The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

The first thing Miwa does before she attempts to wash the mud caked, sweaty dragon like creatures is get its attention again and talk to it for a half hour or slightly more. She then looks around so none of those insanely clawed raptors that live in the jungle. Finding none she undresses and washes herself with soap and bucket. When she is done, she dresses in light armor and puts a note in her journal.

How to bathe a dragon. She works all day never managing to get enough soap and brush on the creature to any effect. When night approaches she gives up bruised and battered more than she has ever been despite now wearing her heavy regenerating armor and having her beating heart charm on her. She crawls up to her nest and opens her Journal again.

How to bathe a dragon.
HOW NOT TO BATHE A DRAGON!

1. Do not wear light armor. Dragon thinks you are covering self with pastry wrap.
2. Do not wear medium armor. It’s like a hard candy coating to the dragon.
3. Do not wear Heavy armor. Dragons like crunchy things.
4. Wear double plated dwarven fire resistant heavy armor. Where in all the hells to I get that?
5. If Dragon sneezes, run for your life. It will not kill you, but you will be completely covered in dragon goo. YUCK!
6. Do not stand directly in dragons face when it has an open mouth. If do, bring a second bucket for eaten breakfast. Smells like rotting elf. Umm may be something to that. She looks at the dragon and yells at it. NO MORE ELVES, HUMANS, HIN, OR DWARVES! Stupid knights like Roland you can eat. You have permission.
7. Do not stand directly under dragon. It will be the exact time they sit or lay down. Dirt tastes oddly like……. DIRT! If do bring a shovel to dig yourself out like a dwarf would.
8. Do not ignore the tail or you will find a tree. I think I broke my ribs.
9. Do not move if dragon tries to smush you with foreclaws. If you struggle will most likely dislocate something trying to wiggle out of claws. Wait until it lifts is arm.
10. Stay limber! Really limber!

Miwa wakes up the next day to find the Archeaox sleeping below. She takes her bucket and sponge and measures the distance. She jumps. She hits the dragons back and starts to scrub as hard as she can. She notices that its scales seem to be moving here and there slightly up and down before she can investigate the dragon rolls over. She goes flying into the mud!

Muttering, she gets up and goes to her nest after filling up the bucket again. There she waits. Midmorning the Archeaox rouses and stands up again. She jumps on its lower neck and starts to scrub it furiously. The dragon doesn’t seem to mind this time. Again, she sees spots where its scales seem to be lifting slightly. When one lifts near her, she swats it to see what happens.

A louse as big as her hand runs out of the scale. She screams! Falls off the dragon into the mud. Worse yet the louse falls on top of her. She does an obscene version of a wild dance yelling and crying then takes her kaiken out and stabs it about 20 times to make sure it’s dead.

She then skews it with her kaiken and walks up to the beast. “YOU SEE THIS! THIS IS WHAT IS ALL OVER YOU. YOU ARE THE SMELLIEST, NASTIEST, DIRTIEST, MOST OBSTINATE BEAST I HAVE EVERY TRAINED! AND YOU HAVE BUGS! NO! NO!” She tries to run but it's too late the dragon sneezes on her. She is covered in snot and goo.

OH, YOU ARE SO, SO GROSS! NOW I’M ALL GOOEY! She takes a big clod of mud and throws it at him hitting him in the muzzle between the eyes. In turn the dragon sweeps the ground with his claws along the mud pool he’s now surrounded by from her attempts to wash him. She gets completely drenched in soupy brown slush.

Miwa stomps off to the stream to wash everything while keeping her eyes on the tigers and killing a couple of raptors that come near. Swearing up a storm along the way.

When done she quickly puts her armor back on and goes up to her nest to figure out a better way to handle the Archeaox. She dreams but just before she adds to her list.

11. Never start mud war with dragon. You will lose.

Miwa and her father separated from the group in the city. They say their goodbyes to her sisters and Daimyo who will take them home. Her father leads her to the business district of the city of Renkyu. The city is large nestled in the center of the lowlands and fought over by plenty of daimyos throughout the last few centuries. It is a city of 100,000 people. Daimyo Barasume controls the southern part while Daimyo Sato controls the northern part. It is the center of commerce for the south side of the big island.

Her father takes her to the armorer and weaponsmith avenue. He seeks out the weapon smith he wants, and they go in. She is about to have her first masterwork daisho made. She is told to change into a white robe while the swordsmith picks out steel billets to work with. For the next two days she watches the armorer make a katana and wakizashi for her. She is told she cannot sleep and must do as the smith says like working the billows or pouring water at the exact time and temperature into baths. Her father finds a hotel room for the night.

Later on, the second day her father comes back. She is sitting watching the smith. Tired but still trying to follow what he specifies for her to do. He works another two hours sometimes asking her to fetch a cup of water for him. When he seems satisfied, he nods to her father. Her father leads her to the temper bath he cuts her left wrist and holds it over a bowl. When it hits the level mark, he pushes her arm away and places a pressure bandage over it. He tells her to dump the blood into the bath when the smith tells her.

She does as she is told. And pours the blood in the bath on the smith’s mark. After that he heat treats and sharpens the blade then puts the components together. She now has her daisho.

They sleep in the hotel room. In the morning they mount again and start to walk their horses. Anyone near bows to them. The two look like statues on their horses completely unemotional. They go to the slums district. Miwa becomes alert and looks at her father questioningly.

“Mind your manners and be watchful,” he tells her.

A big rough looking man comes over to her father with a bag. Miwa watches him carefully. His robe slips revealing a tattoo. She tries to draw her new sword saying, “Ya” Her father quickly covers her mouth then places his hand on butt of her sword forcing it back in.

“Forgive my daughter. She has just become Onna-bugeisha and is overzealous. You have what I need of course?”

“Keep your female samurai at bay, lord Shinto. Anything happens to me there will be repercussions.”

Her father nods and the man holds up the bag. He checks it and places it in his saddle bag. “Good doing business with you. We shall not meet again.”

“Aye.” He wanders off and gets lost in the crowd even when Miwa is trying to follow him.

“That man is Yakuza!? It is illegal to deal with one.” She looks at her father.

“Only if you don’t get caught. You have much to learn, Miwa. You have also disgraced and dishonored me. I will take care of that when we get home.”

“Remember where I stand now father.”

“Oh, I will remember. In fact, I have a special gift for you when you get home. I do admire your schemes. They were very good. It proves that my training works. Still, you must pay for throwing a match. It was so obvious. You are still a child and under my roof. Onna-bugeisha or not.
I do love you, Miwa. You did well enough but not enough for me. Granted one of your black marks was my fault. I accept that. The other two. One you deliberately failed. The other showed incompetence. We will correct that. Now, shall we. You have much to do. As my apprentice you will deal with the village council and patrol our lands while not training. Now that I know your true deficiencies, I can concentrate on them. Less martial training and more other training. I will make you perfect. I will make you, my masterpiece.”

Miwa looks at her father without expression for a moment then puts her horse in a walk. Her father catches up with her. Along the trip home the silence is deafening. When they get home, she goes to her room. Her father follows her. There is something very large against the wall across from her bed covered up with a sheet. She looks at it while he comes into her room. “Awe it is already here.” I am proud of you Lady Miwa. You are one of the youngest Onna-bugeisha to ever have a title; but, I am also distressed that my own daughter would taunt me while on her trials. You might have failed the testing. Risky and more because my own life was on the line. What was I to think when you failed your testing with your naginata test. The very symbol of your profession. Thus, I bring you this gift as your present for this grand achievement.” He uncovers the sheet.

Behind it is a full-length silver mirror. “You may not move it; you may not cover it. Remember Lady Shinto, this is still my house, and you are still my daughter of 12. It will remind you what you truly are every day. After all, are you not my ugliest daughter? Scared and mangled from my training and others. If you were not Onna-bugeisha you wouldn’t even fetch a bushel of rice for your family when wed. but do not worry I will attempt to find a worthy husband for you despite your deformities and brutish physic. I leave you now to, Your own image.

