Ring of Earth - Descent into Darkness

[Trogdor]

"Then this will be a welcome homecoming, I hope," Eisai replies. "I know I am looking forward to seeing my family again when we arrive at Kyuden Togashi."

[ManWithDoor]

The Kuni harrumphs. "I don't think I've really been home since this whole adventure began. Who thought that a bunch of daisho thieves would keep me away from the Wall for months on end? Oh well, at least I get to see a sight that very few Crab get the pleasure of seeing." He gestures at the ridiculously high mountains ahead.

[Hayabusa]

"We're Emerald Magistrates, Kuni-san, so we go where we are ordered. Or where we think will bring us closer to our goal," Ryuichi replies. "I have not been in the Dragon Lands before either. Well, not after I escorted a young samurai-ko to the Shiba at that station..." He says and recalls the night. And Umeko and all the others who, back then, were no magistrates but had their own duties to attend to. For just a moment it would be good to have more than just the three samurai so that they had a broader knowledge. But the Dragons will be good, even better, to find out more about the spiders, snakes and odd gaijin and the mark that artifact left on him. The Kitsuki turns his hand to look at what is left of it and oddly enough the mark still looks still as strong and clear as the moment it has been burned into his palm. It has never hindered him in a fight or anything else yet. Nor does he hope it ever will. Closing his hand he continues. "Let us climb on."

OOC

Edit: I learned that the burn has not changed at all.

[Vardaen]

As you approach the keep a trio of samurai come out to greet you. They are Kitsuki Samurai, wearing the gold and green of the Dragon, with the Kitsuki Mon proudly worn on their light armors. They wear daisho on their obi but nothing else. "Konichi-wa Samurai-san, welcome to Last Step Castle." Their eyes are roaming over you, and then they bow seeing your Emerald Magistrate mons, "Welcome Emerald Magistrates, how may we be of assistance?"

The wind is cold, biting here, and it blows down off the mountain right through your kimonos. Luckily you remembered what its like in the mountains, and have brought strong wool clothing, and the chill in the air doesn't hinder you, but even Beiden Pass wasn't this cold.

[Hayabusa]

"I am Kitsuki Ryuichi and these are Kuni Zenko and Eisai," Ryuichi says and wipes away any dirt that may hide his own family mon on his armor though the one of the Emerald Magistrates is far easier to spot. "We are here to seek knowledge about some things and if one seeks wisdom then the Dragon lands are what one should visit and ask."

[Trogdor]

Eisai nods at Ryuichi's words. Wisdom is generally available from the Dragon. He prays that it will be so again today.

[ManWithDoor]

The Kuni bows appropriately, an expression of wry humor on his face. "Enlightenment would be nice. Hot tea would also be appreciated. May we enter Shiro Kitsuki, samurai-sans?"

[Vardaen]

The trio of magistrates climbs the last set of stairs up to the castle, it is a bitter sweet homecoming for Ryuichi. Not far up the mountain Eisai will seek his sensei and gain new tattoos to augment his power, and beyond that the Tamori shall aid you in deciphering the strange gaijin markings on Ryuichi's hand, and perhaps just perhaps you will learn secrets best left unknown...

GM

The chapter and the game comes to a close here. It is sad to see this game end, but time fights against me. Please see the OOC thread for more.

Thanks all! Been fun.