Stop Right There! (Day 4, Mid-Afternoon, Main Hall, Open)

[Volsung]

As the sun continues its fall from the sky, the Rokugani Embassy experiences something it has never experienced before. The sound of trumpets pierces the air and a strange rumbling sound that sounds like horses riding and maybe carrying something else are coming from outside. After a minute the sound stops and a series of shouting in the strange language of the Ivory Kingdoms can be heard outside the Rokugani Embassy.

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

He had stopped by to just ask for some directions to somewhere good to eat in town, but the sounds outside cause him to immediately forget about that in favor of what he hopes will be something interesting. Moving at a brisk walk, Choukichi heads to the entrance of the embassy to see what is going on.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I was almost back to the Embassy, thoughts of a fresh bath in my mind when I heard the commotion in the distance and paused. Until now the port city had been, though busy, lacking in urgency quite like this. I steady my daisho with my left hand and begin to jog towards the embassy entrance. It is less than a block away I think, somewhat recognising the street. I listen carefully to try and make out some of the loud shoting as I hurry back - ignoring the odd glances of the locals amd not yet sure what to make of the situation. I am a little tense I realise. The sound of speeding horses is at least unmistakeable

[Volsung]

Tomoe comes around a corner and spots three war chariots parked outside the the Embassy, each chariot has two golden armored horses drawing it and the chariot itself is of incredible craftsmanship with gems and pearls entwined in golden and silver lined weave. Perhaps even more impressive are the six figures dressed in equally opulent armor that have now shoved their way past the two guards at the gate while shouting.

"Out of the way for the Imperial Guard! By order of the Maharaja."

Choukichi manages to open the front door in time to hear that shout as well, and is faced down now by six quickly advancing on him.

[elonweis]

"You have no right to enter without permission," one of the guards shouts, "We will consider this an attack on Rokugan itself!"

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Though he had been ready to move aside, when the rokugani guards shout out, Choukichi plants his feet and looks to them for an indication whether he should step aside or hold his ground.

[Volsung]

Four of the guards stop and turn on the Rokugani guards, glaring. The other two stare at Choukichi.

One of them, apparently the leader of the group, stalks over to one of the Rokugani Guards.

"And does Rokugan knowingly harbor enemies of the Ivory Kingdoms?"

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Choukichi stays right where he is and stares right back at the two guards.

[elonweis]

"No and I see the new Maharaja easily forgets the blood-debts of his line and enters the home of his allies without explanation while casting accusations," the man stood his ground, expression hard and unyielding.

[Volsung]

For a moment the two stare each other down. And in the end the Palace Guard turns away first. "We are here to take one Jayant Utpal for questioning. The Maharaja would," he keeps from snarling the next word. "Appreciate, your assistance in turning this man over to us."

[elonweis]

"He wants the cast away, Jayant Utpal," the guard translates as he makes a sign against evil, "Says the man is a scion of House Rafiq. Best to hand him over Yoritomo-sama. Bad luck in that house."

Wisely, the man does not look back, keeping an eye on the irate gaijin before him.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I carefully observe proceedings, my left hand hovering over my wakizashi handle in case violence erupts. They have perhaps not noticed me... I could easily slip in from their blind side. Still, I am relieved to see the situation calm down. I take a few steps forward to better hear the exchange, trying not to be disracted by the majestic horses and their chariots.

I assess the situation carefully, looking out for any further unusual events. I end up standing just a bit away from the chariots so that the guards and Mantis bushi can see me. It is not my place to interject with words at this time. Still, my presence should assist the conversation somewhat. I hope someone important shows up soon to handle this incident

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Choukichi had no problem understanding, but decides against answering in rhuumal.

"I'll let those inside know of their request and see about having him brought out."

Unless stopped, he then backs back into the embassy and goes to find a superior.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I nod from a distance, only responding visibly to what is said in Rokugani. I take the opportunity to walk to join the guards, checking out the weapons being carried by the Rhumaal as I do so before standing calmly by the entrance as the Mantis moves to find someone. Why had someone inside not already come out? The noise had not exactly been quiet and neither had been the shouting. I do my best staring into the distance as if I've seen this all before look while I wait.

[Togashi Kazuma]

What in the Fortune's names is going on? I curse as I'm interrupted. I just wanted a quiet place to train and they bring the damn city to me. I walk to the main hall, I see a few others gathered around and a gaijin barking at them. I sheathe my sword, no need to invite trouble and walk with the rest of them. "What is going on? I ask quietly. A trace of irritation is present. I'll have to apologize for that later. Was an hour too much to ask?

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I nod to the Togashi. He keeps popping up around me today. In Rokugani I explain the situation "they are after a Jayantu Utpal. I think that was the name of the survivor from the wreckage. I do not know what he looks like. They..." I said, dipping my head ever so slightly towards the royal guards "at first implied that we were sheltering the man even though they claim he is a fugitive but they have wisely reconsidered those words and have instead asked for our assistance in handing him over to them. Do you know anyone that could assist with this situation?" The last question is equally directed to the guards as well as the Togashi swordsman.

[Togashi Kazuma]

I'd like to know what it's accused of before we hand it over to them. If we found it, then it is our duty to care for it." I say looking at the guards. Perhaps my nature is not quite suited to this task. I don't like them staring at me as though they are my equal. I'd prefer it if a heimen looked at me that way. Still, I will not dishonor myself or my clan by doing anything without orders. I feel my sword arm start to itch though.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi did not hurry. In fact, he sauntered out of the main building and looked perfectly at ease in his surroundings and the situation. He wore a sleeveless long-vest of rich green brocade woven through with gold-thread mons for Family, Clan and the Imperial Legion. It fell over loose dark grey trousers that cinched at the ankle. A gold hoop has replaced the usual earring while a curved dagger in a bejeweled sheath hung from the white sash around his waist. The man looked every inch the Mantis lordling.

"Well, well, well... that was quick," that easy, charming smile remains as he waits for people to get out of his way.

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Choukichi bows in greeting to his Captain then steps out of the way to let him deal with the situation.

[Volsung]

Jayant walks just behind the Yoritomo, and unlike the captain of the Half Moon, there is no easy gait and smiling face. The gaijin is likewise armed with the strange forward curved blade at his side, though he now has the weapon wrapped up. Jayant's eyes are on the guards assembled and the man looks almost as though he is prepared to die here.

The apparent head of the Palace guard present turns and looks to Uminushi. Bowing slightly to the man. "We are here to take Jayant Utpal into custody."

Jayant's face pales slightly but he says nothing yet.