sepuuku briefly as the reality set in, he ultimately decided that the hypocrisy of his “betters” was not worth his life, nor was it worth the loss of life had he not utilized said proscribed skills.

Who can explain the continued existence of the Last Ewok? Even though he was made a Ronin, there had also been great pressure for him to get married as he was also a hero. It was a truly odd circumstance that he found himself in, and he even considered it, even though it was strictly an honorific marriage as his species was doomed upon this planet. That was before the only options were wookiees, and he found himself to be highly insulted, and so he refused as the one woman he had wanted was kept far away from him.

Who can explain the current state Last Ewok? He is a gifted mechanic, and that is how he makes his living. He lives on the outskirts of a major city, as that is the only place to get the best liquor. Still he practices some, but the rust has begun to show in his fights with local ne'er-do-wells. And so he waits, some of his friends urging him to redeem himself and his name, but he refuses as he has seen behind the veil of “honor” and the limits that it entails. But while he will not seek it out, should opportunity present itself...

 

Approved by the Great Darth_Elu!!



Name: Onni Fu'ral
Species: Zabrak
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Hair Color: Light brown
Eye Color: purple
Height & Build: 5'7", slender build

Pic:


Personality: To some people, she seems very reserved and stand-off ish, but to those who get a
chance to know her, know she is very passionate in her beliefs, and friendly to those who earn
her trust. Unable to have children of her own, she loves to work with the smaller children, and
is often known to make origami toys to give to the children, as she travels about.
3 Likes: children, animals/nature, people who keep their word
3 Dislikes: liars, cruel people/bulies/slavers/etc., large cities
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Is Noble Samurai/Retainer of the Kangyuen Family.
They preside over the Kuniga Province.
Occupation/Class: Protector/Healer
Weapons: Staff, Lightsaber Tonfas (Guard Shotos)
School Dojo: Blue Dragon School - Dual Blade School: Niju-sei Soresu-ryu
Staff School: Dizhèn Gyesugi-ryu
Personal Star: Devaron
Bio: Onni owns many of her viewpoints in her life, because she grew up in a very sheltered life.
Her mother, a Zabrak, was a very gifted herbalist, and taught Onni how to identify many various
plants and roots, and how to use them to heal other. The man who raised her, a human male, they
had found in wreckage of some strange vessel while they were out gathering herbs. Her biological
father, her mother never speaks of, except to say that Onni takes after him in some things. But
what exactly, she does not know. She sometimes travels with a companion animal that is quite
loyal to her, she having saved its life as it came to her starving. It's looks like a cross breed
between what passes for the local dogs in the area, and ... something else. It's head reaches her
waist, and she has given him the name, Ton'da. And like her, he seems to love children as well,
more than willing to give the younger ones rides, while pulling sleighs and ropes with the older
children.


Ton'da:

 

Approved by @Darth_Elu

Name: Yama Hinoki

Species: Orokujin

Gender: Female

Age: 40

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Amber

Height & Build: As tall as other warriors, broader shoulders than most women, has a scar down the left side of her face running from her scalp to her jaw just to the outside of her left eye socket. Her tails are a bit thinner than most.

Personality: Quiet, rather secretive, protective of those she teaches, though in a gruff way.

3 Likes: Archery, teaching, tea

3 Dislikes: Drunkards, cowards, blasters

Force Sensitivity: No

Family & Province: None for now

Occupation/Class: Sensei of a small dojo

Weapons: Naginata made from a broken Katana/ Yumi (bow)

School Dojo: Nèizài Diyu Diildeshgüi-ryu dominate with Léi Sheng Kyoōshin-ryu mixed in, Washi-me-ryu (Bow)

Personal Star: Corellia

Bio: Yama-Sensei as she is called by her students or Kuma-ojo (She Bear) as she is sometimes called by others, was born to a former Samurai family that had dishonored itself long ago. She was the oldest of several children and her parents struggled to feed all of them. Hinoki started working very early to help support her family. The heavy labor she endured made her physically stronger and the jeers she endured for being the daughter of a dishonorable house made her emotionally tough. Things were not easy for her, or her family having to bear the stigma of a dishonorable act made generations ago.

One day everything changed for the family. The Khan was traveling through her town when an assassin, or madman, tried to kill him. Hinoki’s father stepped in the way and allowed the blaster shot to hit him instead of his lord. The Khan’s guards quickly subdued the man while Hinoki wept over her father’s body. The Khan, moved by this noble sacrifice, declared that the man’s family should be honored. Thus the black spot against her family was blotted out, though at great cost.

Things failed to improve, though the family was honorable again, without their father things were deteriorating with the children, and the mother was too busy trying to provide to keep an eye on them. Hinoki did what she could but, she couldn’t keep her brothers out of trouble. Often having to defend them from bullies and other ruffians they’d managed to anger. Through this she caught the eye of an old Samurai Yama Tetsu. The old man had served in the Shogun’s personal guard and had taken up a position as a teacher in the capital, training the guard and several Samurai, in his later years, having never married and having no heir he had begun to feel the need to settle down and pass his name on to the next generation. He found something he liked in the protective young girl.

He approached her mother and entered into negotiations to marry Hinoki, who was of age. Though Hinoki didn’t want to marry she knew her mother could use the money, and one less mouth to feed. Reluctantly she accepted the marriage to a man far older than her. While she was worried about the Samurai she barely even knew, she found him to be a kind man weighed down by his years of service. She spent most of her time cleaning the nice house he was given by the Shogun and caring for her aging husband.

One day while cleaning the weapons her husband kept around the house she became overcome by her whimsy and picked up a katana. She swung it around like a child, due to the fact she was still very much one, pretending just for a moment she was a Samurai, like her ancestors. Her fantasy ended when Tetsu grunted from the doorway. Fear shot through her she knew some men didn’t like their wives taking up a blade or learning to fight. Tetsu walked forward, pulling a practice naginata from the wall. Hinoki was expecting punishment so she fell upon her knees asking forgiveness, bowing her head to the floor.

He calmly put the weapon on the ground in front of her telling her to pick it up. Slowly she did so and got to her feet. In a moment of tension he moved closer to her his face as unreadable as stone. Much to her surprise, he gently moved her hands to the proper position and slid her feet further apart. He explained that it was tradition in his family that the wife was to learn how to handle the polearm. So that if it came to it she could defend the home while the husband was away.

She enjoyed learning how to handle a weapon, and Tetsu enjoyed teaching her. Though their time spent training their connection grew, as did her love for him. She saw him as a kind man, a teacher that wanted her to succeed. As well as training with the Naginata, he also taught her Washi-me-ryu.

Soon she became pregnant and gave birth to a child, a son. It was the happiest time in both their lives. Ishi, as they named their son was the center of their lives. The sun rose and set with him.

One day the Shogun asked for his old friend to return to the capital to congratulate him for the birth of his son. On the way, taking a more secluded and scenic route, the small family was beset by bandits. They forced their skycar down into a forest and quickly surrounded the craft. Hinoki didn't know their intentions but, she knew they weren't good. Tetsu fought back, slaying many of them his blade flashing slicked with their blood. The leader leveled a blaster at Hinoki. Her body tensed but, she felt no burning, no stinging pain of being shot.

She looked to see Tetsu, blade broken, chest blackened. She could see that he tried to block the red lance of energy with the flat of his katana but the heat and the force snapped his aged weapon. The blast had just enough power to burn his clothes and pierce his unarmored heart. Hinoki screamed in anguish falling to her knees over her noble warrior's body. The bandit leader approached drawing a dagger, in his eyes she saw ill intent. She was not going to let him carry out his no doubt wicked acts. She grabbed a piece of the broken blade, its edge biting into her fingers drawing blood. With a single lunge she drove the point into the evil man's chest, stabbing though his blackened heart. His knife slashed down her face leaving a mark she carries to this day.

Returning to the wreckage her heart was panicked, she could not hear her son, he was not crying, though all of the melee not one sob left his chest. She feared the worst and those fears were realized when she pulled his still body from the destroyed vehicle. Another scream echoed through the forest, and up into the heavens, the grief of a woman that had everything taken from her. In shock and in pain she took up the blade of her husband and pressed it to her throat, the bandit's blood staining her neck. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, agony pouring from her heart. She just wanted it all to stop.

Before she could take that final step two Samurai appeared having rushed over as soon as the saw the craft go down. They recognized their fallen comrade, the man that had taught them how to handle their blades. Seeing a woman in distress they quickly took her to the nearest town returning to bury their mentor and his son.

Hinoki was catatonic for days, crying out for her husband and her son. It took time, and plenty of tea and silence but, eventually her grief passed. She returned to her home, the one she shared with Tetsu. It felt so empty, so cold without him there. She couldn't stand it. In his will Tetsu had left her a large portion of his estate, something for her to live off of when he passed, he knew he was not long for this side of life, and didn't want to leave his young bride with nothing after he passed into the next.

With the money she had a naginata forged of the piece of Tetsu's blade she used to slay his murderer. The remainder was spent purchasing a small rundown dojo. She put her all into fixing it up and getting ready for her first classes. She decided to teach solely women, and only in Naginata-jutsu, this earned her dojo the nickname of Hana-dojo (Blossom/flower dojo).

Many of the women keep their training a secret, telling their husbands that they are going to the tea house entering through a side entrance keeping their faces hidden. Some had mocked Yama-Sensei claiming that women couldn't fight, and that Naginata-jutsu was useless on the battlefield. Yama-Sensei, did not take these slights lightly, challenging those that spoke ill of her to exhibition matches, her Nèizài Diyu Diildeshgüi-ryu against whatever their chosen style was. Some laughed at the idea of fighting a woman, and against such a pitiful weapon, they did not laugh long. She proved herself time and time again, while she didn't win every bout, each was hard fought, earning her the respect of many.

She has lived in this existence for a while now and has become somewhat contented with it. Though she feels something stirring in her, something drawing her to adventure, to the stars.

 

Name: Callie Tolin
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Hair Color: Bright Red
Eye Color: Blue
Height & Build: 5'2", Athletic build. Small.
Personality: She is either outgoing, and smiling, or very quiet and solitary. Her mood swings
can be rather abrupt sometimes.
3 Likes: running, eating, a good joke or story
3 Dislikes: inactivity, people who are out of control-whether due to fear/drunk/etc., liars
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: noble Samurai/Retainer of the Jeongbayar Family in the Bareu-Gû Province.
Occupation/Class: Samurai/ Messenger
Weapons: Katana, lightsaber, 2 daggers
School Dojo: Purple Dragon School -
Single Blade School specializing in Force Strike: Yaman-in Vres Lí-ryu
Personal Star: Jedha
Bio: A true tomboy, she was never one to sit still and play girlie things. She climbed trees,
took survival training, and learned that she loved to run long distances. Miles. She will carry
messages/small items that need to reach a certain area quickly. She does her best to stear clear
of anything that might be considered illegal, as she passes through many guard areas through her
channels. No survivng parents or family, she is on her own. She likes to collect small trinkets
from the many areas she travels, a small rock or pebble, a leaf, pretty much anything that
catches her fancy. She considers a person's word and actions above all. She does not like dealing
with liars. She has been hurt too many times, and while her personality is outgoing, she does not
trust easily.

 

Character Sheet Honor Bound and approved by DARTH_ELU!

Name: Seri'na Rubellite
Species: Selonian
Gender: Female (Sterile)
Age: 26
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Black
Height & Build: 2meters medium build (6'6") *Similar to picture for armor/clothing*
Personality: Blunt, to the point. Shy and seeks some approval, but upfront and will not back down from a perceived truth.
3 Likes: Rocks, forthrightness, and a good fight.
3 Dislikes: Digging, open fields, and liars.
Force Sensitivity: Samurai then automatic Yes
Family & Province: Jeongbayar Family in the Barēu-Gû Province
Occupation/Class: Guard/Armorer/Weaponsmith
Weapons: Katana, lightsaber staff (custom build - drawing), Selonian Glave (ceremonial)
School Dojo: Brown Dragon - Staff School: Xuebeng Khavkh-ryu
Personal Star: Troiken
Bio: Born to her Matriarch's Den she found herself a part of a typical Selonian childhood. Namely being taken care of by her dozens of sisters from the same father and occasionally, about once a week, meeting her mother and father. It was a good life, until the age of testing. All children of the den went through it at the age of four. Some were already marked before then, she had not, but was found out to be gifted to be a Samurai.

It was a great honor not just for her but for her den parents as well. If she thought she had a lot of sisters and a couple brothers before, her father suddenly became more of a prime mate for the den. She was sent surface side, made to learn the surface ways and go to better schools, special schools. Still she learned the way of the rock, the tunnel, and of the Selonian ways. Most did not challenge or go against their neighbors points of view, except when as a kid when she tried to kill her class mate for lying about her. Luckily he got away with 'non-fatal' injuries from her trying to take him to justice.

As an adult she learned her trade, her ways. She learned to make Teileng Steel flow and bend to her will with the tools of her forge. It was not long after she had made the armor for others she began crafting her own from the scraps left behind and what she could earn. Once completed she has sought out her future, and her destiny as a Samurai.

Perhaps with her schooling, it might not have been too strange that she found a beginning to that future just a couple of years ago. She was asked to join as an official samurai/retainer to the Khan Family of the province. It was an unexpected honor for her and her family, more than she had dreamed possible for her humble beginnings. So she learns, performs her duties, and does her best to further her future and her families honor.

 

Approved by the Elusive One

Name: Roku, Akiva-sayé
Species: Feeorin
Gender: Female
Age: 227
Hair Color: (think this, pretty much exactly)
Eye Color: Purple
Height & Build: 5'3 and atheltic
Personality: Tends to be happy, outgoing, bubbly even at times. Isn't particularly fond of parties, but over the years has gotten used to them and finding ways to have fun given the innumerable functions she's been to over the years. Isn't afraid of confronting people, and knows she has the cache to do it. Likes standing up for the little guy. Ruthlessly efficient, isn't afraid of whatever needs to be done to complete a job, enjoys the act that she puts on around pretty much everyone who doesn't know what she really is.
3 Likes: People, especially being around them. Elegant and refined things. Fine food. Gardens, natural, heavily sculpted and rock. Absolutely adores reading.
3 Dislikes: Cities, can't stand the smell. Farms, ditto. Stupidity. Gauche conversation or kitsch “art”. Blood, despises botching a job
Force Sensitivity: Yep
Family & Province: Jeongbayar Family in the Barēu-Gû Province
Occupation/Class: Samurai, former Monk (for forty years), and Diplomat/Representative/Spy/Assassin
Weapons: Ancient Katana that resides on her wall save for special ceremonies, an indigo lightsaber with a hilt made from onyx, some throwing knives and her most recent Katana that she sometimes takes with her made by Seri'na Rubellite
Primary School Dojo: Black Dragon School
Single Blade School specializing in Force Strike: Ashigtai Wru Lí-ryu for the last 77
Secondary/Former School Dojo: Red Dragon School for 100 years
Singe Blade School specializing in Reverse Grip: Asheru Ran Geom-ryu
Personal Star: Ziost

Bio: Unwanted when she was born, Akiva has not exactly had the easiest life. At least at the beginning. It wasn't until she was taken in by the Invisible Dragon School, known only to a select few. It is the school of Assassins and spies, the school of pragmatists and people that get a job done at any cost. She was raised there, and learned to actually find a sort of peace a midst the chaos that a life such as that can be. Hardship was a daily matter of course, training for resilience in the face of the impossible. And then overcoming said impossibilities. That she was discovered to be Force sensitive early on was both a boon and a curse, as it meant she got the best training, but that also meant the most pressure and expectation. And even more impossible tasks.

While she wasn't at the very top, and knew she never would be simply because there were others who were more skilled at one specific thing or another, she was a well rounded individual, good at a lot of things, including those that many found more difficult: the art of conversation. It was because of this, and how diplomatic she was capable of being, that the Jeongbayar Family decided that she was a worthy investment. And thus her life changed, almost overnight at the tender age of nineteen.

It was a very different world that she found herself in, one with comforts and it became a temptation for her to become softer, and she did for a time. But there was also a restlessness in her, and she received permission to attend another school of her choosing, should it be monk or samurai. Either one would open up many options for her real job, but she could also be a representative for her Family, even though at the time she still thought of the Invisible Dragons as her true family.

Having had enough of a strictly physical focus, and suspecting that there would potentially be even more value in what she could gain, she chose the path of a monk. Half of a year was spent at the school, the other half was spent representing her family in various situations, and given her age often in the silent capacity. She often was invited into areas that weren't strictly open for general consumption, as many found her attractive and saw her as a potential conquest. Taking advantage of those situations, she always came away with information of immense value, with her suitors none the wiser. Occasionally this would lead to someone needing to be removed quietly, or noisily, to send a variety of different messages. Or get someone more favorable to her Family into the position. This pattern continued for nearly forty years, until she again grew restless.

It was during one of her trips that the restlessness grew particularly prevalent, and that was upon seeing a group of farmers being bullied by bandits. It was something that she had seen a number of times, as well as the hardships that they dealt with on a regular basis, but this time something inside her snapped and she killed the bandits in her typical efficient fashion. And she found that she had a bit of a taste for this more practical application of her abilities, the actual helping of those who were too weak to help themselves. The killing wasn't exactly something she was particularly adverse to either, but she knew that should that little tidbit ever become known she would start to be considered a danger.

Speaking with the masters at the monk school she had chosen, they said that they understood her desire to help, but that it didn't fall under their purview. It was the role of the Samurai, guards and the military to see to such things, while the monks focused on spiritual excellence and knowledge. If she wanted to aid people, she should be spreading the wisdom that she had gleaned over her time there. And if she could not consistently limit herself to such measures, then perhaps her time as a monk had come to a close. While it left a sour taste in her mouth, she realized that they were right. And so she sought a place that she could begin to make what she considered to be a real difference for the people of her province. And hopefully beyond during her travels.

It was in the Red Dragon school that she found her new home, the on using her growing strength to counter those around her and for the greater good was extremely appealing. While she was discussing with the masters there of the difficulties she had encountered in fighting, the greatest one was that her reach simply wasn't as great as a taller person would be. Speed, strength, skill, connection to the Force were all well beyond necessary to be admitted into the school, but she needed something that would help her overcome that. What was suggested surprised her, the school of Asheru Ran Geom-ryu, that of the reverse grip with a single blade. She was curious how shortening her reach even more would actually assist her, until the told her that she needed to focus on getting in close and using her speed and agility against her opponent. It would also aid in her defense, and should she choose the path it seemed like she was ultimately going to, dealing with bandits, it would actually assist in the non-duel nature of the fighting. It would also keep her constantly on the move.

Given that she was no novice to combat, having spent literally her entire life involved with it in some fashion or another, she found that her training with the monks proved to be invaluable as she had chosen a path without a weapon, wanting to hide her training with the Invisible Dragons. Here she had no choice, but it was with a lightsaber that she found herself training, not a katana. The fusion of pure martial arts with that of the lightsaber quickly turned her into something of a terror in combat, and she quickly found herself at the top of the school.

During the next century this was her chosen path, that of the samurai of the Red Dragons, and she was even approached for mastership and a teaching position several times and always she declined, knowing that her Family would never permit her to stop her real job, as she had proven herself to be absolutely invaluable in her one hundred and fifty some odd years of life. To say that she gained herself a bit of a name was an understatement, and she wore through many, many katanas.

For some reason, maybe too much of the same, the restlessness for something new again pushed Akiva to find something new. It was with great remorse that she ultimately left the Asheru Ran Geom-ryu school, but given that she was older than even the masters at that time they said that they understood. And they did something that was somewhat unheard of, and told her that she always had a place among them. Knowing that she was going to out live all but Master Sang Valten, a fellow feeorin who was actually years younger than her, she accepted sadly. In a hundred years time she suspected that her standing there would no longer exist, but only time would tell.

Looking for a new challenge, something that would aid her in dueling as it was something she had become more interested in, and it had also become of increasing import in her work for the Family as many of the places she went wanted to see how their best measured up to her, she found her way to the Black Dragon school. It was one of the only schools that consistently gave her trouble and defeated her, especially those of the Ashigtai Wru Li-ryu school that utilized Force strikes focused through their weapons. That they could use this to keep her away from them made it nigh impossible for her to actually defeat a master of this school, especially given the careful precision of every motion that they made. She always found herself far more tired by the end of the duels. Of all the Force strike oriented schools, this was by far the most annoying. And she saw it as a challenge, master that which she could not defeat, truly come to understand it.

The school was thrilled to have “poached” someone such as Akiva, and it was seen as a massive victory for the school. In reality it was simply the combination of her own limitations that made the school so troublesome, but she decided that it wouldn't do to embarrass anyone. And something that actually surprised her, there seemed to be a noticeable uptick in recruits after she joined.

She had wanted a challenge when she joined, and a challenge it most certainly was. Everything that she had done before simply didn't apply, as she had to learn the art of fighting with a sword in a more normal grip. And focusing the Force through the blade was a whole other world. But she trained, and learned, and while it took her longer to become renowned here, and she began losing more duels as he focus was split and her old skills rusted slightly, she began to have an interesting understanding of how to fuse all of what she had known to what she was learning. And she knew it would ultimately make her into a fighter that few would be able to rival. Driven by this knowledge, and the honor it would bring to her family, even if it wouldn't exactly do the same for either of her chosen schools, she was happy.

She still occasionally returned to the Invisible Dragon school, there were advancements in training methods over the course of centuries, and by the time she had lived through two of them, she had reached a point that even the Invisible Dragon wanted her to teach as her skills and expertise had been honed by experience in ways that few could boast, as most species on the planet simply didn't live as long as she had. But teaching was not in her blood, and she knew it, and so she simply declined whenever the request was made.

One thing she had found interesting was that she had outlived three heads of the Jeongbayar Khanite, all of whom had died of natural causes. It was odd to know that she was such a fixture of the house that she was looked to for advice when on first arrival there had been nothing expected of her save silence and completion of her missions. And further training. She had also continued her dueling, becoming renowned for it, and her unpredictable fighting as she regularly changed the way she fought between the two schools she had attended, constantly putting people off balance. Looking back over her life after two centuries, she was most pleased by her place. And yet... yet surely there was more. Even with safeguarding their Kahnite and the people therein, and many other provinces that she traveled in, she hungered for challenge again. For more. And she knew that another school simply wasn't going to measure up. This was twenty-seven years ago.

There have been few things in particular that sated the restlessness in her life, but a couple of duels had truly challenged her. One was with the legend Gantao, he who had single handedly defeated an army of bandits, or so the legends went. The other was a strange little creature, one that reminded her of a small wookiee. Both had soundly defeated her on more than one occasion, but she always enjoyed those fights and she knew that the audience was thrilled. Her defeats did not bother her, she had long gotten past the point that she cared about some score or another, it was simply the honor of the duel itself, the pitting of oneself against another, and learning who was the stronger, that fueled her. It had become one of the main driving factors in her life, even though again she could speak of it to no one.

 

Approved By The Dragons of the Force!

Character Sheet

Name: Byunaatse Kaifen
Species: Orokujin
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Hair Color: Cream
Eye Color: Green
Height & Build: 6'2" & Muscular
Personality: He's proud, playful, and competitive. In the end however, he is benevolent and honorable, wanting only the best for those around him.
3 Likes: Jokes, Training, & Family
3 Dislikes: Those Without Honor, Slothful Behavior, & Kurai Hei'duun
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Kangyuen Family in the Kuniga Province
Occupation/Class: Clerk/Samurai
Weapons: Katana & Yellow Bladed Lightsaber
School Dojo: Orange Dragon School: Tyen-ri Fōkasu-ryu
Personal Star: Naboo
Bio: Born to the privilege and honor of the Samurai Class, Byunaatse-kunseng was brought up with pride and an understanding of his honorable, and sometimes grave, position in the world. While he was in the countryside of one of the more modest provinces, it diminished that pride no less. Finding himself eager to prove himself, he began instruction in the ways of the blade at an early age and has kept it up ever since. His father, Byunaatse Lao, enrolled him into the Dojo he too had learned from.

There was a small shadow to learn under as his father had been nicknamed "The Flash of Death." Granted, it was one bestowed from the local region rather than one earned from travels all over Likarahim, so his prestige was at enormous levels…still, it was high enough. And for those who knew his father, it made it all the more difficult. But instead of struggling and rebelling, Kaifen only puffed out his chest and did his best to rise to the occasion.

It was only right for a father to have earned high honor, for that does not set a bar high for their son. Rather, it gives them a safe and sturdy foundation to build from so that they may rise and surpass that high level all the faster. That was the Byunaatse family way. Build on your parent's honor, even if only a little.

Kaifen felt he had far to go, his father however was already proud. His mother even more so. His sister? Well, it was a friendly rivalry. Always trying to outdo the other, she even refused to teach at the same dojo so she could have skills unseen by a Byunaatse family member before. Indeed, his sister Natsuki, was his favorite sparring partner along with one other. Fellow retainer to the Kangyuen Family, Fu'ral Onni. Honestly, he was never sure how much she enjoyed it if at all, but he knew he did!

Building on such skills of his as well as a fairly good acumen for numbers and thus his position of clerk for the Kuniga Provincial Finances; Kaifen continues to walk the road of the samurai. And in his heart, wishes he will be one of the first to see this outside galaxy he hears so many whispers about.

Only time and the Will of the Dragons knew if such a desire was truly wise.

 

Elu Tested, GM Approved!

Character Sheet


Name: Izanami Sato
Species: Arkanian
Gender: Female
Age: 32
Hair Color: White
Eye Color: White
Height & Build: 5’10”, athletic
Personality: Izanami is well-disciplined, intelligent and independent. She has an underlying proclivity for impulsiveness, but she knows when to control that side of her. When she does not, she can be abrasive at times if a bit arrogant.
3 Likes: spontaneity, rare wines, physical activity
3 Dislikes: quiet, laziness, boredom
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: The Zhaoichi Family / Chisinqi Province.
Occupation/Class: Samurai & Sentry Guard
Weapons: Katana with handmade hilt & saberstaff with white blades, both family heirlooms and passed down from her oldest brother / single kaiken (her mother’s) usually worn hidden within the sleeve of her robes
School Dojo: Purple Dragon, Léi Sheng Kyōshin-ryu (staff)
Personal Star: Pamarthe, referred to as “chisana aoidesu” (little blue)

Bio:

In the sprawling city of Edokura, the Sato bloodline has served the same Family for generations. Well-known for strength, honor and duty to those they protect, it is a prestigious lineage of fierce and loyal samurai. It was expected that all children would continue on the same path, though not all were chosen. To weed out the weak from the worthy, it was custom to begin strict and regimented training at a very young age.

Izanami Sato was no different from those who came before.

~*~

She never knew her mother. The woman whom she would later learn had been beautiful, kind, and loving, died in the days following Izanami’s birth due to unforeseen complications. Her Father, a high ranking and respected samurai in his own right, withdrew from the family shortly after. Unable to recover from the loss of his beloved wife, he became almost a ghost to his only daughter, passing in and out of her childhood with little to no contact. Seeing as this was all she knew of him, it did not bother her much. Instead, she looked to her siblings for guidance.

Izanami was the youngest of five and the only female. Her brothers, especially the oldest, Kojin, took it upon themselves to care for, raise, and protect their baby sister. Because of this, they formed very close bonds with one another and were practically inseparable while young. Nami, as she was known only to those closest to her, loved each of her siblings fiercely but was attached strongest to Kojin. She had been an aggressive and rambunctious child and he had seen to it that she began learning discipline and control even before her test training began. This sparked her first remembered desires to follow the family line. The brother 12 years her senior was everything she strived to be when she came of age and was the only current member of the family to wield a saberstaff. The dual-bladed weapon fascinated her completely and she knew with the utmost certainty that would be her lightsaber of choice when it was her time.

The Sato boys had all been deemed worthy to walk the path of the samurai and when she turned 5 years old, it was that time to see if she would follow suit.

