Jade Empire

OOC: This is mostly wrapup for the daygame 'Rescue of Ue-Hori', and in preparation for the daygame 'Kogarashi-Ta', and will refer to events of the former. Feel free to join in!

Kogarashi-Ta no Zasetsu: Frustration at Kogarashi-Ta

The horses' hooves pound hard as the samurai ride in pursuit of the Blacklanders who had breached the Empire's border. They quickly catch up to the Tainted troops, cutting them down mercilessly. The few they take to interrogate have no information of use - they already know Master Fang and his servant Thunder, they already know their destination, they already know the basic outline of the ritual. The Tainted die quietly.

As they reach the gently rolling plains near Shiro Meiyo, the Blacklanders' trail becomes clearer, and they sight their prey a few times, far off and heading for the Wall. The feeling that the Blacklanders will escape begins to rise, and tempers flare.

They gallop towards the Wall, finding horses let loose and guards killed bloodily, and their prey disappeared into the dark forest beyond.

Kogarashi-Ta waits behind them, its garrison astir and signal flags bright against the overcast winter sky. A group of soldiers is coming towards them quite fast, a horseman at its head.

Norio stood stern. Both swords sheathed but ready to be drawn in a deadly strike. His face was that of stone. Completely unmoving at the possibility of bloodshed.

The rider pulls her horse to a halt in front of the group, and the soldiers trot up a moment later, falling into orderly rows. She is dressed in red armour, with gold and silver embellishment. The rider looks the group up and down with a sharp eye. "I am the commander of this outpost of Kogarashi-Ta. I must know, do you have anything to do with the Blacklanders who went over the wall not an hour ago."

She looks down at Norio, the closest samurai to her, noting that he wears no Clan colours or mon. "Samurai-san, please announce your companions." Her voice is unusually polite for one speaking to a ronin.

Norio bowed down to his waist to the commander, showing her the fullest respect. His scarred face held too much control to allow any surprise at the commander's address.

"Commander Samurai-sama, my companions come from many clans and many backgrounds. We are on a mission to thwart the Blacklanders. We have been chasing those riders for many nights. We have slain several of them already but their master remains on the run."

The samurai bows in reply, though her bow is nowhere near as deep. "I understand." She addresses the group, "Greetings to you all. Naturally, the resources of Kogarashi-Ta are at the disposal of those who fight the Black Land and its evil. If you wish to pursue, I can give you supplies... though I would not recommend pursuit into the territory of the enemy. There are things within that wood that I do not wish to speak of - never mind the forces of the Black Land."

The leader of the soldiers steps up beside her, touching her foot as it sits in the stirrup. She grimaces slightly, apparently adversely reminded of something. "My apologies; I should introduce myself. I am Xiao [Vice Commander] Huang Jing, and this is my second-in-command, Wei [Captain] Tsuchibara Yongnian," she gestures to the man at her side. He appears a stern man, despite his youth, and he gives a curtailed bow in greeting to the group.

A Samurai in a good but now travel worn kimono taps his weary horse forward and bows from the saddle to the Xiao and then to the Wei.

"I am Tan Mamoru, leader of this collected strike force. It is an honour to meet you, and perhaps we will be able to share a meal and some tales on a better day. However, my companions have ridden hard and far. If we can impose on your hospitality briefly to gain new mounts, perhaps a hasty meal and some news? We must however take quick action against this menace, so any help that you can render us would be greatly appreciated."

He turns in the saddle and briefly introduces each member of the group - careful to mention clan (or current loyalty for the Ronin) of each.

The Xiao bows to each of the party, to greater or lesser degrees depending on their status. Her eyebrows raise a little when she realises the diversity of the group, but her reaction otherwise is limited.

"Mounts are... limited. We have only four horses - but they are at your disposal if you wish. A quick meal can be made ready, if you do not mind soldiers' fare."

At her words, the Wei gestures to one of the soldiers, and directs him, "Tell the cook to ready a meal. Make it quick."

After the introductions were complete and the soldier sent away to the cooks Norio took a step forward.

"Xiao Huang Jing-sama, has there been much recent activity from the Blacklanders, or any unusual activity from them in this area?"

The Xiao looks down at the ronin, and smiles coolly. "There has been recent activity, but it has not been unusual for this time of the year or this area. We have records if you wish to peruse them."

Tan_Mamoru tilts his head in thanks.

"The meal would be welcome indeed, and soldier's fare is more than adequate. We have not stopped to make rice for too long."

"Perhaps while we eat, we can also talk? It would be good to hear the news"

"Xiao Huang Jing-sama, it would be an honour if you would show my group these records. I realise we make an unusual collection; we do work together to solve this Blackland invasion, and any help in this regard would be good. If you have resources to send messengers quickly, this would also be appreciated, as we have need to inform our Lords quickly."

Steps out of his saddle and prepares to walk his mount into the encampment.