Think of how beautiful your sisters are. Then look in the mirror. As you gain more scars, burns, and other malisons from battle and training I’m sure the mirror will be in the end kind. Afterall It can only show the truth.
Her father turns and walks away. Miwa doesn’t move from the mirror so as not to show him the tears streaming down her eyes.

Miwa wakes up crying and almost falls from the nest she built. The dragon turns its head to her to see what she is doing. When it sees it turns its head back to what it was last looking at.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa wakes up and looks at the dragon. He is sleeping below her, his head on the ground. She goes down killing more raptors, “where do they all come from?” she asks. She goes to the stream watching out for more birds and the tigers roaming the distance. She tries not to move into the tiger area. She knows they will attack her, but she respects them and gives them deference, leaving them alone. They seem not to go too near her new friend.

She puts light armor on because of the birds and walks back to the dragon. Placing her back against his cheek she sits down leaning into him and speaks in her native language.

“You are an obstinate creature. Perhaps the gods have put you in my path to teach me patience. If true is ok. First thing I think will be that I must get all the bugs off you.” She shivers. “I hate those kinds of bugs, ticks, lice, and fleas. Then perhaps you won't need to roll in the mud all the time.

I don’t know if you understand me. Probably not making it easier to talk. It will be a special day for me soon. I have been so focused on my quest I had forgotten about it. It will also be 4 years in just a few months that I have lived with these people of the west. I have lost my land. I have lost my husband. At least I have not lost my honor. My lord still retains my services.

I still miss him dragon. When you live with someone for 5 years you learn to depend upon them in ways. You know when I came home from campaign. After we were done playing. He would let me curl up in his chest. He was such a big man. I would put my back against him, and he would curl around me and place the palm of his hand between my legs protectively. It was sweet. I would use his other arm as a neck pillow. Now I’m alone, so very alone. I still miss him.”

She elbows his cheek lightly. “So, I cannot properly clean or delouse you until you’re asleep so I will either bring a wu-jen or alchemist and put you to sleep for enough time to do all this and bathe you. I think you will feel so much better when it is done. Maybe next time you’ll want me to do it and not make such a fuss. I’m going to really hate this. I hate bugs, they are so Eww! Especially these kinds of bugs. Now I have creepy crawlies all over my skin.

I hope to have a friend here next time so that we may start to communicate with each other. Either Taran or Kage. And I’ll have Orn make a saddle for you. The question is how do I give commands? That’s far in the future. I have a date to make little more than 4 years from now, and I need you to get me home. Meanwhile if you are saddled no one should disturb you like they did before. They will think someone rides you even though I cannot yet and leave you alone.

It's been three days. They will be coming with an elk later in the afternoon for you. I should get ready.”

Miwa does stretches and several katas the rest of the morning. She waits for Ginger’s men to come. When they do, she again drags the elk to the dragon and waits for him to eat it. After that is finished, she watches him to get the 3 o-clock drag and lay his head down. When he does, she assumes the same position leaning her back against his cheek.

“Only one more thing to say to you today dragon. I’ve always tried to have justice on my side when I did things. Even things that were not so savory. I have always followed the code of bushido to my understanding. Now I question. Is there a higher justice other than the paths I have taken. Ryuu always said that there was. I never believed him. Now………. I don’t know. I don’t know because someone is forcing me to see my past again. I do not feel rectified. I feel a deep regret and guilt over many of the things I did; Over many of the things I did not do. I am not supposed to feel these feelings. I’ve been trained not to feel anything. To always be calm amidst the storm. To make my choices never regretting and never looking back. How many times have I been wrong. How many times have I hurt people unnecessarily that I was ordained to protect. One never knows.

We must move on through life. I hope those I have hurt gratuitously will forgive my actions. I can't think of this anymore. It weighs me down. I must find the balance in my life if I am to survive this quest. I must slay my demons. The question is………. How?”

Miwa works into the afternoon cleaning up the area and making her nest more camouflaged. It’s dark before she is finished. When she finally goes to her hammock, she is exhausted. She dreams.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa had her party on the third day of the claw of sunsets, her 24th birthday. It was smaller than she expected. She wore a traditional layered kimono with her face and neck covered in rice powder to give her face a stark white appearance. Her teeth were painted black. Her eyes and lips painted with lipstick and eyeshadow were red denoting anger or war for anyone familiar with Kozakurian tradition. Her hair was done up with 24 plum blossoms weaved into it.

Tale, and Sephir were the only men. Seth appeared but quickly left. Dasta, Tommy, Lydia and a few other women also attended. The women talked while the men watched. It was much like a teen dance with no one dancing. On the 16th hour Miwa stood up and spoke her speech. She tried to carefully lay out her plans in her speech.

This is a very special day for many knights of the east like me. It is a day where we give back to the community for the privileges we have. My husband and I ran 2 farming and 1 fishing village when we were together. One year on this day I gave 3 oxen to one of our farming villages. Another year, I gave 10 families new fishing nets. The extra coin they made with these made their lives much better.

I have been on quest now almost 4 years and did not forget this special day but never found a community where I thought I could give. Now I have friends here Drasta, Lydia, all of you……. even Sephir. So, I will try to give back in 4 ways.

The first is: I have already donated 75,000 in coin to Bunny’s soup kitchen. I have added another 25,000 of my own coin to round up to 100,000 and have a donation box for any that feel could join me. This is the first way I give back.

The second is: This will take longer. I wish to find a noble or merchant family to set up trade with my clan in Kozakura. I will work out contract, if possible, to employ low towners at a wage where they can feed, shelter, and clothe their families. I hope to set up the example to show you can make profit and pay workers well enough to have a good life. This is something others are welcome to work with me to achieve this goal.

Please spread the word around of this, all of you.

Third thing: This is for the hunters and mercenaries of the guild and others. There is a yakuza clan that controls Lowtown. What we call yakuza you call crime syndicate, mob, or another thing. It is a gang of thieves that run gambling, protection, brothels and other illicit affairs. This gang is called Lenio’s gang.

I cannot make an official bounty as a private person. But I can say this. If this Lenio were to have an accident or die in a bar fight, fall off a tall building or die in another way. I would offer 100,000 coin for his severed head. 125,000 if done in the next 4 weeks. This head would have to be confirmed and authenticated by two of the few people who have seen him.

In this way it will disrupt his organization. There will be infighting and restructuring giving authorities time to clean them out further but, in the end, better.

Last thing: Lenio’s gang cannot operate without bribes, dealings and corruption among certain authorities. This is how organized crime is run throughout Toril, even in my own country. I will pay 10,000 in coin for information of a knight, magistrate, flame, judge or any other authority corrupted by this gang. 10,000 for each name and how they worked or were bribed by them.

This information must always be authenticated and backed up with undeniable evidence.

I will take this information directly to Lord Bargus and see what he does with it. If he corrects the corrupted official nothing will happen and is good work of government. He will be given a good amount of time to hand out justice. If he does not: I will take this information and post it to every doorstep, ally, and avenue of the name of the corrupted city officials and their dealings with this gang.

They will not be able to hide from justice. Spread my words around. Let all know what stand to gain and imagine the peace this will eventually gain when all is done.

I thank you all for coming. Good hunting.

Lydia and others start to talk about not only Lenio’s death but a better way to handle his gang after his death. Miwa quietly listens and approves. These people are already figuring out how to do it and better than her own words. Tommy leaves not liking what she just heard. Sephir waits awhile without comment then takes his leave respectfully. Tate stays at his post as Miwa’s bodyguard not commenting. When all is done Miwa cleans up. She knows she may have a target on her back in a few days or weeks, not only from the gang but all the city officials they have corrupted. She knows she must prepare.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa waits for the dragon to lay down, checks for those birds then comes down from her nest. She leans against the side of his face and pats the top of his head. She speaks in High Shou. “You try to eat me I’ll stick my katana through your tongue and the bottom of your mouth and most likely empty the contents of my stomach down your throat. Don’t try it.”

