Tōchaku-sai – Festival of Arrival
20th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – We have been at an inaugural festival for the last few days. Called the Festival of Arrival for more than one reason. The Agasha family is taking over these lands after leaving the Dragon Clan for the Phoenix . Then there’s the arrival of the Emperor’s Gift.
Hida Eiji was called home for what most suspect is his upcoming marriage as a bride was likely found. I’ll miss games of Go with the Nezumi, Gru’Vi. However, I will miss being a big sister to Miu, Eiji’s daughter, the most.
The city will be opening up tomorrow on the 21st of Akoko which will be declared a new festival called: Tōchaku-sai Festival of Arrival . Today however is the Festival of Lady Shinjo, the Unicorn Clan’s Kami. Food stalls, merchants, street performers, and contests to see whom among those of the city and the caravan can become champion of the elements.
It’s been difficult to determine how Donoha feels about the loss of some of his family to the Phoenix or why did this happen in the first place. Since this is where the Agasha are going to show up Donoha is strictly following the tone set by Mirumoto Tanetsu. It is a wait and see approach due to a lack of information on this issue bearing further investigation. Since this would seem – from an outsiders view – take most of the Dragon Clan’s shugenja away.
Alas that will have to wait readers. Today is about fun, frivolity, and fantastical flights of fancy and fear! Isawa Genji participate in the Element of Void Challenge where they had to guess the elements in large jars with lids to seal them off. For Genji this was a easy thing to do.
- The first one he was able to determine it was Sand (Earth)
- The first one he was able to determine it was a Burning Candle (Earth Fire)
- The first one he was able to determine it was a cupcake sculpted into a tsunami wave by a Crane artisan (Earth, Air, Water). They told me later that this one was touched by the Kami will make the user feel better.
After winning the were gifted with the cupcake and they found Doji Hoto going between meetings he was being ordered to attend. He went right up to him and holds out the cupcake and in his stereotypical slightly condescending voice he said, “Doji Hoto San, I earned this cupcake by the intervention of the Kami. And of all the people at the whole of this festival, you are the one I feel deserves this most. Please, I would be honored for you to enjoy it.”
Kitsuki Donoha sama was happy today and often could be found staring off as though in reverie. Today he had entered the Element of Air Challenge. In which they had to avoid being hit by one of the newest inventions in Rokugan! Water filled Gomu ゴム Barūn 風船 (Rubber Balloons)!
Maybe invented in the last 20 years by the Phoenix working on new compounds to try and match the chemical compound knowledge of the Kitsuki family. They have, with information freely shared by the Kitsuki when asked, invented a substance from the trees in their lands they called gomu (rubber). It was discovered that this substance can stretch and while fragile in this state it can carry several times it’s size in liquid! It was a pair of children of one of the shugenja researchers that began throwing them and many years later it is starting to catch on!
Part of the issue for people’s reluctance to use it is the name Gomu. If written with certain characters desccribes a scoundrel or someone that acts in bad faith. Yet another set of characters and you could be saying a assassin, jackal. Alas they went with it and have slowly been working on showing how useful it can be. They have certainly created a children’s toy.
To coin a phrase, Donoha sama is a kind and gentle soul, however he’s also traveled the breath of Rokugan once already and has the scar to prove it. He has a bit of resting grumpy face. I will also point out that I have – in private – made him aware of this fact. He does indeed work on it during social occasions like this one.
All of his opponents today would be children of the city and caravan throwing the aforementioned, water filled, gomu barūn. Here is a rundown of the rules: destroy the gomu barūn without getting their watery contents on themselves. Donoha walked into the circle wearing the kimono Lord Akodo Tozawa had given him. Just to remind everyone that it shows a Lion Clan’s savannah at sunset and the embroidery only enhances the dyed silk. It’s worthy of going to an imperial banquet.
