3/20/2003

01:48 AM

Logfile from Chase.

 

                                   Tundra                                  

-----------------------------------======-----------------------------------

Surrounded by mountains this area of the tundra can be the most chilling and treacherous in Hokkan. The winds blow strong down the foothills and send arid, freezing temperatures over the land. Nothing remotely close to vegetation grows and even the animals are scarce. What wild dogs do show themselves only come out when the winds have ceased. The majority of animal indications are shown by the ivory bone's of creatures in the snow that were chilled to death while trying to cross this region. The fighting has been bad here, as shown by disturbed earth and several war camps scattered through the hills.

Inami(idle)(#325), Urumiya(idle)(#326), and Hikitsu(idle)(#250) are here.

Exits: Tolan       (to Hokkan)

       Blue Tent   (to Blue Tent)

       Green Tent  (to Green Tent)

       Yellow Tent (to Yellow Tent)

 

Hatsui's opinion on Tomite: he did more than hold his own. "We're only waiting for Hikitsu now," she notes as she closes the tent's flap after exiting; no wasted heat, nope. "I do need to tell Uruki what happened with that commander, though, as well as a few other things." Re-doing one of her braids -- the one she'd been idly working on undoing earlier -- she glances about the camp, then heads for the healers' place. At this rate, she's building up a lot of debt to Yasashiku. ... does this mean she's going to have to avoid teasing Dylan in the future?

 

"Tch, waiting on Hikitsu? He better have good reason for being late."  Namame is going to take no small amount of pleasure in pointing out that lateness, no doubt.  "Ooi! None of that. There're plenty of hands in there for now, more'd just get in the way, unless you're fetching something."  It's always messy in the healers' tent, he knows this.  "Then go tell Uruki what you need to tell him. We need to start thinking about what we're all doing here."

 

Tomite is finally coming back to camp once more, arriving upon horseback once more and looking all the more excited for it. He reins in just shy of the tents, before kicking the animal into a walk towards where Hatsui and Namame are, "Hikitsu is really good at being late, but he'll show... eventually."

 

"Wounded, remember, Namame? /Wounded/?" Hatsui says, tossing him a look over her shoulder -- but at least she's stopped. "You wanted to see if they'd brought any of the Kutouese wounded in, and the best place to start asking would be the healers." She glances up at Tomite as he approaches. "Really good at being late? Are you all right, Tomite? No injuries?"

 

Namame smirks again, though he's probably mildly relieved that Tomite is back.  "Saa, he's going to show up late and keep us from getting anything done, that brother of yours."  Some things just never change.  "Wounded? Let /them/ take care of the wounded. We have things to think about, and you bring up good points, you stubborn woman. You can't help everyone in the war, and wearing yourself out with wounded isn't going to help much, either. You don't think those healers feel useless when there's a battle going on? Let them do something to feel like they're contributing."

 

Tomite blinks and echoes, "Wounded? Who is wounded? Urumiya didn't go and get himself wounded, did he?" This is what happens when you ride into a conversation that is already occurring. He looks down to the pair, but not before lifting both arms to the sky, "Does it look like I'm wounded? Not even a scratch. Stop worrying so much, Hatsui." He lives for this sort of thing. Way much more fun than New York. They'll have to drag him back kicking and screaming when all is said and done. He frowns at Namame's words, glancing back to Hatsui, "What is he nattering at you about now? Wearing yourself out?"

 

Hatsui does the only thing possible at this point, seishi or no seishi, dignity or no dignity. She picks up a loose clod of earth from the base of a tent and tosses it at Namame. "I told you that I'm not going to try to do that, you know that full well, and it wouldn't accomplish anything," she says to him stubbornly, then looks at Tomite. "I was never supposed to come out here because I can't shield from picking up on people's emotions and to stop that, I would have burned myself out trying to calm everyone down or to make the hurting stop. But Yasashiku's here, and is shielding me, so I don't have to try and drive myself nuts. /Namame/ doesn't seem to think that I would have the sense to avoid doing that." A bit grumpy about that, yes. Just a smidge.

