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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 5, 2007 20:49:14 GMT
Daichi groaned as he walked along the fields, wiping sweat from his brow. He hadn't been out traveling for a full day yet, and already he had spent the night jumping at imaginary shadows. Just last evening, he ran from what he thought was some assasin (not that he had any reason to have assasins after him yet.) only to confront his agressor: a local cow.
So now he was tired from bad sleep, knowing that sleeping outside again would produce the same results. "Just how..." he mused, "...could this get any worse?"
His growling stomach answered him, and only then did he realize he left without packing any sort of food. He let out a cry of frustration.
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 5, 2007 21:37:59 GMT
Zenkotsu could be seen walking the farmlands today, his hakama loose on his left side as usual. The farmers that saw him bowed in respect and awe; he was of lord status, even if it wasn't all too high, and one could feel the noble aura he gave off. The amount of weapons he carried also showed off his rank; most people weren't allowed to carry so many katana. They did not ask why he was out in the fields instead of inside, enjoying the comfort of his own home. He had his own farmers, who supplied his house with with and commerce, and he would check up on them and their families once in a while, listening to their complaints or stories and even helping them with certain matters such as medicine for a sick child. So, despite his cold exterior, he was known to be compassionate.
As Zenkotsu reached a set of his own fields, he noticed a figure walking on the field itself. He frowned. It seemed like a traveler, as no spy would be stupid enough to stand in the middle of the farming fields. He was also seemed worn and weary, and judging by the loud growl emitting from his stomach, quite hungry. With his usually serene, set face, Zenkotsu began to approach the man.
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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 5, 2007 22:05:36 GMT
Daichi mused to himself, wondering what to do next, when he noticed the man approaching him. One glance at the noble, and Daichi was instantly aware of his old, battered clothes, his one cheaply made sword, and how haggard his face must look compared to the noble's.
Suddenly he paled. Why was he walking towards him? Had he done something wrong? Suddenly it struck him; he had been walking along in what must have been his territory all day!
He stammered, panicked, and finally bowed so low as to almost trip over. "Milord, I am so sorry! I did not know that this was your boundary! I'm just a son of a field hand; sorry, I'm so sorry."
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 5, 2007 22:12:39 GMT
Zenkotsu would have laughed, but he was not a hearty person prone to laughing. In fact, he was a little dismayed. The man appeared to be Shirezei, yet he had the demeanor of a coward. How strange that a fellow countryman exhibits such fear and open cowardice. He frowned, slightly, showing his slight displeasure.
"The son of a field hand? You are dressed for travel. Although judging from your attire, you are from Ganura. You have not traveled all that far it would seem."
Zenkotsu reached into the right side of his hakama, in between the two layers of clothing, and produced a wrapping of rice balls, his favorite food. After unwrapping them, he offered one to Daicho.
"You sounded hungry. Tell you what; I'll listen to your story as you eat, and I might just forgive you're 'intrusion' onto my fields."
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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 5, 2007 22:26:03 GMT
Daichi rose, staring at the rice ball as though it were the last edible thing on the planet. Quickly (though not so quick as to offend, he hoped) He took the food and bit into it gratefully.
"Ooh, fank oo, Si'ah" He muttered with a mouthful of rice, and then stopped. He blushed, swallowing his food before speaking again. "My apologies, Sire; I'm really in quite a state. I have been traveling, with little pause since yesterday evening." He looked around. "I think I went north, but I changed direction a lot." He blushed. "I, uh... kept thinking I was pursued."
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 5, 2007 22:36:56 GMT
Zenkotsu quirked an eyebrow at the word 'pursued.' This man did not look like the type that would be pursued by anyone, save for the fact people in Ganura did not take well to cowards. However, they never chased or pursued them, simply because they were reluctant to make contact with them. Zenkotsu suddenly felt sympathy for this man; just because he was not born with the heart of a warrior, he was shunned by his own people.
"So, why are you traveling? Surely you must have a reason to leave here."
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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 5, 2007 22:55:51 GMT
Daichi swallowed another bite of the rice ball. The question registered in his mind, and he averted his eyes.
"My lord, I shame myself," he began, "I was not born with a warrior's spirit; the thought of putting my life in danger terrifies me beyond rational thought. I'm traveling in the hopes of finding a way to make myself useful to Ganura without holding a sword. I know it is the hopes of a cowardly child, but..."
