Arriving in Okamura

It has just gone noon when the Empress' party arrives at their destination; Okamura. The party consists of three samurai, each with a mandate of the Empress tucked into their packs, and a retainer for each. A pair of administrators, and a monk should the village be in need of blessing and cleansing.

They see the village as they approach, built conservatively along the river that cut the picturesque valley. At first it appears as rice fields tended by workers who stop to look at the approaching party before averting their eyes and returning to their work.

It expands into common dwellings; single building huts open to the spring sun. They were mostly deserted, except for children and those too elderly to work, as their occupants went about their daily routines.

Finally, the road turned into the village proper. From the elevation of the road, the party can see most of it in the valley basin below. A headman’s house stands at the front, with a small market for farming goods. Then a handful of more expensive houses.

A blacksmith, likely for farm tools, and an abandoned magisterial post are a short way away. The latter had likely been built in the ambition that the village would grow to something worth noting, rather than the hideaway from the world that it is.

The only thing obviously out of place is the manor house at the top of the valley edge, overlooking the town. It’s far enough away that it doesn’t cast a shadow, but close enough that it’s easy to see. It bears Crane colours, though an aura of darkness and gloom hangs over it.

A single path, on the far side of the village opposite the road, leads up to it. It doesn’t look well travelled.

The monk, an aging man of a stocky build that suggests he comes from commoners stock, going by the name of Daigo nods. He sets his jaw as he views the village, then turns to face the samurai. "There definitely is something about this place, aside the obvious, but I can't put my finger on it."

He crosses his arms, his staff leaning in the nook of his arm. The administrators and servants eye him and the samurai nervously, but don't give any comments. While the group watch, someone notices them and jogs toward the headman's house. They're likely to inform the man so a welcoming offer can be given. It's customary, after all.

"If you believe a ceremony of cleansing should be undertaken, my lord, I will do so." Daigo offers a thin lipped smile to Shigenhide. "It may take me some time, though."

Not long after heading into the headman’s house, the runner returns with the headman in tow. Together, they climb the steps to the road and hurry over to the party with all due haste. As they approach the group get a good look at the pair.

The runner is an unremarkable man. His short, dark hair is unwashed, and he has stubble about his chin. He’s lean from work, but otherwise nondescript. He seems below noting, and makes no effort to make eye contact or speak when they stop before the party.

The headman, on the other hand, has a few notable features. He looks to be in his early 50s. His grey hair is receding, but is fine enough to suggest a noble birth. He doesn’t look like he has the body for a worker, rather one more suited to court. He wears light, inexpensive clothes but with a rather more pricey haori.

"Greetings, noble samurai." He wrings his hands as he speaks, nervousness thick in his words. "My humblest apologies for not greeting you sooner, we have had trouble this morning and my mind was elsewhere. I cannot express my regret enough, and mean you no sleight."

He glances behind him at the village, and back at the samurai. His mouth moves as though he has more to say, but protocol forbids him from making suggestions of his betters and he says nothing.

The Crane took in the headsman with a glance. The bushi did not discern anything amiss in his words, despite the impoliteness of his absence at the city gates. He held his tongue out of habit, however, to allow for the others to speak first.

"The river." The headman pauses for a moment, as though considering what to say. "It’s been temperamental of late, and is running low. We can find the reason, and its affecting our crops. Perhaps…"

He trails off and looks at the floor, when he returns his gaze to you, though with his eyes lowered, he has a forced smile plastered on his face. He wrings his hands, which suggest nothing to the lack of food he’s alluding to.


"I wouldn’t dare to guess the mind of the kami, but I’m sure they have their reasons."

The headman's eyes widen in surprise. For a moment his lips work as though forming soundless words, before eventually he swallows as though trying to keep an emotion from spilling over.

"You would assist us, my lords and ladies?" He bows his head in pre-emptive gratitude. "Then I, uh, might need a moment to collect my thoughts on the matter as best to assist you. Is there anything I can help you with beforehand? Refreshments, or an introduction to anyone?"

"Of course, of course." The headman bows respectfully before turning away to address the person he'd arrived with. "Please inform Horie-sama that I'll return to our business shortly."

Then, with a smile, he leads you toward the rice fields. At this point, the two administrators excuse themselves. They have their own orders and wish to pay a visit to the shrine first and foremost. The monk, not wanting to interfere with your duties, decides to go with them instead. The three of you are led down to the paths between the rice paddies, where the workers make a significant effort to ensure proper etiquette is followed.

As he walks, the headman speaks. "We're not as large, nor as organised, as some of the trade villages. We don't really have official overseers per say, but there are people who keep the workers in line. My son is out on duty today, but I don't see him. It's possible he's gone up river toward the source of the problem."

He waves toward a stern looking commoner standing at the edge of a field. She's on the older side, as you notice many of the people in the village are. Despite that, she looks tough and ready. She heads over, showing due formality, while the headman finishes his spoken thoughts. "Mind you, I told them all to avoid it. Bad things happen further up the river, you see. Accidents, and the like. My lords and ladies, allow me to introduce Mori-san. She's the most senior worker we have."