 

Namame shakes his head at Tomite.  "No one that we know, but Hatsui thinks she's going to go tend every wounded person in the camp."  The dirt is dodged, and he sticks his tongue out at the girl.  "I didn't mean /that/, you stubborn woman, I meant wear yourself out by trying to help tend all of those wounded. You don't think those healers would defer to you? Let them do what they need to do. /We/ need you here for the ideas you have, and the information you were able to get. Hell, I need you out here to keep me from thinkin' we're just gonna be stuck in the same mess again, alright?"  He's whipped? Yep.  Tomite is given his attention again, and the seishi shrugs.  "You get the clean up done, then?"

 

Tomite doesn't quite refrain from snicker as the dirt-clogs fly. "Next time try manure. Plenty of it around here." Yeah, and he gives the horse he is still upon a sound pat on the shoulder. "Well, if he is shielding you what's the big deal?" So the next look he gives is one of question to Namame, but apparently that is cleared up for him. "Oh... Well, duh, Hatsui. Helping with the first aid and healing is good, but no reason to wear yourself out but I know you won't do that. That's what all of those other people are for." He shrugs his shoulders, nodding to Namame, "Chased down a couple of knots of resistance, but whatever is left out there isn't worth much. I told the perimeter guards to keep an eye out, just in case."

 

Grumble, mutter, huff.  "..damn MP3 player next time.." Urumiya grumps to himself as he trudges across the way, leaving the regular soldiers in the care of those healers Namame just mentioned.  With an abused rag, he cleans and inspects his blade on the walk to join the others.  "Ooi, Hatsui. Remind me to file a complaint, wouldya. Futzin' Kotou wusses. I fought more intimidating bullies in third grade. They keep falling down when I hit them."  Aww.

 

"Good idea, Tomite. I'll keep that in mind for the next time," Hatsui promises, then begins to grin, then laugh at Namame sticking his tongue out at her. Several soldiers, knowing Namame's reputation, are beginning to look at them as though they've all gone insane. "Er... all right, drop that topic for now. Should we all go descend upon Uruki now, or should we-" This would herald Urumiya's arrival, yep. "Do I have to point out in third grade, you didn't have seishi powers?" she asks in a rather amused tone, "And that I was... two, I think? I'm not going to remember that."

 

Namame smirks at Tomite and Hatsui.  "She'd have to put her hands on it first."  Neener.  "Tch, Urumiya, do you expect those Kutouese dogs to stand up and take a beating? They'd rather run with their tails between their legs, or sneak around looking for dropped scraps."  Oh, how good it is to be able to hate these people without being smacked. ..yet.  "Good, we won't have to worry about surprises in the middle  of the night, unless those dogs have lost their fear of the dark.  You know half of what we fought was made up of boys."  A brief look of pure hatred crosses his features, but quickly passes.  "We should, but you might want to go ahead, Hatsui, make sure it's alright for us to come in and talk to him."  Getting a clue? Maybe.

 

Tomite finally dismounts from the horse, keeping the reins in his hand. Urumiya's arrival earns a broad grin and something of a chuckle from the boy. He shakes his head slowly from side to side before shrugging his shoulders, "Well, it was fun while it lasted. Maybe a few more will come slinking around later."

 

Urumiya smiles lazily at his sister. "True enough, kiddo. In third grade, all I had was my wits and my rugged good looks."  Anyone want to make a snide comment before he puts his sword away?  No?  "Ah well. If all campaigns went this way..."  He may joke about not having a good enough fight, but he'd rather have that than lose his troops. Again.  "Do I want to know why you're about to pounce on Uruki?  Or should I just not ask?"

