Chapter 1: Continued

[Cadogan Trahem]

You both stand and sit idle for a moment studing each other. Before the servant girl (known to Cadrius as Lei Ping) drops what she is doing. She seems enraged and rush towards Kataji with her fist raised, one of the guards steps forward and stops her however.

"You! YOU!!" She yells. "Why are YOU here!" She exclaims as the guard tries to restrain her. "Murderer! Killer! Animal!" She insults Kataji before finally a third guard comes into the room to investigate. The servant is handed over and led away to the compound to calm down screaming curses and insults the whole time.

[Cadrius]

All is quiet for a moment as the serving girl is hauled away by the guards. Koden smiles sadly at his charge. If the evidence was as the guard said it would be a difficult to prove this foreigner innocent. Likely that is how they would prefer it. It would be quite easy to pass the blame off on someone from another land.

He stands before the accused and studies her, much like she is studying him. He wonders for a moment how he must appear: thin but wiry, dressed in his rather brilliant attire. He brushes his dark hair out of his eyes and readjusts the sleeves of his bright yellow kimono. The color trails into red at the edges of the garment as to resemble flames. He leans slightly upon a staff while his fingers of his other hand drum upon a scarlet red obi. He shrugs his shoulders, a gesture of nervousness and restlessness, causing his orange vest to rise up slightly and then fall back.

He clears his throat and says, "My name is Katori Koden. I am to defend you at your trial. Care to tell me your story? From what I've heard, things don't look good but I'll do what I can to help." He smiles and bows slightly to the woman and awaits a response.

[Gralhruk]

Kataji does not flinch, nor does she even blink, as the servant girl rushes forward to strike her. Despite her lack of fear, there is genuine sadness reflected in her dark eyes as she watches her attacker dragged out of the room. When the woman's cries fade she turns her leaden gaze on the colorful defender, searching.

When he finishes speaking she is quiet for a long moment, and the man wonders if she even heard him. She gives her head a slight shake and her chains rattle as she shifts her arms. The girl is small and lean, her shoulder length hair bound back by a thin leather strap. In contrast to Katori, her garb consists of the simple black silks designed for freedom of movement, commonly worn by monks. Her clothing is somewhat disheveled and a large bruise decorates the right side of her face. Despite her appearance and shackles she moves with both grace and confidence.

"I am Kataji, of the Tsune family of Japan. Things do not look good and I am doubtful of anybody's ability to help me."

[Cadrius]

Koden nods with a sad expression on his face. The woman is right, the case does not look good. Yet he is to either prove her innocent or obtain a confession. Judging by the steel present in her gaze he will likely have an easier time proving that she was not the murderer.

"Perhaps," he says switching to their shared native language, "but I am bound to try so either I shall prove you innocent or I shall get a confession from you. However I would greatly prefer the former. So please," he spreads his arms wide, palms open, a gesture of welcome, "tell me your tale."

[Gralhruk]

Her face remains completely neutral, a mask of stone, while she considers his words and her situation. There was little to lose by letting him hear the story from her own lips, though she guessed he'd already heard it from the others. Of course, there was more she could tell him but the walls in her own chamber had proven to have ears; she doubted this chamber was any different. She responds in Japanese, feeling good to be speaking her native language but doubtful it would foil any listener.

"There will be no confession. As I told the others, I am innocent of this crime; Jun Pei was my friend as well as my servant."

She shifts slightly, an annoyed look flitting across her face as her chains rattle once more. The mask returns before she begins again.

"I attended the wedding feast with Jun Pei, where I was introduced to one Matrio Lushima. Later, Jun Pei escorted me back to my chamber where she stayed with me to dine. When she left, I found myself unable to rest. To help me relax, I decided to take a walk in the moonlight. A guard stopped me from leaving, though, telling me that a servant had been killed and that I was to return to my room.

On my way back, I passed a stair leading to the courtyard and I thought I saw something move out there. I went out to investigate and I saw a figure on the roof. He threw a sword at me which I easily dodged; I realize now this must have been the murder weapon. Then he struck me with a vial containing some sort of gas which rendered me unconcious. While I was asleep, the guards found me and took me into custody."

She sits back and watches Koden very carefully, her eyes more expressive than before. She dare not say more or voice her suspiscions here. What he thinks, or what he has heard, she cannot guess.

Will he understand why I would mention one man's name during a day in which I met so many people? Will he realize why I do not elaborate?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Koden finds the description of the figure on the roof, dark and shadowy, with a sword, and devious pellets to employ as that which matches the general workings of a Shinobi, or Ninja. The Dark Assasins of the Rising Sun, employed by various houses to deal with business which cannot be delt with in an honourable way.

To find a Shinobi here was truely a suprise to himself, it definately meant something was going down. But then again could this girl be lying? She seemed impartial, passive but with a air of urgency in her voice... but then again the best criminals in the east could disguise themselves in many ways.