The Dragon opens one eye to observe her and closes it again. I was thinking of upping the bounty to a half million but will wait to see if anyone can catch the yakuza and kill him before that. Meanwhile I have to figure out what to do about the news article. I know that Zaniee, Drasta, Lydia, and Jitztroyir are not city officials so I will not pay for them. That leaves Elvalith, Lott and Estelle. Elvalith is a magistrate. Estelle, a knight of Steinkeis, Lott is questionable. I do not know his status regarding the city.

So, If I must pay this yakuza I only need pay 30,000. They were so stupid. They should have cut him down where he stood. The life of one captain is not worth all the people who this other most likely enslaved into brothels, enslaved to his debt, or have disrupted lives because of this man. The captain after realizing his dishonor should have committed suicide to regain it……………It is the west Miwa not the east. People do not do that here. What do you think?

She looks at the Archeaox. He opens his eye a moment again then closes it. “You’re like a cat, lazy. Even if I don’t figure out how to talk to you eventually you should let me wash and delouse you. I do not have good thoughts about those bugs crawling all over you, but I will do what I must to make you feel better. Maybe you wont roll in the mud after that. Humm some horses still do. Especially white ones.

It’s good I can use the portal to the grove the city is only a few hours away from there and the tackle is too. I must write a couple of letters and deliver it to the newspaper.”

A raptor comes by and begins to attack her. She quickly kills it being it is alone. As she picks it up the Archeaox snatches it out of her hand. “Hey that one was mine to eat. You’ll get your elk tomorrow. Now I’ll have to kill another for myself. You are not my husband. Starting to feel like your wife. Have to feed you, bath you and tuck you in. And I’m not going to tuck you in like a proper wife. Find a female of your own kind, stupid dragon. I’ll go write some letters in my nest.”

She pats the dragon again. “I will see you in at twilight.”

Miwa goes up to her nest writing two letters exactly the same.

Your little bird got something wrong. I am only interested in corrupted or bribed officials of Keis that help you exist and protect your nefarious actions in the city. Zainee, Lydia, Drasta, and Jitzroyir are not city officials.

This leaves only Elvalith, Estelle and Lott whose position in Steinkeis is questionable due to his paladin vows. Still, I am a person of my word and will give you 30,000 in gold. Spend it fast Mr. Lenio for I and others now look for you and will not stop until I have your head.

These people were soft of heart and stupid. The life of one captain is not worth all the lives you have destroyed or disrupted. I would have cut you down were you stood for the greater good of the community. And given the captain a chance to regain his honor after he sobered up to do the right thing and commit Seppuku that if he wasn’t killed before I killed you.

If I were you, I would keep looking over my shoulder. I’m sure your own lieutenants could use a good reward being that both I and the city are offering one for your head. Some in your organization are considering, I am sure, to make a good bounty.

After writing the letter she goes to the times and submits the letter. Then she goes to the tackle and posts it on the board.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa goes back to the jungle and to her nest after checking on the dragon. She then settles in after smearing her body with an oil to keep the mosquitoes away. She sleeps.

Miwa comes back from her patrols at dinner time. She takes her boots off at the door, bows to the threshold and walks into the dining room only to find Izumi and Sango there waiting. She unhooks the rest of her armor to her underpadding and sits down in her place to the left of the head of the table.

She looks around and asks, “Where is Father and Haruki?”

Izumi looks at her food. “Haruki is behind her studies. Daddy is tutoring her. May we eat? The food is getting cold.”

“When did you ever need my permission to eat? I thought we had an understanding. Sango will you lead prayer?”

Sango leads grace and the three of them start to eat. Miwa gets a mouthful of wasabi and winces. Sango giggles and Izumi smiles. Miwa comments. “Funny very funny you two. I don’t know why you always tease me.”

Izumi retorts her, “It’s the only way you show any emotion anymore, Miwa. You’re becoming must like dad.”

“I’m a knight. I do what is expected.”

Izumi angerly stands up, “Bullshit, Miwa! You home. You’re with your family. You can be human occasionally. That freaking manipulative bastard has changed every one of us to his own vision and now you don’t even see it.”

“Don’t speak about father like that. Yes, he is tough on us, but he has his reasons.”

Izumi stands but speaks quietly, “Like torturing you for years. Locking me in my room for days with just water to drink. The only one free from his wrath is Sango because he wants her to be a priestess. They were right about you, you know Miwa. You can't see beyond your stinking nose.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Izumi sighs with exasperation, “I sometimes forget you’re only 13. I’m going for a walk. She leaves the table. Sango looks at her. “I don’t know why we’re always talking about daddy when we are alone. It makes me sad.”

Miwa looks to her, “Come here Sango.”

Sango comes over and gets in her lap. Miwa hugs her. Izumi comes back in, takes her plate, and loads a bunch more food on it. “Izumi, you know how father doesn’t like it when you eat too much.”

Izumi looks at her incensed. “I am getting married in a week, Miwa. He won’t be able to hurt me anymore. I’ll be able to eat and wear whatever hells I want. Fuck off, Onna-bugeisha.” She stomps off again this time out the door. Sango starts to cry. Miwa holds her a few minutes more. Then tells her to go back and eat her dinner.

They are halfway done when her father strolls in. He looks around. “Where is Izumi?”

Miwa responds, “She left saying something about getting married next week.”

Her father smiles, “Jitters then. It’s fine.” He sits down and begins to eat.

Miwa looks over to him, “Where is Haruki?”

“She is sleeping. She’s had a hard day understanding her lessons. I am helping her of course.”

“She should still eat.”

“Leave her alone, Miwa let her rest. That is a command.”

Miwa looks at her father strangely then turns her attention to her plate. “Yes, father.”

A week later Izumi has her wedding at Shogun Sato’s palace. Miwa is her honor guard. She is in full armor and carries not only her kaiken but her Naginata. She leads her father and sister down the aisle for Izumi to be blessed and meet her husband. Once the ritual is complete Her father disengages. Miwa makes a left face walks three steps turns to the crowd and backs up two steps so she may watch both her sister and the rest of the crowd.

Izumi’s future husband walks down the aisle with his honor guard. They are blessed and the same happens. His name is Sato Akio. He’s a strapping young man of 25 years, just establishing a household. He looks happy with Izumi. She of course is beaming: Not only because she is getting away from father but because her husband to be is so handsome. Miwa stays stoic but inwardly she sighs thinking of what kind of man would want to marry such a broken woman as she.

The ceremony goes off without a hitch. Miwa changes and goes to the reception wearing one of her best Kimonos and painted like a cracked porcelain doll. The scars on her face from training are deep enough now that the rice powder no longer covers them up. Fine cracks now show along her face despite the makeup.

She remembers what her shogun told her of loneliness. She feels it now in full force. She finds a corner to be able to watch her family. It does not matter what the event in Kozakurian culture; there are always clan rivalries, assassination attempts, bold yakuza that crash a party to steal everyone’s purse. She must always be wary of such so she can defend that which is precious to her. In this affair it is her family. If trouble starts, she will be ready.

An older woman in her mid-20s saunters up to her. Miwa takes notice of the kaiken standing up in the folds of her odi. She takes a position beside her. Miwa takes a slight bow, while watching the crowd, in greeting. “Shinto Miwa.”

“Endo Reiko, but please Lady Miwa call me by my Go name Lady Wolf.”

“A pleasure.”

“When I learned a 12-year-old in Shinto clan passed trials, I was amazed on how one would accomplish such a feat. It has been little more than a decade since one has done it. At least on the big island.”