 

"Boys with toys. I'm disgusted with all of you," Hatsui says without real heat, rolling her eyes. "I'm going to go talk to someone sensible." She can't really be mad at them, given the interesting embodiments of their god and the particular fact that, well, this is -- was -- their home that's getting invaded. "Rugged good looks? Ha, prettyboy. I know where the photo albums are kept at home, don't tempt me." And then, with that parting shot, she's just going to go find that tent.

 

Namame shrugs at Tomite.  "You'll have another chance before it's all over with, trust me. .. but I'm getting a little tired of the fighting already."  As strange as that might sound.  "Tch, if they all went that way, we'd have won the war by this time. ..she's got some things she needs to ask Uruki about, and I am /not/ playing at this, Hatsui. Don't /ever/ accuse me of that. I disliked that fight as much as you did, those were /boys/, at least half of them. ..wait. Rugged good looks? You're an old man, and I am going to say nothing more than that." 

Hatsui leaves for Green Tent.

 

Tomite is quickly tossing off the reins to someone who just happens to be unlucky enough to pass by. "Aw, come on, Hatsui. Don't talk like that. Be nice now. I'm gonna catch enough crap from Hikitsu when he finally shows." And he is not looking forward to that at all. He smirks after her before casting a glance back to Namame with another sigh, a shake of his head, and then a faint grin, "All of you are old, don't start down that route."

 

Urumiya glowers and huffs. "It was the early nineties! Everyone had hair like that!"  Hrmf. Sisters.  Bah.  Bah!  "Mmm. Boys indeed, Namame. Some even younger than me, when I started.  Ain't saying it's right, but there's not much we can do aside from offer a prayer for the lost souls."  When Hatsui is gone, Urumiya settles onto a convenient patch of hard ground, with little more than a tired groan.

 

Namame gives Tomite a measuring look.  "Tch, old enough."  Urumiya is given a light shrug as he glances back in the direction that Hatsui had gone in.  "I don't pray, so you'll have to do my share for me, old man."  A long sigh is given as he sits back, pulling his sword out to finish cleaning off the leftover blood from earlier.  "Tomite took out their commanders, and Hatsui got their leader, so there shouldn't be a return attack for a while, until they get things straightened out." 

 

Hatsui has arrived from Green Tent.

 

Tomite moves over to take a seat near to Urumiya, dropping easily to the ground. No, no groans here, but he nearly garrotes himself with the string of the bow crossed over his chest. Ack. He is quickly yanking the thing off and setting in the ground as well. "Remind me to get a look at these pictures so I can point and laugh at you later." He looks up to Namame, grinning faintly, "Hopefully they won't get straightened out. But if they do... ah well. Just do it again."

 

It only takes a moment before Hatsui's back, her expression schooled into something far more serious. "I didn't mean it that way, Namame. I'm sorry," she apologises quietly to him, then glances at the others. "We need to plan, and there's news that we all have to share. Ready to talk about past and future?"

 

Namame stands again, nodding at Hatsui as well as Tomite.  "We can hope," he agrees as he heads for Uruki's tent.  "Tch, more news? You want to talk past and future, I guess we'd better get it over with, ne?" 

 

Namame leaves for Green Tent.

Hatsui leaves for Green Tent.

 

                                 Green Tent                                

---------------------------------==========---------------------------------

Larger than most, this tent contains one large table with several chairs, the surface covered in maps and leaving little room for more than planning. A large, portable bed takes up one side, while a smaller cot rests off to one side, both set upon a multitude of rugs carrying the distinctive markings of nobility. There is a rack for weaponry, though little of that space is used, and several lamps have been hung from the ceiling, giving off a serviceable amount of light as well as much needed heat.

Yasashiku(idle)(#321), Uruki(idle)(#287), Namame(#320), and Hatsui(#253) are here.

Exit: Out (to Tundra)

 

Urumiya has arrived from Tundra.