When the child of 4-5 years came forward, Donoha squatted down and cup the sides of his face so almost no one saw what he did next. The child however began to giggle and laugh out loud. Perhaps I’ll need to talk the ladies directly behind the child that brought him up. They made such adorable faces and said, “Oh, he’s good with children!” Just before covering their excited expressions with fans.
His Chikai kodzuchi 誓い小槌 (Oath-hammer) in the front of his obi, Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) on his left, and the wakazashi Kitsuki Inoki bequeath him on his back. He pulled folded scarf from his obi and tied it around his eyes. Then he bowed to the child and took his stance. The crowd was already starting to grow! The child double hand heaved it and in a flash Mittsu Tamashī was alive and visible as Donoha caught it on his blade, fling it up overhead and when he cut it the people that got some water on them were the ones behind him!
When he came back to center up his katana had been wiped and was sliding into the sheath. He folded his blind fold back and not a drop of water on him. He waved to the child as the women led the little one away and the child waved back excited! Returning the scarf to inside their Obi he looked for his next challenge.
Three children came up between 7-9 years of age and Donoha regarded each for a moment. Then he bowed low enough to be at eye level with each of them. The crowd seem stunned and surprise because his eyes were pointed down at the ground and not to them. It was a noted act of deference to the children. Nods came from the adults because he did not know their status and chose to respect them by default! A LOT of samurai could learn manners from Donoha. He squatted to be at eye level and asked if they were ready, and did they mind being wet. All of them said it was okay as their kimonos weren’t fancy because they wanted to participate in this.
Nodding to them each, he stood and took his stance facing them. They reared back and launched their volley! He cut one so the water went back on its owner! Slashed the next so the third child got wet and returned the favor with the third water-filled gomu barūn back onto the second child! Wiping his blade it went back into his sheath and he bowed to each child as he had done before and the crowd really began to turn favorably to the scarred Dragon Samurai.
The next group was five children about 10-12 years of age and Donoha repeated his bows to each child. They were returned in kind to Donoha. Once both groups were ready they threw the balloons and Donoha lept into the air spinning as he destroyed them all. The crowd was cheering and a Crane Clan artisan stopped working on their current project and began sketching Donoha performing that feat! He bowed to the five and asked them to hold out their hands. They did so and he rested Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) upon their hands so they could see it up close. People were talking constantly about how kind he had been with the childern and only moments before had been frightening the adults with his skill! (edited)
Then came the last challenge to see if he would go to the finals. Seven children, one from each clan dress in the predominant colors of their clans. Between 14-16 years of age just before their gempukkus would begin. The bows were exchanged and he asked them if they would like a moment to confer amongst themselves. They did and he walked to the far side of the ring. When they motioned they were ready he came back and stood calmly before them as they launched their volley!
He destroyed the Phoenix Clan balloon first! Then the Dragon’s, spinning into the Unicorn’s, slashing through the Lion, and piercing the Scorpion’s balloons! The swings came flashing by quicker than I can write! The Crab’s was cut in half and for the Crane he flourished his katana. He smack his tsuka (handle) making it spin like an auger to drill with and the water spun outward like a chrysanthemum!
The crowd went wild and the teens were astonished! After wiping and sheathing Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls), he personally thanked each of the teens for helping make the day special for him as he was sure it was for everyone else. Genji got to see the last match and overhear everyone talking about how nice he was to the participants, truly honorable. Then other talks circulating were how NO ONE wanted to cross swords with him! They all knew the name Kitsuki Donoha and Mittsu Tamashī 三つ魂 (Three Souls) before they left that day. It would seem stories about the eight man test cut had made it out here as one person claimed to be there and saw it.
I have to wrap this next part up because of a mission I have been given. Genji and Donoha perused the food stalls and no one would let Donoha pay after realizing who he was with the scar and stories about the talented samurai of the Dragon. From the Lion stall – a sweet root mash garnished with a sturdy sour leaf (used as utensil & edible). From the Unicorn stall – roasted Kabobs! Very popular with the youth it seemed and Donoha seemed to enjoy them as well.
