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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 16, 2006 8:30:10 GMT -5
Since we've already agreed on a basic story-line, we'll each explain how our characters will become involved, and that way we can just make it up as we go along.
We will be meeting the rest of the group at the Lord's Palace, Kuroki remembered his captain's words, Tomorrow morning.
Kuroki was on his way to meet and join a group that was being assembled for a very important mission. That was all he had been told. He supposed that there would be more information revealed at the palace, probably for security reasons.
There it is, up ahead, he thought to himself, almost there.
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Post by twilightblade on Nov 16, 2006 13:38:42 GMT -5
Sayoi urged her blood bay stallion out of the trees and toward the road, still looking back over her shoulder at Sato.
"Look, I told you Sato-kun, I know exactly where I'm going. You know I don't get lost that easily. Come on!"
"Alright, alright. I'm coming. I can't make this dumb beast move!"
Sayoi sensed powerful Chi coming from ahead of her then and whipped back around. A man was walking down the road just a little way back...very powerful looking. Scarred. A tested warrior, no doubt.
"Sato, hurry. We have company." She pulled her horse-bow over her shoulder, nocking an arrow even while controlling her dancing stallion with her knees, but not aiming at the man. These days, you never knew who was a friend and who was an enemy.
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 5:49:00 GMT -5
"When the soldiers arrive, you are to stay here, in your room." Hideyori told his sister sternly. His arms were folded across his chest and his tone of voice brooked no argument.
Ayame sat at her dressing table, her long black hair loose and falling over one shoulder, and looked up at her brother. "But why, Hideyori?"
"Because I don't want you getting involved, Ayame-chan," Hideyori explained, "The soldiers are coming here to discuss a matter of extreme importance, and I would prefer you to remain ignorant."
"But Hideyori-kun, why would my knowing matter?"
"The less people who know, the better. Your knowledge of the matter may put you in danger, and jeapordise their lives as well."
"I will not look like a good hostess." Ayame pointed out, "It will shame you."
Hideyori sighed exasperatedly, and rubbed his eyes wearily. "You will bring tea and refreshments for the soldiers, yes, but you will not remain in the room with us afterwards. Understand?"
"Very well, Hideyori-kun." Ayame bowed her head in aquiesence. Hideyori thanked her and left the room, leaving her alone. Most men would not allow their sisters to argue the way Hideyori did, but he cared for Ayame dearly and gave her a lot of freedom.
Despite that, Ayame was determined to hear what was being said at that meeting tomorrow. And she knew exactly how she would do it.
- - - -
Yukimura directed his stallion down the road to Lord Hideyori's residence at a stately pace, not in any particular hurry. He had been in the palace a few times before, as a child, but had not visited for many years. He wondered if Lord Hideyori, and his sister Lady Ayame would recognise him.
Up ahead he could just see the palace between the trees. And on the road before him another was making his way there. Yuki peered closer and realised it was a fellow soldier, Kuroki. A most reknowned warrior.
Yuki urged his horse forward to catch up to him, calling out a greeting.
"Kuroki! Hello! How are you?"
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 8:12:36 GMT -5
You didn't happen to steal names from Fruits Basket did you? Maybe it's just coincidence.
"Not bad," Kuroki replied, "Although it seems that we're being watched."
He motioned behind them to two people on horseback.
"One of them seems to be very cautious," he stated, "I haven't noticed too much action from the other. Do you think they might be part of the group we're forming?"
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 9:41:44 GMT -5
I borrowed Akito from FB. I completely forgot there was an Ayame too, lol! Yukimura's from a video game though ;D
Yukimura glanced cautiously backwards at the people Kuroki indicated.
"Possibly." He nodded, "But I wouldn't like to take any chances."
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 9:43:04 GMT -5
"I suppose we'll find out when the meeting starts," Kuroki said, "Let's go."
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 9:51:33 GMT -5
I changed Akito's name. Couldn't read it without thinking of FB now XD
Yuki nodded, and urged his stallion forward up the path.
"Have you ever met Lord Hideyori before?" he asked Kuroki as they neared the palace.
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 9:58:52 GMT -5
"No, though I've heard he used to be a pretty good fighter," Kuroki replied.
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 10:23:05 GMT -5
"Yes." Yuki answered, "I met him once or twice when I was a child. Our fathers knew each other. I never saw him fight, but I heard that he excelled in his training."
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 10:42:26 GMT -5
Kuroki and Yuki approached the gate to the Lord's palace.
"We're here," Kuroki replied, "I wonder what it is they want us to do.."
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 10:51:08 GMT -5
"Let's find out." Yuki answered, swinging himself down off his stallion.
- - - -
Ayame was watching out her window as the two soliders approach. When they neared the palace, she left her room and headed down the stairs, calling out to her brother.
"Hideyori-kun! Hideyori-kun! They're here!"
The door to the main room slid open, revealing her brother and an elderly woman; their maidservant, Seiko.
"Show them in Seiko," Hideyori instructed the servant, "Ayame-chan, you will receive our guests in here, with me."