Test training was a year-long series of sessions overseen by the living Sato Elders. These rigorous and challenging classes were used to determine if a child had a natural affinity for the art of the lightsaber and to find out if they had the discipline and drive required. While the responsibility fell to the father of a household to oversee these first steps into a greater purpose, Kojin filled that void and took the reins. Under his watchful eye and strict hand, the young Arkanian was found to be quite promising. Always choosing the wooden training staff to mimic her brother, Izanami excelled at the physical tests and marked well in obedience and intelligence, as was a trademark of her species. She flourished in that first year so it was of no question that at the age of 6, her official training began.

The next few years moved along fast for Izanami; a blur of schooling, training and time spent with her brothers. The latter activity grew more and more scarce as her siblings aged and excelled in different arenas, being assigned to various places around Edokura. While it pained her to see them so little, she was incredibly grateful tochisana aoidesufor blessing her with such an ambitious and talented family. After she was sorted into the Purple Dragon School for the staff, Léi Sheng Kyōshin-ryu, the very school Kojin trained with, she was certain the same could be said of her.

The saberstaff was a grueling weapon to master and while she took to its unique form quickly, it was not without continuous struggles. Always eager for additional lessons, Kojin would often aid Nami in their home’s modest dojo, instructing her in advanced techniques. By the age of 16, she had impressed her instructors enough to be assigned an apprenticeship with the Family’s personal guard; a dream for the young girl as this was the occupation she wished for above all else.

It was around this time when she started to note erratic and uncharacteristic behavior from her oldest brother. Knowing him almost as well as she knew herself, it was not hard to see and she had the distinct feeling he did not try to hide it. Disobeying orders, disappearing at night, shirking his duties, he even pulled away from her. Izanami feared for him greatly lest he disgrace himself… or worse, their entire family.

Shortly thereafter, he vanished from their home and city. Leaving only his katana, saberstaff and a brief note to his sister, it was revealed he had fled cross the Wall into Kurai Hei'duun territory. No reason given, no apologies made. Both of Kojin’s weapons were very old family heirlooms, a Sato tradition to pass along the sacred weapons of a samurai from one generation to the next. And he had continued that, leaving them explicitly to her upon her small bed.

The sudden betrayal threw her life into turmoil. While she and her remaining brothers were not shunned for Kojin’s…mistake, there was an obvious social stain on them afterwards. Her instructors and mentors became impossible to please and she began to question herself as she never had before. Why would he leave? Why would he throw away a life that was both a blessing and a birthright? Why would he abandon those he loved?

As if losing an anchor, Izanami reverted back to some of her behaviors from early childhood, becoming a rather rebellious figure among those of her peers that still spoke with her. Moving into her twenties, she was always the one to answer a dare or to attempt a dangerous feat; all for a thrill that would make her forget her loss for the shortest of moments. She had immense talent but rarely demonstrated her worth, her recklessness being noticed before she had realized how off course her life had become. A small but growing part of her found that she was relieved.

Having virtually destroyed her chances of being selected for the prestigious Personal Guard, she was instead assigned to a watch post position as a Sentry Guard on Edokura’s perimeter wall. Her life for the past decade has seen her rotating between its 4 active gates, the shifts mainly spent in solitude. The job offers little to no alteration of the daily routine and the repetitive isolation has eaten away at her. Whatever days she is working on the city’s wall, her nights are spent out in the midst of the crowds. When she has to be at post during the nights, her days are spontaneous journeys searching for new experiences. Having never married, rarely seeing her remaining brothers, and her Father now having passed on, Izanami constantly forces deviation from any repeated course. And yet, she feels as though nothing changes.

If she ever wished for excitement and adventure in her life, it would be now.

 

Darth_Elu Approved!

Character Sheet

Name: “Master Ash” Boshi Hanami.
Species: Miraluka
Gender: Male
Age: 57



Hair Color: grey
Eye Color: n/a
Height & Build: Medium build. 6’1”. 145 lbs.
Personality: Pensive, observant, decisive.
3 Likes: Order. Wisdom. Rectitude.
3 Dislikes: Disrespect. Impatience. Laziness. Mud.
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: The Zhaoichi Family of the Chisinqi Province, from the shogun’s city of Edokura.
Occupation/Class: Samurai. Master.Teacher. More.
Weapons: Katana. Purple bladed Lightsaber. Teileng Spear with amber blade.
School Dojo: Black Dragon School: Ashigtai Wru Li-ryu
Personal Star: Marat V
Bio: Master Ash is a being strong in the force, who has seen and done much in his pursuit of enlightenment and strength. Now that his past is behind him, he looks to atone for some of those past deeds.

In the beginning, Boshi Hanami was an unknown border guard in a nameless town. However, his powers of perception garnered him notoriety, especially after repelling an assassination attempt on a visiting official. That deed alone opened doors to a greater world, where individuals, such as himself, who understood the need for order, were strategically placed or utilized. Honing both his skills and powers, Boshi moved up through the ranks. His successive promotions landed him in a province where bandits had become a continued threat, given the fact they were well organized and followed a powerful leader.

The search took time, but the bandit hide-out was finally found, and a raid ensued. That battle had been fierce; many promising guardsmen fell to bandit blades, but also, many innocents perished in their wake, for the bandits employed locals to work for them, alas, even some performed their tasks unwittingly.

Boshi, now a captain, lead the team that took down the bandits, in addition, he personally dispatched their Bandit Leader. But the cost had been too great in his estimation. The title of Master was conferred to him for his accomplishment and great was his reward. He accepted, not to lose face, but later retreated from his very public office to pursue other interests. The way of the sword required a deeper understanding than what he could attain as he was.

That, was many, many years ago.



Name: Kel Wynt’r
Species: Nagai
Gender: Male
Age: 17



Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Height & Build: Lithe and athletic. 5’6”. 127 lb.
Personality: Observant. Sarcastic. Blunt. Quick study.
3 Likes: Learning new techniques. Sparring. Using New techniques.
3 Dislikes: Getting up early to train. Waiting. Doing anything slow.
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: The Zhaoichi Family of the Chisinqi Province, from the shogun’s city of Edokura.
Occupation/Class: Samurai. Student. trainee.
Weapons: Katana. Blue bladed Dual lightsabers. Teileng Daggers.
School Dojo: Black Dragon. Kurikaesu Makashi-ryu.
Personal Star: Nam Chorios
Bio: Kel Wynt’r is a young and talented, but troubled ward of the Shogun, who’s been given a second chance. Perhaps now he can become the samurai he is destined to be.

The orphanage was all the nagai had when he was quite young. But things changed drastically when their local Lady patron passed away. Her indifferent family ended ‘her’ support of the orphanage after her death, condemning them to closure. When the men came to take them all away, Kel fought them with a stick in hand. His defiance was quiet fierce and smartly carried out for someone his age. Of course, he could not seriously hurt the men. At first some were amused, but it became clear that the young boy was very upset and planned to defend the place he called home with all his might. Kel’s stand was noticed by a man in a favorable position, who became impressed by him and made arrangements for him to be given a place, and trained as a samurai. Such fervor was desirable, and preferable in service of the local lord.

Kel proved to have natural talent and a fierce spirit, but also exhibited a less desirable trait after sometime. He was intractable. As a consequence, Kel’s training languished and so did his chances, that is, until he was paired with a new master. Now, he has a second chance at achieving his destiny and following a clearer path.

 

THE FOLLOWING LADIES HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE GM

Name: Nakatsukasa Iori
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Hair Color: Sea-green
Eye Color: Acid-green
Height & Build: 5'7” tall, 127 lbs, athletic and busty build

Personality: Confident, conceited, cold. Many have equated her to a predatory cat or a serpent, always calculating and anticipating those who interact with her. Her unnatural beauty often throws off members of the opposite sex, but it does so indiscriminately and has an effect on members of the same sex as well. Is thought to be very manipulated.
3 Likes: Control, Art of Dance, Victory
3 Dislikes: Rude People, Losing in any form, Insubordination
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Akachen Family in the Dakūxin Province
Occupation/Class: Advisor / Samurai
Weapons: A stylized katana with a black dragon engraved on the blade near the guard, a platinum lightsaber with an aquamarine blade.
School Dojo: Ashigtai Wru Lí-ryu
Personal Star: Umbara
Bio: Iori was born into providence. She came from a wealthy family who in turn had connections to other wealthy families. Her parents were from an arranged marriage, offering up the best of two clans in order to make the next generation the best it could be. As such, Iori was the first child and first daughter, making her the prime candidate for passing on the “perfect” lineage her grandparents had striven to achieve through the arrangement between their own children. Her entire life she was told that she was beautiful, and it couldn't be denied: she was. Her body carried itself with a fluid grace that was akin to a crane gliding on the wind. Every turn of her head, every bend of her arm or knee drew attention to Iori and she thrived off of it. It helped get her into the higher echelons of society, granting her audiences with other members of a Khan or Daimyo's courts.

Her years were spent training in the arts of varying ceremonies; tea service, dance, and even playing music. This training wasn't just limited to the arts, as swordsmanship was taught to her when she came of age. When she was old enough to hold a sword, her parents thought it best to see that she have training enough to defend herself. In a world where men held dominant seats of power, they saw fit that she too be on an even playing ground with them. Iori was taught the ways of the sword, and was even gifted enough to craft her own lightsaber with little training from her masters.


She quickly rose in popularity among the ranks of the social elite as well as among students of other schools. Iori has taken pride in the fact that those who were foolhardy enough to challenge her to single combat have only felt the venomous bite of her blade... and only one who has felt the caustic sting of her lightsaber who still bears their loss to this day.


Name: Matsuoka Kazue
Species: Orokujin
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Hair Color: Sakura pink (dyed), fur is a steel grey (almost seeming faintly green in some light)
Eye Color: Crimson red
Height & Build: 5'3”, 99lbs, lithe athletic build

Personality: Seen as predominantly serious and unapproachable, Kazue is a very prideful girl. She does not like to lose, which leads her to have a bit of a temper when an opponent gets the better of her. She is easily provoked, feeling that she needs to prove herself to anyone she encounters.
3 Likes: Freedom, Rice Wine, Quiet meditation
3 Dislikes: Authority, Damaging her Pride, Pushy people
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Kangyuen Family in the Kuniga Province
Occupation/Class: Unemployed / Samurai
Weapons: Dual katanas
School Dojo: Dubeon Ran Vaa'pad-ryu
Personal Star: Ryloth
Bio: Most of Kazue's youth was filled with brief bouts of rebelliousness. She would often go against the whims of her parents, having run away several times before they forcibly enrolled her in one of the martial schools to learn some discipline. Hoping to quell the rebellious fire within her, they put her in the Purple Dragon School with the goal of forming her into a more conformed member of society. Instead, her rebel heart began to use the ferocious style to forcibly beat the other students into submission, calling them out for always following the lead of their Sensei.

After fighting her way through the dozens of students with the wooden training swords, she was confronted by the top student of the class, second only to the Sensei. Her arrogance was her downfall, leading to her immediate defeat and expulsion from the dojo. Before notice could reach her parents of her forcible removal from the dojo, she had planned to flee far from her home and vowed to herself not return when the time was right. She continued to train in secret, working to ensure that she could not be brought back to her parents to face the shame if and when the time came for her to take off again. Her own personal sense of honor would guide her life from then on out, doing her best to condone to her own morals and codes while shunning and eschewing the commonplace methods of societal norms.

 

GM Approved

Name: Benkei Yamabushi
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 59
Hair Color: Grey
Eye Color: Slate Blue
Height & Build: 5'10"

Personality: Humble, Contemplative, Patient, and Calm
3 Likes: Tea, The Arts (music, painting, writing), Nature
3 Dislikes: Discord, Injustice, Destruction
Force Sensitivity: Yes.
Family & Province: Samurai and retainer of the Yirojo Family in the Qiūzu Province
Occupation/Class: Samurai, Philosopher, and Patron.
Weapons: Katana. Lightsaber (Orange), Walking Stick.
School Dojo: Orange Dragon Schoo: Single Blade School specializing in Single Strike: Tyen-ri Fōkasu-ryu
Personal Star: Ando Prime. It is dominant in the night sky during the winter months, thus called the "Winter Star".

Bio:

Benkei is born noble, to the son of a Samurai from a long line of Samurai. He was born to privilege, he was an heir to his line, no desire went unfulfilled. He lived the life most dreamed of, yet he was not fulfilled. He was empty, always searching for more to fill his desire.

One day he observed that some of those with less lived lives of greater happiness than his, and he wondered at how this could be that those with almost nothing could be so at peace with themselves. He concluded that in order to discover their secret he must shed the lifestyle of comfort and wealth, and he did just that.


To his father's protest he packed a simple travel bag and left. For years he wandered, living off his instinct and through good will of others. Free from the trappings of his inherited wealth his spirit was free to explore itself and discover his true nature, to find the path to lasting personal contentment.


In his travels he shared ideas with many people across the land. He learned of their stories and enjoyed their arts, shared their tea, meditated in their gardens, and read their scrolls. After more than two decades of this life he was approached by a messenger, it was explained that his father was ill and had been searching for him many years, it was feared that he would soon pass.


Benkei felt great remorse at having neglected his family, so lost in his search for peace was he that he had not honored those who had loved him the most. He returned home with the utmost haste, arriving at his ancestral home and reuniting with the last of his family, his father. His mother had passed more than a decade ago, unable to locate his son there was no way for the father to pass the bad news.


Benkei was distraught, but he still had time to spend with his father. Though the old man's health was failing, they were blessed with many weeks of precious time to heal old wound and rekindle the bond they shared in their youth. Benkei was made to promise his dying father that he would remain the head of the family, what was left of it, and ensure that the name was spoken with pride and honor.


This was how Benkei became a wealthy man once again, however now he had a greater treasure, he had inner peace. He settled into his role and used his newfound stability to surround himself with philosophy and arts, he sent for the greatest minds and creative thinkers in the land. He became known as a great patron of literature, painting, and music.

 

GM Approved!

Name: Shiraha Mimori （白羽深森）; “Mimo”
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Hair Color: Black, shoulder blade length and blunt cut, with bangs
Eye Color: Black (irises do not show)
Height & Build: 5’5”; spider-thin



Clothing: When working as the retainer to the Akachen family, Mimori usually wears deep blue hakama-style pants that are embroidered with silver thread in a waves-like pattern around the hem and up to the knee, and a white gi shirt with long kimono sleeves that she wears loosely—for easier movement, she wears a white strapless compression wrap around her torso. She ties back her long sleeves with a tasuki (cord for tying back kimono sleeves) when needed. When she is entertaining, she wears the multi-layered, expensive silk traditional robes, with her hair done elaborately. Her entertaining kimono are usually deep blue or black in color.
Personality: Mimo is independent, quiet, reserved, and very self-involved. She is Force-sensitive, and is a little shamanistic due to her tendency to “see” strange demons and apparitions that don’t necessarily exist. She believes heavily in the will of the Force, and the rigid honor system on Xinsuke-ye. She enjoys the arts (including visual, musical, written, and martial arts).
3 Likes: Training, sweets, sleeping under the stars
3 Dislikes: Romance, having nothing to do, disrespect
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Akachen Family, Dakūxin Province
Occupation/Class: Samurai retainer / Entertainer. Perhaps a bounty hunter?
Weapons: Bow/arrow and lightsaber (primary); katana (secondary)



School Dojo: White Dragon, Modu Oros-ryu
Personal Star: Hoth

Bio:

Shiraha Mimori was born to a long line of samurai retainers to the Akachen family in the Dakuuxin Province. Her great great grandmother was the first to serve the Akachens, and her father served before her—and now, Mimori is quite possibly the last Shiraha to serve the Akachen Family.

Mimori began training in bladework and archery at the tender age of four, before she had even finished learning to read and write, and began training in the Force at age six. She was the eldest of three daughters all born within a year of each other, and her father, who had wanted a son, had pressed Mimori into training as soon as she could hold a blade steady. Her early training distanced her from her sisters, Sarnai and Anzu, and when she began to experience her strange hallucinations by the age of six, she became even more distanced from them. Mimori hated not being close to her sisters, whom she felt she needed to be near to and protect.

As they grew older, and as Sarnai and Anzu became inseparable and Mimori more recluse, they each were given professions to train into; Mimori had her samurai training, Sarnai began training as a midwife, and Anzu began rigorous studies, perhaps to eventually work in the sciences. Subsequently, Mimori’s mother took Sarnai and Anzu from the Akachen residence to live in one of the larger towns, leaving nine-year-old Mimori with her father at the Akachen residence in the city of Qiang Lao.

Her training was not easy. The Shiraha family has long been practitioners of the White Dragon School, and her father trained her the same way his father trained him—unrelentingly, stringently, and not without a healthy dose of corporal punishment. Her father’s training made Mimori feel trapped, and while she loved the blade and the arrow, she longed for something else to spend time on. On a trip to the marketplace in the city in Mimori’s eleventh year, after having bought what she was sent to buy, Mimori was passing by a pawn shop when she saw a stringed instrument she had never seen before. It was old, and well-worn, but Mimori wanted it. Badly. She counted the coins she had left—there weren’t enough for the instrument in the window. In a huff, Mimori stalked back to the marketplace and plopped down on a storefront’s step. As she stared into the middle distance, upset, she heard the inviting jingle of coins in someone’s purse. Looking up, she saw a beast—a vulpine, furred and snakelike demon with wings and teeth like needles—grinning at her and beckoning her towards the sound of the coins. So she stood, and followed the sound. She followed it into a throng of market-goers, and the demon followed, weaving between her ankles like an overly friendly loth-cat. She followed the sound into a crowd so dense no one noticed when Mimori kyped the purse from its owner’s belt.

The theft was exhilarating for Mimori, and that evening, a distance from the Akachen residence by a quietly gurgling stream, Mimori tried her hand at the instrument she had bought. She fell instantly in love with the strings’ gentle, staccato sound.

After she acquired her secret hobby, Mimori’s training became easier, somehow. More balanced. She was punished less, and progressed faster. As years went by, Mimori learned all she could about the way of the samurai, and at the same time learned all she could about the instrument she had bought with stolen money. During her fourteenth year she built her lightsaber, and began learning lightsaber combat as well as swordsmanship and archery. She excelled in all her training, and she did love it—especially the archery. It was a peaceful yet strenuous sport to her, and she would often stalk the game of Xinsuke-ye in the grassland surrounding her city of Qiang Lao with nothing but her bow and a fistful of arrows. But just days after Mimori’s 21st birthday, her father was killed by a band of assassins with a vendetta against the Akachen family. With her mother and sisters gone, Mimori was now alone in the Akachen’s large residence, and her father’s death left a glaring hole in Mimori’s life.

Though distraught, Mimori was immediately made the family’s new samurai retainer. The responsibility thrust upon her was sudden and much too heavy—yet Mimori shouldered it without pause. During the times she was not actively protecting the Akachens, she would steal away into the heart of Qiang Lao with her instrument, dressed to the part of an entertainer for the rich business gentlemen of the city, and kept her ear to the ground and a watchful eye out to discover who might have hired her father’s killers.

It has been four years since her father’s murder; Mimori’s heart has become hardened and isolated. Somewhere along the line, during her expeditions to the heart of Qiang Lao, she lost sight of her vengeance. Now, she entertains for her own selfish reasons, has taken up the odd, illegal jobs on the side, and is plagued by her demonic hallucinations more than ever. She seeks to find peace and balance in her life and in the Force again. She has begun to look to her star more than ever before, and has turned inward, to protect herself and figure out her own selfish needs.

 

Elu Approved!

Name: Elaiess Tae'en
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Height & Build: 5'6" and slim

Personality: Quiet and dedicated to her duty, she's known to get along well enough and is friendly with her peers, though she doesn't usually get too deep with friendship. Not to say she's the shy type, she just tends to prefer the company of a good book
3 Likes: Reading, sparing, and gardening
3 Dislikes: Being interrupted while reading, chaotic situations, and poor weather
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: Yirojo Family/Qiuzu Province
Occupation/Class: Guard/Samurai
Weapons: Lightsaber (sleek and simple in design with streak of purple in the hilt and blue blade) and katana
School Dojo: Eiá Uzüür Geom-ryu
Personal Star: Zeltros (As ironic as it is)
Bio: Born and raised in the quiet and rural Qiuzu Province, Elaiess lived a simple life for the most part. Her mother was a seamstress and her father a samurai, who pledged his sword to the leaders of the family as a guard. They spent most of their summers, during off duty times, working and tending to their garden or out in the fields, practicing sword play. Her mother was a bit dubious at first, rather hoping Elaiess would take up a less dangerous profession with fabric like her, but she couldn't deny the fact that at least knowing some self defense skills might be a good idea. Their daughter, however, was a natural and picked up sparring with ease. She found joy in the graceful steps and the movement echoed in her body in a way that seemed as if she was meant to be a samurai. She also was an avid reader, finding solace in the quiet of an exotic adventure far off in the stars.

Despite her gentle hand, she was sent off to the Blue Dragon Dojo at the age of ten to take up training to officially become a samurai and follow in her father's footsteps. Her strength lay in single-handed blades and in the defensive arts, rather than offensive. It was, also, then that it was confirmed that she had inherited her father's force capabilities. Her training progressed as expected until a couple of years passed. During one spring, Elaiess and her father spent their evening practicing over what skills with a lightsaber she had learned in the dojo. It was a warm, pleasant time spent together, and their last. The night would end in bloodshed.

Grown into a young woman, Elaiess swore her blade, and loyalty, to the Yirojo, determined to keep busy to keep the nightmares at bay.

 

GM Approved!

Name: Doraku Kambei. Nowadays he goes by his precept name, Kyōkan
Species: Orokujin
Gender: Male
Age: 53
Hair Color: Slate Grey, whitening around the muzzle and eyebrows
Eye Color: Hazel
Height & Build: 5’ 6”, about 160 pounds, average to wiry build. He wears a large kasa hat with vertical slits to see through, as on a tengai, and holes for his ears.
Personality: Kyōkan became adept at reading people from his days as a duelist, so the personality he puts forward can vary depending on who he’s interacting with. He is typically taciturn and can even be dismissive or sarcastic to people who are trying to get something from him, but he is compassionate and patient with those who need his help in his monastic work.
3 Likes: Painting. The sound of running water. Daifuku. Shogi
3 Dislikes: Arrogance. Violence. When it’s cloudy but doesn’t rain.
Force Sensitivity: Yes
Family & Province: The Zhaoichi Family of the Chisinqi Province
Occupation/Class: Monk/Samurai. As a younger man he worked as a sword instructor, and later a construction supervisor for a time.
Weapons: Lightsaber and shoto, both blue-bladed with curved handles made of carved loquat wood, as well as a katana.
School Dojo: Black Dragon Dual-blade school, Kurikaesu Makashi-ryu
Personal Star: Hurikane, referred to as Nanpō Noki or “Southern Eaves,” (as of a roof), because it makes up the southern corner of the Temple constellation
Bio: Kyōkan was born Doraku Kambei to a modest but respected samurai family. He was a rambunctious child, so his father—an accomplished swordsman in his own right—began teaching Kambei the way of the sword in order to focus his energy, and later enrolled him in the same school where he had learned, the Black Dragon Kurikaesu Makashi-ryu.
Kambei was naturally gifted and took to the sword quickly. He advanced through the ranks of the school and was soon considered the most gifted student of his cohort. He was often chosen to represent the school, whether at tournaments, demonstrations, and especially duels. He fought his first duel at age thirteen. Though it was only a demonstration match, he handily bested an older boy. As the years went on, Kambei undertook many travels on behalf of his school and the Zhaoichi clan to win honor for them against competitors.

His record of dueling wins spoke for itself, but soon he became known for his haughty attitude and unorthodox tactics for throwing off his opponents. He would purposely make small breaches of etiquette which, in the highly formalized world of Likarahim swordsmanship, would rankle his opponents to the point that they lost their composure and left openings and mistakes in their techniques. He would arrive late to duels, dress informally, ignore his grooming, or simply act dismissively towards his opponents. But these tactics were hardly illegal, and from Kambei’s point of view, he was simply exposing his opponents’ lack of mental preparation. They were also effective; by the time he was 40 he was recognized throughout Likarahim as one of the best swordsmen of the era.

When he wasn’t traveling, Kambei kept a home in the Zhaoichi domain and served as a retainer. His sword skills were put to use as an instructor in the dojo, as well as a guard when he was younger. As he got older he was given a job overseeing construction and carpentry projects for the shogun.

In his early twenties, Kambei had an arranged marriage to the daughter of one of his father’s friends, also of the samurai class, and rather gifted with swords in her own right. Their relationship was companionable enough, but only lukewarm in terms of romance. Still, when the couple had a son in Kambei’s 32nd year, he was very happy and doted on the boy. He began passing on his sword skills early.

Sadly, the boy died of an incurable illness in his 12th year. Kambei was away, answering yet another dueling challenge at the time. Arriving home to find his only child had died, Kambei was distraught. Realizing that all his skill had not helped him save the person he loved most, Kambei rethought his life. He decided that glory in battle was transitory and wished to atone for his pridefulness, so he abandoned the ways of the sword and became a monk. He hung up his lightsabers and katana in his family’s house. Having a good relationship with the shogun for his years of service and the prowess he had won for him, Kambei was allowed to leave his service with his honor intact. Kambei’s wife was taken in by his sister’s family and later remarried. He took vows at the Myōdo-ji Temple, and was given the precept name Kyōkan. For the past nine years he has lived the simple life of a monk, meditating, giving alms and performing rites.

 

OOC: While Darth Rozic is having some internet connection issues from what I understand, he's nearly finished and will be posting his CS soon. Nevertheless, he has time and we can all hope he manages to make it in time for the Opening!


Now come, prospective players. Let us take a tour with a fellow outsider, shall we? Perhaps it will answer a few questions, if not all of them. Especially considering that we will be playing those who are from the world of samurai. Still, an outside glimpse and a beginning understanding of the world follows. Reading this post is optional, but encouraged.
*****

One Day in 181 ABY


A man sat upon the uncomfortable seating within his escape pod, a human roughly in his mid thirties, gazing out at the fading light of his now destroyed ship. The pirates that had ambushed him near the system and dogged him since nearing some planet's orbit had finally gunned him down after becoming annoyed enough.

Sigh. Well, things just keep getting better don't they.

Running a hand across the stubble upon his chin, he could only close his blue eyes and wait for landing. It was going to be a rough few days before he got a ship off this rock he suspected. It was true that he didn't have any particular destination right then, but it wasn't here. He didn't have to wait long before he was disembarking the pod and stretching his limbs outside a small forest. A cliff with a scenic waterfall was a ways off, visible due to his elevation. Still, the scenery was nice at least. Still, the new visitor was nowhere near anything resembling a city and the sun was starting to creep up over the horizon.

After devising a makeshift camp, which he felt rather proud of might he add, and somehow making it through the night. Oh, and surviving an attack by some kind of large wild creature on four legs and black stripes at the onset of dawn. Lets not forget that. After this, he found himself leaning against a tree and overlooking the much closer waterfall. Its beauty mesmerized him to his core and found that he lost track of time, contemplating his predicament and how comfortable the sun felt right then.

This human also, due to the sound of the waterfall, did not hear the land speeder coming to a slow halt some ways behind him. When he finally detected a presence, he turned to find two…furry things standing before him with arms folded. Humanoid shape with short fur, wolfish heads and hawk eyes. They also had nine fox-like tails. Their gaze was intimidating and he was quickly cowed into the speeder.

I was looking for civilization. Right?

In a matter of hours, and after a failed attempt at conversation with the natives, he now found himself sitting at a table within some office in a city he had hoped to find. Evidently he'd just have to explain his predicament, go through some kind of impromptu customs, then merrily proceed on his way. The two who had found him stood within the room as well, silently standing guard by the only door with a sword strapped to a hip on both of them. Interesting fashion choice and it was eerily like he was some kind of prisoner. But he waited. And waited.

