Prelude: Bayushi Takeo

[TetNak]

"Very well," the Lion says, not so interested in poems as action and duty. "I am riding straight through to the city. The army shall be here in no longer than two hours." Oyoko, if the Scorpion says nothing, launches his horse forward up the road again.

[JohnnyWeird]

"Travel well, Lion! Victory is sweet this night; bring the city joy!" The Laughing Steel Master waves him off, bringing news to the others who have waited in the wings, swords ready and bows drawn.

[TetNak]

Shinji quickly makes his way back to the road, replacing his katana. "The Lion were victorious!" The young man quips, "I am surprised, I must say, very surprised." He frowns again, wishing the glory could be with the Scorpion instead.

[JohnnyWeird]

Takeo flips up his mask, a grin on his face. "A pleasant surprise, Shinji-san! Let the Lion gentle horses; the Scorpion is a beast meant for finer things."

If the Lion's victory was complete enough, the Unicorn may sue for peace. Peace means an end to hostilities. Perhaps even an end to enmity. Who knows what may happen then?

[TetNak]

The Scorpion talk and stand on guard. The waiting is getting extremely taxing. This is work for the Crab on the Carpenter Wall, not Scorpion. Takeo feels they should have been relieved by now, but instead he hears an extremely loud noise ahead in the fog. It is as if a marching army. There are noises of horses closer than he might expect without hearing them. In fact, the fog breaks up momentarily, and he spots to rider going back down the road toward at least a large force coming his direction. The horsemen did not appear gaijin, but the fog makes it impossible to tell.

[JohnnyWeird]

Takeo replaces his mask and motions the men to the side of the road - not concealed, but simply so they won't be trod under by a victorious force. The matter will be settled soon enough.

[TetNak]

Takeo notices three rides moves ahead, toward he and his men. They have been told the Lion are victorious, but the fog makes it impossible to see clearly.

The riders get within twenty feet ...

OOC

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