Lands of the Ikkura: Japan during the Nara Era

OOC: Check out Ancient Land if you wish to join. I would prefer this part to just be role-playing.

I will be playing the daimyo, the warlords of Japan. This will be taking place on the lands of his family. His name is Ikkura Keiji (just for reference, last name is first.)

IC: The Daimyo Ikkura sat there, listening to the man’s pleas in silence. His family was all standing to one side, heads bowed in respect. “You ask me to save your life but you dishonored another daimyo in front of me! I should kill your whole family for this insult! You bring great dishonor upon this entire land. Luckily, he will not attack us over this insult. He only asks for you head.”

The man quickly bows deeply, kneeling on the floor. “I’m sorry sire. Please allow me to be executed by your sword and keep my honor. My family does not disserve any of this.”

The Daimyo presses his lips together. He slowly begins to speak. “You brought dishonor upon your entire house. They have already suffered for your misdeed. I see bruises on your son, resulting from the others in his school learning of your dishonor. If I was to leave them alone, who would now lead your house?”

The man slowly responds, “My younger brother, sire.”

The Daimyo looks over the family and spots the man. “Come forth. Can you handle this responsibility?”

“Yes, sire.”

The daimyo turns back to the man on the floor. “Your family shall be saved. You must not get the honor you ask for. You must go to the executioner. He will remove your head.”

“Thank you sire.”

The family turns and leaves, followed by the dishonored man. Relief shows on all their faces. The daimyo turns to the rest of those in the room. “I will be leaving in the morning for Nara. The emperor has asked for my presence. I will be there for a short while and return.”

The daimyo turns to his wife, bowing in the corner. Another man stands just behind her, guarding her. “You must remain here, wife. I will return in a week or two. Your guard shall rule in my absence, as we have done so many times.”

The daimyo stands and leaves the room.


The next day, the daimyo and an escort of a twenty samurai leave the house. They ride swiftly towards Nara.

After about a week and a half, they start back towards the lands of the Ikkura. About three hours ride out side of the palace, the group is ambushed and all but one samurai makes a stand. He is order to lead the daimyo to safety.

The two run into the forest, swords drawn. They come upon a house and slowly walk to the door, the samurai announcing his lord.

Hogo (last name first, meaning "protector") Aru stood high for a man in that time and location, at slightly over six feet; his muscles were well-developed, his battle techniques near-flawless, eyes sharp, hands steady. Nine out of ten people that called themselves warriors would have fallen sure victims to his agility and strength in a fight. And yet, he was about as defenseless as one could imagine, for the land he lived in valued families and relations over everything, and he had lost his.

He never remembered his true family, in the direct sence of the word. As a young boy he was kidnapped by a brotherhood of mercenary warriors, who brought him up, made a true artist out of him, who danced the battlefield, spreading death to his enemies. They have became his family - the only one he knew. He lost them, too. Less than a year ago they have been hired by a daimyo, who betrayed them, using the unit as ambush bait, then leaving them to die without assistance when the enemies struck. Very few survived that fight, and those who did had no hope of resurrecting the brotherhood. They went their separate ways, with Aru ending up in the service of daimyo Ikkura. For months he helped train his men, trying to put at least a spark of the endless wealth of shiny arts he lived by since early childhood into the soldiers. He had limited success, and now the Daimyo showed notice by taking Hogo to accompany him on a trip to the Emperor's palace.

"Ambush!" Flew over the colum of travellers as those at the head noticed the enemies. Too late to avoid.

Hogo leaned right in his saddle, putting his torso in front of his lord's, as he drew the short bow and an arrow from behind his back. A sword would be useless until the enemy comes closer.

THUD.

The thick treated silk of his armor absorbed the impact, catching the arrow ment for Daimyo before it could pierce Aru's chest. He straightened back in the saddle, and steadied himself, forcing his horse to hold still even in the confusion of the attack until he fired. The shot was flawless, but the enemy luckily ducked a split second before Aru's arrow dug into the tree trunk where his head used to be. He drew another arrow.

"My Lord?"