- - - -
The door to the palace sild open suddenly, surprising Yukimura, so he took a step back. Framed in the doorway was an elderly female servant. She bowed to the soliders, then straighented up and spoke.
"Welcome," she said, "I am Seiko, Lord Hideyori's maidservant. Please, follow me. My lord is waiting to receive you."
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 10:52:34 GMT -5
"Thank you," Kuroki said politely, "Lead the way."
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 11:00:24 GMT -5
Seiko bowed deeply again, then led the two soldiers into the main room. Lord Hideyori was seated at the head of a small, rectangular table, facing the doorway. A young woman was knelt a little way behind and to the right of him. Her long black hair fell over one shoulder to the floor, and Yukimura knew by the single white streak in the front that this was Lady Ayame, Hideyori's sister.
Hideyori himself had spread his arms wide in welcome, and smiled at his guests.
"Welcome, my friends, welcome. Please, be seated; make yourselves comfortable. I am Hideyori, Lord of this palace. This is my young sister, Ayame." He indicated the girl behind him, confirming Yukimura's suspicions. Ayame murmured a polite greeting, then Hideyori turned once again to his guests,
"And your names?"
Yuki bowed formally and introduced himself, "My name is Yukimura, my lord."
"Yukimura ...?" Hideyori frowned slightly, then his face cleared into a smile, "Ah, yes, Yukimura-san. I remember you well. And you sir?" he turned to Kuroki, "What might I call you?"
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 11:05:59 GMT -5
"I am Kuroki, sire." Kuroki replied, "At your service."
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 11:32:20 GMT -5
"I'm honoured to meet you, Kuroki-san," Hideyori replied. "Please, do be seated. There are still a few to arrive, so I will hold off begiinning until then." He motioned again to the seats by him. (Well, cushions. You know what I mean.)
From her vantage point behind her brother, Ayame could examine the two soldiers carefully. She too had remembered Yukimura from her childhood, but he was vastly different to the gangling, awkward boy she remembered. He was still tall, but was now filled out and well muscled rather than scrawny, and his face had lost the dreamy look it used to have, and was now hard and determined.
The other soldier, Kuroki, seemed to have a warrior's discipline and physique, with many battle scars to go along with it. He was obviously a battle hardened soldier, and it would not pay to underestimate him.
Ayame wondered who else was to arrive. When they did Hideyori would no doubt send her away, and then she would have to rely on her skills to eavesdrop. But she was not missing this.
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Post by twilightblade on Nov 17, 2006 12:39:26 GMT -5
Sayoi stiffened as another soldier rode up to the other. 'Kuroki!" the mounted soldier called.
She shut their voices out and shifted to watch Sato come out of the trees. "Sato, we'll be late. The horse is gentle enough, make him move."
"OK." Sato sighed and thumped the horse with his heels, swaying a little as they came out onto the main road. The soldiers had already disappeared down Hideyori-sama's side road.
Sayoi came out beside him and they cantered quickly toward the house, then turned down the road and halted sharply in the yard. Sayoi had dismounted and was waiting while Sato was still scrambling off. Another horse, the soldier's, was already tied in the yard, waiting patiently for it's master to return.
Sayoi took Sato's horse as he adjusted his weapons, and tied them off to the side a little way with an easy knot. If they had to leave quickly, she wanted the horses to be able to jerk free and come to them.
Sato and Sayoi turned toward the house simultaneously, and Sayoi smiled. For all that Sato needed to learn much more, they made a very good team.
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 12:57:39 GMT -5
Seiko was watching for the arrival of the other who were to meet Hideyori-sama, and when she saw the boy and girl approach, she once again slid open the outer door to the palace.
"Greetings," she called to them with a bow, "Hideyori-sama is expecting you. Please, come this way."
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 13:04:01 GMT -5
Kuroki saw more of them arrive.
Turning to Yuki, he said, "That's the person who was following me earlier."
Standing, he spoke to them, nodding his head in a sort of bow, "Hello, I am Kuroki."
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Post by twilightblade on Nov 17, 2006 14:37:25 GMT -5
Sayoi and Sato first nodded their greeting to Hideyori-sama, as was correct, then turned and nodded back to Kuroki, unintentially moving in precise mirror images of each other.
"I'm Sayoi."
"Sato."
They took seats on two of the cushions, and waited.
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Post by blossom on Nov 17, 2006 14:50:09 GMT -5
"Welcome Sayoi-san, Sato-san," Hideyori welcomed them, "I am Hideyori. May I introduced my sister, Ayame?"
Ayame gave a small bow from where she knelt. "Greetings," She murmured, waiting for Hideyori to send her from the room.
Yukimura was the only one who had not introduced himself, and did so now, also bowing from his kneeling position. "I am Yukimura."
Now that everyone was acquainted, Hideyori made a small slashing movement with his hand beneath the table, so only Ayame could see. His sister saw the sign with dismay, but hid her emotions carefully, instead bowing again, then rising to her feet, excusing herself as she did so,
"I will go and see to some refreshments for you. Excuse me." She bowed once more before leaving the room, her long hair swirling about her ankles.