[Cadrius]

As the woman speaks Koden paces back and forth, his head tilted slightly downward as he absorbs all the information that he can. They spoke in Japanese and chances were that the guards here could not. Yet she is still guarded, why? The young man furrows his brow and taps the side of one temple with his index finger.

At last he stops and turns again to face her and says, "Interesting. This will not be easy, but I do not think it impossible to prove you innocent. The real question is this: where to start? Clearly you would make a poor assassin if your goal was to kill a servant girl only to knock yourself out with your own poison. I'm afraid our only option is to find the actual murderer and that may prove difficult."

And who is this Matrio Lushima? Someone of note?

[Gralhruk]

"Yes, we must find the real killer."

There is bitterness in her voice. Chained and guarded, she cannot hope to wheedle the information she will need to do this thing, nor can she hope to investigate unobtrusively. This will allow the criminal to easily track her investigation, to place roadblocks in her path, to slip away if she gets close.

"Perhaps we can walk outside, that I might show you where this happened."

[Cadrius]

Koden nods once, a quick bob of his head, before gesturing to the door. Perhaps if he could see the crime scene with his own eyes he could recreate the events with his mind. With any luck they could discover a vital clue missed by the guards. Or maybe they'd find nothing at all but either way it beat staying in here.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You both head outside and first visit the area where Kataji shows Koden where she saw the man and then fell unconscious. There is little of note othe then it was outside of Kataji's room at the time. Looking up you can see the window clearly. Kataji remembers that she saw the figure emerg from her room, atleast this would explain why the guards claimed to have found the scabbard in her room.

You manage to find the murder scene, near the servant quarters. Despite being able to find it you cannot learn much more, all the evidence has either been collected, such as the pellets found near Jun Pei's body by the guards, or has been cleaned away. A stain of red is on the tiles, mer feet from the servant quarters. She was nearly inside, possible attacked from behind although if she was unconscious then the attacker could have come from anywhere.

There is little else to learn from this location.

[Gralhruk]

As they stand outside, gazing at the scene where Kataji was attacked, the young girl is quiet. When the silence becomes uncomfortable and Koden looks at her, she measures him with dark eyes. Her life was at stake here.

"I would know more about you: who you are, where you are from, what you think of all this, why you have been given the task of defending me."

Her voice is even, quiet almost, and once again you find it odd that she doesn't have the attitude of a prisoner standing trial for murder. Her bearing is straight and her face unemotional despite the heavy bruising on her cheek and the grave nature of her situation. You almost forget that she is shackled hand and foot, so equal and comfortable she seems.

[Cadrius]

The young man walks about the grounds looking around with a keen eye. This is exciting! Certainly seeing the sights of the city and everything this culture has to offer is interesting, but to investigate a murder? Outstanding. So it is with great disappointment that Koden is unable to find any outstanding clues that might prove the woman's innocence.

"I already told you who I am, and I imagine you can guess as to where I'm from. That last one is a lot harder to answer though. The General Shojo asked me to perform these duties, as I stand here it should be obvious that I accepted. I don't know why he asked me, just that he did," Koden says with a disarming smile as the fingers on one hand drum upon one of the ofudas hanging at his belt.

Why did he ask me? A foreigner to investigate another foreigner's accused crime? Is it to give a pretense of impartiality? This warrants further thought.

[Gralhruk]

"You do not say what you think of all this, though. Have you defended cases here before? Are you familiar with the laws and proceedings?"

She is forthright, almost defiant, and the questions come rapidly; clearly her mind has been working beneath that calm exterior. From the time she was arrested she suspected that her trial would be heavily biased against her. She is growing more certain by the minute that she will be found guilty in any event, and that this so-called defender is merely here for show.

[Cadrius]

Koden clears his throat, uncomfortable with the situation. Clearly this woman is not a fool, quite the contrary she seems to be rather perceptive. Although if it was his life on the line Koden imainges he might be a little more alert.

The brilliantly dressed man scratches the back of his head, casts his eyes to the ground and says, "I do think it's going to be hard to do. Ah, I haven't defender cases here before, and I don't really know the proceedings. As far as I know you have been in the city longer than I have," he says, glancing up hesitantly and then quickly avoiding her wrathful gaze.

"However," he quickly adds, "you are to have a trial and I am to represent you. At least there's that," he finishes, unwilling to bring up the possibility of a biased judge or jury.

[Gralhruk]

The man's words and demeanor confirm her suspicions: she has little chance in a trial. Her eyes take on a more thoughtful look as her mind races for a way out of the trap that has been laid for her. Alone, hampered as she was, she had no chance at all. This man might be an enemy, planted here to aid in her demise. She did not think so, though; she detected nothing deceitful in his manner. Besides, with the evidence against her and the utter lack of leads there was little reason to have her own councilor plot against her.

I will take this risk, then.

Her eyes meet his, her face solemn, and she measures him for a long moment. She clears her throat, shifts her stance slightly with the rattle of chains, and checks to make sure the guards are out of earshot.