Steady. Let go! This time it hit, and one assailant fell still, part of the horrible projectile still sticking out of his bloodied face. Aru made another shot before Lord Ikkura finished giving out orders and led him away, galloping towards the forest briskly. They dismounted, as the bushes that appeared here an there prevented the large mounts from going further. Now, Aru drew his sword, following the Daimyo's example.

He walked first, reflexes hightened, his normally lighting-fast reaction boosted up even further by the highly controlled doses of adrenaline that ran through his body. But nothing hit, and eventually they came to a small cabin.

"Open up! In the name of Lord Ikkura!" Aru yelled, trying to watch all windows at once and keep before his Lord to shield him as much as possible.

Kay The Daimyo`s daugther was sitting in her room brushing her long hair, she had stayed home whit her mother, while her father and his men where out, kay was awlays a bit worried when her father was away , but she knew his samurai would protect him.
Kay had finnished brushing her hair .. as she walked outside in the garden it was a beautiful day.
She was wearing a blue kimono , and had her hair up in a knot, some poeples had said she looked a lot like her father The Daimyo, kay smiled by the thougth..

Occ: sorry for writing short i wwill write more later

Akemi

Akemi stood silently in the corner, her shoulders hunched and her back slightly bowed so she would appear shorter than her actual height. She always did this in public and had become accustomed to the position so much, she could easily walk that way.

Her husband made his ruling and then informed everyone he would be leaving to visit the emporer. She bowed before him as he explained about the guard.

***

Sitting at her ornate dressing table, Akemi brushed out her long silky tresses. The dark as night hair spent most of the time piled up and a tight bun on her head. It was a relief for her to be able to let it down at night. Using some cold cream, she removed the pale makeup from her face.

Alone, her skin was a lovely alabaster. The only reason she applied the makeup was because custom dictated it. She sighed as she turned towards the empty bed. She missed him and hated sleeping alone. Hopefully he would return soon.

Kaida


Kaida was out in her garden when she heard a knock from the front door. Slowly she stood as she entered the home, but found her husband had already gotten the door. To her surprise, it was the daimyo. Kaida lowered her eyes as not to make eye contact with him.

She started to get some food ready for the company since she wanted to be chivalrous before him. Kaida never wanted to bring shame to her husband. He was the only one to ever love her.

As she wandered about, she listened in on the conversation. Her heart went to her throat when her husband suggested that the daimyo and she head to the palace. In the mean time, her husband would dress as the daimyo and lead the bandits in another direction. It was a good idea, but hardly a day went by that she wasn’t with her husband.

After awhile, the two had agreed on what was to happen. Kaida would go with the daimyo to the palace and meet her husband there.

“Don’t worry my love. It will be okay. You know I do this for my honor. Our honor.”

“Yes…I know, but I do now know if I will survive without you.”

“Kaida, you know you will. You survived before me and I know you will survive now. Besides, it isn’t forever. Just a couple of days at best. I love you Kaida.” Her husband told her as he leaned in to kiss her lips tenderly then took off with the others.

She stood watching them move into the distance. When she could no longer see them, she turned to the daimyo with her head still lowered.

“Shall we go my sire or do you wish to rest a little? It is up to you.”

Daimyo Ikkura

The daimyo looks at the woman. "We should make preparations like we are you and your husband coming in for a visit of the palace. I will first write a letter to your husband asking for him to come to court. Then I will join you in preparations. Bring me parchment and ink."

He watches her bow and leave to make preparations. She returns quickly with the require materials and he writes a short letter.

To the Master of the Forest land,

You are to come to court to discuss a matter of extreme urgency. Your lands might soon be involved in a dispute I have with a neighboring daimyo. I apologize for this.

Daimyo Ikkura Kieji

He then rises to see how the preparations are coming.

Aru merely nodded silently when he heard the plan of future actions. He did not like it much, for it put the Daimyo to travel alone - almost, for a peasant woman counted for little in a swordfight. He was in a similar position with only the woman's husband to cover his back. That did not trouble him; the fact that he could not be next to his lord to protect him like he should, however, did. Still, he knew the course of action was wise and did not object. If all goes well Ikkura would not be attacked at all, and what better place to defend against an attack than to avoid one in the first place?