And finally another person came into the room. He almost did a double take. Another human man! He had dark hair tied into a ponytail which was amusing to him, and he also had a sword strapped to him though he didn't seem like someone who knew how to really use it. Giving a disarming smile as they bowed and took a seat across from him, the trespasser (or so it now felt to him) watched him dubiously. Turning his head briefly to the guards he said something in the native tongue. They were responded back which garnered an understanding nod then he clearly dismissed them.

Turning back to look at the escape pod deliveree, he smiled again. "Do you speak Basic then?"

A sigh of relief and happy drop of the shoulders. "Thank the Republic! Yes, yes I do. I'm surprised to find one of my own here though, I admit."

That smile again along with a small nod, "I can only imagine your confusion. I apologize for how our treatment may seem to you thus far, but we noticed an object from the sky coming down and then tracked you. Clearly you are not from our planet, so we had to bring you in for some questions. As they say here: a porcupine of the plains may quiver in fear of the approaching tiger, but so too does the tiger. I hope you understand?"

A shrug while ignoring the odd proverb of some sort. "Fine by me, I have nothing to hide. My ship was destroyed in orbit, but managed to escape through my escape pod and landed here."

"I see. You are most fortunate then, I understand. What is your name before we continue further, sir? Also I must ask, do you have any slaves?"

Hesitation. It was brief, but noticed by the questioner who responded by straightening a bit and firming their expression. Letting out a slow exhale, the newcomer replied at last.

"Pavin. Pavin Urdanell. Sorry, I don't usually like giving my name. It's associated with a family history that has been troublesome for me, so its a habit."

The swordsman softened slightly. "Names hold power. And histories. I understand. I must ask again however, do you possess any slaves? Furthermore, now that you are here, do you have any immediate plans?"

A hollow laugh. "Slaves? Me? No, and I don't like the practice myself to be honest. As for plans…well, as soon as you're certain I'm a swell guy, I'll just evaluate a nice place to book a passage and fly off to wherever feels like the best place to be in."

Silence greeted this and a very slow, apologetic smile presented itself on the swordsman's countenance. Pavin had a disturbingly sick feeling starting to well up in his stomach.

"I am glad to hear of your views on slavery, they are shared with us here on Xinsuke-ye, Pavin-kozhi. Slavery is not permitted nor tolerated. However, I regret to inform you…"

Oh no. I don't like where this is going.

"…we do not possess space travel on this planet, though we are very much aware of it."

Pavin could only stare at the man across from him. The urge to smack him and tell him to not joke like that was incredibly strong. There was no reason to lie though, that much was obvious. The statement was the truth. He was stuck on this world. This Xinsuke-ye.

"But. But you're here and you are human like me!"

Another smile. "Yes, but I come from those who arrived on Xinsuke-ye many generations past, I'm afraid. You are the first off-worlder our planet has known for a hundred and twenty years."

Pavin was silent in reply. And the swordsman scrutinized him just as silently, though not unpleasantly. After a few minutes, he stood up and beckoned Pavin to do the same.

"Come, I can tell you are 'swell' as you put it, Pavin-kozhi. So I wish to show you around and get you started on your new home. I hate to put that so bluntly, but movement and immersion suit your position best right now."

He wasn't entirely certain of that, but Pavin slowly stood and followed the swordsman numbly. New home, huh. Pavin did ask a couple questions of his own despite it. "Why do you keep calling me that and what exactly am I supposed to do now?"

"Hm? Oh. Kozhi! It is simply a way of speaking here, you'll come to understand. It's meant as a sign of respect. By the way, I never did introduce myself, which I apologize. Adaguya Toshihara, pleasure to meet you."

"Oh. And…pleasure, though forgive my lack of enthusiasm at the moment."

That sympathetic look again from Adaguya Toshihara. "I understand. As for your question of what to do. We must first determine that you are honorable, willing to live within our culture, and willing to show mutual respect for those you now live among."

A raised eyebrow and a wary look. Adaguya continued so he didn't have to ask what he meant. "To put it simply, you'll be given lessons in our language to help you with living and be required to do work for a Khan family."

"Putting me to work? I thought you didn't use slaves…"

A hard expression that made Pavin rethink his choice of words followed. "Do not misunderstand, Pavin-kozhi. You will be paid and thanked for your service as well as gifted the free lessons in our language and culture. It will also be temporary until you can exist here on your own and earn your place as either a merchant, artisan, or commoner."

They made their way out of the building and into the streets, which Pavin once again marveled at not being paved. They were dirt with breezes picking up some dust should it gust strong enough. There were a few buildings, like the one he was in, that were made in an architectural fashion that he was used to. Metal and modern, intact with sliding doors and nearly everything else. But most, he spied, were made of wood and all were of a much older period appearance. Amusingly enough though, there were hints of more advanced technology here and there: such as the few buildings he mentioned, speeders, ships that were flying to and fro overheard (though none had the capability of rising above the sky apparently), and a few soldiers leisurely moving about with blaster rifles in hand. They didn't seem on edge though. This was quickly explained as the locals preferring to live with more natural surroundings. Plus, with vehicles that could soar above the ground, why pave?

"I see a few people with blasters…but I notice most guards and such seem to have swords. That a cultural thing too?"

"Yes, though it's more a sign of honor and ability. You see, we do know of the Force. A concept we are aware off-worlders also know. It is how I judged you trustworthy enough to go on this tour."

Pavin blinked, surprised with the information, as Adaguya went on.

"Those with blasters are those formally with the army and incapable of wielding this Force. Those who have the affinity for it to any degree are what we call: samurai. A level of prestige to be among them, serving a Khan. You can also simply be born to a samurai family to have the privilege though it would then stop at a katana. Or sword as you say. We prefer the blade to the gun here. To be equipped with a lightsaber…"

"Hold up!" Pavin held a hand to forestall his escort further. Adaguya's expression was one of being bemused. "Lightsabers? If you have no space technology, how do you know of these things? And you speak like there are a ton of them."

Motioning for them to continue on so he could show him more sights, the swordsman nodded. "We do have a lot of lightsabers on our samurai. From what we understand, we seemingly have an unusually high percentage of those capable of sensing and using the Force compared to the outside galaxy. We are rather proud of that I confess, Pavin-kozhi. So as I was saying, to be allowed to possess a lightsaber, you must possess the Force. As a sign of a samurai's honorable position, you are allowed a katana and your lightsaber where you will be instructed in their use amongst one of the many saber and martial schools here in Likarahim."

"That's the name of the city?"

"No, on Xinsuke-ye, there are two nations currently. We split the world roughly in half. Likarahim, where you are. And the other is Kurai Hei'duun. Do you feel the Force, Pavin-kozhi?"

A slow shake of the head. "No."

"I suspected as much, but there is no shame in that. There is honor to be found in everything, everywhere. One must simply gaze with a clear heart."

After a time, Pavin Urdanell found himself atop an ornately painted and carved wooden bridge atop a beautiful and still pond. The gardens surrounding the area were astonishing, truth be told. Leaning against it, he looked at his escort one more time. "So. These Khans rule Likarahim?"

"Oh, I'm sure some wish they did! But no, that is not correct, Urdanell-kozhi," intoned Adaguya with a laugh. He had at one point switched between Pavin's name when it was revealed Pavin was his given name. Evidently they gave family name first here and did not usually say another's given name unless considered close with the person. A practice put in place by the native race, a people called the Orokujin. An intriguing notion to him.

"You see, above the samurai are the Khans they serve. There is a level amongst those particular lords and ladies themselves, but in the end they serve the Shogun. I'll be rather straightforward here, though I dare not utter it often…technically above him is the nobility of the Imperial Court and then the Emperor."

"Ah, the ruler."

Hesitation and an awkward shifting of his weight, "As I said, I dare not utter this often. And I say this only to help you fit in all the more smoothly since I have no reason to disrespect you otherwise. Truthfully, the Emperor has very little power and only over certain things. The court nobility themselves wield almost no power and have not for many years. Quite honestly, it is the Shogun who is the true holder of power in Likarahim. The leader of Kurai Hei'duun, in contrast, is known as the Augus."

"Where is the Shogun, out of curiosity?"

"In the city of Edokura. The capital of Likarahim is Tiankyo, which is where the Emperor resides."

A nod. "So, I have to head for Edokura then. That is where the Khans will be since they serve the Shogun?"

"Not necessarily. The Shogun requires all Khans to have two residences that they must spend half a year in on a rotational basis. One is in Edokura, yes. But every Khan also has a home in their own province that they preside over, so that they can maintain order. So you need not worry about traveling to Edokura. I will be connecting you with the Khan of the Kuniga Province, where we are now. I believe he is currently at home rather than in the city of the Shogun."

Turning at last to leave the spectacular bridge and pond behind, Pavin announced he really only had one more question. This was encouraged, which seemed to be normal with his escort.

"You mentioned something about dragons. What are they? They seem to be worshipped here."

A smile graced the man's face once again. A feature that suited him well due to its frequency. "The dragons are majestic and divine creatures that glow and pulse with the power of the full colorful spectrum of the Force itself. They manifest at specific times, especially when things of historical significance occur. The various saber and martial schools I mentioned before choose a dragon that they dedicate their loyalty to above the others, though in the end all are worshipped. Yes. They give guidance to us all, both Likarahim and Kurai Hei'duun, and have protected us during times when nothing else could. It was they, in fact, that forbid us from space travel over a millennia ago. Once the day of the Festival of Lights arrives, we will see them again and they will allow for our first travelers to touch the stars."

A small sigh. "And how many years before this foretold festival occurs?"

"Luckily for you, though I hope you choose to stay beyond then, it's in just three years."

Three years? That was long…but not that long. Doable, especially if he really could earn a decent living in the meantime. Who knew, maybe it wasn't so bad here. Huh.

Xinsuke-ye. What an interesting world. If nothing else, it's definitely alive with unique culture and perspectives. More so than most others I've seen in my lifetime and that's saying something coming from me.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Urdanell-kozhi?"

"No, don't believe so, Adaguya-laosan. I'm ready to meet the Khan's family."

Adaguya grinned as he motioned toward the direction of the building they had first met in. "You are learning! Very good, this way then. May your road to Honor be swift and true."

Welcome to Xinsuke-ye.

*****

OOC: If you have any further questions, you may ask me in PM/Conversation as always. Indeed, I absolutely encourage you to do so as I'd be thrilled to answer them! Just as Adaguya Toshihara is happy to answer Pavin Urdanell's. And yes, I highlighted the words to denote important places, people, and things. I also highlighted every time an honorific was used so you could get more used to seeing it. It is optional by the players, though encouraged as always. But you'll be seeing a lot of it from me, so do not be surprised. Furthermore, the above scene took place three years before the current time.

 

Final GM Notice:

Here is my last bit of information for everybody before we begin. Please enjoy at your leisure!

Honorifics

Here is the list I've talked about in the opening post now publicly available for everyone to see. Again, they are optional use for players, but are here incase you wish to or want to understand what some NPC or other player just meant at the end of your character's name. For those who received the list ahead of time, take another look, two more have been added in.

Insulting/Roughly meaning 'Worthless' so not a 'honorific' in the traditional sense ~ Zinai (No true Japanese Equivalent, at least not in a 'honorific' sense)
Younger/Less Experienced Comrade ~ Kozhi (Japanese Equivalent: Kohai)
Friendly & Respectful for Men/Boys ~ Kunseng (Japanese Equivalent: Kun)
Friendly @ Respectful for Women/Girls ~ Xiaocha (Japanese Equivalent: Chan)
Older/More Experienced Comrade ~ Sentai (Japanese Equivalent: Senpai)
Highly Respectful ~ Laosan (Japanese Equivalent: San)
Master/Teacher ~ Senfu (Japanese Equivalent: Sensei)
Grandmaster/Very Respectful to Teachers ~ Hakarén (Japanese Equivalent: Hakase)
Great Respect/Someone One Revers ~ Sayé (Japanese Equivalent: Sama)
Princess ~ Hixia (Japanese Equivalent: Hime)
Prince ~ Dianji (Japanese Equivalent: Oji)
Extreme Respect/Divine in One's Eyes ~ Kazi (Japanese Equivalent: Kami)
Emperor ~ Beixia (Japanese Equivalent: Heika)

Names Reminder

Also not a mandatory thing, but do remember in this culture family names are generally said before your given name unless you're close with each other. Last name first, first name last. If you do not wish to employ this yourself, that is fine, but keep in mind that some might so you'll have to make yourself clear when you're being respectful, sarcastic, or anything else when saying another's name. As well as indicating which name for your character is their first name and which is last. This goes for those who forsake honorifics as well, since those who do use them will look for that as a way of seeing how to react to your character.

Galactic Map

This is the map I shall be basing the galaxy off of for this game: Galaxy Map

Xinsuke-ye's precise location is in Grid V15, within Wild Space. It is just barely to the right of the line bordering it with Grid U15, right in the middle.

Honor Points

In the opening post I explain about these, but I will state a few examples of how to accrue them additionally alongside the PM votes every completed page.

I am looking forward to fleshing this world out, really making it come out and feel alive. I am the GM, I have molded it and presented it to you. But you are the players, your characters are now major components, this world is as much yours as it is mine. So, help me bring this thing to new heights of life and excitement!

You can achieve more honor points by anything that helps flesh things out (per my approval) in discussions. Artists, fan art is a great way to get it! For those who are truly daring, you can attempt to create a map of Xinsuke-ye, or just Likarahim. Or just a certain province. Etc.

Writers, fan fiction is awesome if you really feel like you enjoy this enough to do that. Backstory is another way, ideas for past event that shaped the history and culture of the planet!

Whatever you can think of to make this a vibrant game with its own culture, springing out beyond the screen you're staring at…I will acknowledge. We will all acknowledge and this is one way to show it.

Of course, this is all extra credit. I think that's obvious. But if you truly get an inspirational moment and want to chip in, by all means! And once again, and this goes just for even having a modicum of interest in Bound By Honor:

Thank you.

My stories mean the world to me (pun intended) and that you even give it a once over means more than you could ever know. *bows low in appreciation*

Notice To All Prospective Players

This game will always be open to new players and there is no character limit for those who already are playing and have new ideas!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we begin in...

16 HOURS AND COUNTING!

 

Bound By Honor

OOC: Here we are everybody. At long last it begins!

I have created a calendar for the GFFA based upon research done on it that I have expounded upon and finished for my own use.

Standard Galactic Calendar

I will explain the months and everything later and know that is has no true reference except to chronicle events and show how far apart we all are for realistic coordination…it shall become more known to the characters when the galaxy opens up.

Furthermore, there is mention of animals used as mounts, known as Xishiro. I do not describe them, cause I’m leaving them for one of you to describe should someone wish to. A beginning piece for you to help flesh out the world if you desire. (Unless you force me to! )

(Don't be surprised to see two characters you don't recognize yet. Added in Rozic's characters out of courtesy, since he's so close to being ready. Remember, Rozic, post your character sheets after approval before replying. )

Last note: Each character’s section has a title. They are really cut up pieces of an encouraging message, while still hinting to meaning something to the characters individually. 3 Honor Points to any who can successfully figure out and piece together the true message. (There are no punctuations added in the titles to make it even more difficult.)

****

Zhellday, Tythonel 2nd, 184 ABY

5:35 a.m.

“And Silently Waiting”

~Zen Gardens, Zhaoichi Estate~

The air was still and a hush permeated the vicinity of the Shogun’s Gardens. A momentary peace lay tepidly upon the estate. Upon the trees. The soothing sand of the zen square. The petals of the sakura trees that typically bloomed early in the year, but were kept going almost year round due to the almost sorcerous touches from the Zhaoichi gardeners.

A serenity blanketed the deck that Hanami Boshi sat cross-legged upon and with it, he found his heartbeat calm. Steady. In harmony with all living things around his person.

Master Ash had centered himself and as usual, it came so easy. So fluidly tranquil, he swore he could almost taste what peace was like on his tongue. It was a blissful moment, an eternity to be looped upon the confines of a second and to be stretched for as long as it could go.

The older miraluka, as was the normal for his species, had no eyes. And to not unnerve those around him, kept his wraps secure over where they would generally be. But he needed no eyes. Especially not here. Not now, as the first light crested over the walls of the Great Shogun’s City and brought a start to the day.

He could see everything. The shapes, the colors, the connections between everything. The Force surrounded, binded, and penetrated one and all. If you saw the Force, you saw All.

A Miraluka Master was never blind.

His body sat comfortably upon the deck, his exposed flesh soaking in the sun while his mind relaxed and went quiet. He tilted and emptied his inner cup, so that once more, it could be full again.

And as he was as clear as crystal in this moment, he too refracted everything. For as he was in one time and space, so was he in all time and space.

Such is The Force for those who perceive it. For those who feel it. For those who embrace it.

A glowing heart. It lay nestled upon the majestic folds of a velvet pillow and a dark gloved hand was reaching. Fingers splayed, eager to get a grasp.

A scream for help, so plain and yet so quiet. Small feet trespassing along the sand of a beach, its footprints weaving and unsure. Did it yet know how lost it was? The tide rising, rising, and rising with the blackness of the night sky.

Smoke. Things lived in that smoke. They were comfortable and moved quickly, never noticing the mirrors. Yes, the tall mirrors that hung over the walls and on the floors. They reflected walking statues. Statues who held holes where the hearts would be.

And shadow again. This time he saw nothing, he felt nothing, heard nothing. So strange was this new sensation, that Boshi wanted to scream. If nothing else, but to hear his voice. And perhaps he did, he wasn’t sure because he never heard it. But one thing was certain.

There was something there. With him. Watching him. Beside him.

A few servants quietly flitted by the unmoving figure of the sitting Master Ash, knowing better than to disturb him amid his meditations. The sun oh so slowly rose into the sky, thawing the chill of the night before. The celestial cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in full effect.

Kisses of the Force. They were upon his shoulder and his neck. Light, swift, with timid moments of an uncertain sensuality. Yet as they progressed around his neck to his throat, they turned sharp. Biting. Nigh bloodletting.

A sigh as if a question posed formed and vanished within an instant.

And now the miraluka stood amongst the stars. Three magnificent suns orbited around him at an equal distance from him and each other. But as they slowly revolved and made their motions about his presence, they began to encroach closer and closer. Not just to him, but to each other. As they approached, their fiery expanses raged and erupted in violent fury. An eager clash of tremendous force was to occur! And, it seemed to him, an unusually large comet seemed to be approaching from far away. As it streaked through space toward the sight of the coming merger, it grew and grew.

Upon the surfaces of all, he could nearly see faces. What did he see? What did they mean? He did not know as they retreated from his view just before recognition was gleaned.

All throughout this sporadic, yet peculiarly harmonic, display he felt Eyes. They were beyond the veil, yes, and they saw him as he saw them. The images flickered, danced, and flowed through this mystic sight yet still they remained. And they were fixated upon him.

Dare he consider it? But they almost appeared Draconic, a realization reached. An answer settling within his bosom, while questions still bloomed. The eyes finally blinked and turned away with an orange flash; they were gone at last.

Finally, his senses came to and once more he sat upon the Shogun’s Deck overlooking his Gardens, having never left. His senses settled upon an irregular anomaly however on a large rock, leisurely within the center of the zen sands.

It almost appeared like a strange cat, sitting regally upon the zen rock. Its feline eyes, predatorial and wise, accosted him in silence. With a single blink, it rose and turned to leave.

And just like that, it was gone. Yet can you trick the eyes of one who has none but sees all? A riddle of layers. A riddle of no end or was it no beginning?

Taking an audible breath, Hanami Boshi would come to terms with what he had seen and think his quiet thoughts. As he did so, his head turned to the servant he now noticed was to his right and on their knees, head low. Lying prostrate to him, they held upon their hands a single flower. Perfect in shape and beauty or so the common belief was. A single Xinsuke Lotus, its petals faintly holding all the colors of the spectrum in an absolute breath-taking feature of nature.

“For your thoughts, Dragon-Touched.”

The phrase of one who has undergone the mysterious visions of the Force. They call such moments as someone being in tune with the Dragons’ wisdom. In a world where Force-Sensitive Samurai wandered the land, one became accustomed to spotting when one was upon an individual.

And they felt it a gift of the Dragons. Dragon-Touched. And so in offering to the Dragons who gifted the vision and to the one worthy of seeing them, a single flower honoring them, bespeaking of their vibrance and natural wisdom was given.

When he accepted the solemn gift, the servant would immediately stand and bow low in respect before scurrying off to return to their duties.

It would appear he had much to think on as he began the remainder of his daily preparations. The Chamberlain had asked to see him the other day at about an hour till noon, so there was that to keep in mind. In addition, he was certain his recently acquired pupil, Wynt’r Kel, would be in need of tutoring today. Of a surety, he would need it every day. But something told him he was going to be in particular need of it this day.

Those visions would creep up on him again as he finally began to stand, but there was nothing to be done on them at this moment. It was up to him whether to dwell or to reserve such continued musings for another time.

If nothing else, he felt he had come to a sole personal truth. This morning had been an interesting one.

With an absent brush of the lotus in his hand with his fingers, Master Ash began his day.

Tag: greyjedi125

6:15 a.m. at start | 8 a.m. at end

“Be Ready”

~City Outskirts, Tankimju~

The teenage human boy now standing with his hands in his pockets, wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about early mornings such as this. It was cold as one would expect and raining, but his instincts told him it would stop soon.

Standing under the eave of a Xishiro wagon stop, with no actual intention of taking one, Yocame Hitarai just stood there and let his eyes take in the early morning sights.

He wasn’t simply staring off though either, he was never one for such absent-mindedness. No, his mind was working as it always did. That was just the way he was. Always thinking, processing, and evaluating.

What was going on and why? What was the best course of action for him and in what way could he achieve it in the most efficient manner? Barring achievement of any specific thing, what knowledge did he wish to learn today?

There was a reason he was considered a model student at his school as well as a reason for being considered ‘the strongest’ as well. That one he earned on the day he first met his friend Yagami Zching. He wouldn’t ever forget it either.

This merge of both physical prowess and mental aptitude had earned him something of a nickname amongst school faculty as well as other students: Wanjeon.

It meant ‘Perfection.’ He certainly didn’t feel perfect, only trying to be the best he could be and to better others around him. But he liked the idea admittedly.

As he considered his daily schedule, which most prominently started with school as usual, his hand toyed with the katana at his hip. He liked the feel of it there and it certainly won him some respect as he moved about, though he had to turn it over to the teachers at school unlike Zching who attempted to hide as many of his weapons as he could every time.

Still, Hitarai was no samurai and he knew it. That was apparent from the red string that dangled off the hilt, securely fastened to it by his Senfus. The universal sign of a commoner that showed enough promise to be taken into one of the Red Dragon Schools but had not yet achieved a recommendation to or had been discovered by a Khan. He had learned that he was Force Sensitive as well, just like his friend who had already known. Of course he had suspected it for years from personal experiences being compared to descriptions of stories of those who had it.

That made his chances of rising in class quite likely and he knew it, in fact he was rather confident it would happen some day. But for now, he had to wait. And as he did so, he decided he would just keep training and learning.

He hoped his friend would come with him when it happened, but life was one of meetings and partings. Hitarai knew that well as an orphan. There was also the constant reminder when he walked.

It wasn’t loud exactly, but his mechanical left leg still made some noise when he walked. But that was just the reality of the situation and he could only be grateful he was even still alive after that fateful thunderstorm incident.

Hearing the sound of a Xishiro approaching despite the rain still ongoing, the young man moved away from the wagon stop so as not to confuse anybody. He was getting wet, but not for long as he dashed over to the eaves of a nearby building. He supposed that was a cue to start moving toward his school. Having moved to the outskirts so he could think clearer there would be a decent walk now after all.

After he got through his daily academic institutional ritual, he decided he would hang out with his friend for most of the day. They were usually together, though the last couple of days either one or the other seemed busy with doing their own thing.

Will of the Dragons willing, that rough and sarcastic twi’lek companion of his would be free. Some sparring practice was in order, that was the initial thought. It was in their best interests to be at the top of their game at all times, it was the swiftest and surest way to attract positive attention to themselves.

However, it would seem the dragons and their eternal weaving of the Force’s spectrum had other plans already. Not long after he reached the school and was soon in his classroom, prepared to learn and go through the usual motions, he discovered that Zching’s family had turned in a note to excuse his absence for the day.

His mind was instantly suspicious. His friend did not get along with his family, generally considered terrible people by everyone else in the small city of Tankimju. They wouldn’t care to send a note to the school for an absence, they wouldn’t care to have him at anything important enough to do so since he clearly cared for them so little.

It was a sad thing since he knew the importance of family, but there was little he could do in his position.

His brow furrowed over his dark eyes in thought as he began taking notes that their teacher was stating on mathematics, it was a particular formula he already knew so he had more room to think.

Nodding, he realized that as soon as school was over as he would do the right thing and finish it out, he would look for Zching. There was only one potential reason he logically deduced.

The mysterious figure known as The Hunter had hired the twi’lek teenager again for some job and this time he wanted him alone. The two of them were a great team and Hitarai had actually assisted his friend on some occasions, but not this time.

Frowning, he hoped he would be safe till he found him after school. Most likely he could handle himself, but one never knew what was out there. Anything could happen and his leg, again, reminded him of that.

That was one thing the young human boy had failed to do thus far as well, not that the thought struck him. He had yet to figure out The Hunter’s true identity and he had tried. Problem was there simply wasn’t enough information for him to go off of. If only he had a bit more of a trail to lead!

Figuring out that person’s true self would be an eye opener on many levels and he still endeavored to do so. Until he found something further to investigate however, he was stuck which wasn’t something that sat well with him.

For the time being, perhaps he could--

“Yocame Hitarai-kunseng?”

The teacher suddenly spoke up from the doorway, where he was conversing with another staff member. Looked like the school nurse. An older duro lady, though nice enough.

Looking up questioningly, he was waved over.

“Come on, she wants to borrow you for a minute,” his teacher explained with a shrug.

Blinking, he supposed this he would just have to take things one step at a time for now. Babysteps would turn to larger ones and before he knew it, a summit would be reached. It was something he heard once, probably from here.

Standing up to find out what the nurse wanted, he just hoped he liked what he found on that proverbial future summit.

Tag: Darth Rozic

7 a.m.

“Only Through This”

~Edokura, Chisinqi Province~

It was cold upon the wall. She was on the southwestern portion of it, near to the Gate of Commons. One of the six Gates of Edokura and the one that peasants, artisans, and lower tend to go through as they went to and from the great city that was the seat of the Shogun’s power.

The Shogun’s power. Something Sato Izanami was not likely to forget. With a sigh, she placed a cold hand upon the stone wall. She felt the increased shiver start at the fingers, run up her arm, reach her shoulder blade, and settle in her soul.

Kojin…

A promising morning with a stunning sunrise had already begun to cloud over, the cold wind coming with it. There was no rain, but there didn’t need to be. On the wall, the chill from the wind was amplified enough already. And her thoughts had turned to him only a half hour since she began her day’s patrol on the wall.

Not an auspicious sign.

The Arkanian Samurai felt numb as she paused her patrol, hand resting where it did, simply gazing out into the land beyond the city. The Chisinqi Province. A region of bountiful forests, rivers, bamboo thickets, and the majestic Sourushain Lake. A land of green, brown, blue, and gold. It struck her suddenly, like idle thoughts oft did, that she hadn’t ventured beyond Edokura in a long time. How long had it been exactly?

Another reflection, another distraction. And yet, still she was on this wall. Everything eternally paused, like a pond in a dream garden now frozen over in a winter unexpected and unannounced. Its beauty and potential robbed before it had a chance to sincerely bloom.

Forcing herself to move from her location, Izanami continued her solitary patrol. Not that there weren’t plenty of the City Guard, quite the contrary, but with every step she continued to understand she was not one of them, nor they like her. She was above them in status, a samurai despite everything.

But so alone, stuck in a procedural every-day stasis with which there was none she could relate to.

So independently she needed to do whenever she did get the chance. She needed to revitalize and re-energize, find that spontaneous something to break the doldrums she was mired within. Yet what was there that she had not done?

