Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 21

ARRIVAL AT SHIRO SHIBA

3rd of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – When the group made it back from the spirit world the jade pendants blew away like dust on the wind. It was then the 1st of Doji/Goat. They spent the morning loading everything and prepping the – at that time – unconscious Seia san, Isawa Kyoko san, Matsu Shànzi (yep, that’s me) sama, and the unknown Isawa shugenja they had rescued for transport. Any tents and were left behind unless they could help with transport. Shirogane showed the group where all the horses were not unlike a pack dog.

Seia san was secured to Bayushi Airi san’s horse. Isawa Kyoko san was secured to Hiruma Gombei san’s horse, Matsu Shànzi sama was secured to Donoha san’s horse, Yukiabo, and the unknown shugenja was secured to Akodo Asahi’s horse.

The man that had been going by the name of Doji Hoto took the majority of the luggage on his horse. It took two days going as fast as they could to arrive at the caravan outside Shiro Shiba. When they arrived at the caravan two Crane samurai were there and mentioned the Crane Emerald ambassador had urgent business with the man that was going by Doji Hoto. Only later, after Shiba Sono sama, the Phoenix Emerald ambassador took charge of the unconscious members we’d returned. That they learned the man they had known as Doji Hoto was an imposter!

The only things shared with the real Doji Hoto was the given name and a remarkably similar face. The ronin known as Hoto was from a disgraced Doji family forced to live as ronin. He was sentenced to serving aboard the Mantis ships to re-earn his honor. Since he had helped slay Oni, and lift the curse of Mori Kage Toshi. Donoha san hid his emotions well with a small smirk, but that lie gnawed at him and helped to shape some views he held onto later.

The group was introduced to Asako Eiko, whom served at the temple of the Eternal Flame for decades. She was to be the liaison between the group of whispered heroes and anything they need at Shiro Shiba. Set to retire after the caravan leaves this is her final act as one of the most trusted members of the community.

From her the samurai learned about the Whispering Grove hot springs. Tucked away in the verdant hills surrounding Shiro Shiba, a serene and mystical woodland shrouded in ancient mystery. It is said towering cedar trees stretch skyward, their branches forming a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dappled patterns upon the forest floor. Soft moss carpets the ground, muffling footsteps and lending the grove an air of tranquil solitude.

At the heart of the Whispering Grove stands the Spirit Pool, a crystal-clear pool fed by a natural spring that bubbles up from the earth below. It is said that the waters of the Spirit Pool possess magical properties, granting visions and insights to those who bathe or drink from its sacred depths.

The Spirit Pool is where nearly each member of the group wandered off to. Donoha san wanted to ask Airi san a question about an item they had yet to talk about. She accepted and headed straight to the Spirit Pool hot spring. Donoha san got a spare change of clothes to get into before going himself. All I got out of Donoha san though was the water was hot and his face would become flush as he mumbled about how correct Airi san is. I am still waiting to hear from Airi san her version of the conversation between her and Donoha san.

The Dragon spent the rest of the day reading of the Tao of Shinsei in the Hall of Eternal Wisdom. He learned of the location from Asako Eiko sama, she made sure he returned to a copy waiting in the room they had given him. In fact everyone returned to something they wanted to see or asked about. Though none more so than Bayushi Airi san, whom returned to Seia san kneeling just inside the door!

At dinner that night everyone learned that Isawa Kyoko san along with the unconscious shugenja. Whom we learned was Isawa Samamosuke san, and a small group of Shiba yojimbo. Were escorting the scroll that had been borrowed from Agasha Yuzuki back to her. Out of everyone this relieved Donoha san the most, his promise was being kept.