"I will tell you now what I suspect. I believe that the Japanese man Matrio Lushima has some part in setting me up, and that he had some means of spying on me in my chamber. He is the only one of note that I spoke with during my stay here."

She hesitates briefly and a pained look flashes through her eyes, so quick you are not sure it was even there.

"After I met him I mentioned his name to Jun Pei, my servant, hoping she could jog my memory of his family. I seem to remember hearing that family name back at home, but I cannot remember anything about it. She said she knew his servant, and would find out what she could. From her behavior later on, I believe she was discovered but before I could speak with her about it she was dead."

[Cadrius]

"So I noticed," Koden says at the mentioning of Matrio Lushima. So that is the intended connection in her story, interesting. He folds his hands in front of him and paces back and forth for a moment, deep in thought. Should he believe her? He thinks he should. The evidence is so unbelievably stacked against her that only a lunatic or a pathological liar would attempt to tell a falsehood now. And there's a certain pride, a defiance, that flickers in her eyes from time to time. Very well, he'll see this through to the end then.

"Can you think of any reasons why this man might wish to set you up? Perhaps a past transgression? Or even some feud between your houses?"

Koden leans forward intently as he asks each of his questions. If it were true then it might explain the presence of a shinobi in China. What game is Lushima playing? And what are the stakes?

[Gralhruk]

She shifts uncomfortably once more, aware of how ridiculous this sounded. She had only met the man once, why would he kill her servant and make it look like she did it?.

Why indeed?

"I do not know. Perhaps to punish me for having Jun Pei investigate him. Perhaps he wishes bad will between China and Japan and this was merely convienient."

She wracks her brain once again for any knowledge of his house, but the rice is gone; her bowl is empty.

"As I said, the name sounds familiar but I do not remember anything more. There is no feud or surely I would know; a past transgression is possible but I know of none. He claimed to be the heir to something on the west of Japan, and that did not seem to match my memory but I cannot recall why.

At the feast, I saw him speaking with a chinese man, something about trading. When I tried to engage them in conversation, he spilled a drink on me to remove me from the situation. Truly, that is what aroused my curiousity to begin with. As I left I overheard him agree to meet the man at a later date."

[Cadrius]

"All this for a trade agreement? Interesting," Koden says as he thinks upon the General's promise to grant trading rights to his house as a result of representing this woman.

"Hold for a moment," he says as he taps the side of his temple with one finger, "if she was your servant, would it not be your right to dispatch her if you saw fit? If she came with you from Japan, perhaps we could declare it as part of our customs. Sort of how a samurai can dispatch a peasant for not showing the proper respect," the last part is said with a touch of bitterness and vehemence and his lip curls slightly as he speaks.

[Gralhruk]

"I have given you the wrong impression: she did not come with me from Japan; I made the journey by myself. She was the servant assigned to me when I arrived here."

A small wrinkle appears between her brows as she considers the man's words. Trade seemed to be on the minds of many Japanese these days.

I did not mention a trade agreement.

"Still, we might argue that I acted according to my culture even though she was not Japanese. I do not think this is wise. For one thing, I have already proclaimed my innocence. Changing my story now will look bad."

[Cadrius]

"True," Koden says, "true. It would indeed and while there might be some arguments for it, I don't think we should travel down that path."

He folds his arms over his chest and faces the woman for the first time after minutes of pacing back and forth. He chews over the various possibilities flitting through his head. What would he need to prove her innocence? The killer obviously, but how could he find him or her? A confession would be one way, but if the only lead is Lushima he might as well try to grow wings and fly for the latter might be far easier than the former.

"Have you any suggestions then? It seems all we have at the moment is your word and Lushima's somewhat rude behavior."

[Gralhruk]

"Unfortunately, that is all the information I have. The Shinobi might be in the employ of Lushima, or it could be Lushima himself. I do not know."

She eyes the spot where she was framed, trying to remember any details from that evening that she may have missed. Nothing comes to mind.

"Very little to go on, but it must suffice. We must find some way to investigate our suspect discreetly. If he finds out he may flee or worse, frame you as well. He managed the task quite easily for me; the fact that you are Japanese and my defendant will be to his advantage should he try something similar with you."

[Cadrius]

"I still am having difficulty grasping the fact that there was, or still is, a shinobi here. Lushima must have a great deal invested in his trip here if he is willing to resort to such means. If he were one...well, that would have implications of their own," Koden says, his arms still crossed over his chest.

"I do not think he would attempt to frame me. It would be a very queer coincidence for two foreigners to commit murders, especially after one was assigned to defend the other. I suppose someone could attribute it to an inherent violence, but I am known to the General Shojo here and I do believe it would be more difficult for Lushima to attempt the same thing with me.

He pauses for a moment and permits himself a wry grin as he concedes, "Of course there's more than one way to frame a foreigner."