A void that could not be quenched. That’s what it felt like. Perhaps she needed a good sparring match? Though she had no idea against whom, at least not presently.

And again, there he was in her heart and mind. Sato Kojin. Why? Why did he leave? Did he not think of those left behind?

Just what was left behind anyway?

Her eyes, white as snow, turned to the light gray clouds coalescing above. Truly, this weather was not aiding her mood. Resolving to the endless repetition for the time being, Izanami made her rounds. Back and forth, back and forth. The morning wore on and as any samurai would, she endured through it.

They say there is splendor in the quiet. Stillness of the air and mind. She didn’t see it, nor did stillness of the mind exist for her. Not in the way the great poets spoke of. Maybe she could draft a new poem as she walked, one that fit her. Then again, was that in her repertoire?

A passing idle whim in all honesty, but at times that is all one had.

Her hand toyed with the hilt of her saberstaff for a moment, fingers dancing indolently upon its surface.

Snap-hiss.

Izanami froze immediately. It was like a lightning bolt had struck her where she stood.

She saw it. A green blade’s luminescence glowing before her, its very aura radiating nothing but the most lethal of intent. Despite everything, for some reason she found she couldn’t move. Not an inch in any way.

And all around herself, there was no wall. No city. Just darkness, an all consuming black filling her vision aside from the green light. In this void of sight, she could not see the wielder even! They approached, a slow step at a time till they were right in front of her frozen form.

And still she couldn’t detect a single hint of them. Not a hair, an ounce of exposed skin, even clothing. Just…nothing except for their weapon. Just what on Xinsuke-ye was going on?

There was a slight hesitation and then that green blade came arcing down, its finality bathing her face in green.

But it never hit.

Instead, all of a sudden, it was just gone. But the darkness remained. A presence remained, faintly there but all too real. It felt different somehow now.

Her body was no longer frozen, but where could she go? Plus that threatening feeling was gone. Now that she thought about it, it was immensely different.

The air around her grew even colder, more than simple wind chill. It was ice and snow to the bone and in front of her, though she could not see them or sense them directly, there it was. Yet that presence commanded her attention, the mental perception of its new emotions nigh overwhelming her senses.

Puffs of breath in the air, just barely visible in the darkness. Coupling with her own. Like the attacker, this presence slowly inched closer as well though with no foul intention that she could sense. She could move, speak, anything she so desired…it didn’t matter. The presence was always directly in front of her, always proceeding closer. There was no stopping it.

And then it was no longer visible in any form, but she felt it. A kiss, sudden and warm, placing upon her neck. Transfixed at this dizzying change in direction, the sensation proceeded further up her neck. Resistance proved futile. Whoever, whatever this was, it was going to have its way plainly.

The warmth, the softness, that almost timid placement of the invisible lips upon her skin but no less passionate and deep in feeling. Pleasure, simple and tempting. The whole predicament was disorienting in so many ways.

It was now upon her cheek, whether she tried to weakly stop it or not, oh so close to her own lips. So close...

In the recesses of her mind, tiny but there, she faintly realized that she almost wanted it. Despite how weird it all was, so nonsensical.

Now on the corner of said trembling lips, that gentle caress of invisible ones teased her invitingly.

A soft breath in her ear, no words but it said everything. Her knees almost buckled.

That kiss, it was coming and it when it did…

And she was back on the wall, in the cold but light wind. No darkness, no anomalies, and no one thinking anything at all peculiar had occurred. She blinked. The last kiss never came, whatever it was.

All that waited for her now was once again the wall. Edokura. And the endless repetition that was her life. But that didn’t change what happened. Should she let someone know? Should she keep it to herself?

What was that exactly and where did it come from? From nearly killing her with a lightsaber, that was nowhere in sight, to...that. And why unseen the entirety of the interaction?

As she haltingly began moving again, uncertain, she couldn’t help but think one thing.

She had wanted something new and extemporaneous hadn’t she? That probably qualified.

For now, as her mind continued to reel, the wall still was in need of patrolling…

Tag: QueenSabe7

9 a.m.

“One Wages War”

~Shaohorin, Kuniga Province~

As a healer and benefactor to all things good in life, at least from her point of view, Fu’ral Onni couldn’t help but notice the true spirit of all things good surrounding her. Forget her abilities, on display as they currently were, that was the true source of all healing. What was she talking about? That’s simple.

Laughter. It came from outside the modest building she was in, from the children playing with their simple dolls and toys. From the laughter of the other children with them playing a game of tug-of-war against Ton’da, who was clearly just having fun as much as they. From within the building, despite everything, was just as mirthful.

The older human man she was attending to had broken his leg while helping his grandson with repairs to his home, yet still felt deeply satisfied as to “being of use at my age.”

He chuckled self-deprecatingly and good-naturedly at himself, while Onni worked with her healing abilities through the Force, speaking of the repairs and his family and of the incident itself.

The building in question was an Elder’s Residence as well, a grouping of older men and women who could no longer live alone and whose families did not possess the means to continue caring for them like they had wanted to. But they were not forgotten, not these which was a beautiful thing. Their families visited often and the old man, Ogura Naosa, had his grandson paying for the Kangyuen Family to send Onni for healing. Knowing the strain on the family, Khan Kangyuen generously discounted the price greatly and had paid the rest himself without informing them.

Meanwhile, the other elderly residents laughed at their own jokes and tales, with plenty being reserved for Ogura-sayé as well. Teasing him for the whole affair.

What more could you say? What more could you want to uplift your spirits while dealing with healing?

Try having the older denizens honestly tell you, as those with the wisdom of years oft do, that you are the reason they can laugh.

“With you here, Fu’ral-sayé, I know I’ll be right as rain before long. No reason to be down in the dumps!” he had told her early on.

“Quit your flatterin’, Naosa!” spoke up one orokujin woman, “You just are happy to be attended to by a beautiful young woman again!”

That laughter again.

“But thank you, Fu’ral-sayé. Thank you for coming way out here for one of us.” That Orokujin woman again. Onni hadn’t gotten her name yet.

One couldn’t help but wonder. Just how could this peace be disturbed? Onni shook her head vigorously for a moment, which Ogura-sayé hadn’t noticed, to dispel the mental question. That was a good way for finding the answer! And that was an answer she did not want!

Continuing to ply her trade, she heard one of the little boys outside yell out through the open shoji doors behind her.

“Miss Healer-sayé! Can we ride Ton’da? Please!”

Whether she answered or not was up to her, but it surely helped the warm feelings she was surprised to find to continue.

Though an interesting topic did eventually supplant itself into the conversation, starting with a human woman who was knitting calmly.

“I cannot wait for the Festival of Lights!”

“Oh!” cried out another woman, “Yes! Always the best one of the year in my opinion!”

An orokujin man grumbled under his breath, “Only think that because you find your way to sneaking in the local brews when at the stalls.”

Laughter while the woman objected. Rather weakly.

“Plus, this one’s different,” interjected the first orokujin woman that had thanked Onni, “It’s the one spoke of in the prophecy!”

“Only been waiting for it for over a thousand years!” chortled Naosa again. “Too bad we won’t be able to go to the main event.”

A zabrak man replied, “That’s what happens when you don’t live near the big cities but way out here.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Naosa shrugged before looking at Onni once more, “How about you? Excited for the festival in a month?”

“Two months!”

“Right. I knew that.” His eyes said otherwise, not that it mattered.

The Festival of Lights was a once a year event that celebrated the Spectrum of the Force itself. Its represented colors being showcased by lights and lanterns that adorned towns and cities all over the place. From buildings, strings between buildings, roadside, and over nearly every tree and bush. The world of Xinsuke-ye positively glowed throughout the day and most especially at night, when the Festival was at a fever pitch due to the atmosphere. Friendly duels between samurai were the norm throughout the day and at night…the Dance of Blades. A ceremonial dance that honored all samurai and the Force. It was held everywhere with every town or city’s version a little different from the others.

With all the lights, music, food, and good will it was unsurprising to also note that it had swiftly evolved into becoming known as a lover’s holiday as well. There was a Festival of Lovers specifically near the beginning of the year, but this was another big day for those in a relationship as well. To bask in the lights and in the company of another, hands intertwined…A romantic’s dream come true.

And this time another dream would come true. The dream of many to reach to the stars and view what lay beyond as foretold. This was the year.

In hindsight, it was rather odd to realize the cordial Khan Kangyuen had not mentioned it at all. Not once throughout the year, which was not in character for him at all. Especially not with something this important. Perhaps something worthy of filing away for later.

With mended skin and reinforced spirit, Onni at last finished the healing of Ogura Naosa. He thanked her profusely as he slowly stood and tested his new leg out, finding it quite well again.
“The greatest healer that ever was!” he proclaimed with a celebratory shout. A couple of others applauded.

Outside where the sun shone fine and bright, the wind not even in evidence with nary a cloud overhead, the kids and her animal companion continued to play happily in the dirt road before the Elder’s Home.

Yet, an odd note finally presented itself. The zabrak samurai wasn’t sure if it was from the Force or just pure instinct, but she felt it all the same. Something was coming their way from the road leading out of town to the south. And it didn’t bring laughter.

Ton’da finally paused while the kids continued having fun all around him, his head lifting up and sniffing the air as well. It appears he sensed it too, his head turning to look at her quietly.
If she had to put a name to what she felt, though it was still faint…

Desperation.

Warily placing a hand upon the hilt of her katana, the symbol of a samurai whether used or not, she couldn’t yet tell what form this desperation would soon take and it unnerved her.

Snapping back to the present, she would be startled to find that Naosa was holding out a bowl of soup that they had made earlier as a way of thanking her further.

His smile held, but his eyes questioned. “Did the Dragons take your mind to their realm for a moment, Lady Samurai?”

A nice way of asking if she had had a vision through the Force. Not quite the truth this time, but a nice thought as visions were seen with awe and rightly so. Dragon-touched as they say.

Still, that approaching desperation was finding itself hard to dissipate from her mind.

Tag: Ktala

9:45 a.m.

“The Blessing Of The Force”

~Edokura, Chisinqi Province~

It was another cold morning. One that he had woken up early to. To say the young nagai samurai was not pleased would be an understatement. To add on top of that beginning wave of irritation, Wynt’r Kel had been asked to wait. Outside the Main Zhaoichi Estate. In the cold.

Lets add a third layer to that. It was by one of the servant girls on behalf of Master Ash. Not by his teacher himself. Grumbling however, he waited while shuffling about and kicking a few loose rocks every now and then. At one point he even discreetly pulled out a dagger of his and examined the weapon, noting its own form of beauty.

Eventually though, he had enough. With another grumble and a glance of true irascibility, he pocketed his hands and simply left. He’d come back and probably wait some more he reasoned with a tone of annoyed defiance in his head, but for now he’d check things out in the city for just a bit. He wasn’t doing anything anyway.

That was precisely what he did. Moving among the crowd and checking out the various stalls and shop windows, enjoying the respectable berth people gave him when they noted his katana. He noted there were some pretty interesting things out for sale this morning, so at least he got something out of waking up early.

Setting down a gold piece at one vendor, he procured a couple of apples for himself. He wasn’t sure if he planned on keeping the second one or giving it to his new master as a form of apology. Not that he deserved it, of course. He had simply done what any normal person would do when waiting so long.

Taking a bite out of one apple as he moved along, pocketing the other, he took in all the sights and sounds of the place called ‘Seat of the Shogun.’ The promised land to merchants. The most powerful place in all of Likarahim.

He couldn’t help but muse on the idea of himself actually being samurai to the Shogun of all people! Either he was incredibly lucky or the Dragons loved him. Naturally, this is what an intractable teenage boy thought.

His black eyes took it all in. The shops, the people, the cloudy sky everyone was trying to pretend was sunny, all of it.

Sniff.

Wait a moment. His nose was keenly at work too and it detected something that also demanded his immediate attention.

Sniff sniff.

A bakery. Within seconds he had located a small demonstrative stall located just outside the real bakery at the street corner. The dirt shifted underneath his feet as the smell called to him, pulled just as strongly as the Force. If the apple didn’t work in appeasing his master, maybe some fresh bread would. He was here for completely selfless reasons. Completely selfless.

Completely.

As he asked a question to the woman behind the stall, his eyes caught something that made him freeze in place. Straightening and apologizing to her, he began moving away instead.

A girl, of clear Arkanian descent and around his age, had been forcefully dragged by the arm into an alley way a bit further down. Another hand was clamped tight over her mouth. Why were there never any guards around when things like this happened?

It was up to him.

Swiftly his body propelled itself into action, speeding down the street and snaking around and in between the citizenry. By the time he arrived at the alley, he saw the girl much further down still being practically dragged. Unfortunately, it also looked like there were a few assailants in this case, not just one like he thought at first.

Hand on his katana, more out of reflex than a desire to use it since he had his lightsabers, Kel chased after them. He didn’t think aside from gauging how many opponents there were. All he knew was that a girl was in trouble and she had to be freed as soon as possible.

What else was a samurai for if not for brave acts of heroism?

The one pulling the girl along finally took notice of his approach and hailed his friends. They all stopped and turned to watch the young nagai, his weapons and clothing showcasing his status. It made them pause slightly longer than they might have normally. Possibly.

The Arkanian girl was dropped to her knees, but kept in the middle of the four men surrounding her. She couldn’t say anything, only trembling and staring pleadingly at Kel. The way the men were dressed and with their eyes speaking of nothing but foulness and blood clearly showcased them for what they were.

Thugs. Kanuza potentially.

The one who had dragged the girl along was a green skinned twi’lek with a near permanent sneer on his face. His physical appearance proved he was no pushover, all muscles and scars from living in the shadows of Edokura. No weapons were immediately evident.

“Take a look at this, little samurai has come to play hero,” he joked. The other three sniggered.

Next to him was another twi’lek, naturally stark white and smirking. He was lean and built more like a runner, though he held a small axe in his hand. And behind them were two individuals who actually caught his attention as far more dangerous.

A grey furred orokujin with strangely orange eyes, a bow in his hand and quiver strapped to his back. Something felt unnaturally creepy about him and he was already placed further back than the rest and stepping up onto a dumpster so as to accommodate his role as an archer. Still, Kel had to give him credit for appreciating the classics rather than going blaster.

The true threat of the group was the big one with his arms folded directly behind the girl. Dark brown fur covered his giant frame with over-stated strength not needing to be tested to be known. A wookiee who, by all appearances, was the leader of the thug crew. And he was massive even by wookiee standards, the guy was nearly three meters tall! Weapon unnecessary.

He said nothing, didn’t need to. His glare was all that was needed.

“Look, kid,” started the white twi’lek instead, “Samurai or not, you’re out of your league here. Just go home and pretend this never happened, we all end up happy.”

The green took over again, keeping firmly placed in front of the girl and to the other twi’lek’s left. “Time’s ticking, brat.”

The nagai stood there, taking stock of his situation as quickly as he could, but as he did so the wookiee let out a final warning through a low growl. If he looked closely, he could see the white twi’lek tense slightly, as if ready to start pouncing.

So Wynt’r Kel, a young samurai still in training by most standards, now found himself about a little over a hundred feet away from the street, in a relatively tight five feet wide area with no backup against four street hardened thugs of the city.

Stretching out with the Force he could sense no one nearby that could be of help in this situation, just to confirm how bad it possibly looked.

Why were heroics so difficult?

Tag: greyjedi125

11 a.m.

“Will Light The Way”

~Qwonveng, Qiūzu Province~

There was a way to transport oneself across time and space without having moved at all. A path to cross from one epoch or universe to another seamlessly, to meet the greatest of heroes and most terrible of villains. To behold some of the most heart-melting romances and gasp in stunned silence at the most shocking tragedies. And anyone could do it.

How? Why that was simple. Grab a book.

That was precisely what Tae’en Elaiess had done since she was a small child. She even tried her hand at something involving writing with others who had an interest in it to actually participate in a story herself! It was called a role-playing game if she recalled correctly. But, sadly, she could never find anyone really interested in it near her and found she was more content with simply reading anyway.

At this precise moment, it was what she was doing again. Reading. To have a day off on occasion was a treasure that she cherished as she could devote more time to that pursuit. Plus she had been caught up with the novel and wanted to continue it!

Turning another page of Fate’s Design, she eagerly began consuming the following words with her eyes. It didn’t matter that she had, in truth, finished this story twice already. She still loved it!

A small droplet of water hit the top of her head and she paused with a small frown. Glancing upward at the tree she sat under, she couldn’t discern exactly where it came from. While the day was still relatively chilly, she figured it had been dry by then even so. The recent rain had stopped roughly four or five hours ago and so Elaiess had thought it safe to comfortably relax at her favorite reading spot.

Perhaps she would wait to see if any more water drops appeared before moving. And they better not land on her book! How could she live with herself if Fate’s Design was damaged due to carelessness?

Before she continued on, she looked over at the faint sounds of wooden wheels and voices. Her modest home, which was right next to the apple tree (sadly not in season), was situated not far from one of the few roads that led through the rural town of Qwonveng. And on that road was a wagon just as she thought, creaking along steadily with a couple of people chatting as they proceeded along without a worry. A pleasant scene of those unconcerned with their lives. The only thing that could have served to make it better in her mind was if the weather wasn’t quite so drab. Gray and cloudy despite the halt in rain. At least it appeared the clouds were slowly heading to the northeast, maybe they would get a little bit of blue sky at some point.

In any event, she observed that they were moving toward the direction of Shinjei. Only a couple hours walk to the west. The provincial capital and home to the Yirojo Family that she loyally served.
Tae’en Elaiess let out a small smile before turning back to her book, finding nothing to worry about. How she wished to have more days like this.

And then her Force sense went on alert.

Without even hesitating while still processing the foresight in her mind’s eye, she maneuvered the book and her legs to the side slightly. The offending water drop passed by harmlessly, though it would have struck the page she was on if she waited just a second longer.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she shot another irritated look up at the tree as if accusing it of intentional effrontery. Marking the page she was on, the young samurai forced herself up and made sure to grasp both her weapons before she moved away. Her katana and the sleek hilt of her lightsaber were never far from her reach, just as it should be. Neither was a book, Fate’s Design or some other one, but that was beside the point.

Now that she had been usurped from her favorite spot, where would she go? Back into her house was the most likely choice. Then again, perhaps she could go on a small walk and continue later now that she was up.

After a few moments of consideration as she headed inside; she came to just that conclusion. Putting away the story for the time being and re-emerging outside with weapons proudly displayed upon her, she began to head down the opposite direction of Shinjei.

The town of Qwonveng wasn’t exactly much to look at. No one ever really came to the town. If they did, it was only because they were passing through and even then most didn’t stay because Shinjei was so close by.

But even the smallest of places had a beauty and pulse of life all their own that one could enjoy if you just took a brief minute out of your time to see it. Having grown up here all her life, she had always known it. The only concern that they had was the infrequent visits from small packs of stray dogs. And those were easily chased off.

The soft sensation of the grass underfoot as she walked beside the road was even pleasant, made softer due to the rain earlier. While she hadn’t been happy when she initially woke up to the falling water, it was far better now. The overcast sky would still normally dampen her spirits some, but perhaps it was because she wasn’t on duty that day?

“Oh! Tae’en-laosan,” murmured a passing woman who bowed respectfully to her as she came to what constituted ‘downtown.’

A small inn if you could call it that; it barely had acquired three beds for guests due to the low visitation rate. The Shy Rock it was named. What a strange thing to call it, she had never figured out why it was named such and had heard the story didn’t make much sense anyway.

A small grouping of homes, couple of basic stores (one for groceries and the other for clothing and other small items), and one very small flower shop that she went to at least once a week. One of said homes belonged to her mother, the place she grew up.

Pursing her lips in thought for an instant, she deliberated on where she wanted to go. There wasn’t much to choose from in town, so she could definitely opt to continue to walk around or through it to head for the other outskirts of Qwonveng should she desire to do so. There were plenty of fields and even a community garden she could visit as well. Even a small grove of trees if she wanted to go the extra distance on the opposite side of the village she called home.

Decisions, decisions. It was just like her other book, The Moonlit Passage, said. ‘When she paused to think on it, Saragusa (the heroine of the tale) realized that at such times of freedom: she was truly free and no path was barred to her.’

A smile flitted itself across her lips as she remembered the book. Perhaps she could relive some of it in her mind as she walked on whatever unbarred path she chose.

Tag: spacelady

12 p.m.

“Against Dishonor”

~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Understanding the nature of metal and ore, how to make it bend and flow, was much easier to do than understand the nature of some humans. Or so Rubellite Seri’na personally felt.

Yet here she was before the human chamberlain of another province’s Khan, who was as you might have guessed: human as well. Still, she was not given permission to see the Khan which was normal. The chief retainer to the Hine Family was standing before her and two other samurai that served the Jeongbayar Family, their own heads bowed low in respect as a retainer under the Hine unwrapped and checked over the package Seri’na had brought personally as ordered.

Partaking of a breath to center herself, she waited further like her comrades. Though she wished they would hurry up a little for the sun was high in the sky and giving off its glorious heat for all to feel. They were inside, yet the antechamber was stuffy to her and only appeared to increase the heat exponentially. Her nostrils could tell the others felt it as well.

“Well?” questioned the Hine’s Chief Retainer. His gaze was firm in the direction of the one looking it over, his posture completely relaxed as two guards flanked him on either side and they all blocked the door to their Lord.

Nodding quickly, deft hands moved to re-wrap the package, a reply finally issuing forth from the orokujin woman. “Y-yes, my apologies Chamberlain. Everything is well and accounted for, nothing is amiss.”

The human nodded once more, his eyes closed in thoughtful satisfaction. It would seem they had passed the test, not that there was any reason for concern. Still, it was disconcerting to see the loops these other Khans and their servants would go to apply pressure on Khan Jeongbayar. She could only wait till the man would acquiesce for them to see the Lord beyond the door.

With a nod motioning to behind him, the orokujin maneuvered past him and the guards and went straight into the room that lay in wait. The chamberlain had them linger a moment longer.

“Very well, Barēu-Gû Samurai. You have done well and brought honor upon yourselves, if I may say so. You, Selonian. I am to understand you are the one who crafted this gift for the Khan yourself?”

He would nod at her affirmative response. The package in question, after all, had been chest armor for their Khan himself in the style of the last major war with Kurai Hei’duun around six hundred years ago. Not an easy task by any means, with difficulty added on due to the buyer. And it was asked to be done in a single month, which wasn’t much for this particular endeavor especially considering she had no fancy mass-manufacturing plant like the military had. All hand made and crafted like any great Artisan would do.

It was a test naturally. A test to see if the new Khan of the province could continue to keep order and rise to the occasion of fulfilling trades and deals with others of the Khanate while dealing with the storm of chaos that was nearly everything else. So it was with a gulp and the greatest of honors that the Khan had sent for her to personally see to the task, believing she would succeed. And she did.

“Rubellite-laosan, I believe it was. The Khan will see you, but only you. That is our rule.”

With a nod, she would move on to the room ahead, her brown glossy fur shining in the sunlight that managed to drift through the windows. Yet a few fans, a technological allowance in such heat, were placed wisely past that threshold and the selonian couldn’t help but very much welcome the cooling sensation they gave as she entered.

Khan Hine sat in a chair directly ahead, samurai dispersed in a moderate number throughout the room, and a couple of servants replacing one tray of fruit for another by his side. All the while, his hands held up the armor she had crafted. Turning it this way and that, seeing it how it caught the rays of the sun and reflected them to splay mysterious yet gorgeous patterns on the walls for a short time.

Coming to a stop some ten feet from his chair, he slowly set it down onto his lap and let his eyes roam over her in a neutral fashion. A brown that nigh matched the hue of her fur and the hardness that only a political baptism years ago could bring. In his sixties, with graying hair, he still presented himself a very formidable being.

As he watched her silently for those first few indeterminately long moments, his hand motioned for a servant to bring her a cup of water should she wish to accept. That hand then propped casually under his chin, his words rolling forth the moment the servant stepped away.

“So. You are Rubellite Seri’na-laosan. I admit, your efficiency impresses me samurai. You’ve done Khan Jeongbayar a great service, it appears she knows whom to delegate responsibility upon well.” A pause. “This is noted.”

A shifting in the chair as he continued to contemplate the one before him, his mind clearly working throughout the exchange from before she even came to his audience.

“I am most curious. Could you explain to me how you came to craft this piece? It is masterfully done! Please, I must know more.”

The Khan waited on her word on the matter, letting her say how much or little on the topic as she pleased without a single interruption. He nodded as if expecting her response, no matter how she did so.
“I see.”

Offering some food, mainly fruit, the Khan gave her a moment before plunging further. The room they were in, a rented estate from distant relatives of the Hine here in the province, was more wooden than the washi paper styled shoji doors and screens. High windows that were open let in the sun and gave a nice ambience to the room. The wood itself was rich and dark, though she couldn’t place the tree it might have originated from. A few paintings of the sea hung on the walls, which must have revealed a desire of sorts. Of the Khan or his relatives was too difficult to discern. They were a long ways from the sea.

A small clearing of the throat as he set down a cup of his own beverage that meant they were getting back to discussion. He opened straight into the next question without hesitation.

“Yet, I must ask if you feel the Khan requires any particular aid? Clearly she has the ability, a pleasing thing to learn. Yet, with things so chaotic I am sure a hand would be welcome. No?”

A nice gesture, but there was something about the way he said it and the way the sunlight danced in his eyes that made the air scream ‘trap!’ Or was it the Force at work once more? Who could say for certain.

She would have to pick her words carefully as she was alone in this powerful man’s den. And above all, she could not disgrace her Khan or herself. May the Dragons watch over her.

Tag: Mitth_Fisto

12:30 p.m. at start | ~3:15 p.m. at end

“It Blends With The World”

~Near Myōdo-ji Temple, Umi-cé Province~

The sound of waves lapping against the shore was a balm to certain individuals. It had been confirmed in studies from various national researchers that the sight and sound of the sea by themselves had soothing and even restorative abilities in the most basic sense. Of course, many monks only chuckled and smiled at that published study. They already knew full well that the sea could do that; the beloved science of researchers wasn’t necessary in that regard though they were welcome to it if that was what pleased them.

Kyōkan was one such monk. And he had sat in a tiny clearing that only he knew about, a few miles away from the temple, with trees comfortably surrounding him in a half circle for the peaceful feeling of privacy and a cliff before him. Below it was a small beach that bordered the Gamkai Sea and offered one of the greatest sceneries he had ever known. Indeed, he had painted it many a-time since he had entered the temple and accepted his precept name nine years ago.

The wind blew steadily, but it only added to everything around him. Connecting all the elements around him with each other. His mind was empty as it simply took all of it in, his grey fur moving with the wind and hazel eyes closed serenely. As he sat there, he stretched out with the Force for the gift of the dragons added a whole other level on top of this meditation. Once mastered, it was unsurpassable in both the wisdom and harmony it could bring.

“To find by not finding.” One of the teachings at Myōdo-ji. Do not look for your answers, simply open up and they shall come to you.

“Water in motion is pleasing, but only a still pond shows the reflection.” Another touch of Myōdo-ji wisdom.

It was to such proverbs that he opened up to and followed right then as he had for nearly a decade now.

There were birds, insects, fish in the sea and the koi of the temple’s ponds he could sense from his location. He felt the other monks at the temple or moving calmly about nearby, each on their own path to peace and knowledge.

Kyōkan also easily sensed a single woman strolling on the beach, around a corner and hidden from his physical view. There were a few boats out to sea with a small number of people on them as well, those he could visually witness if he wished to open his eyes. But he ‘saw’ them better with the Force as they were a good distance out.

Two of the younger monks were being instructed by an older senfu in the martial arts in a bamboo grove not far to his left and up the hill a short ways. They made mistakes often, but their teacher was patient. So long as their resolve held, they would learn.

A speeder was moving along at a steady clip along the road behind him, surprisingly quiet but still noisy enough. Thankfully he had learned to block such things from distracting him in the past.
What one thing he focused on most, if anything at all, and why was known to him alone.