"We must hurry then. Whoever is after our lord will be looking here soon." He said.

Within half an hour he and a peasant dressed in the Daimyo's clothes left, walking briskly to the north where the Daimyo's stronghold lied. It was not a long road, but it was plenty long to be dangerous. More than once Aru noticed horsemen in the distance. They snooped around before disappearing. He knew at least some must have been scouts for those after him and the man in luxurious armor by his side. Yet, without mounts of his own, there was little he could do.

Kaida


Kaida left Ikkura to start the preparations as requested. She wasn’t too sure at what to take, but she packed some of her kimono’s along with a sword. She knew it may not be the best thing to carry, but should they be attacked she wanted to protect Ikkura if need be. She put it where he wouldn’t find it. She then started grabbing some of her husbands clothing and getting that ready for Ikkura. She hoped that they were about the same size though.

As he entered the room, she lifted her head slightly.

“I am ready to go my sire. I didn’t pack too much as I know we want to get to the palace in a reasonable amount of time. I have also packed a little bread for nourishment as we travel. Ready to go when you are my sire.” She finished as she lowered her head to him once again.

The scouts appeared again. This time their number was greater. Two came out, riding briskly towards the two footmen. They showed no fear, no intention to turn back, even though their victory was far from assured, being a two on two encounter. What happened a few moments later explained their bravery as they were followed by another three more horsemen, who rounded the crest of the road, unsheathing their swords and gathering speed to join the attack.

"Into the woods!" Aru grabbed the man by the hard, armored sleeve of the Daimyo's outfit he wore and pulled him towards the trees, struggling free his shortbow in the meantime.

He took an arrow out, diving into thick bushes that grew abundantly. He had to grit his teeth as the sharp thorns teared the cloth and scratched skin wherever it was exposed. Thankfully, most of his body was protected by either clothes or armor, saving him a lot of pain. The same thorns, however would offer protection agaisnt the enemies, for horses would surely refuse to go into such a place - they had no armor.

"Hush..." Aru dropped to the "daimyo", drawing his bow to the limit, till his muscles pained. The first two attackers arrived onto the road, staring into the woods to determine where their prey went.

Release. The arrow flew, hitting one horseman into the side of his unprotected neck, just where Aru aimed. The second foe, spooked by the shot and not knowing where it came from exactly, paniced and tried to ride away. Wrong move, for it gave Aru the time to fetch another arrow and with a deadly whoosh it sunk into the back of the enemy's neck.

The three others were no fools. They saw what happend to their cocky friends and took precautions. Having dismounted, they walked carefully into the woods, with their swords drawn and their eyes open, constantly scanning the surroundings.

Aru drew his bow once again, figuring just one more perfect hit would most likely assure his victory.

"There!" Cried one of the enemies, noticing the "daimyo's" bright outfit.

"Aagh!" The peasant wearing it was spooked by the sudden cry and his foot slipped on a wet stone. He fell, hitting Aru's foot with his hand. Aru managed to stay up, but the hit was just enough to move his aim, and the arrow ment to piece the enemy's neck stuck almost harmlessly in the muscles of his left hand. Luckily for Aru, the cavalrymen wore very light armor, and it did not save the hit man from the arrow, denying him use of his arm. Still, he charged forward with his two friends, thinking their victory was near.

Aru swore and quickly drew the long light sword.

the Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

As the woman return, Daimyo Ikkura looked upon her. "I shall carry the packs as we walk. Your husband reminded me of a small trail that is direct to the palace. Its not very wide but it would be how you would travel there."

He slides his sword into his waist, although it is now hidden in the peasant's sheeth. Then he looks at his companion on this trip, seeing her carrying a blade as well. "Give me that sword. We don't need questions about a woman carrying a man's blade."

She hands it to him and he slides it beside the other sword. he reaches into his shirt and pulls out a small sword (about .5 meters with handle). "Carry this inside your kimono. it will not bring about questions if it is hidden."

the daimyo picks up the larger pack, thowing it on his shoulders. "we must move swiftly. Once youare ready to go."

he slides the letter he wrote into his shirt.

