New Discoveries, New Paths, New… Friends…
Donoha sama muttered, “Well, we’re not in Rokugan anymore.” Looking at the horses, supplies they had not prepared, and Tamaki sama wrapping Gunba sama’s head. Rolling dunes of sand spread around them in all directions. Asahi sama began scouting. “…Coward…” The pain his friend was feeling still burned in the Dragon’s ears. He removed his yeti’s coat and tied it to Yukiabo’s saddle bags. He was unsure of how to help his friend remember they were here to free the founder of Unicorn Clan. He would wait and watch, as with learning anything new he’d probably make a mistake, but he would do so to learn how to be a better friend to Gunba sama. He thought of the burning City of the Rich Frog. If they couldn’t save from the dark lord’s wrath they could avenge it by wrecking their plans and save the empire.
When Gunba sama opened his eyes he saw his horse and the other horses all shorter Rokugani ponies. He felt the bandage on his head and looked at Tamaki sama telling him they had spotted a direction and smoke. Asahi was getting the horses together to head that way. He saw Donoha sama and the Dragon acted like their altercation on the other side of the portal never happened. Though the Dragon did not try talking to him and he began changing his garments inside out to hide any trace of his mon. He could tell the Dragon and other might have had questions but choose not to ask at this time, as they made they’re way across the sands. As far as the group knew it was still the 28th of Shinjo (Month of the Dog {OOC: November}) as they set out.
In time they found the source of the smoke, and a beast that suggests the horse breeders here have some questionable tastes. Through what seemed like deliberating attempts to pacify the concerns of a robe gentleman with a “very curved” sword, that escalated when rebuked. The Dragon courtier did not seem to appreciate being called a fool when he handed Mittsu Tamashi to Gunba sama and held his hands up to show he meant no harm.
Eventually names were exchanged thanks to two events. First, Gunba sama used the spell Tenjin’s Ear to understand the true intent of the words being spoken. Second, the traveler: Amir ibn Rashid al-Falahi, slid a tube that showed a jewel within a cage on a chain around his neck. It would seem those in close proximity to the crystal could speak and be understood by everyone in the same area. Tamaki sama mentioned a haiku at that time:
Desert wind stood still.
No strike came—just nods and names.
Strangers no longer.
Gunba sama gave the Dragon his blade back and everyone began to setup tents after the Unicorn managed to hire Amir ibn Rashid al-Falahi to guide them to the nearest settlement of Per-Amunu in what they learned is called the Senpet Empire. Gunba sama mentions the Land of Shadow and they are trying to rescue someone trapped their. According to the people of the Senpet Empire, Rokugan maybe be considered a legend or myth. Maps were drawn in the sand and it would appear the samurai were as far from Rokugan as Rokugan was in length!
The Dragon and the foreign guide traded tales about each others swords. Amir ibn Rashid al-Falahi’s blade was called “Al-Haqiqah” (The Truth), is a sword called a scimitar with etchings in flowing calligraphy: “Only the just hand may draw the blade with clean conscience.” It is both a practical weapon and a spiritual talisman passed down through his lineage.
The night progresses and the Lion stares intently at the camel (apparently that is what the ugly horse is called there, some desert variety) while chewing dried fish. Isawa Tamaki sama had an idea and pulled out scrolls and charcoal and begins to work on a minor alteration to one of his spells. Asahi hums to himself as he warms his rations up by the fire.
Gunba sama was polite as he had always been with everyone, but when Donoha sama thought he was being kind. By bringing the Unicorn shugenja food and not bringing up the slur of being called a coward. Which he had dealt with immediately by knocking him out and allowing everyone to escape and keep the promise to bring home the Lady Shinjo. He also felt his heart tear to watch someone trying to defend their homelands and being told another oath prevented him from doing so. Donoha sama understood why some samurai seek seppuku. The group had been sharing songs as a way to bridge the cultural divide. When Gunba sama asked him to keep it down tonight for all the souls that no longer drew breath in the City of the Rich Frog. He just nodded and replied that he would tell the others. Soon the wind was the only song in night that followed.
The 28th of Shinjo (Month of the Dog {OOC: November}) came as all days do, bright and unyielding. Over the night Tamaki sama and Gunba sama appeared to have made a small shrine to Shinjo. As with new days a change the came the Dragon did not expect but the Lion wondered if the person really understood his choice. Otaku Gunba sama felt the need to renounce his name and become ronin. He would be going by Kagero san from this point forward. He continued to tend to the mounts as he was won’t to do. Especially since his friends would not accept coin for feeding him. The Dragon wished there was something wise he could say, but felt allowing him to grieve in his own way was the most honorable thing he could do at the time.
The Scorpion, Hanzo sama, had been quiet during this time and helping to guard the chest they had brought along. Amir ibn Rashid al-Falahi hade wanted to give his communication crystal to Kagero san but the gift was rejected. Kagero san said Donoha sama should be the one to bear the gift and communicate for others. Amir also explained about another country of conquerors called the Yodotai Empire. Their guide had nothing good to say about such folk as they talked and traveled onward.
It was a long three days before they reach the small river city of Per-Amunu. The city had no outer walls and the river farm structures appeared to be made our of mud dried in the sun. Their honorable guide led them to a communal well. They were able to re-supply their water while the locals gave them a wide berth. Less likely from understanding they were samurai and more due to their foreign nature.
Amir ibn Rashid san left them to ride into the town proper and arrange lodgings for them. Upon his return he guided the group to a local inn known as the Sifting Palm. The owner went by the name of Nedjem-Iah-Mentu, and their stunningly beautiful daughter, Nedjem-Iah-Sheri. Whom the latter would hum and sing softly as they prepared bread by baking it. The inn had an animal mascot perhaps only know to samurai from the Mantis Clan. A monkey, whom responded to the name KU-FU. As the author I am told the spelling is Khufu, but that this language sounds the way I spelled it in larger characters.
The Lion made friends as he prepared food to share with their hosts. Kagero san went to tend to the animals, Donoha sama and Hanzo sama traded duties watching the chest as bathes were made available. Mentu san was a wonderful host. The day past uneventfully as their guide left to make arrangements for us to have a meeting with the local priest. While Donoha sama used his new language crystal to begin trying to learn the language, Kagero san was able to still use their shugenja abilities to at least understand what was being said even if he could not reply while away from the crystal’s proximity.
