A delayed return [Day 5, Late Afternoon, Embassy Halls]

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I had planned to be back for late afternoon. Not quite like this though. The guards either side of me, ahead and behind of me that were acting as my escort - not that I needed it I thought, I wasn't going anywhere - continued to slow march with me. This was somewhat embarassing. I hate drawing unnecessary attention to myself. Still, I was happy about three things. The Embassy was now in sight. I had my daisho back in my obi. I was free and nothing untoward had happened. I wasn't sure if I had less or more respect for the gaijin now. They were merely trying to do their job, protect their city and investigate and I had been reasonably well treated but their questioning and at times rude behaviour, certainly that of their guards, was tiresome.

We'd set off from their version of a magistrate's building in the middle of the afternoon roughly, as far as I could tell. It had taken a little time to get back. I wondered if anyone even knew if I was gone. Seeing me turn up with this many guards would raise questions though. I probably looked like some criminal. How infuriating! If I ever met that Phoenix again... I breathe out strongly, trying to dissolve the anger before it builds up.

We're nearly at the Embassy now. I've been told it would be best if I stayed there for some time in case they have further questions. It seems my life will be somewhat limited for a time until either the investigation is over or the flotilla leaves port. If the captain even wants me on his ship anymore - I mean, what if he misunderstands? I don't realise as my shoulders begin to droop as I walk. This has been a tough day. I should have just joined the Togashi for training somewhere rather than try to assist with gathering information, a task I am now experienced at. Still, I hold onto the words I have been given. Whether the Phoenix is some maddened fool or a sane but terrified man and whether he is with my allies or not and has already told them - it all does not matter. I feel I must pass along his word's. They are the primary reason I have been so cooperative.

[elonweis]

The guards on duty didn't even blink at the the woman and her escort, simply opening the gate to allow her in. She was expected it seemed.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I nod to the guards in thanks as they open the gate for me. Still, I am a little surprised at their level of calm. Was this an everyday event? I entered the Embassy grounds, happy to be back with other Rokugani. More importantly, I have a message to pass on and the captain or someone else will likely want to debrief me. I turn to face the local guard to watch them depart or at least see the embassy doors closed to them.I take the time to look around to see who else is around

[elonweis]

Considering the weather, the courtyard was empty of people.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

Sighing I move towards the main embassy building to get some shelter from the miserable weather. Once inside I immediately set about trying to find someone to help me find someone I can report to.

[Moshi Kaimenko]

A servant appears with towels and pauses at the question. He bows and leaves to go get someone as the Mirumoto is directed to one of the tables. Another servant brings tea, setting it down on the table. It wasn't long before the Captain's first mate appears. Kaimenko was dressed in a yukata, stern and frowning as her gaze fell on the Dragon.

She stalks across the open room and stands over Tomoe, waiting.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I hadn't seen the woman before but from the way she walked with authority I guessed she was someone of importance. I glanced at her mon as I move to greet her.

I stand up and bow formally, having not yet touched the tea as I was lost in thought. "Mirumoto Tomoe. Hohei. I have a message to pass on that may be of some importance as well as other information someone should be aware of Moshi-sama". I bowed again, waiting for her response.

[Moshi Kaimenko]

"Moshi Kaimenko, gunso and First Officer of the Half Moon," the introduction was made in that flat, no-nonsense tone as her arms cross. She was about as warm as a slap in the face, "Report."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

"Right away Moshi-gunso". I avoid unnecessary gossip, only raising my eyebrows slightly upon learning that she is an officer on the ship I have been reassigned to. She seems quite similar to the Daidoji taisa. Awkwardly I look down. It probably looks like I am being demure but I am in fact suppressing the urge to inspect her and try and learn about her. This seems like a bad time.

I begin my report "I was exploring some of the city walls this morning with the intent of furthering our assignment to gather information on wha is going on within Lanka and there was an incident. You may or may not be aware of it. I believe it may be tied to all this unnatural weather..." (expect a long report. I am happy to write it if really necessary but Tomoe is the type to give it in perhaps excess detail. I hope the following synopsis is acceptable). I outline the events in order, highlighting those that were of note. I emphasise the strange gongs and wind, the flight of the heimin, the attack of the guards on the Isawa, my temporary detention for the sake of their questioning/investigation, a thorough report on what was asked and how I answered during the quite polite questioning, how I was escorted back and am expected to keep myself somewhat free in case they have further need of me. Importantly I stress that the locals probably now believe that there is a demonic Isawa or some such, though I only believe him either mad or foolish. Most importantly I finish by raising the Isawa's message and trying to communicate the words he had told me.

I remember them clearly but now they seem hard to say. Even though saying them has been all I have been thinking of for hours now. If I do not live, tell Captain Uminushi that it is Kali-Ma upon the mainland. Perhaps the name will make more sense to him. Tell him, the name, and the madness it can spread by it's sheer utterance. Speak it once, and then never again. For some reason I feel compelled to carry out his wishes. "The Isawa wanted me desperately to pass on a message. Even if he died. I do not know if he still lives or who he was but... he told me I should tell Uminushi-taisa and never speak it again. Even I know names have power and he insisted I only speak this once. I will write it for you as best I can if you must know it but I formally request a meeting with the Captain to pass on this message" I bow once, as formally as I can and very low. "You may punish me later for my insolence, especially if the message is not as important as I believe it is". I remain with my head down, bowed, my report concluded and everything out in the open.