Aru's first move in the melee was to throw out his hand with the sword and block a hit aimed at the "daimyo", who still laid on the ground where he slipped. This gave the man time to get up on his feet and draw his own sword. Next, the man paired up with one of the attackers, while Aru took on another two, one of them wounded. The peasant held his own, for the time being, but was clearly no match for the soldier. Aru had to move fast, else the "daimyo's" more skilled opponent was to win surely.

Yet, he faced two men himself, and they, it turned out, were no novices in swordsmanship. Aru unleashed a fury of energy, his mind and eyes not following the moves of his hands and blade by normal means, but rather because they knew every little move in this deadly dance from countless practices.

This was the power of his training. His body knew what to do at every step on its own; it could fight without the mind for minutes at a time, taking full care of itself. The mind, was left clear to think and make strategic decisions, to alter the routines based on what the enemies did.

This time Aru picked a light series of feints now and then to distract the healthy opponent just enough to keep him on his toes, while concentrating the bulk of his moves against the wounded man. It worked marvelously, and not thirty seconds into the lighting fast combat, Aru felt his sword washed with the blood of one fallen enemy.

Without a moment's hesitation, he rechanneled his assault towards the remaining enemy, letting the body keep up the pressure, while the mind tried to find enemy's weekenss the in the situation. There! The two foes fought individually, not as a pair, thinking that the distance between between the two pairs fighting warranted it. For now it did, but Aru was about to change it. He slowed down his assault. Emulating fatigue, he allowed himself to be pushed back, back, back, as he defended from the opponent's thrusts. There. He was now close enough to the "daimyo's" enemy for a reach.

Suddenly for his opponent, Aru's body awakened, throwing away its mask of fatigue and striking out a powerful thrust, that made the foe lose his balance for a moment. More than enough! Turn, strike, turn back. Just in time to defelect his foe's balance, Aru did it, hearing in satisfaction the wet groans behind him, as the "daimyo's" opponent fell to the ground.

Aru grinned, focusing back on his own enemy. It was over, and both knew it. His opponent's skill was clearly inferior to Aru's, yet he kept fighting, knowing that death was the only alternative. Aru obliged, but the result was predetermined, and not two minutes later the last attacker fell, struck down by Aru's sword.

There was no time for celebration, however. Having taken the horses of their enemies, Aru and the "daimyo" sped towards their stronghold. With five horses, they could change, easily outrunning their pursuers. Several more hours and they rode into the Ikkura's stronghold.

Aru strictly put an end to all attempts to greet the "daimyo", urgently taking him into the quarters of Daimyo Ikkura and his wife. The wife - a lovely creature, though Aru would never dare so much as a wrong look at her - was the only person to whom he revealed the "daimyo".

"We must hide this man and keep it secret for now. If anyone finds out the Daimyo is not yet here, our pursuers may, too, and will restart their search with renewed vigor."

Aru himself was now in an odd position. He could not divulge the truth to anyone, not even the Daimyo's most trusted samurai that headed the stronghold for the moment. Yet, without his support, how could Aru help his lord. He did all he could - took four best men of the ones entrusted to him for training, announcing he would lead them on a training excercise outside the fortress. He gave them the horses he and the "daimyo" brought, and the five men rode back towards the path which the true Daimyo was to take in his escape.

Kay walked inside moving to her room which waas next to her parents.. room..kay whisehd for som company bt she knew she shouldent really disturb her mother..in case she was resting..kay decided to practice on her writing skills to pass the time...

Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

The daimyo waits only a couple of moments before he motions to leave. As she comes up beside him, he remembers once going on a trip alone with his wife. That was a long time ago. Back then he wasn't as powerful in the court as he now was. Then he could go out to his lands whenever he felt like.

Then he had spent a couple of years training the emperor. He had proven to be a skilled advisor. During that time, the daimyo made a few enemies, including one of his neighbors. That neighbor must have been the one to attack. If the house of Ikkura fell from prominence, that samurai would quickly become the most important to the emperor.