They paused for a bit at a particular play of interest is presenting the curse of the city, a major legend prior to that of Matsu Hitomi (when the city was The City of Suffering). A spirit recounted that the city had once been a home to a powerful maho-tsukai, a villain so evil and ruthless only the combined powers of the Jade Champion and the Council of Five could lay him low. Before dying, he cast a terrible spell on the city – one that would allow him to return one day.
Donoha asked me to keep this part brief for Doji Hengo’s sake but I am so spilling Tea with Hoto sama later.
A Yasuki gem merchant and a Crane samurai argue over jade purchased by the Crane’s sister the previous day. Through Genji and Donoha’s efforts they were able to determine the Crane, one Doji Hengo, was trying to pull a fast one on the merchant. The honorable merchant, Yasuki Han san, was very grateful.
Apparently Doji Hengo and their sister have been living in Toshi no Omoidoso for about six months. Donoha felt sorry for the Crane knowing his own money woes and Doji Hengo’s sister spending their koku wastefully. He gave him his Koukai and Kozuka from his sword so he could try and help the family. He sent me after him to quietly gather more info! My first mission!!!
Oh by Fortunes I have never seen someone clearly at the whim of so many as my master. I believe he has the favor of Xing Guo (Fortune of Steel) and Sadahako (Geisha and Artists). As I’ll explain later, but I am two tables away and if what I hear is correct then Benten (Romantic Love), Natsu-togumara (Travel and Experience), Megumi (Heroic Guidance), and Ebisu (Honest Work) are testing him like you temper a sword!
I am going to describe somethings that you will think matter and then in all great tales comes the moment where you should have taken a left turn at Toshi no Omoidoso. I am mildly concerned this could be my last entry. Well here we go!
While I went off to find out information Donoha sama and Genji san went to speak with the ambassadors. Since Donoha’s actual lord is Mirumoto Tanetsu sama he felt it wise to seek his counsel. Mainly to make sure information was being shared and they were following their lord’s will. His aid was present as he was in disposed of at the time they arrived. Mirumoto Odayakara I found out is a storm under a still sea. Apparently, the word under the tea leaf is that Isawa Genji had a loud outburst about their reaching out to the void and trying to find Doji Hengo – if that’s their real name. What he found was Fu Leng staring back at him!
Odayakara sama was beyond gracious and benevolent. In forgiving this outburst since a Phoenix Shugenja of much high renown and honor than Genji had a similar outburst before falling into a sleep, unable to be woken from! Donoha put his neck on the line for Genji and nearly lost it. Which would have meant my death as well! When Genji offered seppuku alongside Donoha my master thought he had learned his lesson.
Let’s be blunt if that had happened to the Crab aid Genji would be dead and possibly Donoha as well. Genji is presenting themselves as a sheltered, man-child that does not appear to care for anyone other than themselves. They see their connection to the Void as so superior that all else is meaningless to their power.
The sad part is they actually have similar thoughts to Doji Hoto on fighting evil. Both were willing to forgo the festival to hunt down Hengo and find out what was going on here. Donoha would have gone but he had stuck his neck out for Genji and I could see they were hiding the fact they were frustrated and hurt. Genji was about run off after Donoha had gotten him the meeting to speak with the caravan leadership in the Dragon ambassador. Getting the ear of your Damiyo on the same day you ask for it – is – not – common!
Once Donoha explained this to Hoto and that he had to represent his clan in the final competition and attend the meeting he set up for Genji. Hoto nodded and they would wait and assess after the festival. Now to Genji’s credit since they still had yet to introduce themselves to the Phoenix Clan Emerald Ambassador. They won their Void competition, however, I am not documenting more of it than that because my head is on the block again for a situation I can not control!