With a chirp and an inquisitive look, a young and small deigi bird landed atop a fern by him to seemingly watch what the orokujin man was up to. Its red, black, and white feathers shining vibrantly from the sun while it balanced on the plant. What it would glean he wasn’t sure, but its curiosity was clearly felt through the Force. A light and almost airy sensation directed toward him from the creature. It showed no signs of worry, why would it? Animals were often more adept at discerning threat and truth around them than their more ‘learned’ counterparts.

Coming to a supposition of its own accord and turning its attention elsewhere, the shift also felt through his special sense that was the Force; the deigi bird went aloft and flew across the beach in search of food.
The monk continued like this for some time, just soaking the world into his being. But eventually he relaxed his senses and unhurriedly opened his eyes, relying on his vision once more. Glancing down to his left, he noticed the sandwich and tea he had brought to consume but had nearly forgotten due to immediately engaging in the meditation.

With a casual shrug, he corrected that by taking them both in hand and filling his stomach, enjoying the taste as he did so. One of the most interesting things he had come to find after beginning a monastic lifestyle was by slowing down how he ate and taking it in contentment as with all else, it dawned on him how he had taken such a simple sensation for granted and how many people never really experienced food. They consumed and that was that. It was gone, but now its taste and fulfillment could linger for longer. It was rather amazing how much he had learned the last nine years.

In time he was finished with that too and was now faced with the simple choice of what he wished to do next, knowing only that he had planned on sticking close to the temple today as he had been quite long walks the last few days. Even for him.

Painting was an option or exercising. Studying or practicing with the Force for rites, maybe even checking out any of those he sensed during his meditation? There were the practitioners of martial arts, the harmonious koi fish, or the intriguing woman by her lonesome. He could also head to the beach to look out at those on the boats, it seemed like one was coming close enough that he could observe better visually should he choose to head down himself.

There was even also the deigi bird. A small potential challenge. Could he find that same bird again and see what it saw, now that it had flown off some time ago?

Soundlessly coming into a standing position once more, he stretched and then took in the sights one more time before turning to head through the trees and eventually coming out to the small path that was behind them. To one direction it curved gently upwards on the hill and would pass by the area where the young monks practiced.

In the other direction it gradually sloped downwards and turned to head further away from the cliff where it would come to pass by the steps leading up into where Myōdo-ji Temple before forking into other ways. One of which would lead him to the best path to eventually turn toward the beach again and reach it. What he would do there, should he choose that route, was entirely up to him.

All the while he contemplated and lived out his monastic lifestyle, he couldn’t know the time of Doraku Kambei was again approaching quickly. But such was the way of things. The past lay carved behind you, the present wrapped about yourself, and the future stretched ahead behind veiled mists with its mysterious gifts. Both positive and negative.

What was a monk to do?

Tag: bad_feeling_haver

1 p.m.

“Words Of Advice”

~’Flavor of the Fields’ Restaurant, Tankimju~

It was no tavern, as they had annoying age restrictions he hadn’t shaken off yet, but this felt close enough.

Mostly dim inside for now, not too many people inside at the moment, but still there for business. It couldn’t be denied. Yagami Zching felt cool.

Looking about himself, scanning the area for the person he was meeting with, he was forced to pause as a hostess slowly and uncertainly approached him. With a smirk, he informed her that he was meeting someone and she nodded. The girl looked almost relieved to be able to move away with minimal interaction.

The boy with the lightsaber hilt and one or two throwing knives just barely peeked out from where he had them on his person. A subtle suggestion to take notice of this guy, a notice that he was most likely to mess up your face!

At last his green eyes located the one he was searching for. The person who was also another reason that this restaurant was most likely quieter than normal. Zching began to stride over to them confidently, ready for whatever was to come today.

The gaze of the few other people in attendance followed him as he went by, maneuvering between the aisles of table stalls until he came to a stop in front of the correct one.

Giving a nod and sidling into the chair opposite him, Yagami Zching found himself once more in the presence of that shady employer he was so grateful to: The Hunter.

The man, or he assumed it was a man at any rate, was completely covered thereby entirely shrouding his identity. And he did it in plain sight, which was rather bold. But no one ever questioned him. Zching had a feeling The Hunter had made certain no one ever would at some point before they met. A story he couldn’t help but be curious about, maybe he’d ask someday. But for this day, there were other things to discuss. Like a new job he’d been written about, asking him to meet at this restaurant the previous night and telling him not to worry about being absent at his school.

Easily done and now here they were.

The darkened figure that was his employer, hood and even sunglasses obscuring all his features, sat quietly for a moment. He didn’t always do this, but would on occasion.

The Hunter insisted the first few minutes being quiet and reserved for tea he would purchase for both of them, his hand even casually motioned to the cup already waiting for the young twi’lek. Well, to be more accurate; he would drink quietly while Hunter simply sat there in silence, his own cup steaming into the air untouched. Drinking would have revealed facial features and not once had he done that in the three years that they had known each other.

It was a strange relationship truth be told, but a professional one and built on an unsaid mutual respect and short conversations. The longest ones, an hour long roughly if he remembered right, were the first ones.

In those, The Hunter had described a potential he possessed, described what he wanted him to do, and taught him the rudimentary foundation of using the weapons he supplied him with. In the end, Zching was mostly forced to learn through experience in the jobs he was given around the small city of Tankimju.

He had evolved greatly in that short time and while he sensed that he wasn’t up to his employer’s skills, for he sensed them potently in the Force, he was strong for his age. There was no question of that, just ask anyone around the city that knew him.

The twi’lek fully suspected he was wanted for tasks elsewhere as well, but for whatever reason; he was kept to within the confines of his home city. His age and unfortunate connection to his idiotic family he guessed.

Eventually the minutes were up and the one across from him shifted just slightly, a sign that he was ready to begin. When the hired party showed he was prepared as well, he got a barely visible nod.

“Thank you for coming as always, Yagami-kozhi,” he began with muffled voice, “I have an important mission for you today and so I hope you are prepared.”

Conspiratorially, The Hunter leaned forward with a whisper that he had to strain to hear properly, the chairs offering a quiet creak at the movement.

“This one comes from someone higher than even I.”

Now that was definitely a way to get his attention early on. His employer had never mentioned something like this before, whether or not he figured there was someone above him in the past. The very fact that he was even mentioning it this time said volumes. This was a critical one. Pay was going to be good. He was usually given a flat rate of 100 gold, which was extremely good for his age. It was equivalent to making 10 Shiku! That may not sound like much, but for coming from a family that could barely scrape together about 35 gold a day…

There were exceptions for harder jobs every so often, but this one sounded exceptionally intriguing.

“They need a couple of men taken care of, it doesn’t matter how so long as it is done without any collateral damage. You’re fortunate too. From what I understand, they’re meeting together right now in some storage facility only a half hour from here.”

Interesting, but surprisingly pretty standard fare thus far.

He held up a finger for each man as he spoke about them, “First one is a nagai named Hoshiyatsu Taru. Lean and skinny, a little over six feet tall, and impeccably dressed at all times. You’ll know when you see him. The other is a duro, goes by the name of Whirling Dervish-laosan. Pretentious bastard, but has the skills to back up the title. Has three teileng steel katanas that he scrounged from somewhere on him.

“Hoshiyatsu shouldn’t give you much trouble for long, just don’t underestimate him. Dervish however is another story, despite the stupid name. He has been known to take out well trained samurai in his time and is the deadliest fighter I’ve ever ordered you against.”

So, that was the catch. One of his targets was a true warrior unlike some of the scum he dealt with.

“The kind of meeting they’re having is not a public one, so when they leave it’ll be through the back. Wait till then before you strike, but don’t let them get away. Their bodyguards, Hoshiyatsu’s really, are weak. They should pose no problem for you, only the main two do you need to worry about. Do this and I’ll pay triple the normal price.”

Triple. Now he’s really talking! Whoever these guys were and whatever they were doing, clearly they angered the wrong person. But Zching certainly had no qualms with it.

“If you have any questions,” his employer stated calmly while leaning back again, “Now is the time but be brief. You don’t have long I foresee.”

It was a good chance for any clarifications he needed, otherwise it was time to show off to someone powerful. This was way better than school.

Tag: Darth Rozic

1:15 p.m.

“To Stand Out”

~The Scorched Road, Kuniga Province~

A large group made its way down the old road from the north, its contingent moving all together. A force of perhaps a hundred surrounding an ornately crafted palanquin, moving slowly with purpose and having the few other travelers make room for them. To say it garnered some attention wouldn’t be a stretch, especially as they flew the banner of the Yellow Flute upon Green. The Yirojo Family’s sigil.

Yawn. A hand didn’t quite reach up in time to hide it. The young orokujin known as Byunaatse Kaifen grimaced in slight embarrassment, his green eyes glancing over to the side to meet a pair of amused ones. Those sharp eyes both teased and criticized before calmly looking ahead of them again at the coming procession.

“Did I not warn you about staying up late?” the older orokujin samurai stated simply, though there was a hint of lightness to it. His light gray fur clung to him due to the savage heat of the sun, but even then looked as noble and composed as ever.

Kaifen mock grimaced and shrugged a single shoulder, hand motioning defensively. “I know. But you can blame Shungen-laosan on that! You know she’s obsessed with shogi, just wouldn’t let me leave till the match was done.”

His father, Byunaatse Lao, only closed his eyes with a faint smile. Though he was a couple inches shorter than his son, sometimes he certainly seemed like he was smirking down on him. Parents.

“A samurai does not blame the cook.”

Kaifen shook his head with a small groan, knowing his father was only teasing him. There were a few chuckles from the others with them as well.

“And what was I supposed to do then?” he asked, green eyes still watching the Yirojo Flute coming toward them.

“Simple,” replied his father smoothly, “Win faster.”

“She’s actually quite skilled. I believe you can attest to that yourself?” smirked the younger samurai. His father was not fazed however.

“Then lose faster.”

Grumbling good-naturedly, Kaifen went back to resting a hand leisurely on the hilt of his katana. A relaxing feeling to him as he waited on those approaching, a small cloud of dust being kicked up behind them to mark their passage on the wind.

“Feel almost self conscious,” spoke up a human samurai with them known as Faerson Mar, “We only brought thirty of the guard, plus the five of us.”

Kaifen shifted the weight from one foot to the other, his tails swishing in multiple directions in agitation. That was true. He personally hadn’t expected so many retainers of the Yirojo to be sent like this. Some, yes. But then again they had more than the Kangyuen Family he reasoned. Not a lot more, but evidently enough.

“Only half are continuing with us,” Byunaatse Lao reminded them, “Do not be overwhelmed by a mere palanquin procession.”

“Forgive me Byunaatse-sayé.”

And with that concluded they waited in silence the few remaining minutes before the palanquin and its escort came up to their own group at last. The Yirojo Family flute standing now before the Kangyuen Family’s own banner that was held by another. A simple red flower, leaning as if in a breeze, upon White. Nothing flashy, just like the ones the sigil represented.

After a few formal greetings between the samurai of the two families, Kaifen watched his father silently move to the side of the palanquin and offer a few words to the two riders inside.

Within moments, half of the Yirojo retainers turned and headed back to the Qiūzu Province that they came from. A nice week-long trek, but well worth it if you had the means.

Their group, as the host escort, moved in a protective formation surrounding the Yirojo samurai and guards that did remain for the duration of the trip as they continued down the road. As he was glad to be moving again, the sensation of moving his legs like a balm to a restless soul, late night aftereffects or not; Kaifen allowed himself to take in these visitors while they walked. He had heard they rode Xishiro for some of the way here, but hadn’t been thrilled upon the discovery that they intended to walk through their province to finish the journey as it meant he would be as well. Still he preffered walking to standing still for overly long and they had been about a half hour late. From the talk of the guards it was because of a local festival in another province they had crossed through that the riders had been intrigued about.

Byunaatse Kaifen also found it surprising when his father beckoned him over to join him at the honorable place next to the palanquin as host escort. Granted, the Yirojo Samurai were keeping a close eye on them as they went, but that was to be expected.

Giving a puzzled look his father, he quickly made sure to bow in mid-walk to the riders. A woman and a young girl.

“See,” his father intoned, “this is my son, Kaifen. We parents can never quite let them out of our sight, so you’ll have to forgive us our quirks, my lady.”

A small huff from the little girl, while the woman laughed softly. “Thank you, Byunaatse-laosan. It is good to see another parent who cares for his child to be accompanying us. And a pleasure to meet you, Byunaatse-kunseng.”

Rather awkward and feeling rather thrown into the middle of a conversation, he could only bow again while agreeing that it was a pleasure and an honor to meet them as well. His father nodded approvingly next to him.

Inside the palanquin was Yirojo Duri. A still rather young woman, only nine years older than himself, that happened to be the wife to Khan Yirojo. Dark brown fur, luxuriously soft just from the sight of it, and known to be a watchful protector of the people in her home province. For the most part, he had only heard good things about her.

The little girl was her daughter and second child, Yirojo Ayagerel. Only eight years old, but judging by the way she was looking about; clearly her own independent self. Bursting with energy, curiosity, and an inner strength. You could see it in her chocolate eyes. Her brown fur wasn’t as dark as her mothers, but it boasted a soft texture that was most likely not going to go away already. Her tails swished excitedly as the palanquin bobbed up and down with their movements.

From what he learned, she had exclaimed that she could have made the journey herself and wasn’t sure why her mother had tagged along. Naturally, his father aided the fellow parent by explaining he kept his already grown son close still because it was just a way they showed that they cared. Kaifen’s appearance was simply the confirmation.

The young man could tell she was a good kid, but he still felt off-center about the whole reason for their coming. Something he still had trouble getting used to. Arranged marriage. Betrothal could happen at any time, even in childhood and this was just a stark reminder of that fact. He made sure to mentally thank the Dragons for not allowing that to happen to him, at least not yet.

Yirojo Ayagerel had come to meet her betrothed for the first time. The youngest child of Khan Kangyuen, Kangyuen Xichirou, who was only two years older than her.

“How much longer before we arrive in Hireolshi would you say, Byunaatse-kunseng?”

It took a moment for him to realize Lady Yirojo was speaking to him and not his father.

“Um,” he hesitated briefly before calculating distance along with their current speed, “I’d say another two hours and we’ll be there, my lady.”

Ayagerel huffed while her mother only nodded in acknowledgement.

The conversation lapsed into a tolerable silence then for the time being and Kaifen allowed himself to just enjoy it.

You never know when things could go wrong.

Tag: Darth_Elu (Yes, I can tag myself! So there!)

~2 p.m.

“Is It Possible”

~Qiang Lao, Dakūxin Province~

Clank. Small shift. Clunk. Metal puzzle piece fitting nicely into place. As they say, sometimes life is just so much simpler fixing things.

The shop was full of an assortment of technological equipment. Some fairly new. Some quite plainly junk. They were scattered about in disordered heaps, tools strewn in between those; as a light shower of sparks cascaded from a twi’lek mechanic who was practically standing inside the engine of a family speeder.

Next to that was a simple two-seater, where small sounds emanated from. And it was toward this landspeeder that two men approached from the large, open shop doors. One was human in his late twenties and the one trailing behind him was an orange-red furred orokujin, They both wore kimonos and had katanas sheathed through their obi sashes. Samurai without question.

The smell of oil, sparks, and concentration filled the air as the two men rounded the front of vessel. A small smile graced the features of the human, brown facial hair moving with the smile. For there, underneath the vehicle in repair, was a tiny furry hand reaching out in vain to a toolbox just a tad too far. Truly, an ewok’s reach was not their strong point.

Calmly nudging the toolbox to the hand, Redgrove Taros casually remarked to the diminutive mechanic: “Too bad your naginata wasn’t nearby to help you reach your tools, Dedreck-laosan. If you don’t mind coming out for a minute, we can discuss something else closer in reach.”

The teasing was normal as the young samurai had come around every so often, trying to persuade the older ‘wookiee midget’ to attempt working under a Khan again. Clearly he was one of those who was unperturbed at the stories of dishonor and more beholden to the tales of the Hero.

The usual medium of translation, the ewok’s floating droid, came over the moment it sensed presences near its master. It only made Dedreck Pyrrak stand out all the more, as droids were a rarity. Not unheard of and they were definitely made use of in some circles, yet most shied away. The predominant belief was that if droids became relied on, they would soon take over society and the people would become lazy and rely solely upon their more efficient automaton counterparts. So they were used in heavy moderation or, like the small ronin, in necessary cases.

The moment Pyrrak popped his head out from underneath his mechanical project of the moment, Taros grinned and lifted a single hand.

“Hey, Dedreck-laoson. It’s me again. Brought Aishin-kozhi with me this time.”

The human jerked his thumb back toward the orokujin whom inclined his head quietly in acknowledgment. That one was still fairly new in acquaintance with Pyrrak, being only the second time Taros had brought him around the outskirts of Qiang Lao with him.

After a few initial words, another voice rang through the shop to get their attention. They turned to face its direction, revealing it to be the other mechanic nearby. He was wiping some sweat from his brow as he spoke to them.

“Excuse me, Dedreck-sentai. I think it’s about your break anyway. Go ahead and leave the shop to me, I’ve got it covered!”

The younger mechanic, work grime staining his outfit, was exuberant enough to do so and thankfully proficient. He was also good with remembering certain bits of information regarding his senior co-worker. When samurai come to visit the ewok, it was generally best to possibly not be near the conversation. Even though some went well, the ones that did not were ones well remembered. Better err on the side of caution. And if amidst work that could not be delayed, get them elsewhere. Or duck and cover.

Smiling with approval, Redgrove Taros, murmured an agreeable consent and already began heading out of the shop before even checking with the one he wished to speak with. How some men get ahead of themselves, but then, Pyrrak could use a break right about then. He had been working since nine in the morning with few pauses as he was caught up in what he was doing.

As they adventured out of the shop and into the streets of Qiang Lao city, they could gaze about at the innumerable shops and buildings of various functionality lining the road. The mechanic shop he worked at was near a corner with another street, but Taros moved head down the other direction., their feet plodding along the orderly dirt road.

It was a sunny day with a fair amount of clouds in the sky, but not many. Cool due to the slight breeze that kept up. A day most would consider rather pleasant where the weather was concerned.

The sounds of the city permeated from everywhere in a cacophonic symphony that only those used to living in such packed conditions were accustomed to. There were others of all ages, genders, and species. All sizes and various attire, though most were commoners or merchants in this particular area. A few other samurai were spottable here and there with their katanas upon them, walking as leisurely as anyone else.
Skycars flew throughout the air in their usual traffic lanes carefully laid out by glowing hover beacons, creating a constantly moving atmosphere no matter whether you looked to the land or sky.

Yet the overwhelmingly wood-make of the buildings stood defiantly amidst the technology on display.

It wasn’t just sound either. The smells rose to match. Whiffs of delicious aromas, a scent of pungent perfume, or even downright revolting smells could be around every turn, possible to be sensed then lost at every step.

But even with all these distractions, some eyes still inevitably would notice and temporarily track the ‘wookiee midget’ and his droid companion. Many knew of his presence in the region, but sometimes they couldn’t help but watch him all the same. An oddity and one with a tale to match for those who cared to learn.

Still, he was accompanied by samurai and as such was offered the benefit of non-samurai moving out of their way without a word. Many barely registered they did it as it was instinct. Natural. Even those without the Force seemed to know when those who did have it were near around here. That or perhaps it was the blades and hilts dangling from their clothing.

Aishin, the Orokujin Samurai, opened the cloth flap that covered the entrance to a tavern (the ‘Dancing Tiger’ the sign outside had read) and Taros led Pyrrak in. Aishin followed behind and they also seemed to naturally move toward the bar; the ewok’s floating sphere following faithfully.

It was dimmer inside, but not unpleasantly so, and the air from the relatively low level of current patrons temperate. An atmosphere to enjoy or have one wrong thing sour it all quickly.

Plopping some gold coins down on the polished counter, the male wookiee bartender watching them quietly; Taros paid for the ronin and himself whilst he flashed a smile.

“Two Rijji-bul Sake.”

A gaze to the orokujin sidling onto his stool. “Just Shei Tea for me.”

As the wookiee wordlessly made to fill the glasses for them, the human who sat in the middle of his furry companions looked to the one he abruptly invited.

“So? Curiosity striking you this time?”

Pyrrak’s translator droid floated closer, ready to do what it was programmed to do.

Tag: A Blind Prophet

2:45 p.m.

“The Dragons Are Watching”

~Midori-no-Songen Forest, Chisinqi Province~

Forests were places of calm dignity, a natural wonder to behold and cherish. The green of the leaves, the brown of the bark, the gentle spirits of its denizens scurrying along.

However, like the animals, there were more vicious souls who cared not for such things but instead thought of forests as a hideaway instead. It was a sad thing to see such natural wealth ignored.

Still, bandits were known to ignore and defile a great many things in favor of gold and food. Even in the forests so close to the Shogun’s city, Edokura. Desperation made fools out of any man, woman, or beast. It also made them relentless as there was a constant stream of them taking up residence in Midori-no-Songen Forest despite how often they were flushed out. Indeed, it had become a rotational event for samurai to take care of them among all of the families per Shogun Zhaoichi’s orders.

It was now the Yirojo Family’s turn and Yamabushi Benkei had been selected to lead the small force in taking care of the bandits this time. He had been in the middle of composing a lovely new haiku too! With a mental chuckle, he realized he’d have to get back at Lin Sarnai. The mischievous head of the Yirojo Edokura Estate while both the Khan and Chamberlain were not in attendance.

Catching a tumbling leaf in his hand and looking it over, his mind went where it would with a calm expression upon his face.

The sounds of snapping twigs and branches were heard as other retainers to Khan Yirojo moved about in search of the signs of the most recent bandit camp. They had already combed most of the forest, so it shouldn’t be long now.

“They’re pretty far in this time, Yamabushi-sayé,” remarked one man. A human like himself, though somewhere in his thirties; and possessing a name he was embarrassed to admit had been forgotten by him. Oh well, these things did tend to happen now and again.

“Keep your guard up, I’d imagine they’re nearby at this point,” muttered another. Sounded like the miraluka Caersuke.

Noted. The miraluka didn’t see them yet, which meant it could yet be a while. Frustrating, but all in due time. They couldn’t evade much longer, there really weren’t many places to run without being detected in some fashion. So they kept at it.

Benkei monitored the fifty others with him from where he stood amidst the falling leaves, his feet moving quietly along the forest floor. Thirty were samurai plus himself and twenty were of the normal guard, blasters in hand.

The birds in their vicinity were quiet from their passage, but now that he thought of it, they had actually been silent for some time. Did they sense something? It was plausible and as such he had to keep it in mind.
The Force was still, like the air. He would simply have to wait for the slightest disturbance.

As he kept alert, he reflected on a letter he had also received earlier in the week. It concerned a topic that he had nigh forgotten to even think about since he had avoided it for so long with his old wanderings. Now that he had returned and taken over as Head of the Yamabushi, old gears began turning once more.

It had been sent from the Khan, not directly, but it was definitely forwarded from him. And it regarded a single word.

Marriage.

Now that he was Head, he had to insure the line continued or so the common thought went. Perhaps there were other ways to go about it or there was the rare acceptance of letting the line end after him. There were different routes he could take but they all required heavy consideration.

Was it prudent to find a wife at this stage in his life? Have children? Yet there was his promise to his recently deceased father as well and its resulting considerations. Did he mean to simply be the Head of the family and that was all? Or had he inherently promised to continue the line as well? What would his parents want? Did it matter?

No matter how old one became, so long as you were alive, there were questions to be answered and actions to be taken.

Another twig snapped.

Many of them spun around, hands flying to their hilts. Only to find one of their own frozen at their reactions. A younger feeorin girl who gave a sheepish smile, forcing a strained chuckle from some of them.

The search continued.

Many of them were getting restless, not having found them yet. It was odd, the older man had to admit. They were usually fairly easy to spot so long as you actively went searching. He had made sure Caersuke was brought along as well due to a miraluka’s natural force sight. Yet so far that wasn’t even helping either.

A frown now started to find itself forming. Something wasn’t right. This was too strange for mere bandits. Muted apprehension began to solidify in his body, but he fought it with the inner peace he had acquired from his life of travels the best he could. At best, that appeared to result in a draw in this scenario.

“Don’t suppose they had a skycar and hightailed it out of here before we arrived?” called out a guard.

There were some who seemed to agree with this theory and it calmed them. There were others who did not and Benkei found himself siding with that latter group. They lived and operated out of this forest, they wouldn’t flee so easily. Always had they fought tooth and nail before retreating and eventually creeping back in. They weren’t the types to run without a fight.

Also they’d see a skycar rising out of the forest itself during their trip over to it from the city. So that couldn’t be it either. No. They were here. He was certain of it.

The Yirojo Force had scouted everything behind them and most of Midori-no-Songen on both sides. He could order them to quickly turn and finish out one of either flanks to guarantee they weren’t there and make sure they hadn’t been just missed somehow. Or they could turn back and see if they missed them in what they had fully covered despite the idea being doubtful. There were those ideas or they could continue to advance forward and hope that their goal lay ahead, so they could deal with it at last and go home.

It was on his orders that the fifty other retainers would follow. But where did he point them? They couldn’t afford to lose these bandits, or whatever they were at this point, for much longer. His men and women were also becoming unnerved and it wouldn’t due to let that fester. And for that matter, how were they being evaded so thoroughly this time? The Shogun would have intervened directly and with more force had they known something as strange as this was taking place. So whatever was going on, it was new and they were the first to bear witness. But to what?

His senses, both with the Force and natural, stretched out as far as they could.

With an inhale of resolve he made a decision.

Tag: Mikaboshi

3:15 p.m.

“To Be Samurai”

~Forest Road, Kuniga Province~

The birds were chirping. A sign that all things were right in the world, that nature found not a care to worry about in this place. There was a shift in the breeze, forcing adrift some green and yellow leaves. They danced this way and that in quiet serenity as the wind teased Matsuoaka Kazue’s clothes lazily. Normally it would have been more welcome, with the near oppressive heat taking hold of the region.

Despite all this, and being in the only forest of the province which provoked better scenery than normal in her mind, she was in stark contrast to her surroundings. Kazue was not at peace, though she desperately tried to reach it. She felt she was on the right path, but perhaps things were still just too fresh she reasoned.

Letting out a breath as she leaned against a tree on the side of the road, with surprisingly few travelers today, she allowed herself a moment of reflection. Reliving the dojo. Her family. The constraints, the fights, the duels. Victory after subsequent victory and a rising tide within her soul that could only be described in that one word that either chained or glowed resonantly with the person it spoke of. Pride.

And then the challenge. The match. Her fist clenched unconsciously. The humiliation.

After a moment or two longer, she pushed herself away from the tree and began trekking down the path once more. After all that. This was the result.

Threadbare funds, only the clothes on her back, and her weapons. In return, the world was open to her. She could move where she wanted to, speak with whomever she desired, and practice her own skills in the pursuit of upholding her own honor. As for the Matsuoka Family…

She shook her head and pressed on, the ground crunching softly beneath her. If only there had been sakura trees in this area and in season, the part of her fur dyed pink could have fit right in. Instead, she would have to settle for bringing the cherry blossom to the forest where it otherwise was deprived of it.

Within minutes she found a small outside tavern, a waystation for travelers, on the side of the road. About four others were in evidence, sitting all apart from each other and quietly sipping their drinks and avoiding conversation with each other. Two were orokujin, the third was a black furred wookiee, and the last a female duro. A perfect setting for her to begin her newfound individualistic life!

The pink hair seemed to catch a couple of the patron’s eyes, the fellow orokujin naturally. Faltering slightly, she debated on whether it was wiser to keep moving on or if she should just take one drink. One drink to help relax and celebrate her freedom. Anything to keep herself calm.

Her feet found themselves again as she moved onto the short grass by the road, moving in between the spaced tables to the open bar, where a stout human woman seemed to run things. Her dark face eyed the newcomer carefully, before finally moving over, the rag in her hand never stopping its cleaning motion of the mug she held.