But that wasn't the important part right now. The daimyo would have to protray a peasant traveling to the palace with his wife. This woman was certainly attractive and would be a good travel companion if his guess was correct.

It didn't take long for the two of them to get away from the lands of this peasant. He might be well to do but few could have lands that would be large without being the son of a ruler. That thought depressed that daimyo. He had never had a son. He loved his daughter but never had his wife born him a son. His daughter had not yet choicen a man who the daimyo could turn into his successor.

The two travel companions moved in silence on an old woodsman trail, probably from the early days of the daimyo. This path would lead to the north side of the palace, to a seldom used entrance. They were about a six hour hike from town on this path. Well, it does circle arround town and come in the back.

An hour later, the woman was staying close and both were very observant for others. There had been a couple of patrols nearby but none had come close to the pair.

About ten minutes later, the daimyo heard some grumbling coming and dodged into the bushes, followed quickly by the woman. A squad of four wariors came by. the front guy was grumbling the loudest. "That damn daimyo Ikkura. Now we will never get paid."

The guy on his left spoke up, "Yea. If that bastard hadn't been so resourceful in hiring that merc, we would have killed him the first time."

The back guy spoke up. "Or the two of them would have both been slaughtered when the second group caught them."

The last guy spoke but the squad was getting a ways away. "Yea, they never would have made it to town. Those samurai would have fought a lot less if only the daimyo had been leading them like the boss thought he would be."

The daimyo watches the group leave. He steps out, making sure there are no more arround and then motions out the woman. "We must move quickly and quietly. They think I made it back securely to my house. they will be very upset about it. I hope they are all as dumb as that last group was."

He motions to get moving. She just nods and follows. The two of them continue in silence.

The five warriors galloped briskly, squeezing the last ounces of strength out of the poor horses that haven't known rest for many hours. It showed, as the horses stumbled here and there, but, thankfully, continued moving, though not nearly as fast as Aru would've liked.

It was careless of him to rush ahead in such a way. Anyone with a half-bit skill in setting ambushes could've struck a devastating first blow to the little cavalry unit, and being the first in its formation, Aru probably would've taken the first hit. That did not matter at the moment. His life and safety was valuable, not only in itself, but also as a useful asset for the daimyo, yet all those values took a back seat to the safety of daimyo himself. The latter was something that was still very much in question.

Eventually, they saw two figures in peasant clothes walking towards them. The figures spooked, scrambling to run for cover. Aru stopped his horsemen. He yelled out:

"In the name of lord Ikkura, come out! If you are friends we will not hurt you." His hand rested on the handle of his sword, ready to charge out at a moment's notice if the pair turend out to be robbers or spies.

Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

The daimyo watched a group of riders from hidding until they come close enough for him to identify they were his guardsmen. He stepped out and flagged them down."In the name of lord Ikkura, come out! If you are friends we will not hurt you."

The daimyo raised his hand. "I am a friend. We have seen several groups of strange warriors about and are worried about being attacked. Might we be able to travel with you to the house of the daimyo?"

He lowers his hand, awaiting the response.

"I am a friend. We have seen several groups of strange warriors about and are worried about being attacked. Might we be able to travel with you to the house of the daimyo?"

A hood covered the man's face, hiding it from everyone's gaze. Something that Aru did not like. He was about to demand the man reveal himself, when his eye caught the lovely woman that traveled with him. He knew that beautiful face. She was the one who gave them refuge in her house earlier in the day. Aru's lips formed a smile, which the woman returned, also recognizing him. He nodded.

"Very well. We will escort you to daimyo Ikkura's stronghold."

Aru turned to one of his men, ordering him to yeild his horse to the peasant. Something that raised a brow, still the man obeyed.

"Saddle up. We wouldn't want our dear daimyo's friend to come before him breathless." He turned to the woman and held out his hand. "Come, my horse is strong enough to carry two."

Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

The Daimyo quickly mounts the horse and then offers a lift for the man who got off. "No need to walk back. This horse seems strong enough for two."

the man takes the offered hand and hops on behind the daimyo. As he gets on behind, he notices the hilt of the sword and several other small things that tells him who he is with and he scoots back a bit. "Hey, don't scoot too far back or you might find out the joy of falling off the rear of a horse. "

the man laughs and moves forward, head bowed. the daimyo realizes what he knows. He whispers to the man under his breath, "Do not speak of what you know and act like I'm just a peasant. This was for my protection."

The Daimyo turns to the Mercenary and smiles. "I do believe the group is ready to leave if you are."

"I do believe the group is ready to leave if you are."

Aru nodded. It felt strange to be in command in the presence of the daimyo, yet he had to do it flawlessly, treating him just like a peasant. He made sure the woman was settled in as comfortably as the circumstances allowed, and ordered the group to start moving.

Half way back to the stronghold, or thereabouts, they bumped into a small three horseman group, who assailed all travelers, searching for the daimyo. Seeing the group of five daimyo's men, they fled, dropping something about it not being their mission to fight Ikkura's men. Aru held his men back from launching a pursuit. It wasn't their mission to spray their forces and chase about bandits either, while the daimyo was still not safe. They looked puzzled again, but again obeyed him.

Long or short their way was, it eventually lead them into the welcoming safety of Ikkura's stronghold. Once the massive gates closed behind them, Aru breathed a sigh of relief. The daimyo was safe here. He helped the peasant woman off the horse and turned to the daimyo.

"I think I recognized you, friend, and I'm sure the daimyo and his wife would be delighted to see you. Let me take you to them right away." With a smile, Aru lead the 'peasant' daimyo and the peasant woman to the daimyo's quarters.

Once they entered the main room, however, Aru's smile left his face and he bowed his head slightly in a gesture of respect. By the daimyo's wife laid the peasant man, whom Aru brought back earlier as a decoy. He was quite obviously dead, judging by the amount of blood around him.

"Wounds..." the daimyo's wife said quietly.

Aru looked at the peasant woman, who just lost her husband. The pain reflecting on her beautiful face struck him straight into the heart, making it hurt, as he shared in this woman's pain. Aru hugged her shoulders reassuringly.

"I'm sorry..."

Akemi

Akemi was unsure of what was going on. A peasant man dressed in her husband's clothing had been brought to her by Aru who left immediately after leaving him in her care. He was bleeding profusely from several wounds and no matter what she tried, she could not stop it.

As she waited for Aru's return, she desperately hoped her husband was not injured... or worse.

Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

the Daimyo went quickly over to the man on the ground. He turned to his wife. "It appears you have done all you could. these wounds were severe. We must now take care of his widow." quietly he adds to his wife alone, "To loose her husband so young, is too harse. She can't be much older than our daughter."

He quickly rose and went over to the wife of the peasant. "I morn with you over this loss. He will be accorded whatever honors you wish in his funeral. I will see to the building of the pire if you wish."

He slowly walked to the mercenary. "Since you brought him here, I would guess you didn't notice these wounds. How bad was the conflict that brought this upon him? Did he have to fight for himself along side you?"

Kaida


"Saddle up. We wouldn't want our dear daimyo's friend to come before him breathless. Come, my horse is strong enough to carry two." Aru said to Kaida. Gingerly she lifted a hand to take his and mounted his horse. She said nothing to him as she just lowered her eyes and her arms wrapped around his waist.

“I do believe the group is ready to leave if you are.” She heard Ikkura say. At that, they took off at a gallop. Kaida couldn’t wait to be back in the arms of her husband. Just being this close to Aru made her think of her husband and she missed him dearly.

After what seemed like forever, they were safely inside the walls of the palace. Aru helped her off of the horse as he began to speak again. She listened as her heart pounded in anticipation. She wanted to ask where her husband was, but knew they weren’t totally out of the woods yet.

She followed them silently with her head bowed. She still couldn’t believe she was in the presence of Ikkura. She had heard so much about him from her husband and respected him. She didn’t want to anything that would bring her husband and her any shame.