 

Hatsui follows after Namame, entering the tent with a more serious expression than the one she entered wearing earlier. This is business, after all, and while business can be pleasure... we're not completing that thought. "It was a figure of speech, Namame. I should stop trying to be dramatic, or I'll wind up acting like Amefuri," she comments dryly.

 

Hikitsu has arrived from Tundra.

 

Namame shrugs, no longer looking half so sarcastic.  "I know, you're still stubborn, though."  He had to get that in.  "So, who wants to start out? The only information I have Hatsui already knows. I figure I should go check out their camp again, but that's up to Uruki. If we shouldn't separate ourselves, I'll hang around here, but I'm not good for much unless I'm sent to do something."

 

Tomite follows in after the others, grinning just the faintest. Bow is propped up against wherever as the boy moves over to drop into the first available chair with a noticeable amount of dust rising off of him. This is what happens when you go out riding and 'cleaning up' most of the day. "Oh, please don't say I've gotta stick around? I'll just get drunk and learn more bad words." Anything to try to get out of sitting on his arse. "I can go back out scouting, right?"

 

Uruki is nodding to Namame, "You and Tomite can check out the camp. I can't rule out that what we're looking for might be there. Things are different this time. Slower. For a reason and we can't miss that chance. Hatsui and I should look around the camp. Yasashiku and she can tell us if anyone is different in some way or hiding something. We're being watched by something what wants us to fail, so watch yourselves. Please. Hatsui did say that you and she had thought of other things, Namame?"

 

Yasashiku looks up from his work, blinking. Hold on, he has to listen to the thoughts of.. never mind, it's a given that he's going to do it.  "Hai, I'll listen for anything interesting. If someone wants failure, it's sure to be at the front of their mind."  It's the only input he has, apparently, and his eyes drop back to the sewing he's now working on, making sure that the tears and cuts in the fabric are mended and unnoticeable.

 

There are some things you just don't understand, even if you know the logic behind them, know there are reasons for why it happened and know you /did/ it to start with. So Hikitsu knows what happened - museum, finding the transport point, etc - and he knows what /must/ have happened, but that doesn't mean he isn't shaken by it somewhat. It's just weird, having memories come to life like you never thought they would. But he shakes his head, determined to get over it and get on with the mission. He glances around the wasteland camp, then heads for the large tent - the green one, entering without fanfare. "All right, what's going on?" /Slightly/ anachronistic for Hikitsu...

 

"Other things, right. If Yasashiku and I can work together at this point, and as he can shield me, I think we can, we may be able to find out exactly who and what is watching us -- I'm inclined to think that it's Genbu's Yin opposite, or the shadow of such, as another goddess has the same capability -- and perhaps glean some information from it," Hatsui says, laying that plan out before changing the subject to the other information. "Namame says that there's a temple to all of the Four Gods near the border; after the attack tomorrow, if it comes, then we should go there and see if there's any sort of information about what we're looking for."

 

Namame nods at Tomite and Uruki.  "Then we'll go as soon as everyone settles in for the night. It's better to go while they aren't expecting it, and they'll just think of us as more stragglers coming in if we do it right. Better get the clothes for it, though. Tomite won't fit anything I have."  He finally sits, though it's with a good view of the door.  "The temple? Yeah, it's not too far from where we fought today. Figure the monks'd know something, and why would we only have one scroll? I mean, as much of an asshole as Genbu is, he's not going to just leave us with one way to summon. That other scroll gets destroyed and we're screwed, right? So I figure there's a backup somewhere. We just got to find it." 

 

Namame is just going to grin at Hikitsu.  "You're late, you know. You think you're going to get the rest of us to do your share or something?"  Hee, let the games begin.

 

Tomite was cringing. Yes, cringing. Hikitsu is here, and he could feel it. But, you know, maybe aniki would possibly miss this tent and just keep on going to another one. Durn, there goes all of his fun. "Better late than never, eh aniki?" Busily picking the dirt and what could be blood from his fingernails, he nods over to Uruki, "Sounds good to me.... a temple?" He glances back up, flickering another odd look at Uruki, almost confused, before looking away.