“And? What can I get you?”

And that was it. No other questions. Maybe this little area would be a good one to relax at for a while, get herself straightened out?

While that question rolled around inside, she answered the barwoman and then retreated to an old wood table of her own, sitting down silently and keeping herself so she could watch the other patrons. She knew perfectly what she was and it was obvious to the others from the katana she still had with her should they care to look. But she did not know of them.

Judging by their dress, as well as the lack of weapons and constant glances at a holopad in front of them, it appeared the duro woman and the orokujin man with muddy brown fur were both merchants. Clearly they were not together as they’d be sitting with one another, but their professions seemed to fit. Only merchants carried such information devices with them and plus there were a couple of wagons parked to the side, some Xishiro to pull them were grazing by them as well. The connection made sense, so Kazue was proud of the assessment.

The other orokujin was more tan brown in coloring and had longer fur than usual as well as being hard to place. No weapons that were visible, basic cotton clothing that denoted nothing of significance, nor any items on display that could have otherwise placed him in station. He seemed calm and ignorant of her observation, now focused solely on his drink with his eyes closed in relaxed fashion. In the end, he could be anything and most likely was nothing of note. Was her situation making her paranoid?

The wookiee possessing black fur was obviously a ronin. He possessed a long no-dachi sword that was leaning against his leg where he sat. No light weapon of any kind was on him and with only black silk pants on (an unusual sight) and a bandolier, it would have been easily spotted. There was an eyepatch over one eye and he grunted once when he caught Kazue’s glance. He simply went to brushing off some leaves from his table in annoyed motions before folding his arms, tilting his head back, and becoming lost in his own thoughts. Being ronin, it was unlikely he was unaware however.

It stayed like this for a while, with everyone just doing their own thing quietly independent from one another. Six strangers brought together by a simple waystation stop in the middle of nowhere, or so it felt, and living out a small silent fraction of said life in such proximity before ultimately going their own ways once more. The idea was odd and almost beautiful in an abstract way.

Alas, all things must come to an end sooner or later. The orokujin merchant set down some money, stood from his table, and moved over to a wagon that was confirmed as his. She noticed that the duro woman seemed to take notice and watch him leave. Clambering onto the Xishiro he owned and snapping on the reigns, that was one less person in the area. Watching him till he disappeared from view as he went in the direction Matsuoaka Kazue had come from, the duro woman seemed to be debating whether or not she wished to remain as well. Apparently a single merchant surrounded by a ronin, a samurai, and someone else was a bit disconcerting. In her head, the chances were high that she was wondering if the samurai could negate any unsavory moves by the wookiee, unknowing of the young orokujin’s current personal events.

No matter what she did, an answer seemed to be reached in that quiet. The duro merchant also stood and in one fluid motion, had set her money down and was heading for the other wagon. Within a few minutes, she too was gone and in the same direction as the other.

And now there were four strangers remaining in the forested space. What to do with herself continued to now be up to her. Question was, just what was it that she would do? Or would she remain, waiting? And for what?

A life free from the chains of family, dojo, and the Khanate was truly open in one aspect. And truly frightening in the other.

Tag: Darth Luna

4 p.m. at Start | ~5:30 p.m. at End

“Shall You Receive”

~Yiho Fields, Qiūzu Province~

An intake of breath. And a nice, slow exhale. Another intake. And then at a steady pace, Dr. Orin Mattac was once again exhaling. With that simple act of restoring a modicum of his energy, he re-opened his gold-flecked eyes to the scenery around him.

He was in a field, situated within a small valley, in between a number of rolling hills this province was apparently well known for. There weren’t many skycars, as the natives called them, except a few every so often. It was still mostly cloudy, but there were signs they were moving on over the hills to the northeast.

Flowers were in the distance giving off white, yellow, and red variances between all the startling green. Everything was so refreshed and vivid, sharp almost in a sense after the most recent rains they had. It had only abated earlier that morning and still the world and sky seemed so clear from the visual clarity the weather seemed to bring in its wake. The smell rising from the earth like a pleasant miasma. All the land was a green or gold so potent, he nearly felt he had risen from his stooped posture to find himself transported into an artistic masterpiece likely found in the houses of the political elite within the Galactic Core.

Yet he couldn’t pause and take it all in too long as he was only regaining his breath and composure for the briefest of moments. Dr. Mattac was in a rice field and helping to cultivate it, that was the gold in the painting he had been picturing in his mind from the landscape.

The anthropologist couldn’t help but muse upon the circumstances of the world and its inhabitants as he went back to work. Aware of space travel, yet due to religious beliefs, simply held back from pursuing it. They had the means to advance, but just…didn’t. They had various means of technology, the skycars being one example. Lightsabers, of all things, were another. Blasters. Holo Communcation. And other little things to showcase them. And yet, they hold back again. This time simply because they felt unnerved by having too much permeate what they had known for so long. Or that’s how it seemed at any rate. Fascinating.

Standing amidst the two feet tall stalks of rice, he bent back down to grab some more in his hand, feeling their texture for the second or two before with a flick of his wrist--

Snick!

And now he had more rice hulls to set in his accompanying basket. Dr. Orin Mattac? Felt more like Farmer Mattac on occasion. But he had been asked by the Yirojo Chamberlain himself, to assist with the harvesting for the day as they would be low in workers in the Yiho Fields. Without real reason to decline, he had accepted.

Snick!

This wasn’t the first time he had done this for his host family, in fact he even felt like he had become somewhat of a master at the work over the months he had been healthy enough to be of use again after his crash on Xinsuke-ye. However, it had been at least a couple months since he did it last, so there was that. At least he wasn’t alone as there were other workers dotted throughout the fields, most of them pleasant to talk to if focused on the simple things.

Coming upon the last stalks in his area and relishing the sense of basic satisfaction settling in his mind and body, he turned to notice the expected form of an Khan Speeder waiting for him on the side of the field he had started from.

Apparently it was time to finish. What good timing!

Making his way to the vehicle after traversing the field a final time, he picked up his walking stick that had been set aside and handed off his harvested load to the Field Chief, an zabrak woman named Sharra. Oh wait, correction.

Sharra-xiaocha. Or was it Sharra-laosan?

Every so often he’d have to remind himself of these things, but once that mental correction was made he smiled and bowed to her as was custom.

She bowed back and thanked him for his aid as he made his way to those waiting for him.

Soon enough the speeder was on its way back to where he had been staying ever since the crash as dictated by the Shogun evidently. Not that he had ever met the man. The town of Shinjei. Provincial capital of Qiūzu and home to the Yirojo Estate.

Noting the time on the chronometer, Orin realized he had been working in the Yiho Fields for seven hours! Not bad considering how it felt like the time flew by for the most part.

Within twenty minutes he was back at the estate and in his given quarters. Small, but not terribly so and adjoined with a bathroom. Also small, but it was his alone and came with a shower. The paper and wood walls of the bedroom and the majority of the estate was also worthy of note most assuredly. The man who had once heralded from the planet of Tralus, cleaned and readied himself for dinner as he had been requested the moment he had arrived ‘home.’

A little earlier than usual, but apparently the Khan wanted to speak with him over a meal. With the Khan’s peculiar rise in migraines untouched by any medicine or healing, and even more notable due to his young age by orokujin reasoning.

As he finished and headed out the sliding door, shoji he reminded himself, Orin moved with a comfortable pace toward the dining area. He had become more than familiar with this place due to his stay.

Moving within the corridors and finally coming upon the dining area where a lone low table was set further to the side of the area than usual. A large section of shoji doors were opened, as they sometimes were, to reveal the outer walkway. And beyond that, with no railing to obscure vision, was the land in which the Yirojo family owned directly. The Qiūzu Province.

Lanterns were starting to be lit as the dark slowly crept into being, and a fair chill was present from the opening to the outside elements, but it wasn’t bad. The wind had also died down a bit, so they could simply gaze at the sparse trees and darkening hills in the distance. A splendid view and one unobstructed by other buildings, just as it was designed when the estate had first been built many years ago.

Already sitting at the table and raising a glass to his lips for a quiet drink, was the young Khan Yirojo.

Younger than he by six years and by far more gray in hair. Then again, that dark gray was natural for the orokujin man. His fur mid-length as usual, thick, and looking as soft as the clouds in the now evening sky. His tails leisurely splayed behind him as he sat.

At a fairly slim build and being just an inch shy of six feet tall, the Head of the Yirojo Family wasn’t the most imposing of characters to face. But his amber eyes held a perceptive gleam in them that could have easily been found on one twice his age. For the time being, he seemed well enough in health. But clearly it was at a level that he could still mask on the outside for now, otherwise he wouldn’t have invited him at all.
Noticing the human guest entering at last, the Khan set down his cup, and motioned with a graceful hand toward the zabuton (seat cushion) across from him.

“Mattac-laosan! Please, have a seat and thank you for coming,” he intoned calmly. There was no hint as to the reason behind this evening’s summons as of yet, though at times the orokujin simply wished to talk. Maybe this was one of them?

As he took a seat, the wafting smells and sights of tea, wine, vegetables, fish, and even a type of small bird were present. A veritable mini-feast just for the two of them, as it was apparent no one else was set up to join them. To say the food looked enticing would be a vast understatement.

Tag: HanSolo29

4:15 p.m.

“And Always Remember”

~’Hana Dojo,’ Kuniga Province~

The gaze of concentration and determination in its purest form was a look Yama Hinoki knew well. She had seen it many times from her father growing up, had seen it just as much from her husband, and then wore it as her own mask after them.

Now others learned it under her, like Chishiki Kireina, an advanced student of hers. Some were still getting there, but even here in this small space, it blossomed into being and etched itself onto the souls of those who would learn.

The gaze she was referencing at the current point in time however, belonged to one of the newest members of the dojo. A human woman named Karaku Tohiri, her reddish blonde hair wrapped up in a bun and sweat working itself into existence. Those gray eyes bored into the amber ones of Hinoki, their practice weapons clashed together.

After a moment of sizing each other up, they separated for a short instant before clashing again and again. And again.

The human lady, in her late teens, could not find any openings against the older orokujin. This was hardly surprising given that she was new to the dojo, but it nearly always proved frustrating to them at the start regardless.

Sweat beaded down her neck and she absent-mindedly wiped her brow with one arm, before pressing the attack again. Hinoki waited the proper amount of time then deftly knocked the wooden naginata away and to the side, forcing it to completely miss her and maneuvering the tip of her own to rest calmly within an inch of Karaku-xiaocha’s throat.

Bowing to each other to signal the end of the match, she noticed the teen flexing her hand in agitation before sitting down as was expected of her. But it was still early, she would learn.

The heat was intense today, so as she gave any words of critique, praise, or both to her students she also allowed them to cool off for the time being.

They had been doing well lately in their training, though a few had been restless. She herself felt it at times, almost as if carried by the wind. A nameless and voiceless worry trying to burrow within. She did not know why nor what it meant, if anything at all, but Yama Hinoki did feel it.

The best she could do was simply fight it off and move forward as she had already done plenty of times before. The students? They would have to find their own way through it, though she could lend a small hand or some helpful words if she wanted.

Instructing them all to begin certain exercises that she had laid out for them, with herself walking around and observing, she was able to see Chishiki-xiaocha was doing some quiet encouraging of her own. That was one girl who had come far and only created pride in her teacher.

So proud of how far she came in fact, that she planned on letting her take over to finish the day’s basic lessons and had already informed her of such. Hinoki had wanted to visit where Tetsu and Ishi were buried later in the day before it got dark, but knew she could at least stick around for a little while longer. Plus ‘Kuma-ojo’ as she was sometimes nicknamed needed to contemplate another urge that had been taking hold of her gradually. A different form of the restlessness, something involving moving. Going.

Where and for what purpose? She didn’t know, not yet. In time she may have an answer, although the orokujin woman would just have to be patient for now. She was hoping some quiet reflection by her late husband and son would aid her in that.

Correcting one’s form helped center herself back in the present and once more she was Yama-senfu to those under her care. This went for a while before she split them into pairs for more sparring training, emphasizing what she felt they needed the most work on individually.

She noticed too that Byunaatse Natsuki was not in attendance that day, idly making her wonder where she could be off to. It was nothing concerning by any means, just a simple aimless question. The girl, after all, was an official samurai and probably busy.

Indeed, Natsuki was a rare case as though her family already had sent their Khan a retainer on their behalf, they voluntarily chose to offer more of their services. Father, son, and daughter. The girl had also stated on more than one occasion since she had arrived at the dojo that one of the reasons they did it was so they could keep an eye on each other and make sure they were safe due to the chances for run ins with ronin, bandits, and other such criminals was at a decent level in their region.

Hinoki may have an inkling of how that family felt. Since her thoughts had managed to think of the girl while training, she instructed the day’s residents of the dojo to partake a certain sparring exercise that had been the samurai girl’s favorite. Oh, Byunaatse-xiaocha would be so annoyed she missed out on it! The master of Hana-dojo as it was called at times, couldn’t help but smile slightly at the idea. It was meant good-naturedly of course.

Her amber eyes continued to watch them all, calling out pointers and making an emphasis where she needed to if she felt the need to do so was present. At times she would pause a couple and briefly show them the proper way before allowing them to resume. Unsurprisingly, they were all at various levels.

Occasionally she would glance outside just to see how the weather was doing aside from the palpable heat. Despite the day wearing on, the sky was just as blue and cloudless as when it had begun.
Soon enough she had them all resting again with the exception of Chishiki Kireina. The two of them would gift the others with a small show while doing training themselves.

They were facing each other like she had done with the newcomer earlier, wanting to test her a bit further before leaving her to handle the rest of the day’s lessons. Due to various reasons, they actually hadn’t personally sparred against each other in a couple of days unlike the others which was a little unusual. With that in mind, there was a small eager gleam in the girl’s eyes. Clearly she had been wanting to have another match but was generally too quiet to say so aloud, her expression gave it away.

Hinoki looked her over sparingly and saw her stance continued to improve, her mental preparedness seemingly adequate for the moment. She also couldn’t help but think the cream fur of the orokujin girl was lovely to witness and just as lovely as it sprang into action, their movements making it dance. It was almost hypnotic.

Kireina started on the offensive. She launched forward and attempted two quick stabs before feinting left, then right, before going into a downward slash. That in turn was followed by another powerful thrust.

It was time to see if the master could still keep the student at bay.

Tag: galactic-vagabond422

6 p.m.

“More Than Your Soul”

~Lonely Tree Inn, Barēu-Gû Province~

It had been a long day of work, but satisfying enough in the redhead woman’s opinion. Now it was time to sit back with a drink of soothing tea, a snack or two, and relax with her feet up.

Tolin Callie felt the tension in her legs lessen immediately after she did just that within the Lonely Tree Inn. Appropriately named after the tree that the building had been purposefully built by. No forest or grove in sight in this particular, no other trees at all for miles, just low grassland and a few very small hills.

Must be some kind of story with that tree, but she certainly didn’t know of it if there really was one. Still, despite the name, it was actually rather lively and uplifting inside. It had a minor reputation for having good owners and a good atmosphere, giving a nice place to rest for travelers who were in between towns. That was the reason why she decided to come back to it at the end of her day, she even had a non-urgent delivery for the owner from another Jeongbayar Family samurai named Nadamichi Hiro, that she had decided to drop off last for the explicit reason of resting in the same place right after.

Nice bit of planning, specially when its your ‘big travel day.’ Certainly paid off.

Callie let her blue eyes take in the main floor where the bar and small stage were located. A decent number of people were socializing gaily, around twenty or so. Apparently they had made some room in front of the stage to dance within, while another woman sang on stage. No professional by any means, but she wasn’t so bad either. Thank the Dragons her ears were saved another night.

Admittedly she had a small urge to go and join them, being lighter in mood at the moment and not exactly being a fan of inactivity. But her body needed the rest after all the moving she had done; even she knew that. She could wait just a little longer.

As she nibbled on her snack, she found herself thinking and realizing suddenly: There really wasn’t a ‘big travel day’ anymore. At least not lately. Every day was like that or fairly close! With the province being in turmoil the last few months ever since the accident…

The young samurai shook her head to clear away the memories of the news. That had been far too stressful for everyone. She never saw it herself, but she had been told at one point that even the Chamberlain had bags under his eyes. A wookiee! It was rather difficult to picture such an image, but the impression was enough.

Callie was confident that no one could accuse her of slacking off since the announcement, that was for sure. Probably more miles under her belt than any of the other messengers used by the Jeongbayars, with the possible exception of one or two.

In any event, this day was over work-wise and she planned to relax while she could. Tomorrow she’d have to make a small trip to the closest town to speak with the samurai assigned there, she knew there were a few. From there she could begin to get orders for a whole new day of delivering and relaying.

She had to remind herself to be thankful for the, what were they called? Oh, right. Hackers. Because of them, especially after a spike in their appearance about a century ago, the populace still relied mostly on handwritten letters. Once again tradition prevailed on Xinsuke-ye. Technology was great, but it was just too uncertain. And it hadn’t been tested and tried like the Old Ways have been for millennia. Honor dictated the new ways be left as back up or specialized cases. This was the common way of thinking. It was also similar in the respect toward her going on foot most of the time, like today.

There were plenty of skycars, though speeders were more common. And yet those riding Xishiro, or using wagons and palanquins, or their own two feet like herself were all far more common than even the speeders. It was more honorable and gave the travel more meaning, lest it was an emergency. In many cases, either you simply didn’t have access to a fast vehicle or going without was simply a habitual thing.

That was just the way it was.

Of course, as she finally found herself unable to simply sit any longer and had begun to stand, the doors swung open with a resounding SLAM! To say it had grabbed everyone’s attention instantly would be putting it lightly. The samurai messenger found herself absent-mindedly placing a hand upon the hilt of her preferred weapon.

They were zabrak, male, somewhere in their late thirties possibly, and not much taller than herself. Their kimono was a mess, hair equally so, and sweat perspired visibly from their forehead even from where she stood almost ten feet away. A katana and the hilt of a single blade lightsaber hung at their hip. Samurai. Instinct told her he was one of theirs as well, which made her hand move from her weapon, but she knew better than to relax.

As soon as he noticed her, his body was in motion. Spinning on his heel and hurrying over to her, practically knocking chairs over on his way with everyone watching. Agility was evidently not a strongpoint of his. Or was it a byproduct of apparent desperation?

The look of relief on his face, if slight, when he came up to her would have been comical if the situation wasn’t so clearly serious.

“I’m so glad I found you! I have run much and cannot go further, but knew there was a messenger in the area. I was happy when I finally sensed your presence in this Inn!”

He paused a moment to catch his breath a little and give an apologetic half-smile. Curious, and worried, faces watched their complete conversation from across the room in utter silence. Every word was heard by all.

“Messenger-xiaocha, you have to deliver this message to Khan Jeongbayar immediately! A force of ronin have organized, close to the southern Barēu-Gû border and are rapidly heading for Zhenao! Tell her that some of the southern town guards and roughly twenty of her samurai are slowing them down right now, but they number close to three hundred! Go!”

With nothing more to be relayed and money being slammed onto the table she was by, she instinctively rushed to the owner by the bar. But he could only shake his head about any inquiries of speeders or skycars. None of the latter, and only speeder was his but it was in need of repairs. None of the other patrons arrived with any of their own.

Her hair shifted about her face as her gaze fell on the entrance, now exit, of the Lonely Tree Inn. She would have to go on foot, the Force told her there was no time to head for the nearby town or pick up a Xishiro. And she would have to move fast. Zhenao was eight hours to the north at a normal clip! The young samurai was going to have to run and bid the Dragons be with her as she used the Force to enhance her legs on this one.

With a small sigh, Tolin Callie realized her long day…just got even longer.

Tag: HunterPrime

7 p.m.

“To Choose Among You”

~Qiang Lao, Dakūxin Province~

Night held many things for many people and never quite the same for any one person. It was an observation Shiraha Mimori had been steadily seeing and continually confirming as she went on.

To be truthful, she herself didn’t quite know what to make of the night as it changed so frequently to her. At times it held wonder and gorgeous serenity. Just a month ago she had laid outside for a time to see what she swore was on the most stunning starry skies she had ever seen. Others it was as thrilling as anything you could experience. Deadly too.

Weaving between the lights, lanterns, and people of Qiang Lao; the samurai who doubled as an entertainer found that she was still lost in thought. Had been all day, which wasn’t a surprising notion.

Between all the normal thoughts of everyday life, that of those reflecting her daily duties as a samurai to the Akachen Family, her entertaining plans when she had some, the demons that plagued her so, and now a new profession she found herself dabbling in every once in a while. Bounty hunting.

What more, she was worried about the demons a bit beyond the normal tonight as well. They hadn’t appeared at all for the last week. When they stopped for a period, she noticed that when they did return it was stronger and more confusing as ever. And they had never gone this long since the increase in her hallucinations. Visions. Imaginings. Whatever it was. So she was concerned at how strong they would be when they re-appeared.

The events of the previous night didn’t help matters either. It kept replaying in her mind like an endless loop, wearing her out throughout the day.

Seeing a fountain proudly standing in the middle of a plaza on a mid-tiered area of the city, she decided to let herself take a seat next to it. Give herself a chance to recollect before getting up again. That memory just kept pestering her, but hopefully she’d push it from her mind soon.

She was dressed as an entertainer (as she was now as well), but last night it was used more as a disguise to get in close to the target of a rich bounty she had been given. The orokujin was described to her and told to be a rich merchant, corrupt and bankrupt of all compassion. It would be a justice to slay him.

Using her refined posture and actions to make him enamored, coupled with her talent with the instrument she had come to possess when the first demon came to her…it was only a matter of time till they were alone. And alone they eventually were.

Together on a private balcony, adjoining with his bedroom and overlooking a quiet garden below, she lulled his last mental defenses into a stupor. It wasn’t very enjoyable to her at that phase, but it was all part of the plan. At least that was exhilarating!

Soon enough he was standing before her, wide eyed and frozen, her then hidden katana now out and to his throat.

Problem was…he wasn’t actually frozen. That’s only how it appeared to any onlooker, which thankfully there were none. She was.

It turned out over the course of the night that this rich merchant was not a merchant at all; she had been lied to. He was Khan Beigen Atkami of a neighboring province to the south, merely visiting. She hadn’t recognized the man as they had never met despite his high level of influence within the Khanate, even Khan Akachen Kirobaatar whom she served spoke of treading carefully in his wake.

It turned out, he was also one of the Force Sensitive ones and was stronger than her, keeping her pinned firmly.

Yet he did not strike back or flinch or anything she would have expected in that instant. His wide eyes slowly relaxed, the initial surprise wearing off. The older orange-red fur tinged with white rustled in the breeze that picked up, his gaze taking her in.

There was no anger present, no disgust, not even resignation or puzzlement. Just the pure acceptance of what was made apparent before him, the absolute serenity of how it was accomplished was startling.

Khan Beigen smiled then. His words echoed still in her ears this very night beside the fountain.

“So. You have come to kill me. I should have known, no young human woman would be interested in an old fossil such as I.” He sighed with disappointment as his tails hung low for a few seconds before that smile returned again. His eyes, so golden and clear for his age, watched her warmly.

“Thank you. Thank you for coming tonight, this is what I needed in truth. Yes. I see that now, you have come to release me.” There was a tear in his right eye now as he seemingly rambled.

“At long last. I am finally free. With the kiss of your blade, I shall no longer see them even as they peer at us now.”

It was the way he said it. There was no question, no doubt in her mind. Mimori knew exactly who ‘they’ were. They haunted her sight most nights: leading her to see, feel, or do things that were in stark contrast to the honorable way of the samurai.

She had never, in her whole life, met another soul who could see them. Who could understand.

Before she could struggle free and open out a protest, the Khan walked into the sword.

A victory she hadn’t wanted. And now it, too, plagued her thoughts as she remained fixated by the fountain. The feeling of his weight upon the blade still clung to her hands despite having snuck away without being caught nor seen.

Coming to, she could only look to the night sky. The mystery of the stars shined down unconcerned as they always did, twinkling away with their distant ethereal splendor.

It was getting late and she had no desire to remain out for much longer this evening after all. She would turn in early. That or she could follow the giant red ogre head with its long black hair, ear tufts, and beard flowing behind it as it floated behind her and went sailing down one road, unseen by others.

Her pupils contracted and now she felt the compulsion to follow it coming in like the tide, a faint tremor in her soul.

Yet, there was also another one. A small, weasel looking thing composed entirely of shadow and silence. An eerie aura hung about it, beckoning to her as if whispering promises of salvation. Of opportunity and the acclaim of her peers. She did not how she knew this, as usual, she just did. It waited for her calmly in the middle of a crowd, appearing and disappearing as ignorant people passed around or even through it. The creature remained unperturbed, its focus solely on Mimori. She could almost hear the strings of her instrument plucking away without her, an accompanying undercurrent to the sigh of the cold wind.

They were back. And his words rattled throughout her bones again in response. But the compulsions remained, resolute and unwavering. Would she resist this time?

Could she?

Tag: corinthia

8:30 p.m.

“Your Inner Color Stains”

~Jinura Estate, Edokura~

Music. Some say it is divine. Capable of touching a person’s soul and saying so much with no words in any way imaginable. When you added words, it only enhanced the effect. It was capable of the greatest uplifting emotions a person could feel. And aid in the dwelling of the darkest. It could soothe a savage beast or entice an angry fool to reckless action.

You could say it was simply flowing and helping an individual discover themselves at any given moment. But there was another perception. Another view one could take.

Music was the greatest manipulator of all.

That Nakatsukasa Iori was well trained in the arts of dance and song, among others, was no coincidence. The Will of the Dragons shaped her and for that she would be eternally grateful.

The gentle music was playing and earlier in the evening she had added her own touch due to requests. Now she was riding the waves created, feeling their effects. Through music, an almost audible form of the Force this night it felt like, she set the mood and laid out the foundation for the other artists to continue to play the theme of music she wanted them to play, noticing how well received she had been.

Music induces appetite; it’s a little known fact. Pick the music carefully, you just might influence what the host desires served right then. From there, both specific foods and beverages have specific effects on the consumer as well. It can all be orchestrated, just another turn in the dance, if you know the steps.

Accomplish a slow and steady build up of the right paths, the right angles of manipulation to increase your chances when you move in for the finisher, and you’re all but guaranteed to succeed.

With the Force and the right mindset, even these paths become more viable to see and shape. But why bother in the first place? Personal gain or loyal devotion?

In this particular case, it was closer to the latter.

She had been ordered via message by the Chamberlain, Beitsune Atlan, to attend a party held by the Jinura Family for those Khans currently in attendance in Edokura or specially invited envoys from other families.

Iori made certain she was one such envoy on behalf of the Akachen Family as Khan Akachen was back in his home province. The Chamberlain felt that they were hiding something regarding recent movements from the Torawei Family, their archrivals. The two were not known to have an alliance of any sort, but they were close and the chief retainer wanted to make certain that no alliance ever did form. The headaches that would result if they ever did would be an unpleasant thought to consider.

With her well known looks, charm, and subtle intelligence; was it any wonder she was chosen to discover information? There were a few other distinguished servants and associates of the Akachens sent on their behalf, but they were mainly extra cover.

Her main target for the evening was Khan Jinura’s son, Jinura Otaru. Being a human family, it made any form of advancement on her part much easier than had he been orokujin or any other species. He was also twenty years old, so only a little younger than herself. It aligned quite nicely in her mind.

However, she had some competition in the sense that he wasn’t alone from what she could see. Drink in his hand and a grin on his face; he was speaking to a group of about five other people. Three women, one of which she recognized as the Arkanian daughter of Khan Theath, and two men who appeared to be of merchant families friendly to the Jinuras. It appeared to be a rather animated conversation on the part of Otaru from what she could see on the other side of the room.

“Your voice is quite beautiful Nakatsukasa-laosan,” said a zabrak man of refined dress suddenly as he sidled up to her before she could get moving. Apparently she had acquired another fan of her singing.