A light appears in Koden's eyes as he snaps his fingers, a sign of an idea bursts into his mind. Of course! Why hadn't he thought of this sooner?

He grins and drops his arms to his side as he says excitedly, "Does the city have any diviners? Surely someone with access to that form of magic would have a way of finding out who truly comitted the murder. Perhaps one could even speak to the servant's spirit? Do they have anyone like me here? Any shugenja? Or the equivalent?"

[Gralhruk]

"An excellent idea. Unfortunately, I have seen little of this place except the palace -and the dungeon- so I am uncertain of where or if such a person can be found. This will cost money as well; have you any funds for my defense?"

Her eyes widen slightly as the rest of his words sink in. She looks at him, something different mirrored in her eyes. Suspicion, respect; it is hard to tell.

"You are a shugenja?"

[Cadrius]

Koden nods absent-mindedly and says, "Yes, I do have some funds available to me. I don't know how easy it will be to procure a divination or whatever it is we need but hopefully it will suffice."

He remains lost in thought for a few more moments before realizing he had been asked a question. Startled he looks back up at the woman and nods once, the unreadable look in her eyes bothers him but it wouldn't be the first time a commoner reacted in such a manner when confronted with one of his position. Frequently people either feared or revered the shugenja without stopping to learn who they are and what role they fill in society.

[Gralhruk]

So, he was more than he appeared. She would need to be careful, then, but it also meant that he might be well equipped to defend her after all.

"I have only a little money, but anything that I have is available. Do you have any contacts who might be able to connect us with a diviner?"

Even as she says the words, her heart sinks. If it was truly as easy as that, what need would they have for a trial? Simply bring in a magician to read the truth from thin air and everybody could go home.

[Cadrius]

"No direct contacts but I know of a few people with whom I could make an inquiry," he says as he ponders the availability of such magics. How easy would it be to acquire back in Japan? Not very. If the case were more of a higher profile perhaps one would have been called in on their own but as is Koden expects it to be quite expensive.

He nods to himself once and looks up, meeting the accused's eyes with his own. His are full of hope and excitement. He firmly believes that they now have a real chance to set her free. If she spoke the truth, and he does not doubt that she did, then as soon as they can provide the evidence at the trial everything will work out perfectly. All he has to do is find someone capable of such things.

"Come," he says, "let's ask the guards first."

Turning around he moves back into the building. He beckons a guard over with a wave of his hand and says, "Excuse me sir, but I would ask a question of you. Do you know where I might be able to find a diviner? Preferably a respectable one. Or failing that, one who is capable of speaking to the spirits? I think such magics would be vital in my defense of her case."

[Cadogan Trahem]

The guard ponders for a moment before turning to his companion who replies.

"Well there is someone, but you might be disappointed. The readings into time are not clear cut and often cryptic. As for your second request, the talking to spirits, such actions are not of an honourable or just nature." The man speaks deadly serious. "Spirits who have passed from here to the next deserve to live away from the worries of their past." He explains

His companion nods. "We can take you to the other person, the reader of the scripts, if you wish." He pauses. "Its not costly, but you might find it disturbing or unnerving..." He waits for your reply.

[Gralhruk]

She gives a quick glace at Koden as the guard explains the lack of a real diviner. She had expected it wouldn't be that easy. This fortune teller sounded dubious, but it couldn't hurt to try.

"Very well. We will try this reader of scripts."

Those with nothing to lose are not easily disturbed.

[Cadogan Trahem]

After a short walk across the compound you come to an astonishing temple like complex surrounded by various gardens and water pools filled with fish. The guards escourt you to the main building where you are greeted by a servant, but unlike your servants this servant dresses differently and obviously has some privledges as he addresses you directly.

"Yes? What is it?" He questions both of you with gazes. Behind him is a wooden and stone structure inside you can see several people making praise and reading scrolls.

[Cadrius]

Koden nods his thanks to the guard and walks with the woman across the compound. He is disappointed by the attitude toward the spirits. What better way to get the truth than from the victim himself?

"We are seeking a reader of scripts," Koden says, putting on his best smile, "do you think you could help us?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

The man nods and turns without word. You follow him into the structure where many people sit talking and throwing sticks onto the ground. He walks to an elderly women who sits near the back. The women looks up with white pupils - blind with old age. Reguardless she dresses in the finest of silk garments.

"Yes?" She splurts as you approch.

"Guests to see you, Mistress." The Servant bows honouring the older women before turning and leaving.

"What is it you seek to learn? Knowledge of future actions perhaps? Consequences of past ones?" She asks.

[Cadrius]

"I am more concerned with the past, Katori Koden at your service," he says with a slight bow to the mistress.

"You see, there was a murder last night and no witnesses save for the accused. I am to represent them and after conversing I do not believe them responsible. Thus I seek your assistance. Would it be possible for you to look into this?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

"I will do my best." She speaks after a short pause. She retrieves some Hexagonal wooden chips and places them on the floor in a strategic pattern before retrieving some flat sticks. Each stick has two sides, like a coin. One with a broken patern on it and the other with an unbroken pattern.