 

The mention of that temple on the border makes Uruki pale, a hand going to his temple. "Hai, I remember, Hatsui, Namame. I would think we'd all have to go, however, since we were all summoned here." Does the seishi look unhappy. You bet. His mind is a whirl, the emotion strong and he's trying to quell it.

 

Yasashiku looks up at the others frowning only slightly.  "I've been there before, and I doubt that the Kutouese soldiers would touch that place. It's full of monks, and they should be able to help you if you're looking for something there."  There's a quick glance toward Uruki, but he goes back to his work, trying not to interfere with things too much.

 

Well, that wasn't much of an answer. "I don't know what my 'share' is yet, but I bet somewhere along the line I'll be saving your ass out on the permafrost." Let the games begin indeed. But the retort is more automatic than anything, as Hikitsu takes another step forward to stand next to Tomite, glancing down quickly with questions written all his face. He gains control again, face once more smoothing into the familiar blank plains he uses far too frequently. "A temple? Full of monks?" Does Shiku really think the Kutouese won't touch it? They'll touch anything if they're desperate. "If we're trying to reclaim the shinzaho and the scroll, a temple would be a good place to start. It hasn't been too long since the acquisition of the scroll - less time for it to have gotten lost." Or for someone to have taken it. But it's always a possibility.

 

Hatsui looks puzzled at Uruki's reaction, but Hikitsu's arrival draws a smile from the young woman. "Before you two start sniping... too late. Namame, please stop, we have more important things to deal with right now." Her gaze flicks to Uruki once more, and she reaches out to take his hand. "Not that temple, Uruki. Not ours," she says, her voice even. "A different one. They may have a few clues about what we've got to do, or our situation, though we'll have to act like we don't know what to do. I don't mind doing that." She turns to glance at Hikitsu, Tomite and Namame. "We've a battle tomorrow, if what I got from the commander's mind is correct," she repeats, mostly for Hikitsu's sake.

 

Namame smirks at Hikitsu, but says nothing more.  "Tch, I'm just showing him how much I care."  See? He's being all nice.  "So, we go after the battle, ne? Tomite and I should be back in plenty of time to sleep before it starts. If we're lucky, we may get a little more information to go with what you got, Hatsui. As I recall, we nearly lost that one, though, so it's gonna get messy before it's all over with."  Again, he's just going to be oblivious, because he knows that the temple in question isn't 'their' temple. It's just another building dedicated to demons with delusions of grandeur.

 

Tomite blinks up at Hikitsu as he comes over, offering him a bright smile. The boy nods his head to him, gives aniki something of a wink and a mouthed 'tell you later' and then is looking back to the others. Oh, another battle. He seems to perk at the mention of that, flickering a glance to Namame with something of an agreeing nod before looking at Hatsui, "More of the same ones that were fed to us today? Or will there actually be something of a challenge?" But another frown is given to Uruki, "Hey... you're leaking." Lets just hope he means chi.

 

Uruki is frowning still, shaking his head at Hatsui, his voice clipped, almost angery, "I think, Hatsui, that I would be able to recognize the difference between our temple and a border temple. I'm not an idiot." His glance shifts to Tomite and he merely says, "I know. Shiku is drawing upon me. He just doesn't know it. Dylan and I have resonanted since we met. We've only recently figured out what was happening. It's nothing to worry about. Namame, do you think you should be going into battle before we go to the temple. I would prefer to ride there soon myself."

 

Well, he knows it now! "I.."  Never mind, this is one servant that is just going to go back to his work and stop using any semblance of ability now, thank you.  This doesn't mean that Yasashiku isn't going to blush, oh no. He's just going to combine that with sewing, because he's a talented person.