He casually offered a drink, wine it appeared, from his left hand while holding his own in his right. A genial smile graced his features. At least he managed to keep his gaze on her face, she noted.

Raised voices further off also manifested, grabbing everyone’s attention at varying levels. Not yelling, but loud enough. Glancing in its direction so as to be knowledgeable of what was occurring around her, she found one of her own standing before a samurai of the Toraweis, clearly arguing about something. It was known that their families never got along, but this escalation still did not bode well potentially.

A short, oranged twilek that was an Akachen advisor like herself, though not samurai going up against a training-hardened and lightstaff wielding feeorin warrior. If anything did happen, it wouldn’t be pretty. And the victor would be obvious.

Noticing where her attention had been lured over to momentarily, the zabrak commented further. “Well, that isn’t pleasant. A colleague of yours isn’t it?”

Of course, her eyes managed to catch a glimpse of something else as well before coming to settle on whichever event she chose.

A small select group slowly making their way toward the back doors and further into the Jinura Estate, blocked off by guards. But the group was led by none other than Khan Jinura himself. He motioned once with his hand as he spoke, much like his son but not quite as full of vigor, and clearly meant to have some sort of private conversation. Two other male Khans were present, both orokujin, a samurai duro woman who by her dress was easily identifiable as a chamberlain for another family though she didn’t know who, a human man she didn’t recognize either, and a middle-aged orokujin woman that she immediately recognized as a cousin to Khan Torawei.

It could be important, perhaps the area she needed to be though it wasn’t her original intent, or they could be heading to discuss nothing important at all. There was no way to tell for certain.

“Hm?” came the zabrak again, his brown eyes watching the Khans, “Where are they going I wonder.”

He said this, but it didn’t appear that he was aware of her also paying attention to that specific party.

Shaking his head as if to rid himself of unknown thoughts, he turned to her again inquiringly as he sipped his drink once before setting it down on a nearby table. His hand motioned out toward the area of the open room reserved for dancing. There were a few other pairs dancing together to the slow song currently starting.

“Hate to be a bother, but would you care for a dance?”

As usual, many things were progressing at once. She would have to employ her skills as an observer of people and the discipline of being a samurai to pick the best course. There were tangibles and variables to consider, priorities, and the potential consequences for each of the routes presented to her. Good and bad.

With a graceful and alluring run of a hand through her hair of sea green, she came to a decision.

Tag: Darth Luna

9 p.m.

“Amongst The Stars”

~Zhenao, Barēu-Gû Province~

Home. Such a heart-warming concept that graced nearly everyone all over the world, no matter where they were or who they were. Home was something all had. It was an ancestral land, it was a moving wagon, a place in the shadows, or simply the memories in one’s heart.

But did that count for her? Roku Akiva wasn’t entirely sold on the idea. There was a restlessness in her that always seemed to make it hard for any one place to be such a thing as she moved constantly and life made her become so many things she wasn’t sure the ‘memories in her heart’ was much of a home either.

It was a dilemma that stank of semantics, but it was one she entertained in her head every so often despite herself.

Still. If there was ever a place that came as close to becoming home for her, it was here. The town of Zhenao.

Ever since Akiva had become a retainer to the Jeongbayar Family, she had been in good company. This had been true in the days before then as well, but it had been different. She became comfortable, or as much as her spirit would let her, and she became relied on. Liked, but not in that fake intrigue sort of way or fawning adoration, just genuinely liked.

Her words had calmed a number of Khans and helped strike back against many others in service to her own. Her blades did quite the same with more instantly visual results.

And Khan Jeongbayar Hotaru and her husband Ichisae? Now those two, as with the Invisible Dragons so long ago, had felt like family. Real family. Lady Hotaru always hugged her when they saw each other in a way a sister would and Lord Ichisae made sure she was well taken care of during her visits sometimes amid her protests that she should be taking care of them. He’d only smile, say she was speaking nonsense, and to relax. They were the ones to gift to her, her favorite book years ago.

They were also now dead. And there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Not a thing anyone could do about it.

Skycar accident three months ago that happened to occur when she was nearly four thousand miles away to the south at the time was the reason. And that was it. The news had a ripple effect throughout Likarahim. They weren’t the only tragedies going on in the world, but they were her tragedy. And it hurt. It hurt so damn much she couldn’t think sometimes.

Her eyes glistened for a moment before she shook them away as she walked down the roads of Zhenao. Past a building that held even more memories that she tried not thinking about.

It hurt and yet…Khan Jeongbayar Kanada was the one who was hurting the most. She hadn’t met her since the incident yet, but she knew it. That young woman loved her parents with an intensity it could make a statue cry. What it must have done to her, Akiva did not want to think.

And yet as an orokujin at only twenty-nine she had taken over the title. Very much an adult in every way, but still no chance to be ready. Most orokujin girls her age and position were looking to be made ready for marriage soon if anything. Not accepting the whole package already! There was also her even younger brother to consider, a teen now and volatile.

In any event, after the accident she had been immediately called and taken (by skycar no less) to help keep things in order at their estate in Edokura. Between uproar within the family, the without was much worse. Eyes turned to the Barēu-Gû Province and its new young Khan as untested and weak, ripe for the picking in any terrible way others of the Khanate could think of. They had order and a reputation to upkeep and it required her to stay put in the second largest city in the world. Not her dream job, but it wasn’t about what she wanted. Or anyone for that matter, not right now.

Three months later the chaos is still going, if calmed down just enough to allow her to leave that noisy, rotten city and its six lousy gates behind. Plus there were even more important matters to discuss.

It was time the…new Khan, knew certain truths. And as such, the Chamberlain of the family, Zhenao Huurrakruff, called her to the Jeongbayar Estate to speak to her and help him advise her. It would be good to see him again too, serious though he usually was.

She had taken a speeder to the town from all the way in Edokura, a long trip of a few days. Akiva yearned to actually use her own two feet again when they arrived and informed the driver she was going to do just that the rest of the way. He had protested but there was no way he was going to argue with a two hundred year old feeorin woman and win.

The purple skinned samurai paused with a finger idly touching the hilt of her katana for comfort once as soon as she turned a corner and saw it. The Estate built on a slight rise in elevation in comparison to the rest of the town and possessing a small formidable of its own surrounding it. Though the familiar buildings on the other side of it were still quite visible, lanterns and stars lighting up its presence for all to see. A defiant beacon of hope perhaps. Semantics again.

Her emotions had been getting the best of her like this more often than usual these past few months, but especially after she had arrived in town. Normally she was a cheery, bubbly woman and she liked it that way. Did she enter with an honest face to showcase solidarity? Or was it better to wait a few extra moments, take a small detour before returning so she could compose herself better? Not long, just enough. It may be one time she didn’t want to do an act, yet it might be the wisest course of action.

Akiva wasn’t entirely positive either way, so she stopped walking. The gates to head in were up ahead where all she would have to do is announce herself and they’d let her in with haste. At the same time, if she simply strolled by without them getting a good glimpse of her by being on the far side of the road, she could head for a small spot she knew will. A small vista that few went to, nothing special, but one she had good memories. Had a nice view of the large wall separating Likarahim and Kurai Hei’duun twenty miles away. It may help calm her enough to be presentable or it could simply be wasting time, who knew for sure.

It would be best to come to a decision. She had known Kanada for a long time in between her traveling, but this was the first time she would be meeting her as Khan. And first impressions were always the greatest.

Now more so than ever.

Tag: A Blind Prophet

11:50 p.m.

“A Passionate Spark”

~Hine Estate, Oronara Province~

This close to midnight and most of the world stopped functioning. Either asleep or simply lulled into a lack of awareness because of the hour, the darkness of the night reaching its zenith.

This worked perfectly for the figure now hopping discreetly over the wall and into the Hine Estate. They were dressed in all black and what little bit of their face was exposed around the eyes, was black as well. In the dark it was impossible to tell if it was because of fur or skin color or was painted that way to hide a lighter shade. It was impossible to tell anything about them. Not even species or gender

Adding to the effect were their own naturally dark eyes, which swept across the grounds to verify it hadn’t been detected. That done they moved stealthily and hid behind bushes, trees, and rocks throughout the small garden the family possessed.

Their point of entry was carefully chosen as it was the shortest point from the wall to the main house. And they had no idea as to their presence.

Crouching low and nearly crawling to the wraparound deck, they smile underneath their mask. This was too easy.

Of course that was when three guards turned the corner, lantern in hand.

Immediately they stood and flipped up and onto the low hanging roof to evade notice, all soundlessly. Continuing from there would be a bad idea as the Hine retainers had watchers on the walls that could spot them potentially. So they waited till they passed, murmuring each other about idle things as they went.

The shadowy figure dropped back down again and this time stepped onto the deck. As soon as they did, they paused once more and closed their eyes. The Force wrapped about themselves, coiling like a serpent. Stretching, touching, feeling. Finding.

Eyes sprung open and they moved like living lightning, speeding past the corner the guards had originally appeared from and came to the door not far from it. A special one with a lock.

Yet with a hand upon it, it sprang open regardless. Such obstacles were laughable. Their progress continued unimpeded.

Once inside, two guards stirred but not for long. With a simple touch on the neck to both, they were collapsed on the ground as lifeless as a stone.

A third, caught napping in a corner of the room, was coming to. The intruder simply sprang backwards to the wall, splaying hands and feet to it before quickly and quietly crawling upwards with his back to the wall, held on by only the slightest touch of their fingers and toes.

The guard crouched by the corpses of their comrades while the unknown enemy positioned themselves above.

Straightening quickly, the guard swallowed in a bunch of air to let out a yell having discovered the state of his brethren. Only for the ‘shadow’ to drop upon them with a but single foot landing on their neck in a perfect ‘tree pose.’ With a simple twist of the anchored foot, there was a snap and the casualty toll rose to three.

Stepping off the new corpse with no sign of remorse, the figure strode over to another locked door. Again, it was easily undone, and they descended the stairs instantly revealed beyond.

Down they went. Darkness swaddling one already bathed in it as they took each step lightly. Ahead lay their goal. Their future.

Ahead lay the beginning of Xinsuke-ye’s impending destiny…


Tag: No One

 

IC: Seri'na Rubellite (Last is First & First is Last)
12pm
~Sorahorin, Barēu-Gû Province~

Understanding the nature of metal and ore, how to make it bend and flow, was much easier to do than understand the nature of some humans. Or so Rubellite Seri’na personally felt. After all how can you understand a race that does not view the dishonor of a lie to be equal to that of the dishonor of an unjust killing? It took some will not to shake her head at as she waited. Waited on more human's to do their duty.

She was before the human chamberlain of another province’s Khan, who was as you might have guessed: human as well. Still, she was not given permission to see the Khan which was normal. The chief retainer to the Hine Family was standing before her and two other samurai that served the Jeongbayar Family, their own heads bowed low in respect as a retainer under the Hine unwrapped and checked over the package Seri’na had brought personally as ordered.

Partaking of a breath to center herself, she had to detach. These simple beings were just inspecting her work, looking for flaws and faults they would not find. It was not an insult to her, they just were doing their jobs. Ridiculously slowly, they were not insulting her or her work, she had to keep telling herself that as she waited. Though she wished they would hurry up a little for the sun was high in the sky and giving off its glorious heat for all to feel. They were inside, yet the antechamber was stuffy to her and only appeared to increase the heat exponentially. Her nostrils could tell the others felt it as well. If they had added some ventilation she would of been fine in the heat, as it did not compare to the heat of her forge, but at least there she had moving air that at least kept her breathes fresh instead of the stale oppression of a heat that seemed to be standing still, laden with the sweet sweat of her companion samurai and their hosts in this afternoon heat.

“Well?” questioned the Hine’s Chief Retainer. His gaze was firm in the direction of the one looking it over, his posture completely relaxed as two guards flanked him on either side and they all blocked the door to their Lord.

Nodding quickly, deft hands moved to re-wrap the package, a reply finally issuing forth from the orokujin woman. “Y-yes, my apologies Chamberlain. Everything is well and accounted for, nothing is amiss.”

Of course nothing is amiss! she had wanted to shout, but she had been trained better than that. And so her throat merely bobbed as she swallowed another thick slurry of her own spit. They were not insulting her nor her work, but still they were testing them she felt. After all seeing how long one can stand is wait is a test for a guard.

The human nodded once more, his eyes closed in thoughtful satisfaction. It would seem they had passed the test, not that there was any reason for concern. Still, it was disconcerting to see the loops these other Khans and their servants would go to apply pressure on Khan Jeongbayar. She could only wait till the man would acquiesce for them to see the Lord beyond the door. Wait and remind herself it was almost over.

With a nod motioning to behind him, the orokujin maneuvered past him and the guards and went straight into the room that lay in wait. The chamberlain had them linger a moment longer. “Very well, Barēu-Gû Samurai. You have done well and brought honor upon yourselves, if I may say so. You, Selonian. I am to understand you are the one who crafted this gift for the Khan yourself?”

She gave a slight dipping of her chin, "Yes." she did not remember his name and in turn his title. So short was the best she could do, short and direct. He nodded at her affirmative response as though giving his own short non-verbal reply. The package in question, after all, had been chest armor for their Khan himself in the style of the last major war with Kurai Hei’duun around six hundred years ago. Not an easy task by any means for her, with difficulty added on due to the buyer. She had to stop the wayward mental thoughts from adding anything to that title as the buyer was the Khan she was in the family estate of. And it was asked to be done in a single month, which wasn’t much for this particular endeavor especially considering she had no fancy mass-manufacturing plant like the military had, not that she wanted one, but at times with crazy rush orders like this one she lamented she did not have access to one so she could of ordered a batch of the small parts that were a pain to craft. Instead for the better of the piece and the worse for her tired under-slept body, it was All Hand Made and crafted like any great Artisan would do. Now there was a title she would someday like to attain, Great Artisan, not that Samurai was not a great title and brought much greater honor to her and her Sept and her Den and her Matriarch.

It was all a test naturally. A test to see if the new Khan of the province could continue to keep order and rise to the occasion of fulfilling trades and deals with others of the Khanate while dealing with the storm of chaos that was nearly everything else. Everything else was death and new responsibilities. So it was with a gulp she imagined and the greatest of honors that the Khan had sent for her to personally see to the task, believing she would succeed. And she did. Otherwise she would not be standing here.

“Rubellite-laosan, I believe it was. The Khan will see you, but only you. That is our rule.”

With a nod, she moved on to the room ahead, her brown glossy fur shining in the sunlight that managed to drift through the windows. Her fur bristled softly, whether it was intentional or not that human had just used her given name and not her 'Family' name. She did not correct him. To do so would be to publicly shame him, and possibly invest into a confrontation as her emotions were raw, and that was something she was sure her Khan would not want. There were enough things troubled already.

Still as she advanced, a few fans, a technological allowance in such heat, were placed wisely past that threshold and the Selonian couldn’t help but very much welcome the cooling sensation they gave as she entered. It was amazing how welcomed moving air was. How any could stand back there in the still air was a wonder, as it spoke of tunnels that would kill you without fresh air to her mind, not that those humans oft thought of such comparisons.

Khan Hine sat in a chair directly ahead, samurai dispersed in a moderate number throughout the room, and a couple of servants replacing one tray of fruit for another by his side. She had to suppress a gag at the opulent showmanship of it all. If this man wanted to impress her, he had best have five pregnant wives resting behind him, but he did not and instead showed food and guards, samurai or not. All the while, his hands held up the armor she had crafted. Turning it this way and that, seeing it how it caught the rays of the sun and reflected them to splay mysterious yet gorgeous patterns on the walls for a short time. This, this she appreciated. Seeing the true client viewing her work, and seeing it for the first time as a worker giving up a part of herself. She her walking staff rest upon her shoulder, letting the coolness of the metal's touch ease her stress.

Coming to a stop some ten feet from his chair, he slowly set it down onto his lap and let his eyes roam over her in a neutral fashion. A brown that nigh matched the hue of her fur and the hardness that only a political baptism years ago could bring. In his sixties, with graying hair, he still presented himself a very formidable being. Which was to say, the extra food was all for show, he was not one given to his hunger. Still she did what was respectful and looked at his feet with her head dipped, giving honor in not assuming herself an equal that could look freely without invitation into those eyes.

As he watched her silently for those first few indeterminately long moments, his hand motioned for a servant to bring her a cup of water should she wish to accept. That hand then propped casually under his chin, his words rolling forth the moment the servant stepped away after she had taken the water. She did not sip, but held onto it.

“So. You are Rubellite Seri’na-laosan. I admit, your efficiency impresses me samurai. You’ve done Khan Jeongbayar a great service, it appears she knows whom to delegate responsibility upon well.” A pause. “This is noted.”

She bowed slightly at this, accepting the honor yet remaining silent. Still looking down and waiting, she heard a shifting in the chair as he continued to contemplate the one before him, his mind clearly working throughout the exchange from before she even came to his audience. She hoped he was thinking of her work, perhaps looking at it, as that was what calmed her mind more than any other thoughts.

“I am most curious. Could you explain to me how you came to craft this piece? It is masterfully done! Please, I must know more.”

At this she looked up at him and smiled. She kept it small as humans with their blunt teeth sometimes were unnerved by a sharp toothed grin. A basic nicety for a customer. "Khan Hine, I started long before this order, studying the old ways after mastering the new. Putting those skills to perfection for your task was a great honor which I can only hope you shall truly enjoy and find pleasing. Crafting such has truly been a labor of honor." she did not elaborate more, most customers did not wish to hear about she had found crafting those angles or forming hidden patterns to polish over to create that spectacular reflection had caused her to come within an inch of her sanity after going another stent of 72 hours without sleep due to how long everything took, fearing another mistake that would set her back days again.

The Khan waited on her word on the matter, letting her say how much or little on the topic as she pleased without a single interruption. He nodded as if expecting her response. “I see.” She doubted that very much.

Offering some food, mainly fruit, the Khan gave her a moment before plunging further. She took lightly, and sipped to clear her palate. The room they were in, a rented estate from distant relatives of the Hine here in the province, was more wooden than the washi paper styled shoji doors and screens. Likely adding to the oppressive heat as it held it in better. High windows that were open let in the sun and gave a nice ambience to the room. The wood itself was rich and dark, though she couldn’t place the tree it might have originated from. A few paintings of the sea hung on the walls, which must have revealed a desire of sorts. Of the Khan or his relatives was too difficult to discern. They were a long ways from the sea.

Although to tell the truth it made a part of her feel a slight yearning as well. Although it was one for the underground lakes of her home Den, swimming in them with the fish her sisters, of her Matriarch's favorite mate before her testing, farmed. Playing and making waves in the lake water was a favored past time when all work was done.

A small clearing of the throat as he set down a cup of his own beverage that meant they were getting back to discussion. He opened straight into the next question without hesitation. “Yet, I must ask if you feel the Khan requires any particular aid? Clearly she has the ability, a pleasing thing to learn. Yet, with things so chaotic I am sure a hand would be welcome. No?”

A nice gesture, but there was something about the way he said it and the way the sunlight danced in his eyes that made the air scream ‘trap!’ Or was it the Force at work once more? Who could say for certain. The Dragons surely, but they were not here to take the responsibility from her of answering beyond her depth.

She would have to pick her words carefully as she was alone in this powerful man’s den, in his borrowed birthing chamber as far as such things passed for humans. And above all, she could not disgrace her Khan or herself. May the Dragons watch over her was the only slight thought that gave her stillness as the worry for her Khan and Matriarch were linked in this and she had to help them, as sure as any sacred duty. If only she knew how.

The food and the water had gone a long way even in their smallness to restoring her peace and calming her agitations from the retainers of this Khan Hine. Still she had to speak wisely, and in this she relied on the Brown Dragon. Be direct and end it fast. Only how? A killing blow was not a welcome thing. A loss of fingers or sign of strain on her part would only make things worse for her own Khan."There is a saying in my den. If I am translating well I pray it is plain to you." Dragons may this Khan appreciate the words of the earth and sea, "A clean hands coming help can be welcome, so long as it follows the dirty hands direction. For in the depths of earth or the open sea, unguided help with different destinations in mind forms many paths to nowhere. When one alone may guide to completion more slowly than, but steady and true." Dragons she mangled that. Still she hoped it would do.

Tag: Darth_Elu

 

OOC: First IC post in a good while, so excuse any rust!

IC as Elaiess Tae'en

With a sharp inhale, eyelids flashed open and blue eyes stared at the ceiling above, as if refocusing on the surrounding world, reminding herself of the world she lived in as opposed to the dream world that plagued her. The young samurai remained motionless for a few minutes, forcing her breath to slow and the beads of sweat that gathered across her forehead to dissipate. That memory again? She closed her eyes, releasing an exhale to settle her racing heart, and a blood soaked ground burnt to life once more through her mind.

The day was a cool and gloomy one, with the sound of a gentle rain pattering on the roof top. While rain was always a good thing to clear the air and renew the grass and plant life, Elaiess still preferred a warm day with the sun soaking into her skin. The scent of the clean rain drifted through her small home and while most enjoyed the smell of it, it nauseated her. She watched the droplets of water saturate the green grass through her window, coming back into the present. Today was an off-duty day, but she couldn't take just laying about in bed all day.

Pushing herself off her futon, Elaiess shook her head once to dispel any remaining tension from the night, and reached her arms up to the sky, feeling her body wake up a little more while bringing more space in her core and sides. She bent forward all the way with a quiet exhale, resting her hands down on the floor by her feet, letting her head drop and her brown hair sweep across the floor. Slow, rhythmic movements linked to her breath was the only way she could feel somewhat Human in the morning. Upon finishing her stretches, the young woman disrobed from her night robe and redressed into a brown linen kimono, brushing out her hair. On most days, she would dress into her samurai garb, but today was a nice day to be a bit more casual. She collected her katana and lightsaber, glimmering in the faint, gray light of the sky, and continued on with preparing for the day ahead.

After finishing with her morning chores, Elaiess found herself wandering outside with a book in her hand. The rain had stopped for some hours now, though the sky still boasted a darkened sky with covered clouds. The confines of her home had been too stuffy to remain in all day, so, she risked getting wet to get some proper fresh air. There was a relatively dry spot of grass underneath the tree she always enjoyed reading under. It offered shade on a sunny day, a nice back rest against the trunk, and she didn't have to suffer many interruptions here.

Elaiess settled in to her spot and flipped open her book, Fate's Design. A good book was great, but the best book was the one she could revisit over and over again and not be bored. A faint smile crossed her lips as she lost herself in the story, her two weapons at her hip as always. This tale was one that promised am adventure far off in distant lands and a passion-filled love. It was just the sort of activity to get lost in, to allow herself time to relax, which she got so very rarely.

Tap.

She raised her blue eyes to the tree above her, feeling a small sigh exit her mouth. Rain again? She watched the gloomy sky through the protective branches of the tree above her, wondering if she could continue her fantasy tale or if she would have to retreat inside. The sky failed to reveal an answer, as she expected. Something then caught her attention. Elias gazed off in the fields of green to see a Xishiro drawn wagon with a couple of people in easy conversation as they passed through the little town. She watched them curiously for a moment, it was obvious they were heading to the city of Shinjei. Perhaps they were merchants or simple wanderers. That, she wouldn't know, but the ease of the way they traveled through echoed in her own day. A quiet day. It was definitely much needed.

Turning her attention back onto the printed words in her book, Elaiess allowed the world about her to drain away and letting the scripted one take its place. Until her senses flew into alert. How lucky she was to have such a wonderful guidance as the Force was. Her body moved on its own accord, twisting a little to the side and narrowly avoiding a rather large looking raindrop.

Rain did not settle well with Elaiess. It made her on edge, uneasy. She stared up, grumpily, at the threatening sky and decided to admit defeat with her story, for now. Pushing herself up to standing, she checked over herself and made her way down the small house she called home. She set her book safely away in the book stand in the living quarters and properly prepared herself for the chilly day by adding on a white haori over her kimono. Leaving her house once more, she ventured out for a small walk about town, feeling the need to stretch her legs more than she had that day.

"Oh! Tee's-laosan," a woman murmured and offered her a bow.

Elaiess inclined her head in greeting and continued onward. The people here were kind and respectful. Her thoughts drifted off as she passed the quaint inn, the Shy Rock. Over there was the flower shop, a few merchant stores of general goods, and one building she recognized instantly. Her childhood home where her mother still lived, most likely busy with tailoring clothes or even sewing together blankets at this time. She paused at the center of the town, debating on what she could do for the day.

After a moment of thinking, Elaiess chose to wander through the town's garden, feeling that such a quiet day deserved a quiet and beautiful place to be and yet she could still stretch her legs a bit. The blooming flowers were rich in color and gorgeous. She took a breath of the clean air and allowed herself to be lost in thought once more.

Tag: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Yama Hinoki (Last is First & First is Last)
Wakaiki-Sodatsu-Eien ni-dojo, Kuniga Province

Hinoki's amber eyes open just as the first few rays of sunlight begin to stain the sky that particular shade of purplish pink. She rises from the simple futon stretching her somewhat long arms and massaging her, for a woman, broad shoulders. Her room was small with a single window that allowed a little of the early light to enter the space, falling upon the little shrine to her late husband and son. It was a simple affair, a black stand with a single picture of them both, Tetsu and Ishi, dressed in formal attire. Two incense holders flank the photograph, ash the only remnants of the incense she'd lit the previous morning.

She propped herself on her knees bowing low so that her forehead touched the floor. "Good morning Tetsu-laosan, good morning my love." She said as she brought her head back up, though he told her many times that she could just call him Tetsu, she never could say it. Even with him gone she still couldn't bring herself to drop the honorific. "I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while, I plan to do so today." It was as if she was conversing with her loved one over a com, or through a letter. This had been one of the ways she'd dealt with him and her son being gone. Believing that in some small way they were still with her, that she could talk to them. Set against the wall, hung neatly and with seemingly great reverence was a naginata, a long wooden shaft and slightly curved blade. The waves of black and purple ran through the metal giving it an almost ethereal quality.

She lit more incense and stationed them in the holders that were on either side of the photo. With that done, she went about preparing a simple breakfast of rice and vegetables. She ate at a low table in the corner of her bedroom near the window watching the sun come up. After finishing eating and a bath she dressed in her gi and hakama and moved to the small archery range behind her home/dojo. The range was basic with a single target that stood some distance away and on the deck were a bow, arrows and other items related to her preferred meditative practice.

All was quiet as she notched her first arrow, and raised her arms above her head. She drew in a long breath as she brought the ancient weapon lower drawing the string back. She felt the tension in string, the strain of the bow, the beating of her heart, and most importantly every controlled breath she took. Waiting for just a moment, feeling the fletching brush against her cheek, she released the string launching the arrow towards the target. Her aim wasn't to hit the center of the target, just to be. Focus on her breathing, the subtle creaking of the bow, the string biting into her fingers. It all kept her in the moment, she wasn't thinking of anything except drawing her bow.

She released her second arrow and in that heartbeat she felt drawn, shot, like the arrow she loosed, her heart felt accelerated towards something, some goal, some target, what it was she didn't know. She shook her head, banishing the thoughts away. Notching her third arrow she took another long breath as she drew it back. Her mind cleared and she returned to hearing the bow, the birds, her breathing.

"Breath is your life," Tetsu's rumbling voice called out from the past, "it connects you to the Force, and focusing on it empties your mind, makes it easier to hear the Dragon's wisdom."

"But, I'm not…" a much younger Hinoki replied, she was cut off by her husband,

"Force sensitive." He chuckled and wrapped his arms around hers guiding them, showing her how to pull back the string. "Though you cannot sense it, it is still around you. Listen closely," he whispered in her ear. "The chirping of the birds, the crickets and their song, the wind blowing though the leaves of grass, all of these are expressions of the Force. They can still grant you wisdom, if you let them."

She released her grip letting the missile fly through the air, taking the memory of Tetsu with it. She had distance now, the thought of him not with her used to tear her apart inside. Now it brought warm feelings to her heart, spending another moment with him even if it was fleeting.