The women murmurs some words an pray before tossing some of the sticks across the Hexagonal grid. She notes which side each of the sticks is facing up and how they lay across the grid.

"It was a dark and sinister act. Hidden. Something was Hidden. Knowledge perhaps. The murderer. A dark person - their own goals played out. Goals wrapped in blood shed. From a foreign land a person came. Faces Covered in Blood. This is what I see."

The Diviner speaks to you in confusing and strange sentences, before pausing for a long time. Once they are done she stares upwards to where you stand looking at you with white pupiless eyes.

"The I Chang is not clear, and never is. I only hope these dark fractured images I have spoken of help you." The women reaches out and picks up the sticks with a single go and no feeling around, despite what appears to be blindness which fills her eyes.

You ponder about the cost of such a reading of the 'I Chang' and instead the women replies to your unspoken thoughts.

"I only ask of you one thing strangers. Prevent the strife which is soon to unfold from ever reaching its peak."

[Gralhruk]

She listens intently to the old woman, straining to uncover any meaning that might shed more light on the situation. Her words are clouds in the sky, though, whose shapes might mean anything or nothing. What's more, she has seen this sky before; there is nothing written there she does not already know.

The woman looks up and their eyes lock, Kataji feeling a slight shock as those unseeing orbs look right into her soul. Her final statement carries unnatural weight and the accused woman feels nailed to the floor. In the silence that follows she shifts her feet and the rattling of chains breaks the odd moment.

"It seems we are fated to try."

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Fate is not carved in sheets of stone, your future is written on the wind. With these words I leave you." The women claps her hands and the servant returns.

"The Mistress wishes to be alone, please follow me." The man escourts you outside of the building before leaving you alone to ponder what news you have gathered.

[Cadrius]

Koden mouths the words "reaching its peak" to himself before thanking the seer and stepping back outside. Kataji, his charge, is with him and he turns to face her. He looks at her a moment before sighing.

"I suppose that could have been worse."

He taps one finger against his temple as he says, "But, it doesn't help us too greatly. In fact with the exception of this terrible bloodshed and strife she spoke of, I don't think we've learned anything new here. Do you?"

[Gralhruk]

"I thought not but . . ."

Prevent the strife that is soon to unfold from reaching it's peak.

Then Jun Pei's murder was only the beginning. It was a confirmation, however obscure, that there was a conspiracy and that she had landed in the middle of it. There was still no proof that Lushima had anything to do with it but he was the only possible connection.

"I believe I can say with certainty that my original suspicion is correct. I have been framed by Matrio Lushima because I interfered with his plans. We must learn more of him: where he comes from, who he speaks to, where he spends his time.

Also, we know that there will be other acts of bloodshed - perhaps assassination, perhaps something more subtle - that will be related to my own case. And these acts will only be a prelude to the real treachery, whatever it may be. It would seem that if we wait then more clues will come to us but the cost of that waiting will be paid in lives."

[Cadrius]

"Perhaps not," he muses, "perhaps I could arrange some sort of meeting with this man. At a party? He might suffer my presence and I could potentially learn more. Although he does not sound very amiable so I wonder how much of his confidence I could gain. Still, perhaps I could convince him I am to be trusted? Interesting."

He trails off as his mind wrestles with the idea.

[Gralhruk]

Having already been stung by this particular scorpion, Kataji frowns at the mention of another meeting.

"Such a meeting might work but remember that he is crafty and suspicious both, else he would not have caught on to my meddling so quickly. Perhaps you have some contacts that might know something of this man? We might learn something without giving him more clues. Also, he seems resourceful enough that he may already know you have been appointed to defend me."

[Cadogan Trahem]

There is another Dinner set for tonight where everyone is set to attend, a follow up for the celebration yesterday. This thought crosses Kataji's mind, it would be a perfect time to plan such a meeting as there would be no need for an excuse for Koden to be there - he would already be invited.

There are still some several hours before the Dinner however, meaning preparation can be preplaned or investigation can be followed.

[Gralhruk]

Kataji frowns thoughtfully, pondering their options. Suddenly, she recalls a gathering scheduled for this very evening.

"You know, there is to be a dinner tonight in honor of yesterday's wedding. Doubtless you have been invited and so, we must guess, Lushima will have been. It will at least put the two of you in the same place under no false pretense.

We must note who he speaks with. I don't know if it can be managed, but it would help if I could observe the gathering without being seen."

[Cadrius]

Koden nods slowly as they hold counsel. She seems to have some solid ideas but he frowns at the mention of bringing her close the party. Too close and Lushima might suspect something, too far and she'd be useless. He taps his index finger against his temple as he mulls over the situation.