 

Hatsui draws back from Uruki for a brief moment, then reaches up as though to rest a gentle hand upon his cheek only to pull back, though there's a crease of concern between her eyebrows, mingled with just a touch of hurt. Linking her hands behind her back, she studies him silently, then sighs. "Can we afford not to fight tomorrow?" is all she asks, stepping back away from Uruki for the moment.

 

"You mean can they win without us? I don't know, but I wouldn't count on it much. Why don't we ride to the temple, then? Tomite and I can scout out the border later, see if there's anything there, and forget about the camp. If they're changing their plans, it's not like they can't change them again. We'll just have to be ready for whatever happens."  Hatsui is given a rather worried look, as is Uruki, but Namame's just not going to ask. "May as well get the searching over with, ne? We're looking for a second scroll, Hikitsu. We can't take the one that's going to be used for the summoning." 

 

"A battle." Why is he not surprised. Perhaps because there were too damn many of them in the past. "How bad are the ratios?" Depending on the number of soldiers, they may all be able to go to the temple - or they might all have to stay, or they may be able to split. That might work. "If it's a matter of speed or strength, maybe we should divide ourselves into groups - one spy, one fighting. I would prefer everyone remaining together just for safety's sake, but the sooner we accomplish our tasks the sooner we can save everything." Hikitsu glances up, estimating the strength of everyone - he doesn't have Uruki's training, but he's good at logic work. "If everyone's here, then..." Quick thinking... "Tomite, Namame, Hatsui, and I could go to the temple, while Uruki, Shiku, 'Miya, and Inami stay and help." It's only a suggestion, but it might work. Keeps Namame out of the bigger path of going insane, keeps Hatsui near him in case something /does/ go wrong, and keeps the brothers together. Also keeps the military strategist where he can do his job - and maybe not have to look haunted. "A second scroll? Aw shit..."

 

Tomite flashes a glance over to Uruki, nodding his head in understanding. Works for him. Back to picking at his fingernails and allowing the 'brains' of the group natter about the details. Just as long as he gets to find some action, it is all good for him.

 

Uruki looks over at Hikitsu and shakes his head, "No, we were summoned here together, we go to get what we need together, Hikitsu. This is not about the battle that is coming tomorrow. I was here for that one already. So was Namame. If we get what we need today, we may not be here tomorrow. That battled /would/ have taken place today and it was very bloody. We were barely hanging on at that point. Namame could tell you that as well. We have a day of respite and I am not giving it up. If we weren't all needed to go to the temple, then why said us all? So again, no, Hikitsu. We all go or it's nothing. I think that is the way it must be. I will listen to debates, if anyone has them?"

 

Hatsui is still silent, though she flinches visibly at something as she fades further back into the group, hands still loosely linked behind her back. Her expression is oddly impassive, and she volunteers next to nothing -- looks like she's in the same boat as Tomite at the moment.

 

Yasashiku looks up, frowning once more.  "I should get things ready for you, then? If you're heading toward the temple, you may need the cover of darkness. The Kutouese haven't touched it since this began, because it's all four gods they would be slighting. You would be safe once inside, however." 

 

Hikitsu has to give a small smile to Uruki. "Because some of us are too damn curious not to want to come along." But he nods to Uruki, accepting his judgement - Hikitsu's a planner, but a planner of a different kind than they need now. "I'd rather not get into any battles - who knows what the effect will be once we go back." He'd prefer to go back in one piece - all the rest, too. Yes, even Namame. "Just how far is this temple?" One thing he's good at, outdoor stuff. No way he's being left behind - not that anyone'd let that happen, but he does /not/ like the confines of the camp. Seems like some of Hikitsu's mannerisms are returning, even if the mind is different.

 

Namame shrugs.  "I don't think I've ever been there, but I did see a building not far from the border. That's probably it, because no one but a bunch of gods crazy monks would try to put anything out there in those swamps. Too damned risky."  A glance is given the others, but he seems content to let Uruki make the decisions, again.  "We can get there in less than an hour, if we ride quickly."