Donoha’s final match was against none other than the women he saved for Akodo Tozawa sama! Matsu Mayumi is a beautiful samurai. I could see Donoha was honored to see she had similar sword skills. Their competition was around the curse of the city.
A major legend prior to that of Matsu Hitomi (when the city was The City of Suffering). A recounting that the city had once been a home to a powerful maho-tsukai, a villain so evil and ruthless only the combined powers of the Jade Champion and the Council of Five could lay him low. Before dying, he cast a terrible spell on the city – one that would allow him to return one day.
When Matsu Mayumi gave her rendition of the tale I was worried because my lord said he’d only heard the tale twice. Once three years ago and earlier today. Her voice was commanding, her posture grand, and her gravitas was beyond one of her years. It was stellar.
When she swapped places with Donoha, whom was dressed in a green and gray kimono picked out and purchased by Doji Hoto! The embroidery showed green dragons dancing in the grey sky and silver dragons bathing in rivers on the green part. Donoha bowed to her, then to the judges, and lastly to the crowd because he saw this as a duel still.
He produce several colored scarves from inside his kimono. I know he’s been testing out other colors than mint and forest green. Laying the scarves out he spoke not a single but with some snaps of his fingers the musicians present caught on before the crowd and they began to play music. He began a ONE-MAN performance of the play earlier today using the scarves as a stand in for Noh Masks! He memorized the play! For someone not an actor or even trained to be going through the motion from rote memory was astounding! The Crane were nodding in approval, even the Scorpion were comparing notes and recall seeing him watch the play earlier, but not taking any notes. The memorization of the performance was flawless!
He was declared the winner. To be honest in my reflection, they were so different and yet you could see the strength of each opponent. I did not envy the judges making this call one bit.
Then came the meeting with the Dragon Emerald Ambassador – Mirumoto Tanetsu sama. Donoha waited with utmost patience and when his lord poured a cup of saki and set it across from himself at the table Donoha knew it was an invitation. I moved quietly to a table nearby in case I was called for, but did not presume to be invited.
At one point Donoha needed to explain further some items his companions might have a better grasp of and he is a man of inclusion, not exclusion. Requesting permission to ask his companions to join, he waved his gifted Centipede copper fan to catch their attention. He almost caught the attention of two other samurai but Doji Hoto sama explained Donoha was still learning fan etiquette. Both Hoto and Genji joined and at first everything seemed to be going well.
Then the group realized their were three gates and they each monitor one. Being kind my master opted for the Eta gate so Doji Hoto or Isawa Genji would not have to and someone had to do it. There was the main gate and the Heimin or worker / merchant class gate. Genji proved in this moment to have learned nothing about working with others.
He explained – in front of the Dragon Ambassador at the banquet – which was thinning out but still public! That he had Void spiritual things to do and we could do what we wanted but he will figure this out as he sees fit. Then when Doji Hoto tried – and I do emphasize, tried – to explain the situation he compared all courtiers of the empire to be equal to geisha! What clearly infuriated my lord, whom has a high appreciation of the arts, is his reference to geisha as whores. With what he remarks courtiers do best.
For those that don’t know geisha are the highest of the Eta class – Hinin. For the hanamachi (flower towns) that provide them as entertainers the vast majority do not engage in carnal acts. To have a Danna or patron that they would engage in such acts only with this individual and sometimes would be adopted into their house. That part is a small fraction of the most affluent Danna. It would also signify a retirement.
So like I said readers this may be my last entry if Mirumoto Tanetsu asks Donoha to commit seppuku. I don’t know whom the Phoenix maiden is that befriended this shugenja. But Genji is putting Donoha’s love of her and by extension him through the Shadowlands. Makes me wonder if the Shadowlands taint here is trying to bring the Maho-Tsukai back???
When Mirumoto Tanetsu sama spoke it leveled the field, It was as though a soft rolling thunder makes sense but his presence carries more weight. He flashed his fan and asked that Genji give him some time with tea to discuss his concerns. His fan flicked and snapped shut. He walked out with Genji, but it was Hoto that surprised me.