"How do you feel about servant work?" He says, falling into his next sentence in case any angry reply is quick in coming, "If we could keep you well disguised and if you stayed far enough from Lushima then perhaps you could be a second pair of eyes."

He turns his back for a second and gazes at the city laid out before them.

"Or we could place you on a building nearby. The night should shield you from unfriendly eyes, but beware! He could have his own agents out there."

[Gralhruk]

"A disguise? That would be ideal if I could be unchained and trusted without my escort, but I don't know if that will be permitted. Outside of the building would be too far away for me to see anything or be of much use.

I was thinking perhaps there was some way for me to view those in the room without being seen - behind a tapestry or from a hidden balcony, maybe."

She is hopeful at the possibility of being free to aid in her own defense but given the level of security so far it does not seem likely. Acting the part of a servant might well work, assuming a position so low that the party goers would not even deign to notice her.

[Cadrius]

Koden visibly winces and is chagrined by his lack of foresight. Neither the guards nor the host would allow a criminal to be let loose, let alone in disguise. He sighs and shrugs, it was worth a shot.

"Having another set of eyes in the party would be beneficial, but what would we tell the host of this party? Unless it is held in a somewhat common place. I am rather unfamiliar with this country and its customs. Were you in a private residence on that night?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

That Evening...

The festivities where slow to start guests arriving at their leisure but neither host nor his new wife seemed to mind too much. Despite some harsh glares at Kataji by the host as she is rushed away to hide none present seemed to notice the Japanese guest under guard high on a balcony over looking the court yard which was, for the time being atleast, coverted into a place of celebration.

Koden was placed in his seat, escourted by the somewhat more cool headed servant girl of whom Kataji had a run into earlier. Looking up to where Kataji should be he takes relief in that he cannot see what should be there.

However on the turn table, Kataji can see the entire proceedings, as guests, from across the known world it would seem, make their way towards their designated seats for the pre-celebration meal.

Kataji

As you sit guarded on your perch watching the proceedings you see neither Lushima nor the man of who he was speaking to only a night before. You can only assume, like most guests, they are taking their time to arive.

Sudenly their is a knock at the door behind you.

"Servant." comes the sweet voice of a young female. One of the guards moves and opens the door revealing another servant, dressed in red. In her hands she holds what appears to be a meal, the Guard takes the plate and cup in one hand and the jug in another.

"Thank you, is that all?" The guard speaks to the child, no older then 15.

"Yes, However the Lord insists that both of you be rewarded with double rations for this festive occasion and for your duty over looking the criminal." The girl replies bowing her head as a sign of respect.

"Tell Lord Sun Chuan that we have done nothing but perform our duties for the glory of Wu, however if he insists we shall not disgrace him by denying him his gift." The second guard replies, the girl nods and closes the door before leaving.

The guard places the plate of food infront of you, along with an empty cup and the jug of warm water. The food looks good, glancing down you notice that Koden too is being served.

Koden

Taking your seat on the uncomfortable Chinese benches you glances around, many people from the lands surrounding China have apparently made their way to the Wu capital, also seeking diplomatic trade it, or allies would seem. Glancing around you see that few Japanese guests have arrived yet, not entirely knowing what to look for you occasional glance upward towards the balcony to see if there is some sort of sign from Kataji, only long enough to notice something but no longer lest someone catch on.

The strong smell of food fills your nostrils as a servant girl puts a dish under your noise. There is a mixture of exotic chinese food on the plate, chicken, and a variety of live stock. Curiously however she places an empty cup and a jug of warm water near by.

Scanning the crowds one last time, you almost over look the face of a truely annoying wench of a woman who you've met before. Honaki Teto, the eldest Japanese daughter of Lord Honaki, a wealthy and powerful land holder in your home land of Japan.

She looks truely irritated that she has been removed of her exquisite traditional Japanese clothing and given a red chinese gown for the festive occasion. As she draws near you pray that you are not so unlucky, however when the Servant girl who leds her stops right becide you, you let out a sign of annoyance.

Teto sits down and takes no apparent notice of you, and you thank yourself lucky for now untill...

"Oh, Greetings... Kotek was it? I thought commoners where not allowed at such festive occasions." She speaks down to you, making grave errors on both your name and your families pride. Although her jest at your expence goes unnoticed by everyone around she still smiles it up as though a crowd was chanting her name.

[Gralhruk]

Kataji bears the disgrace silently. To be chained and paraded before the host, scorned by guards and sevants alike, was shameful. Yet her family had lectured her long on the intricacies of honor; her honor was intact beneath the accusations that covered it. For her, the truth was more important than the appearance. This view was not shared by many japanese - or even her own family in public. In Japan, appearance of impropriety was considered as bad as the impropriety itself. Secretly, the Tsune family held to a deeper honor than the shallow veneer embraced by society.

And so, for appearance sake, she eats the food placed before her even as she scans the crowd for Lushima. She notes Koden's wandering eyes and makes no move. There is nothing to see, at least not yet.