“If you mean to say there was cheating, Lady Wolf. There was not.”

“Do you have a Yobina or Go name yet, Miwa?”

“I have not seen my first battle yet.” Miwa keeps her eyes on her relatives. Haruki again sits alone and refuses all suiters. Miwa grows somewhat concerned but keeps it to herself.

“Shinto and Shogun Miyoshi’s lands sit tangent to Barasume and Sato lands. Tensions are rising among the two major clans. Do you know where Miyoshi stands between the two?”

“I’m apprenticing under my father and have too many affairs dealing with our village and patrolling the lands, Lady Wolf. Politics is something for the future not for the now in my regard. If you need an answer my sister is marrying into the Sato clan. It shows Miyoshi leans Sato in a minor way. Of course, my family is small and only runs one village.”

“Perhaps we will be allies in your first battle, Miwa.”

“Perhaps. One does not know the future.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Shinto. Be at peace and keep your head.”

“Be at peace, Lady Wolf.”

The other Onna-bugeisha moves away. The celebration goes without a hitch and soon enough the family travels back to their home, minus one member who now belongs to another clan.

Miwa wakes up and punches the tree limb above her. “My greatest failing.” The dragon looks up a moment at the display of anger. He peers into the nest Miwa made for herself. When she sleeps again, he puts his head down.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa wakes up the next morning and makes breakfast with a skinned and gutted raptor with some eggs. After she’s done, she throws the leftovers to the dragon as an appetizer. She then goes about trying to clean up the area around the beast. She mentions to herself she needs to pluck the next one after putting the carcass in boiling water. The meat was dry as a pheasant.

At mid-day gingers men come with the elk. Tigers smelling the meat have followed the wagon and are getting into a fight with Gingers men. She runs over and tries to fight them with non-lethal combat. Some of the tigers leave others stay, the wagon’s men kill the ones that continue. She rubs her head but knows it’s no use she herself has had to kill a few of them that attacked her, and their ferocious persistence just won't let them stop. It reminds her of someone she knows very well, Herself. Which makes her sad somehow.

She gives the leader of the wagon team some extra coin to treat his wounded men and have a good meal and drink when they get back. When the wagon is gone, she drags the dead elk to the dragon fighting more raptors along the way. “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but someone must protect him from overzealous westerners,” she comments.

Once finally done with all her chores and the archeaox is sated she pulls some sashimi she saved and eats the chunks of raw cod steeped in vinegar. She then goes up to her nest, opens her journal and begins to write.

I think I lost a friend on my last foray into the community. It’s not unexpected. I felt a coldness from her these last few months. She was someone I could talk to, really talk to. Now I am again alone. As many people as I know here now, I thought she was the only one that truly understood me. I knew our world views are very different sometimes. I believe they finally came to a head. It saddens me.

I had my birthday party and made my proclamations making up for 4 years of not doing my duties in this regard while in these western communities. The first went well. I collected an additional 70,000 on top of the 75,000 I already gave to bunny for her soup kitchen. I must visit one day to see this operation of hers.

The second is long term. To set up a trade agreement with my clan and someone here on the island with the ability to organize and become a partner in this business operation. It’s the only way I can think of to stay here and keep my vows. If I can become more valuable to Daimyo Barasume as an envoy or ambassador to the island than as a warrior, I might just be able to stay on the island. I have 3 ½ years to accomplish this. It will also help lowtown in that I’ll insist that any trade agreement will pay workers enough to feed and clothe their children. The question is can I get this done at all and if so in the time due. It will be up to my persistence and the 8 million.

The 3rd went rather well too. I will pay 100,000 for Lenio's head. Many of the girls there not only were enthusiastic about it but also were planning what to do with the gang after his death. They surprised me with some of their suggestions. They were thinking about it better than I ever could. I hope it works out the way they described.

The last was not a disaster but in the end struck my heart hard. Paying 10,000 for proof that an official of Keis was being bribed or working with Lenio. Lenio himself mentioned names. Some not being officials were disregarded. They are not officials of the city however Elvalith, Lott, and Estelle are. They got caught up in the mess and probably harbor ill will toward me now. Of course, he would not mention the true officials he has bribed or work with him to give him the ability to stay in business. It would be very bad for him to do that.

I met Elvalith first. She became angry with me and walked away when I spoke of other matters. She was already angry to begin with. I should not have pushed her. She would not say anything about the instance she was involved with. It told me she was in fact somehow guilty of the coercion Lenio forced her into.

I met Drasta next who was at the incident Lenio mentioned. She was regretful and explained everything to me. Western sentimentalities sometimes put these people in weakened positions and Lenio expected that. I cannot condemn what the group of people did. They followed their western thought still I must pay this man 30,000 for the 3 officials that were there.

I met Lott next. He wanted revenge. I know he will go after Lenio and not for the reward but for the stain of his honor. Lott’s a good man. He understands to save his honor he must do something now. Lott spoke without me prompting him. I had to say nothing. I simply listened.

I did not speak to Estelle. She lied to me straight to my face. I will only deal with her now if it’s for the greater good of the community. If I cannot trust a knight to be truthful, I cannot trust the knight. I didn’t need to talk to her. I got information about the incident from several people. I am 90% sure of what happened and the reasons behind each person’s involvement.

I did not go out to trap people I know. I was in fact surprised. Especially with Lott’s involvement. Lott is a good man much like Ryuu. It seems he cannot make the hard choices when it comes down to the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few. In this case the one. In the end I am glad I was not there. It would have been much messier because I do make the hard choices.

I went alone to the orc stronghold finally looking to test my metal against the whole of it. Getting there was easy. The front room hard fought. I broke down the large central door determined to clean the place out. I was fighting orcs just past that threshold when Jack the rat catcher showed up.

He had tracked my bloody path up the mountain and threw the caves. I told him what I was doing. He told me to continue. He would only act if I got into trouble. I fought alone while he watched. I could not complete my mission. I pulled all the drummer’s men away and killed them so I could take him on alone. When I did it turned into an epic battle between, he and I. I almost finished him off but then again, he put me in the same position. I had to break off. Jack stepped in and finished him. I still need much more training.

Going down the corridor now that I am fire resistant, I attacked the mages in their room of experimentation. It went well. Both my passive magic resistance and my fire resistance worked to good advantage. I took them all down not as swiftly as I would have liked but I took them down without Jacks aid. The last to face us was the weapon master. I steeled my nerves and tried to draw his men away from him.

He came with them. I worked my way through his men, but he had spotted Jack hiding in the corner. He attacked him while his men defended him against me. I felt his ki being used. Those of us sensitive to ki know when another uses it. It is like a gentle wind of energy emanating from the one who uses it. He was using all his ki strikes on Jack when I finally got to him. There I started using my own ki. It took him by surprise and as he turned his attention to me, I struck him down.

Jack and I pulled almost 80,000 in gold from that stronghold. I also picked up an enchanted stone for Elvalith and a bar of mithril for Master Derhag.

The last major thing that happened on my journey was the calling. Once again, we were called to the grove. When the last of the called had arrived and were sated by food and drink. We went to the air shrine. A portal opened and we went through finding ourselves on a cold mountain. The wind and cold were bitter. If not for my regeneration charm, I may have frozen to death. The air spirits were trying to contain an enormous ooze. This one was different both for its size and the tentacles it had were thick, like a giant squid. (Which happens to be my favorite food) I must one day chop a tentacle off of that monster in the goblin caves and cook it for everyone. And the good thing is it will grow back in a year or two. I could go down there and do it again.

The ooze resisted all the known ways we had done away with them before. It still worked with enough energy but still we quickly found out that someone had either made them more resistant on purpose or they have been evolving at an unnatural speed. We eventually destroyed it.

