"Bon Dia, Senyor. I am Iskander, from the merchant house of Almonte, Valdassya.
I too am in the employ of the Omo."

The armored wizard accepts the offered chair and pours himself a cup of barley water, then sticks a finger into it.  The level drops slowly and steadily as he speaks.  Close up, it's obvious that Chou-Zhen is not fully human, and his Sahudese carries a very unusual accent.

"My mother is from the old country; she came here while she yet bore me within her body.  My father is not of this world.

"I have never had the opportunity to visit my mother's homeland.  I would like to take her back there one day."

Tanaka looks at Airis and smiles warmly. "My name's Tanaka Kojimaru. I'm a poet, originally from Shibuya in Sahud. Lord Sakemoko has blessed me with the privilege of staying at the palace between my wanderings, under the agreement that my writings are shared with him before any other. He seems to be quite the connoisseur of art."
He looks to the two men who introduced themselves also and nods.
"Well met. I've actually visited your ancestors homelands before, quite the beautiful place, Chye. Maybe someday we can make the trip together, I'd love to return to Sahud, circumstances permitting."
He shovels the last bit of rice into his mouth and looks at the group, happy to be so we'll received.

"You must have heard of us, to know where this place is... and to have visited...you must be more than a mere poet. The mountain citadel Yamashiro, presides over the valley, where my clan lives, but visitors to our village are rare. Mostly they are supplicants asking us to mete out justice, or leaders to ask us to ally in various Jianghu matters. What is your role, in these affairs, Tanaka-san?"
Chye had actually put down his food, and was obviously intrigued by the newcomer.

"I'm afraid the only thing I am other than a mere poet, is a scorned lover. The distance a woman can push a man away is truly amazing, at times. When I discovered my love had been unfaithful, I packed my belongings and set out to rediscover myself," Tanaka says quietly, deep sadness evident on his face.
"The rumoured beauty of the citadel and it's people, however, is what ultimately led me there. When I was a boy, sensei told me of the inspiration he received at that place, and I wished to see for myself."

"That's true enough. The majesty of the mountains is very inspiring, and I have composed many songs there in those mountains. Those below in the valley know I am home, because they can hear my songs echoing down to them. I have been away for six moons, but the mention makes me long for home, once again." Chye finishes his rice thoughtfully.

Unaware of what had been going on with Sakemoko's domain over the last couple of months, he turns his attention to Miko.
"Miko, my friend, what great accomplishments has our wonderous Sakemoko-Sama achieved in my absence? It's been months since I've set my eyes on this beautiful palace, and I feel something worthy of poetry has happened in my absence. It has been months, after all."

Current Affairs (Sakemoko's court) IQ/E [1] 14
15:58, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 15 using 3d6 ((6,3,6)).

"Well, the past few days have been exciting. We've had an issue with an oni crimelord, disturbing our dead and the peace, so yesterday we raid one of his establishments, whether or not this bring him in line, has yet to be seen, but Chye expect all out war."
Chye pours himself a cup of oolong, and leans back.

"We certainly stirred his cauldron, that much is certain!"
Iskander said as he finished the last bit of melon.

"That we did."

He leans back in his seat, surprise evident on his face. He steeples his fingers and rests his elbows on the arms of the chair, hands in front of his face.
"It seems I always miss the interesting things when I take my outings. Next time I won't wander so far in hopes that I can be present. So what is Sakemoko-sama's plan, or is he waiting for retaliation before he acts?"

"Omo-sama said he would treat with Akira, and wisely has begun to increase defenses. For now, we stay vigilant, and wait..."
Chye toyed with the small cup in his hands.

"I was surprised, on first encountering Akira Kumo No, to see he is the son or grandson of a demon.  I would not have thought humans would follow a descendant of an oni.  We have seen, however, that he employs many who are less human than myself or Chye here -- in fact, some full demons, it would seem."

"You'd be surprised at some of the evil beings men will throw their lot in with."
Iskander remarked.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sat 28 Apr 2018.

Chye bowed his head and spoke somberly staring into his empty cup.
"Chye wonder who the dragon-san were, and which dragon from whom they descend.
It's a shame they had to die, but they let their dragon's greed for gold, tempt them into evil employers. It cannot be helped, Chye would not say they died with honor, but they died well."

"It's truly wonderous what greed can do to a person, especially in these trying times. Luckily, there are men and women like you lot to enact some form of justice upon wretched men. There will always be need for violent men who are willing to do what others are not."
Tanaka stands and stretches, his elbows popping as he extends them over his head.
"So what is it you lot have been doing for fun in your downtime around here? "

Chye grins a broad, gold-fanged grin at the mention of fun, in Northport.
"Chye can show you many places around Northport, for fun! The place we hit, yesterday was where Chye used to go, but no more silver jade palace!" Chye's expression is half of remorse and amusement.
"Maybe we find new place today, and shop. Prepare for fight-time, but watch yourself in the street, Akira's men be all around the city. The remnant of his ashigaru fled, with a very detailed report, Chye sure...They fear for their lives, reporting their failure."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Sat 28 Apr 2018.

"I wouldn't mind that, actually. It's been a while since I've walked the streets of Northport. Mayhaps you can show me the sights and the place that was raided. It may be wise to go check on the place too, they may very well be preparing something already."

"Now, Chye, I think you exaggerate a little.  We did considerable damage in the casino, but nothing that can't be repaired, and we did nearly nothing in the dining area and kitchens.  I expect the Silver Jade Palace will be open for dining in a few days, perhaps as soon as tomorrow, and the casino will reopen in less than a month.

"Now, if we could have burned the house down without endangering all of Little Sahud, it would be gone for good.

"Still, we'll have to find some other place for a few days, until the kitchens and dining reopen."

He laughs heartily at Chou-Zhen's remark, finding it quite amusing.
"You intend to go back to dine? Don't you think they'll recognize you fellows after the damage you've caused? You lot are far braver than I had initially thought. I'll join you guys, though, if you wish. Ive been in a few scraps in my day, I'm far from the best, but I can still hold my own."
Still standing, he adjusts his belt and overcoat, straightening the hood out. He also shifts his katana and bokken on his left side, making then more easily accessible if need be, should they decide to venture out to the streets of Northport.

Airis listens to the men "Yes, lets find a place to eat where we can have a quiet meal and talk."

"Bwahahaha!
Tanaka-san, know what Chye mean. Not fooling around, we no go there no more, until place under new management!" Ho ho ho!"
Chye Laughed.
22:41, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 15 using 3d6 ((5,5,5)). Area Knowledge (Northport) - 13
Chye rubbed his chin and squinted one eye for a moment.
"Can't think of any place, but you know those little "hole-in-the-wall" spots can be over-looked easily."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Sun 29 Apr 2018.

Ales poured himself some barley water as he listened to the others converse with the new person.  He was curious about Tanaka, like the others, but Ales was unsure if this stranger was truly just a visiting poet. It would be a great way to send in a spy, under the cover of being a bard or poet.  While he hoped it was nothing, he owed it to his group to double check to be sure.

As he made the necessary gestures under the table, he began to quietly chant a sensing spell in Aralaise.

(OOC: 23:11, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 8 using 3d6.  Sense Foes (14) to see if he can get a vibe on the new person in the midst. Roll passes.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 955):

The catfolk servant smiles at being brought into the conversation.
"Kojimarusan, we are graced with the presence in the court of the wise Yoshimura Fuwarasan, who has brought with him a replacement of the Classic of Changes along with a newly blessed sake service that houses the Master of the Burning Incense, which these stalwarts labored to peaceably retrieve."

Chye saluted Miko, for the honorable mention.
"Domo, Miko-Kun."