“Donoha-san, your master wants us to wait for an hour here before we turn in. He’s taking care of this and will excuse anyone present of any loss of glory or honor they may feel.”
The spilled tea that began to circulate as we were waiting was news of a shugenja that had saw something in the void causing them to become ill and lash out. A rising temper and excuse of etiquette, which caused him to be called back home for further instruction/correction. Any ancillary parties have been absolved of any association or involvement. Whew!
It’s believed that Fu Leng’s lingering presence is somehow corrupting some samurai and upscaling their emotions. For most it is anger, some it is sadness…for the worst, the THREE greatest sins of FEAR, DESIRE, and REGRET. Genji appears is not the only victim and healing will take time. In that regard the compassion Tanetsu-sama displayed is amazing. Donoha has an excellent lord!
21st of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – The new festival day of Tōchaku-sai – Festival of Arrival had finally come. My master and Doji Hoto had met up that morning and the Crane was able to see the Dragon was in a deep mood. He offered his ear and ask if the affair should be a private one. When told privacy would be preferred he offered to go through practie katas with him someplace quiet. Donoha smiled and grabbed the bokken he’d gotten from Pale Oak Castle in the Aoijiro Province of the Phoenix Lands. Made from branches of the tree above the burial of Emperor Hantei the XVII. He handed one to the Crane and they headed off. Nothing about this was secret but others realized as they passed by this was a private affair.
Now as Kitsuki Donoha sama’s bard let me tell you “why” he was in a deep mood. In the wagon we share a knock came and he was delivered a package of Genji’s belongings. Since our group has dwindled Donoha offered Genji to other wagon to borrow as needed. Now Donoha sama is aware of Doji Hoto’s desire for time with geisha, and figured this arrangement would allow his friend to indulge and he can get the rest his masters Kitsuki Inoki and Uesugi Mirumoto drilled into him at the Dojo of the Mirror.
You thought this was a misdirect, oh no here we get to the package of Isawa Genji! Here are the contents:
- Metallic Pipe with opium inside
- A wrinkled letter from Genji’s Mom. It had a cipher written on the edge asking for information on: Kitsuki Donoha, Doji Hoto, Matsu Shànzi (I know! I’m in this mix!), Bayushi Akiyama, and Hida Kawada. Some of you will remember Bayushi Akiyama san as the opponent of Doji Hoto in the final challenge of the competition of Fire. Hoto was the winner just put a feather in this. Don’t worry there’s more to come on this.
- Stack of Unopened Letter from Donoha sama to their Phoenix maiden. There was at least ten letters here that would seem Genji never sent to the Phoenix maiden. Did she think Donoha broke his promise to write to her? Did Genj think he was doing Donoha a favor to prevent love blossoming between a samurai and a heimin? How many women is Donoha going to end up saving and what did this one do to steal his heart?
So many questions! What can you say, they’re a Dragon after all. Mysteries are what they do. Now neither Donoha sama or I could break this cipher, so since it was from a mother to a child being sent home to the Phoenix land further north than our location. I was instructed to turn the letter of to the Phoenix ambassador. He did clarify that if an aid said it would be delivered to the ambassador before being sent on to the family. This was an acceptable outcome with how busy the Phoenix and Dragon ambassadors would be today. So I did as instructed.
Just to give a time frame for the events coming up. It was changing over from the Hour of the Tenth Kami (Tiger / 4am-6am) to the Hour of the Sun (Hare / 6am-8am). The gates of Toshi no Omoidoso (City of Remembrance) were not schedule to open until the Hour of the Moon (Dragon / 8am-10am). So when I say early morning you’ll understand.