Ayame slid the door shut behind her, then padded softly to the kitchen, where Seiko had already been preparing refreshments. Ayame thanked the servant warmly, lifted the tray with both hands and turned to go back to the main room.
- - - -
As soon as Ayame had closed the door, Hideyori's cheerful expression had become hard and serious, and he had turned to the soldiers gravely.
"I am sure you will understand that I do not wish my sister to be involved in any of the matters we discuss," he said, "She is very dear to me, and I do not want her in any danger."
Yukimura stayed silent, his eyes downcast. The Ayame he had known as a child had never liked being left out of things, and had always found a way to disobey her brother and find out things she wished to know. He wondered if she had changed at all as she grew. Somehow he doubted it.
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 17, 2006 15:03:59 GMT -5
"Yes," Kuroki replied, then looked at Hideyori directly, "What is it, exactly, that we've been called here for?"
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Post by jessimyre on Nov 18, 2006 22:39:31 GMT -5
Yoshi staggered under the weight of the water-pail. The boy stepped carefully as not to spill it, his masters disliked the palace grounds to be saturated when it had not been raining. He brought the pail step by step out from the stable yard to the visitors horses, knowing it would be well recieved to care for the animals before being asked to do so.
He finally managed the last of the distance and up-ended the pail in the stone trough that ran beneath the hitching rail. The horses all dropped their heads to drink and Yoshi turned to go back to the pump, to re-fill his pail so the horses might have a better drink than just one pail would allow them.
His eye fell on the katana lashed to the saddle and he stared at it longingly. It was a beautifully made weapon from what little he knew of such things, and its black sheath was wrought with all the care and love of a master craftsman. Resisting the strong urge for a closer look, the boy started back to his chores, sighing heavily. It was not for mere servant boys to become warriors.
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Post by blossom on Nov 19, 2006 6:33:56 GMT -5
Hideyori nodded, and opened his mouth to explain when the door slid open again, and Ayame reentered, carrying a tray laden with savouries. She walked elegantly over to the table and carefully laid the tray on it.
"Enjoy," she said, bowing deeply before retreating again. Once the door to the room was slid shut, Ayame quickly made her way up the corridor, stopping abruptly in front of one wall. Here, she removed her sandals and socks so she was barefoot, then reached down and ripped the bottom of her kimono off.
Her kimono now came to her knees, allowing her more movement with her legs. She used the strip of material she had torn off to tie her hair back. She then made one swift jump, her arms outstretched. Her fingers appeared to latch onto the wall, but were actually holding the edge of a secret passge within the wall. A ninja passage.
Ayame pulled herself up into it, and crawled quickly and silently through it until she above the main room, able to hear every word that was being said.
"I will explain now why you were called here," Hideyori was saying. Ayame felt her heart begin to speed up - she hadn't missed anything!
"As you are aware, the country has been torn apart by civil war for some years. The war is being fought by four main factions, the Tokugawa clan, the Imagawa clan, the Harada clan and the Usagi clan. We fight for the Imagawa clan; my clan.
You will also already know that we are allied with the Harada clan, which has given us a great advantage during the war. However, it has now been called to our attentions that the Tokugawa clan and the Usagi clan have been secretly communicating. It our belief that they wish to ally themselves as well.
Individually they cannot stand up to ourselves and the Harada clan, but united they would possess a force much greater than our own. So, we have been entrusted with this mission: prevent this alliance.
Intelligence recently informed us that a secret letter is being passed from the hands of the Usagi clan to the Tokugawa clan. We believe this letter contains details of their plans. So your first mission is to intercept this letter. You will have a cover - escorting my sister to our cousin, Lord Keji's palace. From there you should be able to intercept the letter without difficulty. My sister will of course be unaware of any of this - as far as she is concerned you are escorting her to our cousins on the way to completely some other mission."
That's what you think, Ayame thought silently. She was furious. How could her brother use her in this way? How could he expect her to just play along with this?
"Are there any questions?" Hideyori asked.
"Yes, Hideyori-sama," Yukimura spoke, "Will you be accompanying us? Your sister alone with four soliders might seem odd."
"Indeed it would, but I will not be accompanying you. Instead, Ayame-chan's ladies maid, Hotaru, and one of the stable boys, Yoshi, will be going with you. Anyone else?"
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Post by jessimyre on Nov 19, 2006 18:19:22 GMT -5
Yoshi returned with his second pail of water, eyeing the katana and some other odds and ends strapped to the packs and saddles. But the boy was no thief, he'd been brought up by his family to bring no dishonour on his parents nor his Lord. Sighing heavily, Yoshi returned to his chores.
It wasn't long before he was done and was given the afternoon free by the Stable-Master. Taking his opportunity, Yoshi dashed out the small gate at the back of the stable yard to the nearby meadows. He found himself a stick and spent a thoroughly enjoyable hour fighting imaginary foes, doing his best to imitate the soldier's movements he'd seen when the garrison had been drilling and sparring together.
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Post by Kage Chaos on Nov 20, 2006 16:13:36 GMT -5
"Excuse me," Kuroki spoke up, "Do you know who will be transporting the message?"
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