 

Tomite flickers a glance up to the others. Hey, if they are planning on doing something, he is more than happy to take part in it. Action is good. Idle hands are bad. Or so that is what he hears from far too many people. "I think I remember seeing that temple now... from far off." He slouches back in the chair, fingers drumming a rough tattoo upon the campaign table. "And it should be a fairly unopposed ride, I'd imagine. We picked off most of the stragglers."

 

Uruki is nodding to Namame, "Hai, that is the temple. I had forgotten, but I remembered." Indeed he did and he's not happy about it. "I've asked Shiku to go get things ready for us. We should leave within the half-hour if possible. We all go and we do ride quickly. It's not the Kutou who we will have to watch for. Like Hatsui, I believe we will be oppposed by Sungnocha or his shadow here in this world. You will see the fighting you desire, Hikitsu and Tomite. I do not think that gold will want us to succeed."

 

Yasashiku stands, putting his current work aside to step toward the tent flap before giving a quick bow.  "There are things I need to do, as Uruki-sama says, but please call me if I'm needed."  He'll just step out now, letting the seishi talk over important matters that he probably doesn't want to try to wrap his mind around.

 

Yasashiku leaves for Tundra.

 

"Thank you, Shiku," Hatsui says quietly to the man as he leaves, staying near the exit of the tent and fiddling with the worn cuff of her jacket rather than anything. The idea of fighting another shadow, one who isn't a known enemy, isn't a palatable one. She's also rather subdued at the moment.

 

Now that they have plans, Namame is just going to sit back and listen. He's not the one who does this sort of thing, Uruki is, and that's the way he likes it.  "Like Tomite said, we shouldn't run into anything out there, but we shouldn't just sit back and enjoy the ride, either. You just let me know when you're ready to go. I'm ready as it is."  Another glance is given Hatsui, but he's not going to ask just yet.

Tomite just came in from being out riding around. Bah, what is a little more riding? "Just give me some food and I'm good to go." Must feed the boy with the bottomless stomach. Another shrug of his shoulders and he is slumping back into the chair.

 

Uruki slumps into a chair now, sighing. "I can explain now, Hatsui. I am sorry, but the temple we are going to is the temple in which Shiku will kill himself after the summoning. After I die. Now do you understand my distress and my need to keep it to myself? I had to ask him to keep away from my mind as well. Do you know how difficult this is? I realized something though. That now is when we linked back then, when I was here instead of the other. When I could tell him I loved him. When the other Uruki returns, he won't remember a thing and Shiku will go unnoticed again. But Shiku is going to remember and when Uruki dies, he's going to take that man with him. So, I am less than happy. We should get going. I can't plan to even know what will happen. I'm acting on instinct here."

 

"Almost as difficult as being ordered to..." Hatsui bites off whatever else she was going to say with a tired sigh, stepping forward again. "I understand it, Uruki." Swallowing her pride over the mental conversation, such as it was, she glances aside at Tomite and Namame. "I don't like this at all, but if it has to be done, it will be done. Mind if I talk to Uruki for a bit alone? I'm sorry, I think it's necessary at this point, unless we have other orders at this point?"

 

Namame stands.  "Well, I've heard what I need to hear. I'll go lay down until you give the word, ne?  Sorry, Uruki, but there's just some things that are going to bother you no matter what. Remember that it's the past, nothing you can do about it, and would you really want to? Knowing what you know now? We've all been dead before, we know it ain't permanent. Let's just get this over with so you can get away from all this shit, alright?" Now he's going to leave, because Hatsui asked and she has him whipped, as Hikitsu so readily pointed out.

 

Namame leaves for Tundra.

 

Tomite blinks and then nods his head. He moves to stand once more, stretching as he does so. "Food." Yeah, that'll pretty much well be what the boy is going to be after. He has simple demands. Food. Sleep. A good fight. It's all good. He ducks his head to the pair of them, flickering a last glance to Uruki, and then heading out.