We then followed the path of dead air spirits to the shrine of air. There was a giant cat creature there barely breathing. A god of cats and one of the 8 million in my book. I quickly gave it a health stimulant. There were acidic burn holes all over its body covered by some kind of slime. I took a rag and started to try to clean the holes. Another more apt in healing helped me and began to fix him up much more than I could.

He finally became awake and stood. He talked about many of the group and knew all of our names. He told us to move up along the mountain after offering some prophetic advice. We went up the mountain to see all of the elemental guardians waiting for us. They asked us many questions about their new enemies these para-elemental oozes. We all answered as best we could. They gave 4 of us things to protect. I received a censor of fire. I am not sure what I should do with it but I must protect it.

After our meeting with the guardians of the shrines we were teleported back. I am happy and humbled to have been able to do my small part in saving a god. Others did much more and gleamed much more information than I and I am proud of each and every one of my companions. They did what was right.

Now we must figure out the source of these oozes and how these rift pebbles are involved with them. That is for another day.

Miwa looks up after writing and sees it is near dusk. She looks down at the dragon a moment then quietly rolls over to sleep.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa packs her things and goes to the jungle. She checks on the great Lizard. She exercises and goes through fighting routines. In the early evening Sniffles lies down. She sits down beside his snot leaning her back into him after she kills all the local raptors (again). She opens her Journal and writes.

I was only among the people for two days. It was a long two days. On the first day there was a ball for all those involved in helping the city with the grey dwarf problem. I helped the group when I could. Even with some differences with the leaders of the group. You must always do what you need and can do for the greater benefit of the community in which you live. I had to help Steinkeis in any way I could, and I did in between my regular training.

They promised fame and fortune, but I already knew my name would be struck off the record. I know nobles too well. I am one. There was a ball at the palace for us. I attended but with a target on my back from the local yakuza lord I tried to just watch over all I knew in case Lenio would choose to strike at me or a friend. So, I took to quiet corners and watched over everyone.

Very few tried to speak to me. Some knew my ways and what I was doing. One, in particular, tried. It was Sylph. He was in court attire, and many addressed him as Sylph. I had a lengthy discussion about him with an informant. The informant insists that this man is a shape changer, an agent of Keis and as he would call it, “A personal pet of Bargus.” The informant also told me that they personally saw Sylph as an elf and saw him another time as human.

Is this true? I wont know until observing the same and my observation skills are not good. I do have to assume that this Sylph is an agent of Keis and that he can and will change his shape until I know otherwise. We most likely have the same goals. As long as I live here, I will defend the people around me. Most of these are from the city. Still, I don’t need someone slinking around my personal life that I hardly know. Especially one I have to assume is a spy and has much greater skills than I do in spying being I am fairly inept at this kind of thing.

As he started speaking to me I quickly figured out a way to make him disappear by my side. I did not have to do much. My sometimes-abrasive side took over and he was gone within a few minutes.

The only other major thing that happened was the Mayor of Hamley and two of his men came. I happened to be near the door and was the closest of those who adventure to him. I smelled trouble and undid the peace knot on my Kaiken.

I’m happy he caused no trouble. He did make a speech with a lot of noble double-speak and hidden meanings within. Some I got. Some I did not. I did, however, figure out the reasons he came, and this kind of thing happens often enough in Kozakura courts. I was surprised he steeled himself enough to even come. I’ve seen him cower in his own office. He is not even a particularly brave man let alone a courageous one.

After he left I breathed a sigh of relief and returned to watching over those I knew. It all worked out in the end. I did not get a chance to talk to many nobles. The needs of those I knew played on my mind much more than my own needs. With Lenio still out there and almost assured of having intelligence on me I need to stay calm and put the needs of others before my own until his reign of terror on Lowtown has ended.

There is so much waiting for me at home if I complete my quest. There is also so little for me at home in doing the same. My husband is gone, My family is broken and wounded even if our honor is still in high regard. I guess I must be patient and see where the gods lead me.

The night ended quietly. I went back to the Tackle.

The next day the grove called to me. It seems the grove wanted me to help Varo find a friend. Varo is another very strange character. I do not know what to make of the elven; Then again sometimes I don’t know what to make of Elvalith. She was kind to me on the very same day. I don’t know what to make of it.

Varo was seeking an Owlbear friend. He told us his friend, Bosa, was in trouble and being held by someone. We all agreed to help him. Dawson was there along with some other girls. We talked for a while. It was much about Bosa and Vero. Varo gave me a seed to plant. I did so. The magic of the grove took effect a brush grew from the seeds within minutes and a portal opened up at its base.

We went through and encountered a few strange elven. Vero talked to them. I did not understand the language nor the body language until it was too late, they started to rain down fire upon us. In a rare moment of indecisiveness, I could not figure out what to do. I tried to dodge the arrows rather than attack and paid for it. Seeing I had two katana’s drawn they hit my arms instead of my body. The others killed them. I pushed the heads out to the other sides with my hands, snapped the heads off and pulled the shafts out. The pain was intense but soon my heart charm got in gear and the regeneration began. I still bandaged myself then tried to for others, but their wounds were superficial.

I am not sure what happened, but it did. I was slightly ashamed by my inactiveness in combat. We went through several caves and patches of forest until we came upon a ring of sorts. Horned, cloven hoofed men were surrounding the ring. Vero called them Satyrs. Within the ring was Bosa fighting a dire tiger. The others were trying to figure out what to do. I went into action.

I tried to subdue what I thought was their leader. Everything went wrong with this fight. I first tried to grab it by the throat and throw it down. It was taller then me and all it did was raise its foot and I had no leverage in which to lift him. I received a nasty blow to the side from him. I then dropped and tangled my legs with his to make him fall. That did happen. He fell right on top of me knocking the wind out of me. I could see the others starting to fight loosen arrows and such.

I dropped the single katana I had on the ground and squeezed my hand between us to get to my kaiken. I knew now I was truly in trouble. Me on my back and him on top of me beating at me. This could not go on for long. At first, I could not get to the knife but finally there was an opening where he lifted his weight. I drew deciding if it was to be my death I could do it right. I drew and hit him again and again with my dagger, much of it deflecting off the armor he was wearing but hen hitting, hitting in non-lethal wounds that just bled a lot.

I even tried to stab him in the head, yet he moved. When he did, I finally got my chance rolling with him and locking his arms and legs up. He got out of body locks 2 more time. We rolled on the ground and fought. I slashed him again giving him a non-lethal wound and tried to lock him up with my body finally succeeding to where he could not get out. I pressed the point of my kaiken to his neck, while twisting his head by holding his horn in the other hand. His comrades fled.

I and this satyr were frozen. My companions worried about what I would do next. It was only this Satyr and I that were left on the field. I told him something to the effect that if I ever heard of him abusing animals for sport again I would come back and slay them all. I cannot remember the exact words. I then broke the horn off at the base using my bare hand. He fled bloody and hopefully learning a lesson: That one should not abuse another for their own pleasure.

Miwa needs to stop. Her eyebrows lift and tears start to stream down her face. She needs to gather herself for a moment. She sets her journal down and wipes the water from her eyes. The dragon grumbles in its sleep then farts. It breaks her somber mood. She laughs. “You are a truly amazing creature, Sniffles.”

After the air clears somewhat, she opens the book back up again. We brought Bosa back to the grove. Varo had me assist cleaning the wounds of the owl bear. I only know very basic field dressings. He was patient. He told me several times when I was doing things wrong with the healing paste he made to cover the creatures wounds. I finally got it and covered the creature’s wounds properly with the paste. When done the called left to let the owlbear rest and sleep safe within the grove. I raced back to civilization. I had another mission to attend.

Most of what I did when not at the ball or being called by the grove was to look for the three missing keys, I still need to open the mysterious dome in the labs. I found one far away from crater lake following the clues. I found myself in a great maze. Time after time I tried to negotiate it only to fail.
I went to Elvalith. This is when she truly showed me kindness and let me borrow some equipment. I went back where I had been and solved the riddle. I acquired the 5th key.