Finally they entered a large room and Aru seemed to lose his smile as he too lowered his head. Kaida stood there as she started to look around and then she saw him. The only man she had ever loved and ever known lie there beside Ikkura’s wife lifeless. She saw the pool of blood around him and felt her legs starting to get wobbly.

“NO!” She cried as she just fell to her knees as tears just streamed down her face. She wanted to go be with him, but she couldn’t move from where she was. Maybe if she didn’t move, it wouldn’t be real. This couldn’t be happening to her. They hadn’t even been married for a year yet.

There was silence in the room and she blocked everything out. The only thing in the room was her and her husband. What was she going to do now? He had been her rock! Suddenly she felt hands on her shoulders give her a hug and a soft voice saying, “I’m sorry.” She knew it was Aru and she appreciated the touch and kind words.

“I morn with you over this loss. He will be accorded whatever honors you wish in his funeral. I will see to the building of the pier if you wish.” Kaida again heard a voice that brought her back to reality. It was the voice of Ikkura.

“I thank you sire, but I do not know what honors he is worthy of or anything. I am 20yrs of age and haven’t had to attend a funeral. I never expected to be giving my husband his so soon. I thought we would be old and decrypted before I would have to think of this. He was the only real family I had. We have been in an orphanage for most of our lives since our familes died when we were very young. No one knows what it was that killed them, but when we were old enough we thought it only right that we marry since we were so close in the first place.” She replied to him as she slowly brought her head up to look at him. “I am sorry my sire.” Again she looked at her husband before burying her face in her hands and sobbing uncontrollably.

Aru waited, a mourning expression on his face, while the daimyo talked to others.

Since you brought him here, I would guess you didn't notice these wounds. How bad was the conflict that brought this upon him? Did he have to fight for himself along side you?

Aru nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"You are right, my lord. I did not notice the wounds on him." He turned his eyes to the widow, beautiful even in her despare. Aru wasn't sure who he was to talk to, thinking the woman deserved to know of her husband's last moments. Yet, protocol demanded that he gave his attention to the daimyo, which he ultimately did.

"We fought five men, my lord. Three of them in a melee. He defended the honor of your clothes bravely, holding his own against an experienced foe for as long as was necessary until I could come to his aid."

Daimyo Ikkura Keiji

The Daimyo looked at the Mercenary. "It looks like you both need commended for the travel here. You will be offered perminent service to this house and rank amoung my wariors."

He goes over to the peasant woman. His wife has gone over to her. The Daimyo bends down beside her. "You are too young to be out on your own. My daughter is about your age. Perhaps the two of you can get along. Tomorrow, we will see to your husband's funeral."

The daimyo goes to the door and calls for one of the few house servants. "Send for my daughter, she is needed here."

The daimyo goes over and sits beside his wife. He touches her face gently, "I have missed you, my wife. tonight, it is our night."



The servant turns and walks down the hall to the daughter's room and open the door. "You father requests you presence in the main hall."

"It looks like you both need commended for the travel here. You will be offered perminent service to this house and rank amoung my wariors."

Aru bowed his head, hearing the most pleasant news. This was what he worked so hard for - to be part of something, to be more than just a loner with superb skills he could sell, for he knew a loner will fail sooner or later with no one to cover his back, regardless of how good he was. Now, if only he also had a family... He would be a happy man, would find the woman he loved, would have lovely little children with her...

"I am most honored, my lord!" He said, bowing lower, then straightening up.

Lord Ikkura then turned to the woman, then to his wife, as the conversation and moves turned more and more... private. Aru cast his eyes down, thinking he should leave, yet not daring for he was not yet dismissed. He turned his attention to the lovely young woman, smiling softly at her as she caught his eyes.

Akemi

Akemi sat near the fallen man. Her heart grieved not only for the fallen peasant and his young wife but for how close she'd come to losing her own husband. The peasant had been disguised as Keiji. It could have just as easily been him lying there in a pool of blood.

She loved him fiercely, and the thought of losing him hurt. Tears rolled down her cheeks as Keiji came and sat beside her, his hand caressing her face gently. "I have missed you, my wife. tonight, it is our night."

She touched his hand with hers and nodded. Tonight would be their night indeed.