 

                                   Tundra                                  

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Surrounded by mountains this area of the tundra can be the most chilling and treacherous in Hokkan. The winds blow strong down the foothills and send arid, freezing temperatures over the land. Nothing remotely close to vegetation grows and even the animals are scarce. What wild dogs do show themselves only come out when the winds have ceased. The majority of animal indications are shown by the ivory bone's of creatures in the snow that were chilled to death while trying to cross this region. The fighting has been bad here, as shown by disturbed earth and several war camps scattered through the hills.

Inami(idle)(#325), Yasashiku(idle)(#321), and Uruki(idle)(#287) are here.

Exits: Tolan       (to Hokkan)

       Blue Tent   (to Blue Tent)

       Green Tent  (to Green Tent)

       Yellow Tent (to Yellow Tent)

 

Uruki has arrived from Green Tent.

Hatsui has arrived from Green Tent.

 

Yasashiku has the horses ready, but is busy checking the packs and adjusting the things that don't meet with his standards.

Uruki smiles gently at Shiku, nodding to him and the horses. "We'll need to get Namame. He should be in his tent. Did you want to fetch him, Hatsui?"

 

Hatsui just nods at Uruki, heading towards the tent. At least she doesn't seem as subdued anymore, but she's certainly not a caffeinated chibi. They really need to find more sugary stuff than cookies.

Hatsui leaves for Blue Tent.

 

Tomite was eating, of course. And doing a mighty fine job of it. He finally returns, popping another bit of meat into his mouth and chewing away. A small bag is held in his hand, probably filled with extras to tide him over.

 

Yasashiku finishes his triple checking, then turns to face both seishi.  "There's a foot path that leads from just outside the camp to the temple. If you follow it, you should be following the quickest rout there. The ground is swampy on either side the closer you get, so straying isn't a very god idea."  It's useful information, so he's going to share it. He's apparently been there before. 

 

Namame has arrived from Blue Tent.

Hatsui has arrived from Blue Tent.

 

Uruki nods to Shiku, moving towards his own horse, found among the teethered others. He pulls himself into the saddle, adjusts stirrups and takes up the reins. "Tomite? Coming?" The younger man is grinned at.

 

"I'm riding on my own. You still ride like a sack of rice," Hatsui comments to Namame, making a face at him. "Well, if Yasashiku's found a horse for me, that is. If not..." Her lips twitch into a teasing grin. "I'll ride with Tomite."

 

"Uh... Lemme think about that one, Uruki.... Yes?" Tomite chuckles wryly, easily bounding up onto a horse once more, reaching over to attach the food pack to the saddle. Nibbles for later. He takes the reins in hand and urges the horse around, flickering a glance to the other two before breaking out into a bright smile at Hatsui, "Smart woman."

 

Yasashiku has, indeed, found enough horses for everyone. He's just assumed that everyone would want to ride on their own, it would seem.  "Good luck," he says before turning to walk away and back to his own duties.  "I'm sure that the path will be clear."  With that, he goes back to the mending he'd been attempting earlier.

 

Yasashiku leaves for Green Tent.

 

Namame smirks.  "Hah. Hah. I don't like horses, but at least I'm not as bad as some."  No, he doesn't fall off, but he and the horse in question will never be fond of eachother.  "So, we're wasting time."  He'll just make his way into the saddle now, and not mention how strange being on a horse actually is. Oh, and they smell.

 

Hatsui picks the smallest and lightest of the horses, and while Anana would never have remembered to ride, apparently Hatsui's body does, for she swings lightly up in the saddle, leaning over to adjust the girth from the saddle as well as bring the stirrups up to the right length for her. It's definitely not a soldier's seat, closer to a messenger's lighter, higher seat. "Aren't I?" she asks, winking at Tomite once she's gathered the reins up. "Ready."