I, Lydia, and one other went back to the labs to search for clues about the keys. On the 6th key I have several clues on another riddle to solve about 6 numbers. We found one clue with the last number, I can now take all of them and break them down. There are only now 7 combinations that fit the riddle that I may try. Next time I go back I will try all 7 combinations. I am not sure what will happen, but it is part of what is needed to get the 6th key.

On the 7th key I have little. I know the scientist is still alive and that there is a special item he needs to move in. We met him deep in the Mind Mother’s paradise. Lydia hid and went into the room. The scientist gave us a few hints about where he put his key and a word. Possibly a code word. I will try it next time I go there. If this word does not work, I will seek another clue for what I am missing. Perhaps in a locked chest in the rooms guarded by the wraith.

That is all I will write today. I must sleep. Miwa closes her journal and goes up to her nest. She sleeps the rest of the afternoon and well into the night suspended in her nest above the Archeaox holding the satyr horn she had snapped off of her opponent’s head.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa waits outside her tent for her father to get done with the war meeting. It’s high summer. Lord Barasume, coming off a striking victory against the Cato clan acquired a good portion of land from them that borders Shinto land. The lord taking the victory as a sign within weeks made incursions into Shinto.

Lord Shinto, wanting to stop Barasume at all costs called his vassals to set up a defensive position near the border of the clans. Barasume took it for aggression and is coming with 2,000 men. Shinto could only call up 500 but with good defensive positions already in place and facing north no one had an advantage.

Miwa stands in her foot soldier’s armor with spear and Tedate waiting until the war council is over. It is near dawn and already the temperature is pressing down on her. Sweat lifts from her face almost as soon as it forms. The lowland breeze catches and disperses it. The ground along the dirt road they protect is cracked and filled with small potholes. As the sun rises her father comes back to her. It is her first real battle. Miwa is 14 years old.

“Miwa we are setting you in the back middle in front of Daimyo. It is the safest place on the battlefield. Being this is your first battle and you being so young we want you to observe. Watch the field. See how it moves and shifts. Do not rush in. There will be plenty more battles for you in the future.

I have trained you well daughter. Your time is not now. It is for the future. Learn what tactics are best on a moving battlefield. Listen to the war drums. Watch the flags. See how effective the general commands are on both sides. Do not fight unless to defend yourself. Understand?”

“Yes, Father.”

He studies her armor and weapons very carefully and grunts approval. “I will be with my foot soldiers left of center. With good luck and superior tactics, we will win the day and show Lord Barasume Shinto is not to be toyed with.”

Miwa nods as one of his men come up to them. “Tora, Miwa it is time.” Her father walks her to a place 60 feet behind the center of the Shinto line. Behind her Lord Shinto and his personal guard, wu-jen and drummers make ready at a further distance another 30 feet behind. She one samurai with the Go name of Sharp Spear, and 20-foot soldiers make a primary defensive line to protect Lord Shinto. Barasume would have to go through three battle lines to get to them. Miwa doesn’t think she will be able to fight in this battle. It should be called win or lose before the enemy gets to them.

The battle begins within minutes. Miwa watches as Lord Barasume’s troops tests the Shinto lines. She grips her spear and watches. He uses an oubliette formation heavy on the right. The attack lasts about 30 minutes then the enemy retreats and reforms. The war drums change their rhythms and the flags signal about the field from both small armies.

There is a 15-minute respite then Barasume comes at them again this time in a wedge formation to the left. Miwa watches again seeking to understand the attack strategy. Here Shinto loses some ground as the wedge pierces the front line. The secondary lends their support. The enemy retreats with more heads in tow this time but Shinto matches them two to one. This attack lasts almost an hour. The drums sound off. The flags wave and the lines shift so that the wounded still able to fight are displaced along the lines.

This time there is a longer rest she can see the enemy lord on a hill looking over the battlefield taking counsel with his people. When the army comes again, they bring their cavalry into play from the two flanks swinging into the middle they hit just to the left and right to center. A wedge of footmen are hot on their heels striking the very center. The fighting is fierce now. Barasume penetrates the first and second lines. Footmen pour into the center. The calvary turns and starts to push either side outward to give his foot soldiers room to maneuver. Miwa readies her spear.

Several foot soldiers and a few samurai break through the third line and come at Lord Shinto on a run. They are met by Miwa and her companions. The adrenaline high becomes all-consuming to her. She holds for Sharp Spears sign when it comes, she goes into a defensive stance and waits with a heady feeling of exuberance in anticipation of a real fight.

She being the smallest and shortest defender; 3-foot solders go in her direction. She faces them off with her wall shield and spear. As soon as the first gets in range she throws her spear out with her arm does a riposte with the point and comes in from the left of him again with an angular attack the spear goes straight into the near side of his throat and out the back killing him instantly. She turns to meet the other soldiers’ attacks with her tedate but her spear gets slightly lodged in the flesh of the first.

She takes a hit to the face but her men-yoroi saves her from any real damage as the enemy sword slings it out across the field. Now with no face mask and slightly cut across the cheek she goes into a frenzy. She uses a surprise move and is able to bury her spear into the thigh of the second cutting his artery releases the spear and draws her katana as the last of the foot soldiers is pounding her shield with a heavy sword. He draws his skull crushing dagger looking for a way past her defenses to end her.

She now goes on the attack. Time seems to slow down for her. She moves with such sluggishness but so does everything else as the adrenaline heightens her senses like a prize fighter. She sees a samurai working his way to her. He is not one of lord Shinto’s. Again, she turns her blade up in a move rarely seen in battle which surprises the other then drives her point in to his belly and up disemboweling him. He falls just as the samurai comes in range.

When he sees her armor. he backs out of range a step or two giving her a salute. “Onna-bugeisha! I am either blessed or damned this day.”

She throws her shield down and draws her wakizashi silently giving him a recognition. The fight begins as they nearly crash into each other The samurai vying for a war prize. She is vying for his head. He attacks using not only his swords but his legs in subdual moves but quickly realizes it’s a mistake and too late, for within two minutes of strikes and counter strikes she has her wakizashi halving his appendix and she viciously drags it across his belly. He falls in pain and mutters obscenities. She offers him calm in her next cut as his head leaves his body. As she’s doing so, she feels something across her back and is flung forward as another samurai hits her with a Kanabo (Japanese spiked fighting club).

She is flung to the dirt and loses her wakizashi. The samurai dismounts for the kill. She gets up and draws her Kaiken spitting out the dirt from her mouth in the process. This fight takes several minutes. Again, the samurai is fighting for a prize, and she knows it. He tries to strike her not to kill but wound her severely so she must submit to him. He’s obviously older and wiser than most and takes his time learning her techniques while fighting her.

Several minutes into the fight neither has an advantage. Both have several cuts, but all are none serious his deft movements avoid her most lethal blows. It seems a stalemate when the samurai comes in with a spinning move, she knows all too well. Instead of trying to match him she waits like her father did to her when she was young. When the opening appears, she is quick launching into him taking his sword arm off first and stabbing him through his helm with her kaiken. He dies instantly and cleanly.

She looks around her as the fighting is all around her now. She looks to Lord Shinto who is fighting and calling out to his personal guard. He fights bravely but she knows they have lost already. In the moment it takes to think that thought, Lord Shinto signals for surrender. The fighting stops near her spreading slowly across the field. Lord Barasume has won the day.

She posts the heads of the three-foot soldiers and the two samurai. After which she is so sweaty and tired, she removes her helm sitting down in the dirt. Those that don’t know her well or at all are shocked that a little 14 yr old girl took out five men in battle: two of them samurai.