[Cadrius]

Don't do it, he thinks to himself as the abrasive woman seats herself, don't do it. She's only going to belittle me and my family. However Koden allows himself an inward smirk as he notices her attire and ponders if karma truly exists.

So it is with great effort that the fiery-tempered young noble says, "Greetings Teto, I hope the evening finds you well." Each word is a battle for him, but he manages to remain courteous. The last thing he wants is to start and argument and draw attention to himself. Yet his smile is obviously forced and his eyes hold nothing but contempt for the arrogant woman.

He tries to take his mind off the humiliation by casually scanning the room.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Koden
As you greet the woman to your left, she nods a nod of truce apparent that she cannot break you and sits down to her mean quietly. Its not long however, as more and more people are ushered in that you find the table becoming more and more full with strange faces. Both Chinese, Japanese, and a few other areas of the world - some of which you have never heard of have appeared.

As the table seems to get full a strange Japanese man brushes past you not wearing the Chinese celebration outfit, instead still wearing his traditional Japanese robes. You glance at the host and he no doubt looks both hurt and angered at the man's choice in clothing but does nothing.

Putting no more thought into it you look away for a moment only to find the man has not moved from behind you.

"Pardon me." He says in Japanese. "I believe this is my seat." he emphasizes the word my as though if a threat but his face reveals no such malicious intent.

Kataji

Sitting almost bored you continue to scan the crowds hoping to spot the one named Lushima. Almost certain he will not appear your notice is drawn to a figure not wearing the traditional red outfit. On closer inspection it appears to be Lushima, his choice in clothing will surely cause much talk amongst the guests however.

He walks right by Koden, and you grimace as the man passes within inches of your companion, he pauses behind of the lady seated next to Koden and looks at her in a strange way before backtracking and tapping Koden on the shoulder. He speaks to Koden for a moment...

[Cadrius]

Koden arches an eyebrow in surprise as the man speaks to him in Japanese. His seat, indeed, he thinks, could this be the one? He's clearly different from the rest. He speaks and dresses like he's from home as well.

The young nobleman puts on yet another fake, but sunny smile as he turns around and faces the man. He looks him over once, trying to memorize his height, build, and any distinguishing features before speaking.

"Oh, is it?" Koden response in Chinese. "I had no idea, the servant showed me to this seat. Perhaps we could straighten this out."

He waves to the host, beckoning him over.

"Ah, my good man, I hope you might be able to help us. There seems to be a question as to whose seat this is. The servant showed me here but Mister-" he gestures to the man, indicating he should give his name, "begs to differ. Perhaps you could solve this mystery?"

((OOC note: Mister is not the right term, but it's bloody hard to write in the head of someone from Japan, who's speaking in Chinese all while your native tongue is English))

[Cadogan Trahem]

Koden

You wave at the host to beckon him over and instead one of the men standing near him approches. Before you can speak the man address you.

"I must warn you, never address the general without first consulting something bellow him! The man has important business to attend to now what is it!?" He sounds angry.

As you explain your problem, the man standing next to you does not give his name but nods politely when you address him respectfully. Teto however also seems to take interest in the matter.

"That is it!? Such a trivial matter as this was not worthy of even my time!" The man bites back at you. "Do what you wish! I care not!"

"But I am certain that this man is in the wrong seat." Speaks up Teto, you look with shock at her face she looks truely spiteful. "I am certain he moved seats without asking." She reafirms her position.

"And I am certain that this is my seat as it was pointed out to me by a servant girl." Says the man in a deep voice cooing Teto's lies.

"Then it is clear that the odds are against you." The Chinese man points to you Koden, "I would suggest you move - and quickly, otherwise I would be forced to summon a guard." The man sounds as serious as he looks and twice as angry.

Kataji

You witness (the above) Koden's plight as an angry look Chinese official empties steam in his direction. Although you cannot make out the coversation it looks as though Koden is indeed in hot water for the moment - it definately has something to do with Lushima, and the women next to Koden as both have spoken to the Official since his arrival.

[Cadrius]

While his face remains placid Koden boils with rage. Beneath the table his hands clench a leg of the great table. His heart beats and pounds wildly as adrenaline surges through his veins. He would like nothing more than to give each of them a firm verbal thrashing. Perhaps even a taste of his faith would be in order.

No. He cannot. To lose his temper now and commit a crime would jepordize his case and he cannot have that. So he smiles pleasantly and plays the innocent fool that they believe him to be.

"Guards? Oh, no? Improper? My apologies, I'm not familiar with your customs. It must have been a simple misunderstanding by your servant to seat two people from our land together. Such a shame too Teto, I would've enjoyed your company," he says, unable to control his sarcasm for a moment.

He pushes himself away from the table and rises to his feet, looking the other man in the eye he continues to smile.

"My apologies," he says, still keeping his eyes on the Japanese man, "but I'd advise you keep your servants better informed. I'd hate for this to happen again."