As Hoto and Donoha were returning to the wagons. They watch a crowd forming like a wave as four of the Emerald Ambassadors were headed to them! Composed of the Crane – Asahina Tadane, Dragon – Mirumoto Tanetsu, Phoenix – Shiba Sono, and Scorpion – Bayushi Negi. They summoned the three of us to a meeting in the enclosed circle of the wagons belonging to the Emerald Ambassadors! Shiba Sono sama demanded to know what we knew about the letter. Hoto whispered to Donoha, “You’ll owe me one by the time this is over.”
Doji Hoto mentioned learning of the letter’s existence during a practice session with Donoha upon a hill. There was a gesture with the copper fan. Clever to use the item denoting their reward from the Centipede clan. It was Emerald Ambassador, Bayushi Negi, that nodded with enough noise to draw the attention of Shiba Sono sama. The Phoenix ambassador nodded to the Scorpion ambassador. They all turned their attention to Donoha and myself.
Donoha confirmed that everything Doji Hoto said was true. A runner delivered a package of Isawa Genji’s to his wagons. The only person that might have been able to fit that kimono was Shànzi. Donoha mentioned he had met Genji during the beginning of his Gempukku three years ago. Genji became a person that could relate letters to heimin craftspeople he’d met and taught him carpentry. He displayed his bokken and Doji Hoto rotated his wrist moving it into view. Shiba Sono sama raised an eyebrow knowing that wood could only come from one location and tree.
Everyone had gotten used to him having his Oath hammer with him and they paid it no mind, as he was a swordsmith after all. Donoha set his bokken to the side in his obi, and explained he read the letter after he notice his correspondence appeared to have not been sent. They had been wrapped up in the package. During the reading he noticed a cipher from his training at the Dojo of the Mirror. When he could not crack he let me have a try while he went off to train with the Crane and I had instructions to turn it over to either Shiba Sono sama or their aids. This way it could be turned back over to the family.
Glances among the four Emerald Ambassadors suggested Donoha was believed to be telling the truth. In was then revealed what the cipher revealed completely. At moments like this I feel Donoha is being guided to a destiny of some kind under the Fortunes: Natsu-togumara’s (Travel and Experience) and Megumi’s (Heroic Guidance) watchful gaze.
This is demanded by the Elemental Council. This task supersedes all other commands regardless of source. Do not reveal your task at ANY cost to ANY individual. Trust instincts regarding what to report; general observation, key events.
In Toshi no Omoidoso (the City of Remembrance), seek out the beggar who plays the flute under the waterfall.
Further instructions will follow. Observe and report on the following individuals:
- Kitsuki Donoha
- Doji Hoto
- Matsu Shànzi
- Bayushi Akiyama
- Hida Kawada
Mirumoto Tanetsu sama spoke at this point to let us know the letter appears to not have come from Isawa Genji’s parents. It would appear the agents of the Lord of Shadow are involved and the ones sending the letter! Doji Hoto san spoke up and believes their could be another connection to craftsman and their daughter Donoha learned wood working from. When queried directly Donoha sama replied, “Chiasa.” Could this be the maiden that stole his heart?
Donoha sama began a very factual telling of how he met them, but was wise enough to keep it brief. Tadane sama spoke up mentioning they would take it under advisement. Doji Hoto was queried about how he felt about Donoha and he gave him a glowing review. Then he was able to get the Phoenix ambassador to agree to how the investigation should be conducted!
Thank the Fortunes he’s on our side! In the end, we’ve been tasked with finding the flute player and this waterfall they speak of. Next, is word on Kenshin’s Helm and of course acquiring it. Finally, seeing how Isawa Genji and Chiasa fall into this.
Chikai kodzuchi 誓い小槌 the Oath-hammer again and again.
Kitagawa-neko sama. The Dragon would realized that the cat would follow whomever held the jade katana. Tamaki san mentioned that Donoha sama was now his Yojimbo based on the agreement he had with Asahi sama. The Dragon nodded, mentioning he was welcome to take possession of the Katana but wearing such a weapon would invite its own share of issues.