The sun had fully risen and she could no longer spend time meditating, it was time to prepare for classes. She took one final look at the sky, not a cloud gracing it. Taking up her nginata, that she called Tetsu-no-isan, she stationed it at the front of the main room. She always kept it close by, just in case she would need it.

The students filed in, bowing their heads as they entered. Many wore face concealing garb, as many in the town were uncomfortable with women learning to fight, even though Fu’ral-laosan and other women were retainers to Khan Kangyuen. It was a credit to these women that they were doing this despite the cultural norms against it.

Before the lesson could begin she handed out rags to all the students, and with them polished the floor of the main hall. It helped ready their bodies and their minds for the activity to come. Working next to Chishiki Kireina she informed the younger ojokuji that she would be leading a class later today. As the first exercises began the temperature rose.

She watched over them all, choosing one of the newer students a young human Karaku Tohiri. They had a look in their eyes one of determination, one she knew very well. They faced each other practice weapons in hand. Bowing Hinoki readied herself. She wasn't a combatant in a duel but a teacher assessing a new student. See firsthand the soil in which she would plant the seed that would grow into a strong disciplined woman.

Their weapons crashed against each other, Yama-senfu allowing the younger woman to make the first move. The crack of wood striking wood resounded through the space. Karaku-xiaocha had some strength and that determination hadn't left her face, though beads of sweat began to appear on her brow. The pair broke apart then clashed again. The Senfu tested the student by bringing an upward slash to her right hip. The human half her age blocked the attack and followed up with one of her own that was easily parried by the master of the dojo.

Yama-Senfu allowed Tohiri to assail her with strike after strike, each stopped with graceful, flowing, yet powerful movements. She scrutinized her pupil's actions looking for flaws yes but, as well looking for strengths, even the roughest diamonds can shine in the right light. Karaku-xiaocha gave away her attacks too early, moved in too close to her opponent when striking but, each of those strikes had weight behind them, and they came in fast. Hinoki noticed the frustration building in younger woman's face. While some difficulty was necessary for growth, too much could smother one's will to continue.

Hinoki decided to end the match before Tohiri became too fed up, deftly knocking the practice blade to the side and bringing her own an inch from her partner's throat. She held the shaft a little further up than she would normally but, once again the student moved too close when striking. The bowed to each other and the senfu noticed the tightening of teen's hand as she returned to her place.

Looking over the women collected in the room she could see the sweat covering their faces. It was hot and the enclosed space wasn't making things better.

"Karaku-xiaocha," she said addressing her sparring partner, "You did very well, your movements were fast and confident but, at times overly so." Looking to the rest of her students she continued, "However that is something all of us must be mindful of, we must not let our pride blind us to the skill of our enemy. Even an untrained novice can defeat a master, if the master underestimates the novice." She gave one last look to Karaku-xiaocha, "don't worry, you'll learn in time." She said reassuringly, "we are all learning constantly, and I'm not perfect either, this is not a path that ends but, one we are on eternally." Her words given she allowed the other women to take a break, find something cool to drink or just find a cold place to rest for a bit to escape the oppressive heat.

As she sat back watching her students chatting she remarked on how far some of them had come, and how far the dojo itself had come. It wasn't easy but, it was more rewarding than anything Hinoki had experienced. If she was honest, if she hadn't set up this place, she would have gone mad, again. The dojo replaced the home she lived in with her husband, and her students filled the space left vacant by the loss of her darling, and her son. This place kept her sane, kept her grounded. Though she couldn't deny the tension some of the women felt, that she felt. It was a formless worry that seemed to enter out of nowhere, and disappear just as quickly.

With the break over Yama-senfu jumped right into exercises she'd laid out, practicing the basic strikes and guards going through each one in sequence. The more advanced students breezed through with little difficultly, Chishiki-xiaocha, even demonstrated proper form to the few around her. Catching sight of this Hinoki felt swelling pride, the young orokujin had improved greatly, to the point that the master entrusted the student to teach the others in her absence.

Something the younger woman would be doing a little later. Hinoki had made a commitment to visit her loved ones' graves today, and it was best to do that before the sun when down. She also had things to discuss with her fallen love, like why she felt this yearning, this need to move forward. It at once scared her and fascinated her. Before she could get too deep into questioning herself she placed a gentle hand on the back of her student, straightening their back and bringing their feet closer together. Doing that brought her back to the present, she still had students to teach, she'd have to save her disquieting thoughts for later.

Casing an eye around the training hall she also noticed the absence of another of her advanced students, Byunaatse Natsuki. It wasn't unexpected, Byunaatse-xiaocha was a samurai in service to Khan Kangyuen along with her brother and father. A family of warriors working together, it was uncommon but, the other woman had explained that they did this to keep an eye on each other, to watch each other's backs. Given the bandits and ronin that appear from time to time, it was no wonder they would want to keep one another close.

Breaking the class into pairs Yama-senfu had them practice feints, one of missing samurai's favorite exercises, she'd be sad she missed it. A slight good humored smirk graced the orokujin's face as she patrolled the orderly lines of students. She paused occasionally to show how to properly make a feint attack, how to put enough movement into it to make it look genuine, but not enough to put you out of position for the true strike.

This continued for a bit, and every so often Hinoki would look outside to find the same clear sky that greeted her this morning, it seemed they would get no relief from this oppressive heat. As the practice drug on the master called for another break to cool off but, pulled Chishiki-xiaocha to the front. Due to one thing or another they hadn't sparred in days, something out of the ordinary for them and Yama-senfu could see the desire in her student's eyes she wanted to test herself once again against the woman that had taught her everything.

Now was her opportunity. Hinoki settled into her stance, her face locked into the same focused, determined mask she always wore. The light dance and swayed in the younger woman's cream colored fur as the muscles underneath tightened and relaxed.

The student pressed the attack starting with two quick thrusts that were batted away with the point of the master's weapon. Seeming to have taken today's lesson to heart the younger woman attempted a double feint before striking down with an overhead swing. Hinoki shifted ever so slightly preparing to block if the false attacks, when the real one came she stopped it with the center of her shaft tilting it to the outside. She moved he hand out of the way as the opposing blade slid down and away from her. One last powerful thrust shot out from Kireina, this one was parried with a twirl of the staff. The motion led perfectly into an overhand slash to the aggressor's right shoulder. It was the first in a fluid chain of slashes that stuck at the abdomen from the left, and at the right hip from below.

Even though this student was more skilled than the last Hinoki treated her just the same, watching her movements, looking for the imperfections, though there were fewer, they were still there. It was her job to bring them out. This match was only just beginning.

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

IC: Akiva Roku
9 p.m.
“Amongst The Stars”
~Zhenao, Barēu-Gû Province~

Sighing tiredly, Akiva tossed the datapad that she had been working on into the empty seat next to her. While she found the device somewhat distasteful, in her current position there was simply too much to be done rely solely on the old ways for the moment. That's more than enough work for tonight. I refuse to spend the last of this trip trapped in spiderwebs full of snares. Zinai Haomin, Nedsura, and Mellital. And all the rest of them. It's not like just because the Khan died that everyone around her disappeared. What utter idiocy to think that simply because two, admittedly important beings die that an entire province will grind to a halt and lose its focus. Kruff-laosan has always done most of the heavy lifting in regards to administration anyway. A smile graced her face at the thought of that venerable wookiee. I wonder how surly he's been these past three months. I'm sure he's been an unholy terror.

Glancing outside, she noted how close to Zhenao that they actually were. It was amazing how well she recognized the surrounding terrain, even though she hadn't spent even remotely all of her time with the Jeongbayar family at their ancestral home. But that suited her fine, she was a restless wanderer, constantly in search of the new. The challenging. Home wasn't really a concept that she had ever truly experienced, having never known one in the traditional sense. Having been taken in by the Invisible Dragon school at the tender age of three solely because she had been obviously Force sensitive, her mother had been discipline, her father the blade. Not exactly the most homely thoughts. And even though she had outlasted four generations of Jeongbayar Khans at this point, and would likely outlast at least two more, her constant travels had made the natural restlessness of her soul even more acute. At the moment she was just glad to be out of the cesspit that was Edokura. How anyone can stand the stench of the cities is beyond me. Cities were among her least favorite places for that simple reason, they all stank. Some of the estates weren't so bad, but traveling from one place to another was pure torture as far as Akiva was concerned. The worst was when the smell clung to her clothes and she couldn't change for hours on end. It was enough to send a shiver down her spine at the mere thought.

Catching a glimpse of the estate through the trees that lined the road she smiled softly, sadly. While the idea of a home wasn't something she was very familiar with, this was the place she most closely associated with the concept. It was where she was simply liked. Not because of her abilities, not because of her winning smile, not because of her physical form, nor because of the honor she brought to the family. Just because she was her, and that was enough. It had been the last Khan and her husband that had really cemented that. Hotaru-kazi and Ichisae-sayé had treated her like family. While the ones before had respected her, listened to her, encouraged her to fulfill herself in her duties and studies throughout her life, none of them had given her a hug. Hotaru-kazi had, all of the time. Ichisae-sayé had even gone so far as to serve her many meals, just the three of them, both before and after he had become the husband of a Khan. Young Kanada had grown up with Akiva being more of an aunt than a retainer, even going so far as to be allowed into the families private quarters whenever she was there. It had been a surprisingly stark breaking of tradition in some ways, one that she had never felt that Khan Soma-atsu had approved of before his death. As proof of how well they had known her, Akiva's favorite gift of all time was one that she had been given by the two. The Wisdom of Cometsi Icharu-hakarén: Collected Sayings and Stories was a book that she had poured over more than a dozen times in the last thirty-four years.

And now they were gone, and she feared coming home for the first time in her life.

There was a saying from her book: "One can never visit the same place twice, for the winds of time bring change, and the rains of change bring with them the unknown." This felt especially true as she hadn't had the chance to even speak with Khan Kanada, and while their relationship had been strong, there were things she simply had had no reason to know about Akiva. That she was Jeongbayar's most useful and successful spy. That she had assassinated dozens of people over the course of her two centuries with the family, a most dishonorable task if ever there was one. She had slept with more men than was even remotely considered appropriate through the course of her work, and likely would many more before she was too old to be considered an appealing conquest. It was one of the reasons she had forgone a relationship of her own, she simply could not cheat on a husband. It was one of the main reasons she had clung to Hotaru-kazi and Ichisae-sayé so strongly, because it was the first true taste of love she had ever experienced in her life. And they had done so despite the knowledge of what she was doing. Perhaps it was part of why they had truly opened their lives up to her so fully, because Hotaru-kazi somehow understood the deep need she had for family. Had either of them known how much she respected them, they would have waved her off, telling her that Xiaocha or Kunseng was far more fitting. But in her mind they were always Kazi and Sayé, and always would be. Where am I going to get hugs now?

And so she allowed herself to weep during those last few minutes before arriving at Zhenao. It wasn't the first time, but there simply hadn't been time since the news first arrived and she was whisked off to Edokura. By skycar even. The last time she had ridden in one of those had been when a band of ronin had been terrorizing several villages, and Khan Soma-atsu had called for all of his Samurai post-haste. That had been nearly fifty years ago. That it had been a skycar accident that had claimed their lives was just numbing. A senseless accident that no one could actually do anything about. Dragons, why did they have to be claimed in such a way? Couldn't you have at least given me an enemy to hunt down? To make pay for this? In a sense she felt betrayed, and had nowhere to channel her anger and sorrow. While death was simply a fact of life being a feeorin given their long lives, she had never dealt with losing a true loved one before. In all of her two hundred plus years. But there it was, the crux of her current problem. She simply had not been prepared by her life to handle this current situation.

As they entered the outskirts of Zhenao she spoke to the driver. "Pull over. I'm going to walk from here. You may take my things the rest of the way for me." She hadn't brought too much, as she had rather established quarters in both Edokura and Zhenao, as her life sent her back and forth between the two constantly, but there were certain things that she tended to always bring with her. Several books, her weapons, a few important mementos, some changes of clothes simply because of travel time, just the kinds of odds and ends that were necessary for any substantial journey. And her work. Unfortunately.

"But Roku-sayé, I was instructed to drive you the whole way. It's been a long journey, surely you must be tired and want to rest." The driver, one of house Jeongbayar's retainers or servants, began to insist. She thought his name was Enkaru Roshan, but she wasn't quite sure. They hadn't done that much talking over the past few days as she'd still been absolutely buried by work. "Please allow me the honor o-" Abruptly he stopped speaking, having actually looked in his mirror.

Akiva almost smiled. One did not reach her age, and her station without learning how to silence an underling with a simple look.

"Yes Roku-sayé, give me a moment," Enkaru said, looking for a place to pull over.

Mere moments later she was standing outside of the speeder, stretching the stiffness from her body and breathing in deep the clean air of Zhenao. Even though her species didn't suffer from many of the problems that others did as they aged, she still wasn't as young as she used to be and days worth of inactivity was more than enough to make her body begin to complain at her. Reaching back into the speeder she grabbed her katana and deftly replaced it at her built. It was a fine blade, made by a selonian samurai that she had befriended. Seri'na-khozi was a very promising blacksmith, and she had worked with her to expand upon her technique as she tried out various ideas and got Akiva's opinion. It was good fun, and Akiva was more than happy to aid a blossoming artisan. Especially one who had made possibly her favorite katana to date, and that was no small feat given the sheer number she had used throughout her life.

"Thank you Enkaru-kozhi. I simply have to stretch my legs. I've been sitting for far too long." She said as she reached back in and grabbed a small bag into which she placed her datapad, and then slung over her shoulder as she stood again. "I thank you for the peaceful journey." With that, having gotten a smile from the arkanian man, she bowed slightly and turned away, having no doubts that her things would find their way to her room long before she arrived. Which was well, as far as she was concerned, she needed some time to compose herself. She hadn't realized how much it had hurt to have missed the funeral, not getting the chance to pay her respects to her family for the last three months, and the pain in her heart threatened to overwhelm her now that she was on her own for the first time save for when she was sleeping, and she'd been far to exhausted to give time to her emotions. It was no wonder she felt so out of balance.

Walking along one of the many dirt paths that wound its way through the town, she felt tears finding their way down her face again. Without her consent she found her steps winding their way past the Secret Tea Garden, a tea house that she had frequented with all four of the Jeongbayars for many years. Much laughter and conversation had been shared there, and the tea was the best she had ever had. And that was saying something given the many places throughout Likarahim that she had traveled. Perhaps it was simply the comfort of home that colored her opinion, but she didn't care.

As she passed the Secret Tea Garden memories flooded through her, and reminded her of Kanada, and exactly how close she had been to her parents. I can't even imagine what this has done to Kanada-xiaocha. Has she had time to mourn? I doubt it, given the insanity I've been dealing with in Edokura. I'm sure it's been even worse here, what with all of the delegations that were inevitably sent to the funeral. And the "well wishes" since. Leeches. She knew that she wasn't being her normal cheerful self, but emotions sometimes dictate mood. This was one of those instances. She was also sure that Bao was not handling this well. But what fourteen year old even could? Losing both of ones parents so suddenly at such a tender age... it was an unthinkable tragedy that had befallen both of the surviving children. Wonder if Kruff-laosan has actually helped them handle it, or if he's remained all business. Knowing him, and the number of Khan's he's survived, he probably thinks nothing of it beyond the chaos of transition. I wouldn't be the least surprised if he was just irritated. It wasn't a worthy thought, and she knew it, but Kruff-laosan had always been about business. She wasn't sure that she truly knew a personal detail about him, despite knowing and working with him for two hundred years. That took a special talent, she supposed. One she was glad that she didn't possess.

Reaching down, she touched the hilt of her katana, taking comfort from the familiar weapon and toying with the black and red strings that denoted the schools she was currently and had been a member of. It was highly irregular to come across two on a single weapon, but she had been a member of the Red Dragon Asheru Ran Gemo-ryu school for a little over a century before she had moved onto the Black Dragon Ashigtai Wru Li-ryu for the last seventy-seven years, and there simply weren't many that had remained active as a samurai for such a long time in general, much less before moving to another school. Mainly wookiees and feeorins, to the best of her knowledge, since after a century most of the other species were either dead or well into their elder years and as such mainly taught or advised in some capacity. Really it should have been three or four, given her years as a monk and the Invisible Dragon school, but the monks didn't put much stock in such displays and the Invisible Dragons wanted to remain invisible which was highly understandable as the trainers of assassins.

Drawing upon the Force, she began to move faster, pacing herself into a run, as she still had some distance to go, and she knew that Kruff would be expecting her with the speeder. And she needed to move, to run. Whether she was running from or to was a question for debate. Perhaps both at once, but run she did, feeling her lungs, legs and arms pumping, pushing oxygen and blood through her body as she quickly ate the ground up through the town until she rounded a corner and there it was, the Jeongbayar estate shining upon a small rise. The sharply slanted roofs curving up at the ends, the red tiles upon them, the solid wood beams interspersed throughout the stone walls, with some rather odd looking bits of more modern technology scattered about, the lights blazing through nearly every window, the walls surrounding the entire compound... it was home.

Quickening her pace, she raced about halfway up the hill before slowing again to a walk, knowing that she really shouldn't arrive with a sheen of sweat upon her body. That simply wouldn't do, as she had to meet with Khan Kanada-xiaocha tonight. Well, Kruff-laosan hadn't been particularly specific in that regard, but she suspected he would want to get it over and done with. It was a matter that had to be addressed, and efficiency was his mantra. But was she really ready? Should she really appear before them as raw as she currently felt? Likely to cry at the drop of a hat, especially upon seeing Kanada-xiaocha? That surely was not the impression she wanted to make upon the young Khan. She would never get this moment back, and it had to be done right after all.

And so as she neared the path leading to the gate Akiva stayed on the far side of the road, hoping to avoid being noticed by the guards as they would surely know her on sight and usher her inside. Even from here she could sense the hustle and bustle, even at this late hour. No. I'll go to Roku's Rest. And so she passed by, just another stranger in the dark, though it wouldn't surprise her if one of the other Force sensitives had felt her passing by. Maybe even recognized her. But what of it? Were they going to run out on a momentary sensation when surely all were far too busy to do so? It seemed highly improbable to Akiva.

It wasn't particularly far from the estate that she had to travel, but it was off of the beaten path. And so she found herself gliding through the trees, to the edge of a small cliff overlooking the land as it stretched out before her, as the ground dipped quite far on the other side of the Jeongbayar estate. Really the entire town of Zhenao had been built on top of a series of hills, though the rise was so slight that it seemed as to not actually exist at all. That was until one attempted to head towards the wall, or any of the other towns that were spread out east of the Khan's estate and then the incline was quite steep, and the path had to switch back on itself several times while heading downwards. To her the small clearing was perfect, having a rock that had been worn into a nice seat suitable for meditation or reading, a flat area that she had practiced many a kata within, and a pleasant grassy area beneath the trees where she had taken more than a few naps over the course of her life.

Over the edge of the cliff the land stretched out, a fair sized lake being the most prominent feature in the landscape, as copses of trees were scattered about amidst several fields and rice paddies. There were also a few hills, and lights scattered about at various farm houses and the towns that she could see sparkling like emberflies as far as the eye could reach.

And then there was the Wall.

It was a good twenty miles away and still it completely dominated the landscape as it flowed off into the distance like some enormous serpent gorged on a fantastic meal. It had the feel of a small mountain range, even though in reality it was barely three hundred and fifty feet tall, give or take a few tens of feet depending on the location. It was truly a marvel, and it was no wonder that there had been at least one myth to spring up surrounding the structure.

Mainly a tale told by the common folk, but one that came to mind as she gazed into the distance, the lights around the base and atop the wall capturing her imagination. It was said that many moons ago there was war, almost constant as the great empire of Likarahim had yet to be formed, nor had it's great adversary the Kurai Hei'duun but the writing was on the wall as to how they would ultimately form as the basis for them had been created. All of the strife and death created a great disturbance in the Force, and so the great Dragons looked upon the world with great sorrow, knowing that those two great powers were ultimately going to clash. And so, in their great wisdom, upon creation of the two empires they raised up a wall between them, made from a single piece of stone, thinner at the base and widening to nearly twenty feet across to prevent anyone from attempting to go over. And so the peace was held between the two for the most part, and the Dragons wisdom was again seen to be great as they had saved many lives before they were even in danger.

While it was a nice tale, and brought a smile to Akiva's face, she knew it was utter nonsense. Having actually walked the top of the wall she knew that it was hardly of a single piece, and the proportions were rather on the backwards side. Anyone living within sight of the wall knew some of it wasn't accurate, but there were so many that hadn't ever been within a hundred miles that the story still circulated quite widely. It was a favorite of young children in taverns when the traveling minstrels would come, and as such would likely never be forgotten. At least not in her lifetime.

Taking a deep breath, needing to center herself, she drew her katana. It had been far too long since she had gone through any kata's, or practice of any sort. Crazy as things had been she'd barely had time to dress and break her fast in the mornings. The number of times she had forgone lunch far outnumbered the times she'd had time to partake, and that wasn't something that she was particularly happy about. She had lost more weight than she would have liked to as well, simply due to the stress. And so she decided to take ten minutes, maybe twenty. She wasn't sure, but she needed this. Needed the motion, the simple truth and focus that came with it. The cleansing. And cleanse it did, as tears rolled down her cheeks. The pain of having not even been allowed to attend the funeral, of the loss, of simply not knowing if she truly still had a family or was going to be relegated back to what amounted to a very valuable tool... Only time would tell, and not much time at that. But here, in her place, in this moment, she found some measure of peace, and that was what she needed to move on. To confront the madness in the estate, to deal with gruff old Kruff-laosan, and see Khan Kanada. She knew that addressing her as xiaocha not going to be proper any longer, unless the Khan told her to. Though what exactly was appropriate she wasn't sure, as she was still far older than Kanada. It was a conundrum, but one that she would solve. Odds were Kruff-laosan had already thought of it and would inform her.

And so while not exactly content, but far more centered, Akiva Roku strolled back through the trees, up onto the dirt road, and approached the gate. She was hailed by one of the guards, asking for her identity. "Roku Akiva, coming at the request of Khan Jeongbayar and Chamberlain Zhenao." The gate was already opening before she had finished the sentence, and they were ushering her inside. Into the mess of chaos and stress that she could sense and felt like she was walking into a cloud of steam. Dragons help me. Though with what she wanted help, she really wasn't sure at the moment.

TAG: Darth_Elu

 

GM Aprroved -


Name: Arcalia, Stav – Meiyo
Species: Arkanian
Gender: Male
Age: 41
Hair Color: White – but is bald
Eye Color: Brilliant blue
Height & Build: 6’1” - conditioned and not overly muscular.
Personality: Broken and rebuilt. A warrior monk, silent and in pursuit of harmony and synergy.
3 Likes: Nature – building/creating – tea
3 Dislikes: Slavers- Wasted Opportunity – Pollution
Force Sensitivity: Yes

Family & Province: The Torawei Family / Aruka Province
Occupation/Class: Healer – Monk – potion maker
Weapons: Short Katana – Teileng Steel staff

School Dojo: Blue Dragon Schools
Staff School: Dizhèn Gyesugi-ryu
Personal Star: Arkania


Bio: Trained from birth to be a warrior Stav was disciplined, deadly and precise in the arts of the Xinsuke-ye. The head and lead warrior of his house and trusted advisor to his master, Stav was ruthless and calculating grand marshaling recognition and smothering all who dare oppose his house. Until one Spring, when everything changed. Betrayal, murder, and deceit blanketed the house as the figurative walls came crumbling down, as it burned to the ground. The catalyst to unspeakable pain and suffering which consumed the house brought about its end, in its weakened state – vulnerable – and exposed – the house fell. However not until after suffering humiliation at the end of a rival house, Stav’s entire house was slaughters after his master was betrayed and humiliated. The house dissolved and scattered, beaten and imprisoned. Stav – Masterless – Ronin

 

Matsuoka Kazue

Kuniga Province, Forest Road, Okunaku Tea Shack, 3:35 PM

Her toes gave a slight curl as she sat at the table by herself, making faint glances at the Wookiee and the silent, seated stranger. The dark red hues of her eyes lingered for a moment on the visible weapon of the dark-furred stranger for a few milliseconds longer. An idle sip of her drink gave her reason to raise her head and appraise the two further.​

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'At least with the Wookiee, you can safely assume you know where he stands.' Kazue thought, her tails giving a quiet swish behind her. She hadn't seen many other Ronin traveling the roads, but at the same time, she had only been on the road herself for a little while. Part of seeing the one-eyed man stirred something in the young samurai, making her take a sharp breath before turning her attention back to the quiet stranger.​

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'That man. There's something not right.' Kazue had heard tales from her father of Hunters. Hunters of rogue samurai, lordless men and women who needed to feel the swift justice of the blade for abandoning their posts. Kazue was one such woman. Now at least. ​

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Her heart pulsed in her ears and she could sense that the simple Tea Shack was certainly a more peaceful setting. It had it's own life, it's own ebb and flow in the universe. People came here for a reason; a joined reason. It was peaceful. It wasn't structured like the inner halls of the dojos she had been to or the various noblemen houses she had been escorted through.​

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And that was rather pleasing!​

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The orokujin girl reached into her coinpurse and quietly counted some coins before flagging the human woman over. Once she was close, she whispered softly.​

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“That man there,” She gave a tilt of her ear faintly at the Wookiee. “I would like to buy him a drink and an order of dumplings, please and thank you.” She placed a few coins in the woman's palm, knowing that she was growing low on her own funds. Despite her rebellious nature, she knew that kindness was often repaid within the Universe.​

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Only time would tell...​

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TAG: Darth_Elu

(OOC: I hope you don't mind the slight liberty I took in naming the roadside tea shack ^^ if you don't like it, we'll just strike it from the record)

* * * * *​

Nakatsukasa Iori

Edokura, Jinura Estate, 8:45 PM

A slide of her bare foot. An upward movement of her arm. The deliberate bend of her knee. A story being told with gestures alone.​

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Iori felt her pride well up inside of her, keeping it just beneath the surface as a pleased smile crossed her lips ever so faintly. Who wouldn't be impressed with the telling of such a tale? Many entertainers envied her for her gracefulness, and many felt that due to her training as a Samurai, she had an unnatural connection to the way the world moved around them. An unfair advantage, one might say. Iori would argue “advantageous”.​

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As the song ended, she was thankful it did so in those very brief seconds, as the sound of the scuffle outside quickly caused her to snap back to attention. Her head gave a sharp turn, her hair flowing gracefully behind her as if moving in slow motion. She was well aware of the new admirer as well, not wishing to seem rude as he complimented her.​

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“You speak kindly of my performance, laosan. I regret that I must leave your company for the time being,” She slid her hands inside the open sleeves of her robes and gave a polite bow. “All this dancing has gotten to me and I need to step away for some air. Please, excuse me, laosan.”​

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With that, Iori bowed yet again and spun on her heel, striding calmly towards the sight of the Khans. A sideways glance in the direction of the sounds of a scuffle outside made her purse her painted lips.​

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'His honor is not mine to uphold,' Iori thought to herself as her steps made it seem like she had been gliding across the floors of the estate. A Samurai upheld the honor of themselves and the honor of the family they served, and if he felt the need to dishonor himself by not backing down from this confrontation, that wouldn't bode well if he survived.​

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Chances were good that he would not.​

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She kept a keen ear open as she approached the area where Khan Jinura and the others were speaking, following through on her excuse to “get some air” as it were. Iori could have easily fallen into the lap of Otaru, but she had her own reputation to uphold. ​

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'It would have been easy. Still could be.' She thought as she leaned against a cornered wall, trying to remain within earshot of the Khan and his discussion while keeping herself out of sight for the time being.​

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'A spy can only get you the information you need; a lady can get you that and more.' Her lips curved into a pleased smirk, her connection to the Force enabling her to extend her senses past the corner she had been standing around.​

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TAG: Darth_Elu