I wonder if this is Lushima, he thinks as he moves away to another seat, and if so, could I have been mistaken for him? Why? Perhaps he is in league with Teto. He must be if there is such a fuss about the seating arrangements at a banquet. I shall have to ask Kataji later.

Unconsciously he looks toward the balcony, but is still unable to find her. For this he's grateful, the last thing he'd want is for Lushima to spot here there under lock and key. It would be a simple matter to find out why.

Sighing he finds a nearby servant and requests that he be shown to his seat.

"Try to make it the real one this time. I'd prefer not to be yelled at by your master again."

[Gralhruk]

Kataji fumes impotently as the scene below her unfolds, though the only visible sign of her anger is the slightest tightening of her eyelids. She knows there is no way that Koden can see her but she nods slightly anyway, wishing there was some way to tell him that this was Lushima. There he was, the object of her anger, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She breathes deeply and takes stock of her limited options. Her calm restored, she steadfastly observes everything she can about Lushima and the other woman at his table, making a concerted effort to remember every detail.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Koden

Koden is escourted to another seat a short distance away. From here he can see the man and Teto cheerfully talking to one another, cooing thier victory of lies no doubt. Soon enough food is placed infront of him as well as a cup of warm water to drink, as is the chinese custom.

The man directly next to you offers a toast to something or other, not speaking either Japanese or Chinese you can only tell by the fact he raises his cup towards you. On your right a Japanese lady is seated, remaining quiet to herself she begins to eat her meal. Across the table, even more important looking people, some chinese, and some from another strange land like the man next to you.

Soon the music begins with a thunderious crash of gongs and drums and the eating begins in celebration of the newly wed couple. You wonder if the celebration would have lasted so long had the man in the couple not been a major military general in the Wu Army, but let the thought pass quickly as you remember your goal of the evening.

Kataji

You watch from the baclony as Koden is relocated to the next table down, and seated within view of Lushima and the strange Japanese women whom he choose to sit next to. "Good" you think as you realise he can atleast still maintain a view on the suspect of your speculation. The table he is seated at is a strange one from the look of people, with no apparent order of things like the others. Despite the fact many of them look important it looks more or less like a "left over" table for extra guests.

Looking back at Lushima you notice that he has begun to speak with the strange Japanese women, acting all friendly and innocent despite your deepest feelings that he is infact a cold blooded murderer of little helpless women. The two exchange dialogue for along time, you cannot ascertain what they speak of but it doesn't look important as both giggle and laugh at the others comments.

What could this psycho be thinking? You wonder to yourself as you watch the pair chit chat backwards and forth. Japanese officials and diplomats where sent to the Chinese kingdom of Wu in order to arrange for trade agreements between the Kingdom and the seperate (often waring) houses of the young Japan. This wedding so far has overshadowed those proceedings greatly, already expanding the diplomatic discussion by two days.

If Lushima was here for diplomatic trade negotiations why would he kill a servant? Because she knew something? That seemed to be the reasoning but WHAT did she know? Was it some underlying plot that Lushima had? Or something more sinister? These thoughts pulse through your head as you watch the pair chating backwards and forth from the safety of your balcony.

Just as the music begins with the sound of drums and gongs, the door to your balcony opens and the servant girl returns bringing more food.

"The master says he wishes you to eat well, and that your reluctance to accept his offering only dishonours him." She speaks in Chinese to the two guards, paying you no attention.

"Tell the master we mean no dishonour and will graciously accept his offerings with thanks and good blessings." replies one soldier who takes the extra food and lays it out on a near by bench.

The girl and the soldier bow at each other, before the girl departs. However just before the door is closed, she glances at you with a truely unnerving emotionaless face, and continues to do so untill the door closes fully...

[Cadogan Trahem]

Everything seems to go slowly for a moment, and a great howl can be heard. Everyone quietens down before finally there is a great thunderous crash as the wooden beams of the roof sharter and splinter as a figure comes crashing down with great force through the roof onto the host. From your repsected positions, it looks like a young woman, her weapons drawn - but she doesn't move and instead lays there bleeding from her mouth.

The host and many guards immediately react jumping up from their seats to escourt the important nobels away from what could be a threat. Before too long there is a second crash on the roof not too far from the newly formed hole. Everyone gazes up in awe to see the body of a second person on the roof, laying limp. The figure - also holding a weapon, slowly slides forward before falling through the hole completely and landing on the table right infront of Lushima.

The Japanese man jumps backwards with frightening speed and looks up at the hole before slowly backing away from the mess. Three guards acommany Kataji out of the building, and Koden is forced out with the crowds as the whole area is put off limits.

You soon learn that out of the two figures, only one lives. You both have also been told to meet with the council before dark regarding these new accurances...

(This Concludes this Chapter, both of you have leveled up so go ahead and update your character sheets. You should await my postage of the new chapter in the main forum. :))