As she rests, Lord Barasume trots throw the lines on his warhorse surveying the field. Lord Shinto waits to find of the terms of surrender. As Barasume does he catches her eye for a moment. He stares at her dispassionately and observes her war trophies. Then he turns his head and trots the few meters he needs to speak with her Daimyo.

Lord Shinto sits straight up in his horse. His men had defended him and their lands with honor. The death toll is three to one against Barasume still with Barasume having 4 times the number in the end it did not matter. He had won the day. Lord Shinto asks, “What are your terms, Lord Barasume?”

“I came here seeking a portion of your land, Lord Shinto but find your men true to their purpose and loyal to their lord. I shall not seek to deprive you of more being your clan is small and bound between Barasume and Cato.

These are my terms. That Shinto vows a non-aggression pact with the Barasume clan disavowing its loyalty to Cato. I will let you keep your land for I have found something more valuable. I claim the little wolverine as a prize for the battle and we can make truce.” Then he points his finger at Miwa.

After that her father finds her. He looks at all the heads starts to cry and hugs her lifting her up. “That’s my girl! My perfection! You have exceeded all my ambitions! You are my jewel my most perfect girl and my legacy. Go to your new Daimyo Little Wolverine. I will be there when you have your wedding.”

Miwa doesn’t know what to think and stares across the field to Lord Shinto and Barasume.

Miwa wakes up with a start. After getting the crust out of her eyes she sees the dragon is gone. Most likely out to hunt. She opens her journal and writes.

During my two-day excursion I had to pay that reprobate Lenio 30,000 in gold for the information on Lott, Elvalith, and Estelle. I did not want to do this, but honor calls me to. I must follow the code of bushido no matter the circumstances. It is a point of both honor and dishonor for me. Honor for keeping my word. Dishonor for paying a yakuza money for information offered. He played me by my own words. A mistake I will try to not repeat.

She goes to ground to bathe and start her morning exercises.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa hears Gingers cart and walks to the road. She noticed the changes to it. It has iron bands or armor all around it. She pulls the dead elk off and drags it to Sniffles. He chomps it down in a few minutes. She sees him wrinkle his snout and tries to run too late again. The back of her armor is sprayed with gooey snot and smells horrid. “YOU’RE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE YOU STUPID DRAGON!” She screams.

She finds a towel in the supply tent she now has away from the raptors and goes to the stream to wash up once again always wary of what the jungle can offer. Not only raptors and aggressive tigers but also giant phase spiders that lurk here and there. When finished she climbs up to her nest and writes in her journal while monitoring the archeaox.

I went back to civilization for 2 days. I made some progress to some of my goals, I think but am as always frustrated too by setbacks and mistakes. I found the sixth key to open the dome in the labs. I also found the 7th, however one to which was with me did not have their goggles on when we encountered the creature that guards it. The creature cloned itself 3 times at least. It was a rough fight. Elvalith, I and Lydia almost fell against so many powerful foes. Luckily, we did succeed in defeating all of them. When we checked for the key, we found it; broken into 4 pieces. It was useless.

We moved on to a shadow city mimicking Steinkeis itself. Elvalith showed us something there. Viewing through a clocktower we saw the whole of the place fade in and out along with the people moving along the streets. It was in fact a shadow version of the city. The real people moving through their world. Their shadows moving in this one. A strange sight. I do not truly understand how it works. It is not needed for me to do so. I live in the real world with real problems. This shadow place though interesting is not my home. We delt with a squid like creature to make passage out with another.

This was the night before. I usually come back to civilization late in the night before I test my skills. The next day took a lull. There was a festival scheduled in Hamley and I wanted to go and see despite my dispute with the mayor. I wasn’t sure things would go well but it did until the end. Before that though I went up to the grey mountains once again challenging myself against the orcs alone. I plowed through them readily and cleared the front room of the keep scooping up an enchantment stone I had found. I found that I could carry no more so made my way back to get ready for the festival.

Many came to the bonfire set up by the town. Nicolette was there. As promised to Elvalith I watched over her and in fact everyone else while the singers and taletellers spoke of their stories. I saw Tale in the distance holding a crossbow on the other side of the bonfire and Drasta on a hill overlooking beside Nicolette. They were doing the same as I. That is when I knew I could relax slightly.

I heard the name of King Kampher in one of the stories and my ears perked up. Elvalith recently talked to me about a Kampher and her own goals. I will not write what she said out of deference. A female elven knight who I did not know sat down beside me. My experience with the elves of this land has not given me much appreciation of them. I tensed up some but the knight either did not see it or she ignored it thankfully. Everything seemed to be going well when the sound of magic filled the air.

I rushed to the sound drawing my katanas. Tate was on edge too. I looked over to Drasta and signed to her to protect Nicolette for me. It turned out to be the elf Legebriewyn once again causing a scene. He took the storytellers stand and spoke a story about the swamp people Tova is aligned with. He was insightful against them. I was mildly surprised that the female elven knight stood up to dispute his claims and challenged his credibility. This is not the place for politics of clans, But Legebriewyn only meant to disrupt the good tidings of the festivities. He did that very well. After his story many broke up and went home.

After I felt that the party had fully broken up, I mounted Sakura and began to make my way home. I found Lott, Lydia, Tova, and others in the fields east of the town. It seemed there had been a fight. It was not clear to me at first. There was talk about a werewolf, a swamp warrior and Legebriewyn murdering innocents. I kept my peace because it was so confusing. Lott was asking a lot of questions. It seems he had walked in on it after it started or even after it ended like I did.

Later on, I talked to Lydia she explained to me that it was the swamp warrior that threw a spear at the elven first. It did give Legebriewyn rectitude to defend himself against this man, however he attacked innocents and fell one that was trying to get him calmed down. I now find this elf to be pure poison to the harmony of the island. I will watch him carefully from now on wherever, whenever he shows up. He only knows destruction and racism against anyone but elves. He is a small person blind and deaf. Eventually he will come to a bad end.

The next day with no word or sound coming from Lenio’s quarter of the city I decided to go down there and see it for myself. His thugs were all over the streets. They attacked me every time they saw me. I waited for them to take the first swing with axe or sword then killed and decapitated them. I put their heads in bags. I do not see how someone would test a knight in full plate armor with only leather and rusted weapons. While walking I collected 34 heads. I found one of his safehouses and put the heads in a chest there with a note. It said Samurai 34 Lenio 0.

I tried to taunt him to make his next move. I ended up helping to save a child from his clutches. Later Bunny called out to me. When I got to her club house, she admonished me for taking so many heads. She said If I start an all-out war and do displace him my way the people of lowtown will thing that I was but just a tyrant displacing the former tyrant.

I had to think about this a long time. I concluded that she was in fact right. But had no idea how to move forward without killing the gang in a war of attrition. Meanwhile Drasta and Lydia joined us. While we were speaking of various means to reach our goals.

Kill Lenio.
Protect those in Lowtown that we know while waging war against the guild.
Reforming the guild member after he is gone to something useful to society.

A thug came in demanding protection money. I wanted to behead him right then and there but remembered that I had just promised Bunny I would try not to kill anyone while involved in this.
She paid him the 500 gold. I was a bit incensed. The thug then proceeded to tell us of a problem.

His little brother was being trained to be a higher up in the guild. He said his brother was smart as a whip and already knew his letters and numbers. He wanted Bunny to take him in but needed us to set up an ambush to take him. We did and captured the boy.

Lenio’s thugs were coming round the corner. I told Bunny to take the boy and stood ready to hamper the thugs. I promised bunny to try not to kill them, so I did not draw my swords. When they came two had battleaxes and one had a sword. Instead of using my swords I used my fists. I knocked all three of them out. Then considered what to do with them. I came up with an idea.