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 5, 2007 23:18:44 GMT
"There are many ways to of use to one's country. It is true, not all people are born to be warriors. But what talents do you have that can help our country without a blade? I am rather curious."
Zenkotsu nibbled on his rice ball, chewing slowly while mulling over the situation.
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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 5, 2007 23:28:51 GMT
Daichi's face rose expectantly. "Well, Milord," he began, despite himself unable to hide a hint of pride, "I can read, a-and write too. I'm not very good, but... I can... I hope to be able to help by... acquiring information for Ganura. An informant, a diplomat... anything but the front lines."
His mood fell just as quickly as it rose. It seemed silly, saying it out loud to someone. And he realized belatedly how desperate his last statement sounded. Soon he was taking great intrest in his feet.
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 6, 2007 2:17:54 GMT
"A diplomat? I feel justified in saying that we need more of those. We Shirezei are very stubborn, and usually communicate with our blades. I myself have trouble communicating properly with other people who aren't warriors."
Zenkotsu scratched his chin thoughtfully. He might have made a nice find. Zenkotsu was the first one to admit his communication problems, but he tried his best. And while he was a warrior, he did not actively seek unnecessary bloodshed. He nodded, as if he had made up his mind.
"If you can read and write, then you definitely have a start going. I myself have always pressed for better interaction with the other countries. I might be able to arrange something...."
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Post by Daichi Kuto on Jun 7, 2007 18:45:33 GMT
Daichi couldn't believe his ears. He had honsestly expected to recieve at best indifference- and at worst bald contempt- for his refusal of the sword. To hear the noble agree; he couldn't have shocked Daichi more if he had run him through on the spot. His hopes soared, especially upon hearing the last statement the noble let hang.
"S-sire?!?" he squeaked, "You...you could really...really...? Oh, milord, I would forever be in your debt if you could help me. I'd do anything!"
Suddenly he could picture it; a life where he'd never again have to wear his despised weapon for any reason other than propriety. He was so elated he shook; he had dropped his half eaten rice-ball, but it barely registered to him.
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Post by Lu-Nai on Jun 7, 2007 21:17:52 GMT
Lu-Nai had been enduring his journey for three days now. He'd eaten all his provisions, and had almost worn out the second pair of sandles he'd made for the trip.
However, this was the last leg to Ganura, to meet for a second time with the Shirezei's leader - Hasekura.
Just ahead of him, about a quarter of a mile down the field, were two figures. The Monk hoped they were not the bandits he'd heard so much about. Though judging by the clothing one of them wore, Lu assumed he was a Field Master, and the other was a farm hand.
Lu slowed as he looked at them, prelonging his approch, longing for them to disperse allowing him through the pasture unnoticed.
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 8, 2007 1:03:47 GMT
"But of course. My house has need of people like you. I could hire you as a diplomat, and present the proposal to our lord. I....hmm?"
Zenkotsu had heard the approach of a newcomer. Well, not heard, exactly. Sensed. He turned to see a man in robes walking along the fields. He look Minisu, from the looks of it. He also had an important air around him. Zenkotsu bowed in greeting, whispering to Daichi.
"Pick up a farming tool and look busy. This one looks important. I will discuss this with you further. Meet me at my home, and use this seal to pass."
Zenkotsu slipped a seal onto the ground, and approaching the newcomer, spoke.
"You seem to be here for important business. Might I help you, good sir?"
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Post by Lu-Nai on Jun 8, 2007 17:34:13 GMT
Lu-Nai let a relieved smile spread across his face.
"Not so important, I think. I'm travelling from Minisu to Lord Hasekura's abode, I hope to recieve a place to sleep for a few days, then i'll press on to Hirren." He said. The man who spoke to him looked to be part of the Ganura, so Lu-Nai had no problem releasing information to him.
The farm hand began to dig, at nothing it seemed.
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Zenkotsu Mishima
Shirezei
Swift as the wind, fierce as flame, I have the soul of a warrior.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zenkotsu Mishima on Jun 8, 2007 20:58:37 GMT
"I see. So much travel. You must be an ambassador of some sort. I will not press, as it is not my business to pry. My Lord Hasekura will most definately receive you. Is there anything I can do to help you, sir?"
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