I took my lipstick out and painted all of their lips with it. Then wrote on each of their foreheads Samurai 35,36,37 Lenio 0. Then tied them up. I found a way to bring them complete shame to their fellows. Now when I go down there again, I will do the same but strip their clothing off them and take some tattered dresses. I have plenty of them for some reason. I’ll strip them put dresses on them and tie them up while keeping count on their foreheads.

In that way the people of lowtown may find courage to stand together against them when they see that Lenio’s is not undefeatable and will notice that no more or very few are killed. It will also bring them great shame. I may even lay some of them in the street in lowtown to show the people just how easy it is to get the best of these leeches of society without bloodshed.

In this regard too I am forming a group of people to help me with getting rid of this organized crime syndicate. It includes Elvalith, Bunny, Lydia, Drasta, Gwen and me. I am in fact looking for more with other various talents. This may take months, but I will stay and work towards the destruction of Lenio’s gang until it is done. I hope to recruit others into our fold to achieve this goal.

The last thing to get my attention while out in the field is while I and Elizah were speaking at the crossroads campfire, Sephir made a rare appearance. I almost had an idea to recruit him into the fold, but he immediately started to taunt Elizah. I decided better because he is just to abrasive to fit in.

I feel sorry for the man. He tries to hold on to past glories and seeks to reinvigorate himself but even if he still has fight in him his mind is old. He has relegated himself to the past not the future. You can hear it in his voice. The longing to by young and viral again. To matter in the affairs of the now. When I first got to know him, I thought of him as a war camp buddy. He is a knight, and I would try to joke with him by taunting him back as is done in war camps all across Toril time after time among friends.

It ended up not going well. He became offended so I promised him that I would never taunt him again. So, I kept my silence as he taunted Elizah. When she left, he started in on me. As always, I spoke the truth. He did not believe I could take the whole of the orc stronghold alone. It did not matter to me. Let him believe what he believes. I took his taunts rather well. When I got tired of it all I just answered him with ok or something short to stop the line of his thoughts. I did not get aggressive. I kept my promise to him. He finally left when he did not (so to speak) get a rise from me.

It is sad what has become of him, but he is older. A grumpy old warrior with little in him but past glories. I hope when I am his age I will not succumb to the same ways. It almost worries me seeing him like he is now. I will ask the 8 million to help him find some kind of peace in his life. He probably deserves such. Maybe a good wife will help him.

That is all I have to say tonight. It is getting dark. I don’t know if any of my goals will be reached but I will endeavor to accomplish them. Some probably not. (She stops writing looking down at the dragon a moment.) Some probably will. It is up to me and those that help me.

Miwa closes her journal places it and her quill in a bag. She sleeps a troubled night away.

[Winterhawk99]

Miwa gets up out of bed and walks down to the ground level to the kitchen. The peasant maid is there washing dishes from two buckets on steaming from the charcoal fire in the dining room the other cold water. The woman ‘Amaya’ tenses slightly when she sees Miwa. She bows to her silently and continues her work.

Miwa goes to the cupboard and fishes out a bowl, wooden spoon, whisk and other small utensils along with a tin. She opens the tin and is about to go to the dining room when the woman drops one of the bone plates. Miwa’s reaction is immediate. She slaps the woman hard sending her flying to the ground. Amaya runs away crying a red welt blooming on her cheek.

Miwa stares at the woman as she runs away while her husband Ryuu rushes downstairs. Miwa starts picking up the pieces of the dish.

“What’s going on down here?”

“Amaya dropped a plate. I corrected her.”

“You hit her?!”

“I didn’t tie her to a post and whip her to near unconsciousness.”

“Miwa, we have to talk about the way you treat the servants. They are human beings first and foremost. Secondly, they were not trained like us. Kindness Miwa. Where is your kindness.”

“I have rectitude, Ryuu. These plates are costly. I don’t even see why we need servants. Our family never had any.”

“So, you’re going to clean, cook, sew, do the ledges for three villages, clean the stables, cut the wood. Attend village councils, patrol our lands and all the other stuff we do? Come on Miwa. You can't do everything. And regarding your family: Your father had 4 girls and only one village to oversee. How many servants does he have now that two of you are gone?”

Miwa stares impassively at him not answering the question.

Ryuu continues, “Come to the dining room and sit with me.” They both go to the dining room and sit down across from each other on mats. Ryuu takes her hands and holds them. “Miwa, my love. Amaya is 30 years old, twice your age. If you are 30 and a 15-year-old slapped you; what would you do, rectitude or not.”

“Ryuu, I’m the lady of this house. I have to keep the discipline. How can I do that if I can’t even correct the servants.”

“Sometimes an accident is just an accident, Miwa. She was probably just so nervous because you were in the room with her. The servants are afraid of you. You have no idea the strength and speed you have. Sometimes it even scares me. If you just open your heart: Just a little you would know.”

“Then how in the name of the 8 million am I supposed to keep discipline in this household?”

Ryuu has to think a very long time before he gets an idea. “How did you train Wasabi?”

“Ryuu horses are not people. You can’t correct them physically they will run away from you. You use a rewards/take away system until they are obedient to your commands.”

He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to. He just raises and eyebrow and looks at her.

“You mean to tell me I should treat the servants just like a horse?”

“Yes, because you treat the horses a hell of a lot better than the servants and villagers. Miwa your judgements against the villagers are horrendous.”

“My judgments against crimes? Are you kidding me, Ryuu. We are talking criminal justice here. I follow the law when I have justice on my side and know the full extent of the wrongdoing. If you want to trade jobs so, be it. You are my husband, but I know your heart is too sweet to judge people. We would have bandits, yakuza and even ninja setting up nests throughout our lands. The leeches of society would take full advantage. Ryuu, you are my gentle giant. My conscience. I love you just the way you are. If you start handling the crimes of our villages, it will change you. I don’t want that.”

“9 times out of 10 you use the highest punishment for crimes. I would like you to think harder if a crime truly deserves the worse punishment in each situation. Ok?”

Miwa sighs, “I will think about it, love.”

“The next thing is not a request. Regarding our 5 servants. You are no longer allowed to use corporal punishment on them. I’m surprised you haven’t broken a bone or broken a nose yet. I want you to treat them as you would train a horse.

Secondly, I want you to invite all of them and their families to the tea house in Iwase. There I want you and them to enjoy a full formal Chaji. I want you to promise them you will never hit any of them again and that you want to reset the scales. I want you to find out about them and their families. Their likes and desires.”

“Why?”

“If you are going to use a reward/take away system for the servants you’ll need to know their likes and dislikes. So, when you reward them, you know what to reward them with.”

“And we will have to go to the expense of buying them houses, carts and mules? Do you think we are made of money? I show you the ledgers every month.”

“It doesn’t have to be expensive gifts like a bride price, my love. I will help you with this. Ok?”

Miwa sighs and thinks. “Six months. I will give this idea six months and if it doesn’t work, we’ll have to find another way. Since I won’t be able to punish them physically.”

“It’s a deal then?”

“I really hate formal gatherings. It’s a deal.”

“And hopefully by then you will be pregnant and have to stick around here more.”

Miwa’s eyebrows go up with a rare physical emotion on her face. “I hope so too. I so want to give you a son or daughter.”

Ryuu laughs, “I say twins. That will keep you grounded here instead of being called every other month by our uncle. He’ll have to call on me. I can get some good training in.”

“You should train with me when I’m home. You’re getting fat and flimsy.”

Ryuu smiles, “I would love to but it's just too painful. I would be bathing in ice all night and leaving you alone. My little wolverine.”

Miwa sighs and smiles, “And I wouldn’t have my, Owl to cuddle into at night. Still, you need to train more.”

“I know. We’ll figure out something. You need to dress. There’s a meeting with all three village councils.”

“Hai. I’ll get dressed and powdered.”

The two kiss then get up to get ready for their meeting. When finished the servants are in town. Miwa takes them to the tea house for a 4-hour dinner to mend her harsh treatment of them.